Short trip to San Diego
 

My husband and I are taking a short trip to San Diego next month and are looking for some recommendations for things to do and places to eat.

We will arrive in the evening on Thursday and leave in the morning on Sunday, so we have 2 full days. We are staying at the Marriott La Jolla. I know that isn't an ideal location, being on the other side of I-5 from the ocean, but we got a nice deal on Priceline, so I can't complain :)

The reason for our trip is that a friend is having a milestone birthday, so we have a party Saturday late afternoon and evening to go to, but other than that, we are free to roam as we please :)

We have been to San Diego before, but have not been to the zoo, so we would like to do that. About how much time should we plan on for the zoo? Any recommendations for places to eat in that area?

We haven't spent any time in La Jolla on previous trips either, so I would like to spend most of the rest of our free time there. Any thoughts on what to do, what to see, and where to eat?

For restaurant choices, we are interested in casual places and are up for just about anything except sushi. For budget, we'd like to keep things below about $15 for an entre at lunch and $20 at dinner.

Thanks :)

Hey J..
Do the Zoo in the morning and go to lunch at the Prado right outside of the Zoo at Balboa Park..
I would definately do Georges at the Cove for lunch on the ocean terrace..
entrees are under $15 and the view and food are awesome.
Crab Catcher for the Seafood happy hour is a great deal and great views too.
Go to La Jolla Shores for swimming and maybe rent a kayak..eat at Piatti's or grab a sandwich at the Cheese Shop or Jeff's burgers.
Jose's Courtroom in LJ is great for Marg's and Mex.
Have a great time..the weather has been perfect and the ocean is already 73 degrees!

crabcatcher.com
georgesatthecove.com
cohnrestaurants.com

Piatti's Restaurant in La Jolla Shores is one of my favorites - also Zenbu for great Japanese/sushi.

The zoo can be a very full day, but you could also go for a half day, visit part and still have a great time. TT's restaurant advise is solid.

Nice - thanks everybody.

I was thinking of going to the zoo on Friday morning, try to get there early while the animals are most active. The do something else in the afternoon - if the weather is good, we could just hit the beach. I grew up in Santa Cruz, so 73 degree water sounds downright bathtub-ish - LOL.

Have lunch at the historic Hotel del Coronado.

Last time I was in San Diego, I stayed on Coronado - at the Marriott (Priceline again) but went over to the Del a couple times to hang out and have some spa time :) Such a neat place. I loved just sitting out on the terrace overlooking the beach and the pool, just watching the people go by. Really relaxing.

I think this time though, we will focus more on La Jolla since we will be staying up there and haven't really seen much of that area on previous trips.

Brockton Villa is good for breakfast or lunch. Really love the view from their patio.