Things to do in the San Diego area
 

We've been going to the San Diego/Carlsbad area every summer for a number of years. We've done the usual sightseeing trips such as the zoo,Balboa,La Jolla, flower fields, L.A.,Laguna,and Temechula. Any new ideas for fun/sight-seeing we might have missed? We are beach lovers and I will have a 16 y.o daughter along.Thanks!

Stake out a place on the beach south of the Hotel Del in Coronado and watch the Navy Seals in training go through their paces. You might not like it a lot but I'll bet your 16-year old will. (I don't know you but you might like it, too!).

You might try a trip to Catalina Island for some diversity. Not sure if San Diego has a departure point but Long Beach does up the coast a ways. Also the Harbor Cruise is nice for several hours or a Sunday brunch cruise. You didn't mention Sea World.

Little Italy and Chinatown

Enjoyed Balboa Park museums. The Photography Museum has graphic current war photos on exhibit. Something I should have checked into before going. And the Natural History museum has an amazing Baja film! It will make you want to scuba there for sure. That film is really a must see if you are in the area.

Enjoyed shopping at Horton Plaza and Fashion Valley. You can find cheap suits at Men's Depot. We would have loved the posh nightlife of the Gaslamp District if we were childless. Rode the carosel at Seaport Village. Great food and service in Old Town at Casa Guadalajara. Loved the shops and homemade soap in Old Town.

Sea World took our money. We paid $8 for cokes during the show. I think the best deal is you get a two day visit for $5 more.

We had lunch at an outdoor eatery at Ferry Landing and ran on the beach in Coronado. We explored an Open House on the beach too.

La Jolla was the best! Loved the quaint area and shopping. We stayed at the Empress Hotel two blocks from the ocean. Very quaint and had a 5 star resturant with room service. No view. Other than that it was great. Big, nice room. Very helpful people. Valet parking. Walking distance to everything. Great costal walks with seals on the beach. I would go back to that area again. We enjoyed good food and a great view at Top of the Cove.

We had a family picnic on La Jolla cove. Don't miss the quaint coffee houses.

I saw a fun place to eat that was just fondue foods.

There are no Catalina departures from SDiego.

That is odd no departures from San Diego to Catalina Island. I wonder why? I would think after all of these years they would.

there used to be Catalina departures from Oceanside, but I think they have stopped.

Have been to Carlsbad evey one of the past 43 summers (and going again this year), but I prefer just going in the ocean.

Since one of my boys likes trains, we have done these two trips you might not have done.

Take the Amtrak from Oceanside to San Juan Capistrano. The SJC station is right next to the mission. (the mission at San Luis Rey just outside Oceanside is worth a visit)

You can also take the Coaster down to San Diego and visit the ships in the harbor or take the ferry to Coronado or go shopping at SeaPort VIllage.

Heard (or read) a report recently that Scripps Acquarium puts on a 'Dive with Sharks' events where you snorkle in the cove where lots of non-man-eating sharks hang out

Try Torrey Pines State Reserve, beautiful beach and hiking trails above the ocean.

Also, consider going to Cabrillo monument.