San Diego Vacation in August
 

I'm taking my wife and four kids (all under 12) to San Diego in early August for one week. We're looking at the Hyatt Regency Islandia, as well as a Comfort Inn/Suites and the Doubletree on Hotel Circle. I've read good things about the Catamaran. Any thoughts? Also, is it possible to do SeaWorld, the Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, Legoland, and Balboa Park/Science Center all in one week without killing yourself? If not, which are the best to see? Finally, any recommendations for watersports areas, e.g., for jet skis, parasailng, snorkeling? Thanks a bunch.

If you want some time at the beach or pool, that may be too much to plan. Personally, I think the Wild Animal Park is overrated. The tram ride is very nice, however my 2 1/2 yr old will not sit still on it for 45min. Unless you walk on the long trails, there isn't much else there (if you already going to the zoo) worth the extra trip. Also, it gets exceedingly hot there. I highly reccommend the Zoo (make use of the escalators) & Sea World, be sure to see Cirque de la Mer. Legoland should be a hit also, my 2 1/2 yr old is still too small for a lot of the rides though.<BR>Sorry I can't help with hotels, never stayed in one here! Have a wonderful vacation!

you are planning WAY too much. most people find their kids enjoy a day at the beach as much as any attraction. i would plan on the zoo and sea world which are both FULL days. you could even take a break midday and go for a dip in your pool or the ocean and then go back at night. you can hit balboa park/science center during a morning and then hit the beach in the afternoon, or save it for an evening (if the museums are open late). i hear legoland is good for children about 8 and under but after that, most are board. spend an hour or two explore the tide pools either out towards the cabrillo (sp?) monument or by the la jolla cover. they are also a lot of sea lions in the "children's pool" by la jolla cove. plan your first 4-5 days with the zoo, seaworld, beaches and exploring the city and then ask your kids what they want to do. (the wild animal park is good but it will be very hot in august.)<BR>if you can get into the catamaran go for it.

A friend of mine who is a meeting planner stayed at the Hyatt Islandia recently and thought her room was in need of significant refurbishing. I stayed at the Bahia two years ago and thought that the room was dark and dingy. I have seen the Paradise Point recommended here several times but haven't stayed at it in years, when it was under different management. You might check it out. <BR>I don't think that Hotel Circle is a good place to stay with a family. It's not convenient to much of anything.<BR>If you're willing to stay a little further from downtown, look into the Sea Lodge at La Jolla Shores. It is right on a nice family friendly beach. It was great when I stayed there two years ago.

Well, I'm going to disagree with and say that Hotel circle is pretty convenient for everything. There are lots of family-friendly restaurants close by and it's a short drive to wherever you want to go. Kurt, if you are referring to the Doubletree on Hazard Center Drive, it's located in a shopping center which has a couple of fun places to eat with kids. <BR><BR>I think you can do all those things in a week, however I also believe that the Zoo would be more fun for your kids than the Wild Animal Park. I can't offer an opinion about Legoland because all my kids are much too old to go there! You will all enjoy Sea World and Balboa Park.<BR><BR>The Padres should be in town while you're here, so that's another alternative if you like baseball.

Thanks for all of your input. We're cutting back on our ambitions and may even head up to LA for a day. The "Live Cam" from the Catamaran showed it rainy the other day, but I've heard nothing but great things about the weather in SD. My kids are very excited about going. Thanks again.

I grew up in San Diego, I think Hotel Circle is a central location, but it is a bit like staying in a huge shopping mall strip as that area has been very developed, but if you will be sightseeing most of the day, I don't think it will matter too much what your hotel is like. <BR><BR>Definitely spend a whole day at Sea World and stay in the evening for the fireworks. Look into Mission Bay and Shelter Island for jetskiing. Snorkeling is very nice near La Jolla. Also, the weather that time of year is really fantastic because it is clear all day. June tends to be overcast due to the marine later, August tends to be sunny every day.

You may want to consider the The Town and Country Resort. We just got back from San Diego (7/22). It is on Hotel Circle and makes the best of what it has. Considering that the location is right next to a freeway--it is quite unexpected to see such beautiful grounds. They have pools dotted all over the property and have done wonderful things with the roses throughout. You actually have to have a map to navigate the grounds--you won't get that at the other hotels. The staff and concierge were nice and considerate. The rooms are clean, beds firm and the pillows really nice. But all of the rooms have outside entrances, which is really our only complaint. However in looking at the other choices on Hotel Circle you would be wise to consider Town and Country.<BR><BR>One thing to be aware of is that the Town and Country guarantees a room, but not necessarily a type of room. In heavy conference seasons I would advise checking-in during the early afternoon.

Kurt,<BR>There is no way that it was rainy at the Cat recently. We haven't had rain in months! Maybe grey overcast/fog but no rain. August is always warm and sunny. I suggest the Zoo, Seaworld and Balboa Park - the Science Center is really cool and can be done in a few hours. The older kids may not like Legoland. For watersports the Hilton Hotel and Mission Bay Aquatics rents boats, sailboards and stuff. Snorkeling with kids should only be done at La Jolla cove, Stop by children's cove about 1/2 mile from La Jolla cove to see all the wild seals. Hotel wise for lower prices stay in Mission Valley (Doubletree or Comfort Suites). Closer to the beach there are so many options you'd have to read previous posts. You may want to consider Embassy Suites La Jolla (not really in La Jolla but next to a big mall- University town Center).