1JAR

Some nice suggestions above by reliable posters Nanabee, DebitNM, Suzie, Tom42.

Restaurants close (either a short walk or cab) are JSix, Stingaree, Oceanaire. Croce's is named after singer Jim Croce and run by his wife. They often have great singers.

Horton Plaza is a nice unique outdoor shopping Mall with Nordstroms the upscale shopping store.

Tomsd

The US Grant is a classic hotel and easy walking distance to the Gaslamp, the USS Midway and along the Embarcadero - where you might have fish and chips at Anthony's Fishette and enjoy the view across the bay - to Coronado - and probably a carrier or two that is docked there.

SandyBrit

espinach1:

On our first visit we took this tour http://www.trolleytours.com

Sandy

cmcfong

May I ask what makes only certain posters relisble 1JAR?

Tomsd

If you like Italian - downtown offers a number of choices - such as BICE, Toast Enoteca & Cucino, Aqua Al 2 (from Florence), Osteria Panavino (outside tables on 5th Ave) and our favorite - on Morena - Baci, which just received another steller review in the UT Tribune.

And there are of course a number of good choices in Little Italy - our favorite being Buono Appetito - but there are others.

For French - try Mister A's, or the original by Bertrand Hug - Mille Fleur in the Ranch - or in Pt. Loma - the relatiely new but highly acclaimed Bo Beau.

Tomsd

And for the best "deal" - offering a superb view of the bay/downtown - and very nice "small plates" and designer cocktails (Love the Desi Arnez - a mango infused Mojito) - for only $5 during their 3:30 to 5:30 cocktail hour - try C level at Island Prime - on Harbor Island by the airport.

http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/menu-.../island-prime/

janisj

"May I ask what makes only certain posters relisble 1JAR?"

Knowing what's what . . . (quantity doesn't automatically = quality)

cmcfong

My recent stay in San Diego was wonderful. I went up to the Grant, where I have previously stayed, to meet a friend. The public areas are gorgeous and very stately. It has a classic feel. The Solamar, which I recommended earlier, is much more modern. The Grant is across the street from a popular pub and very close to Horton Plaza.
I hope you will have a wonderful visit. It is a great town!

nanabee

If your boys aren't interested in the beach (as you live in Florida) or swimming I would definitely stay in the Gaslamp district downtown.

However, if you do like to walk on the beach early in the morning, enjoy kayaking, bicycling, etc then I would definitely look at places in the La Jolla Shores area. You would need a car to do day activities such a the Zoo, etc.

Tomsd

cmcfong: Good advice. The Solmar is highly regarded and definitely in the middle of the gaslamp.

And nanabee - well put. I would prefer the option of staying by the Shores, or even in places along Pacific Beach - or even at Paradise Point - http://www.paradisepoint.com/ or my favorite for being right over the dramatic surf - the Inn aa Sunset Cliffs http://innatsunsetcliffs.com/ - near hip Ocean Beach - but some might like to be right in the middle of the Gaslamp.

To each their own.

espinach1

Thanks to all for the great suggestions!

ncounty

I would also recommend a car rental, unless you plan to just stay in the Gaslamp and maybe Coronado which you can get to by ferry and maybe rent bikes to ride there. San Diego has so much to offer and see that having a car really expands all that you can do. I think a visit to the village of La Jolla and a walk to see the seals, drive up to Del Mar and have lunch at the Plaza looking at the ocean, or continue north to Solana Beach or the lively village of Encinitas. Lots to see and do.

The US Grant is right across from Horton Plaza and is walking distance to everything in the gaslamp. It is more of an old world hotel, imo, and seems like gently faded elegance to me. I would not hesitate to stay there if it was a fantastic deal. Solamar is a Kimpton hotel and has that boutique vibe going on.