Any advice on must do activities in San Diego? Single parent traveling with 10 yr. old during Nov 23-29. Planning on Sea World & Zoo. Any other suggestions on activities & eats? Thank you

Aren't you lucky. What a great trip. I did something similar with my 13 year old son, 13 year old nephew and 10 year old niece 2 years ago. We flew into LAX, spent 3 nights in Anaheim at Disneyland and Universal Studios. We headed south east to Wild Animal Park, visited the Zoo in San Diego, Sea World, saw the seals in La Jolla, rented a surrey type bike on Coranado Island, had lunch in Old Towne, got a surf lesson from Rusty (Rusty's surf school) and then sadly ran out of time. Teens like eating at the Hard Rock Cafe, Spaghetti Warehouse and enjoying the pool at the hotel.

Thank you for the reply DawnCt. I had read about the seals & the surry bike ride sounds like a blast! Wondering if the water might be too cold to swim in the ocean?? Live in PA, but am Fla. bred!! LOL Read in Zagat's that the spaghetti whare house is full of a lot of real little people running around? Did you not find that so? Also, do you know if I can plan a day trip into mexico with my daughter? Heard as a lone parent that it is problamatic to take them? Was thinking that might be a unique way to spend Thanks. since most attractions will probably be closed....Thank you again

The CA coast is considered northern Pacific-- the water is cool year-round; in November it will be way too cold to swim without a wetsuit (but surfers will always be out!).

The Old Town area is a fun glimpse of California's "early" history. There's a government-certified Haunted House: the Whaley Mansion (tours and ghost stories)-- "sensitives" report strong Afterlife vibes in the house (as well as an amorous ghost dog humping some people's legs-- you can't make that stuff up!). Casa de Bandini is one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Diego, in a historic house.

There's a lot to Balboa Park besides the Zoo, by the way. That's where most of SD's museums are, and it's a beautiful park as well. There's a cute 50s-style diner (lunch and dinner only) called The Corvette Diner up in Hillcrest, not far from Balboa Park. A little hokey, but lots of fun.

thanks rjw_ljb...will the haunts be open after halloween? I'll put the corvette diner on my list...gotta love hokey!! Any of the museums geared more for a 10 yr old than others? Was planning on the folk art and science center...thanks again

The Whaley House is open year-round, except Tuesdays, 10 AM - 4:30 PM. Don't expect teenaged actors ducking out from corners scaring the beejeesus out of you-- it's basically a sweet house from the 1850s, preserved and "haunted". The docents give a little tour and a ghost story in the second-floor theatre.

Here is a list of the Balboa Park museums:

http://www.balboapark.org/museums.html

The Aerospace Museum is interesting to a gearhead like me-- but it's a little dated in some of its exhibitions. But since I live in a "company town" (Long Beach, home to Boeing's McDonnell Douglas facilities), I think it's cool. The Model Railroad Museum could be fun as well.

You should have a great time. Have lots of fun in San Diego!

The water was freezing in April but if you opt for a surf lesson, Rusty has wet suits. I would also suggest the Model Railroad museum. We didn't have time to see that although it was on my list. I would avoid Mexico. Old Towne is a good substitute, maybe even better than the real thing.

thanks again rjw_lgb & Dawn. Dawn any particular reason for no Mexico? I wanted cheap souvenirs!!!! LOL

One of the coolest things I know of is the overnights they have for kids at the Wild Animal Park! You do have to book ahead for those, however. The safari rides there on the back of the flatbed trucks are worth the price; your ten year old will get to handfeed a giraffe and rhino! If he's a football fan, check out the college and pro schedules for the area. San Diego zoo is a must, too. We were disappointed in Sea World.

CJC...an overnight at the wild animal park...really???!!! How COOl...I've got an aspiring Vet on my hands...how neat can that be?! How far is the park from Hotel Circle, and do you recall pricing (singl. parent...low budget vaca)? But what a thrill for her! Plus I don't drive...pray tell me more...Thanks

PS she's a she...not much football at my house...lol

Thanks DawnCt....nixed Mexico...have done a lot of the carribean at all inclusives w/ my daughter, was hopping a tour to Mexico would be as safe...thanks for the help....very truly, Lar

if you don't drive, getting around will take a great deal of patience. i'm not sure if there is any way to get to the wild animal park without your own vehicle. the over night "roar & snore" only runs april-october. check into membership if you are doing both the zoo & animal park. with the extra bonuses, this may work out cheaper for you. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/visitor_info.html

Almost forgot to mention. I bought combination tickets for Wild Animal Park, San Diego Zoo and Sea World. Check out www.localwally.com. Its a great web site.

Thanks ltt & Dawn again - patience I have (re not being able to drive)...lol The hotel stated that they have airport, zoo & sea world free shuttles. I found out about the 5 day hopper pass to zoo & Sea World from the Sea World sight. Took only 3 days to get them in the mail on the east coast! Thanks again........