What are "must do" things on a four day visit to San Diego at the end of March with children aged 11 and 15. Oviously we will visit the zoo, but need some other ideas.

- Visit Torrey Pines State reserve, beautiful hiking trails above the ocean.
- Visit Coronado for a day and walk on the longest beach in the county.
- Ocean/Mission/Pacific beaches are fun little areas with unique shops, restaurants, and people watching opportunities. I prefer Ocean Beach which is close to Point Loma lighthouse another great place to visit, bring binoculars and you may see whales.
- Visit Old Town state park and have dinner at Case de Pico, Casa de Bandini, or Old Town Town Mexican Cafe.

Have fun!

In addition to Joe's suggestions, I'll add Balboa Park, where your kids will like the Reuben H. Fleet Space Center, and Mission San Diego de Alcala.

My favorite is still taking the trolley down to the border and walking into Mexico. It's a great way to pass a day and the ride is cheap.

The harbor cruise in SD was IMHO a waste of time and money.

Don't forget Sea World and visit the Gaslight Area.

Take the trolley for an informative tour of San Diego-you can get off and on at all of the tourist sites like Old town, the zoo, coronado island ect.-our kids liked getting off at Planet Hollywood for lunch.

Jim,
Balboa Park is a must. The different museums and the IMAX theatre are great. Also the Old Town Trolley Tours are a great way to sightsee. I'm pretty sure you can get off, look around, and get back on at different destinations. Sea World is fun and takes a whole day. Depending on the weather, a day at the beach would be a good idea. Coronado, La Jolla, and Del Mar have the best beaches. Old Town is a fun afternoon and would recommend both Casa De Pico and Casa De Bandini.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of crossing the border into Tijuana. It's dirty, cheap-touristy, and not at all indicitive of Mexico. With only four days in San Diego, I think you can find other things to do. Have a great time.

My must do is the classic old merry-go-round in Blboa park...right near the enrance to the Zoo. it is so much fun! The horses 7 lions on the outside ring don't go up ad down, but there are gold & siilver rings in a box to your left. Once the ride gets going an arm swings ot and you pull the rings. if it is silver toss it at the clown head. If it is gold, you get a free ride! It is about a dollar a ride, and is open holidays and weekeds from about noon to six or so.

Ouch..I just proofed the above...about 24 hours too late! The merry-go-round is near the Zoo entrance in Balboa Park, and the Horses & lions (and griffins and ostriches, too) are fixed in the outside ring. The inner animals and boats rock or go up and down.

Thanks to everyone. I'm sure our trip will be much enhanced by your suggestions. Looking forward to it.

There are several museums at balboa park - I like the natural history museum. There is also a nice model railway museum.

Down at the harbor, there are 2-3 old time ships to visit

The poster that said Mexico across the border is dirty etc. must have crossed at a different place. They have built up a nice shopping area there and it's quite modern and attractive. (or shall I say WAS)
I have been to the zoo several times and don't remember any merry go round there, but there is a big one at Seaport Village. That's a neat place to shop BTW...

I also love the carousel, and have been going there since I was a child in the 50s. It has been around since the turn of the century, but has relocated several times around WWI and WWII. When it's closed it looks like a round wooden building, out on the southwest entrance of the parking entrance. When open it is great...the race for the gold ring is what makes it fun.

We went to S. Diego last March with a teen and toddler. Our teen's favorite activity was surfing. He had never tried it, but fell in love. We rented in LaJolla and surfed right on their main beach. Smaller waves. Water was chilly, but fine to swim in. LaJolla is beautiful. They have an area of shore where sea lions hang out on the beach.
He also liked the Wild Animal Park. Especially the cheetahs. Have fun. One of my favorite cities! Friendliest people I've seen in a long time.

I have to echo the sentiments about the Wild animal park. It's a bit of a drive to Escondido (albeit a pretty one), but you won't regret it. The zoo and the wild animal park often sell combo tickets, allowing you to visit both. They are very different from one another, lest you think you've seen enough animals.

Other fun activities...Mission Beach has a roller coaster and a few other rides to keep the kids entertained...not to mention this is one of the busiest beaches in the city. I'll echo the others on Old Town, Point Loma - Cabrillo Monument and Balboa Park.

Buy lots of snacks for the car......you'll be sitting in gridlock traffic for hours!!!

ttt