I posted a message awhile back about staying in LA for a week in June for a wedding. We've decided to split our time between LA, Santa Monica and San Diego now so I'm looking for some recommendations on Santa Monica and San Diego.

Places to stay or eat. Around $100 for the hotel. All sorts of foods.

Things to do and see. We love the outdoors and being out and about. I'd like to do some shopping. Probably will go to the pier. Plan on going to the San Diego Zoo and Seaworld. Anything that stands out in either city would be great.

Nightlife - We don't drink, but I don't mind being around people that do. So any clubs or places to go would be great too.

Overall, we're pretty much up for anything. We aren't looking to "relax" in a sense though - no lazy days at the hotel or spas. We would like to see as much of the cities as we can.

It's difficult to find a hotel to fit your budget in San Diego in summer. You're best bet might be to try Priceline.

Otherwise, try hotels in Mission Valley/ Hotel Circle, and Old Town. They are pretty convenient. There's a big range of prices. All are above $100, but some are closer than others! All the downtown hotels are expensive.

You might get lucky. I read in the paper this weekend that we're expecting fewer visitors this year because of the economy.

"Your best bet". One of my pet peeves.

In San Diego you might want to try the Double Tree Hotel (Del Marish (new word, it is Del Mar area). I stayed there for a wedding in Del Mar and it was really nice. The location is in between some corporate buildings and next to the highway which makes it very nice to get around quickly to Del Mar or San Diego proper.


I hope this helps.

I'm not sure you'll find a $100 in Santa Monica, though I think it is definitely a nice place to stay.

For that price range, you can get something really nice with priceline.

Have you used Priceline before?

If not, please come back and ask. Fodorites are very helpful people! ?)

I have not used Priceline before. I've always wanted to, but have been very hesitant as I don't want to end up with a hotel in a bad area of a place I don't know.

lleeyy:

Do you know about www.sandiego.org the official tourist information for San Diego - lots of information, specials and money saving coupons.

You may want to consider staying here www.innatsunsetcliffs.com - easy walk into Ocean Bean and drive to San Diego Zoo, Seaworld. This is a delightful little place with million dollar views. We always stay in one of their suites however they do have poolside rooms that are very reasonable. Be aware the poolside rooms are basic, bed for sleeping but if that is what you want this is in a lovely area. You can walk out along the cliffs - fantastic. Easy drive to Point Loma.

Good luck.

Sandy

Lucky you, you can see Zhen Zhen, the newest baby panda at the San Diego Zoo! So adorable...

A couple of ideas for you.

Shopping near Santa Monica: Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. A rare area where you can park the car and just walk around for an hour or two, browsing in neat local boutiques. Jin Patisserie has outstanding pastries and 3 Square cafe is the place to go for a wonderful brunch. (Look for the German apple pancake!)

Also, if you like burgers, check out Father's Office in Santa Monica. It's a pub with a delicious burger topped with caramelized onion, bacon, and two cheeses.

Check out some galleries at SM's Bergamot Station. This complex has all sorts of things to see, and some fun opening night parties.

Some of the beaches just north of San Diego, in La Jolla, are wonderful places to explore. If you go up by the cliffs north of the Shores beach, there's a paragliding center --- a blast to watch people soaring off the cliff over the ocean. And be sure to get a cup of cinnamon-laced Mexican hot chocolate at the Pannikin on Girard! (There's a great used bookstore just next door, too.)

Have a great trip!

Actually, I think we stayed at the Doubletree Suites in Santa Monica. Comfy and roomy and just 5 mins walk from the action, but I can't recall the price: then again, if we stayed there, it couldn't have been all that expensive. Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is a precinct full of great bars, shops and restaurants. We loved the Broadway Diner on the corner for breakfast, especially the corned beef hash made with pastrami, if you know what I mean.

If you check out www.biddingfortravel.com you'll find all the hotels you can get through priceline. Biddingfortravel takes much of the risk out of Priceline. I got a really nice hotel through it in Santa Monica when I was thinking aqbout moving there.

I used to live in Santa Monica and it's hard for a $100. I think you might get it at a best Western.