vac in san diego
 

Hi! New to this website... will be coming to San Diego from Apr 8-17,2004 w/ husband and 10 yr old daughter. Currently have reservations at Loew's Coronado, but have been reading about Humphrey's Half Moon on this website. What is the better choice? Also, how's the weather in April? Is it at least swimming pool weather? Had planned on Sea World swimming w/ the dolphins for my daughter, Zoo, Legoland etc. My husband loves to golf. Best courses? We will have a car. Thanks for the help-it's our first time to California.

Weather in April is pretty nice for touring, but maybe a little cool for swimming. Torrey Pines golf course is gorgeous, albeit very expensive. Carlsbad has some beautiful courses including Aviara and La Costa. There's a fairly new one in Mission Valley, I think called Riverwalk, that I've heard good things about. Whichever golf course you decide on, it may be wise to call way ahead to set up a tee time. I'm personally partial to Coronado (Loew's) over Shelter Island (Humphrey's). Coronado has so much history, charm, and stunningly beautiful beaches. You could spend at least a day just wandering the "Island" (really a peninsula). How wonderful that on your first CA trip you're spending so much time in San Diego! There is already lots of great info on this site that should help you plan your trip. Good luck!

April should be swimming pool weather so long as the pool's heated. For more golf course details than you (or your husband) probably want, go to www.golfsd.com. Have fun here in San Diego!

Was at Loews last April 27th. weather was pretty warm and some people were swimming at the beach across the road. This is a very beautiful & private setting! Coronado is such a great location we hardly ever left for the week we were there...This resort is on PRICELINE if you think about bidding. One of our favorite day trips on a clear sunny day was driving to the tip of the Point Cabrillo park.Spectacular views to have a picnic.

Thanks to jocelyn, barbara & disneynan for the info. I appreciate the advice. I'll check out that golf website-any idea how long of a drive to Pebble Beach? Thanks again to everyone!

We stayed at a different hotel on Shelter Island last summer (Best Western - right next to Humphrey's) and found the location good. A nice walk along island, but not much to walk TO - although there are several restaurants at one end.

Shelter Island is a very narrow man-made island right across from the airport without any airport noise. On the other side is a magnificent marina. We found it easy to drive anywhere from.

brennan3: Pebble Beach is-- get ready-- a 7-hour drive (minimum) from San Diego. I'd save it for a trip to northern CA, and try to get tee times at Torrey Pines or Aviara or La Costa.

Good thing you'll have a car. There's a lot to see and do in the San Diego area. Enjoy!

brennan, pebble beach is up in Monterey, several hours up the coast. With all the time you have though, and with your husband's interest in golf, it might (IMO) be worthwhile to take a couple of days to drive up the coast and spend some time in the Monterey area. When you take the coast highway, esp through Big Sur, the views are unparalleled. Be sure to stop and stretch your legs at Point Lobos, not too far south of Monterey. Yes, there is plenty to keep you busy in SD if that's what you prefer, but California has lots to offer, and at some point, even if not this trip, Monterey and Big Sur (among MANY other cities and sights) are not to be missed.

We just got back from our trip. WE stayed at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. It was a great hotel...heated pool..my kids swam and loved it! The golf courses (there are two) are great as well. And the location to everything we went to was a mere 15 - 20 minutes (SeaWorld, which I will not be visiting again, The Zoo, all the towns and touristy spots). Hope this helps.

message to jocelyn: where could we stay if we did an overnight in Monterey? Thanks!

kgn: why would you not go back to Sea World?-we've been to the one in Orlando a few times and found it to be a good time. My daughter (10) loves dolphins and hopes to maybe be a trainer someday.

another thought: what is the most cost effective way to buy tickets for Sea World,the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park? I notice online they sell 3 park packages, discounts for becoming a Zoo member (which doesn't necessarily make sense to me since we live in NY) etc.. Any advice? Thanks again to everyone.

brennan3, Monterey really is too far for an overnight trip. You would spend two full days driving to get there and back and need another vacation to recover.

brennan,

Sorry, I can't help you with hotels in Monterey as we always have stayed with friends. I'll bet if you do a search here you'll find lots of good recommendations. I'd do a minimum of two nights though, ideally three, cuz the drive will take a full day each way (you'll want to get out periodically to gawk and take pictures). I find Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel enchanting. If you haven't already bought your plane tickets, you could fly into SD and out of Monterey (small airport, probably expensive) or San Jose to save a day of driving. Keep in mind that this would be a much different type of vacation with all the driving--I know 10 year olds can get antsy! It may be best saved for your next trip, depending on what type of vacation you want.

I know you didn't ask me, but as far as Sea World goes, yes it's expensive, but I personally think it's well worth the money. My 12 year old niece was here two months ago and she claims that Sea World was the highlight of her week. Whatever you decide to do I'm sure you'll have a great time!