San Diego with teenagers
 

I was thinking of taking about five days at Christmas break and going to the Marriott Marina hotel with my husband and three boys, age 20,17,15. Are there things to do that they would like? Going to exhibits will only go so far. How about a day trip to Mexico? Is that fun? What else is there to do (besides the Zoo, which we will check out)Any surrounding areas that are exciting? Thanks!

If you take a day trip to Mexico, avoid Tijuana like the plague. We took our then 21 & 17 sons two summers ago and they thought it would be a kick to go. We all agreed it was awful. I used to like the tacky souvenier shops etc, but every other store is a pharmacy and they hawk Viagra to every man that passes. We stayed at the Marriott on Coronado. The island is worth an afternoon, check out the Hotel Del Coronado. Balboa Park is good. Do they fish? I am sure there are lots of fishing excursions that the guys might like, leaving you to shop! Can you tell I am the mother of boys!

How about Sea World. How about a harbor cruise or a hardor dinner cruise. A day trip to Ensenada, Mexico is fun. Strolling around the Gaslamp Quarter is fun. Ride the trolly to Mission San Diego.

Go to Torrey Pines State Reserve for some hiking and spend some time at the Gliderport watching the hang gliders. You might also consider a Charger game if they like football. The Harbour Cruise was great also. You could even take a day trip to Knotts Berry Farm where they can ride 9 roller coasters, which my boys love!

How about surfing lessons? (you'll need to rent a wetsuit)

Go to Pacific or Mission Beach. Rent bikes/rollerblades and ride the boardwalk. Very eclectic area, full of teens and young adults. And great people watching, lots of bikinis for the boys. The wooden roller coaster in Mission Beach is a lot of fun too.