Teach me about San Diego

[Racerbvd]

Yes, Stone is a must!!!

Stone Brewing Co.

[TheMentat]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Yes, Stone is a must!!!

Stone Brewing Co.

Wow... i can't believe I've never heard of that place! My in-laws live just over the hill in San Marcos. Definitely gonna check it out next time.

[aways]

Cabrillo National monument at the end of Point Loma is the best place for a great view of the harbor and city. Balboa park near the SD Zoo for museums, etc. Also, I like the Zoo more than wild animal park, but it's a subjective judgment. Stay away from Sea World... pretty expensive and not much to see IMHO. Old town for Mexican food, but it's not as good as it should be.

[red-beard]

Avoid Mexican food in San Diego. It is different than Tex-Mex and not always for the better.

[chocolatelab]

Start in downtown San Diego and just follow the coast north.

You wont need to hop on any freeways.

The coastal stretch from del mar to carlsbad is the best in my opinion. Do not set a schedule and just cruise and stop when ever you like. Beach at Del Mar 15th street is cool as well as a place called swami's. Just ask around and you'll find it.

[Dottore]

Love San Diego!

Order a couple of Don Winslow novels (say, Power of the Dog, Savages, Dawn Patrol etc) from Amazon and read these before you go. They will completely set you up for San Diego. Trust me on this. Like reading Tony Hillerman before seeing the south-west.

Don't miss the Coronado Hotel. You can channel Marilyn Monroe on the beach out front. It's worth wandering around the hotel. Used to be the biggest wooden structure in the world. At least have lunch there.

The museums in Balboa Park are small, but nicely done. You'll find something there of interest. +1 on the Midway. Also rent a car and do the coast up to Del Mar and Carlsbad.

There's a great horse track at Del Mar, which is kind of a fun scene with the ocean in the background. Worth a punt. They do great tequila shooters at the bar, and it's fine place to spend an afternoon people-watching.

+1 on Symbolic Motors in La Jolla—and I like the small Classic Car shop next to Symbolic even better. Very knowledgeable owner who has done every European rally etc. But leave your check-book at home.

You won't be bored.

PS: Ocean Beach is a fun neighborhood to check out. Still has a bit of that 60's vibe. And on Sunday morning the Mexican gang bangers bring their pit bulls to the big dog beach. Crazy scene.

[speeder]

Go surfing! Join the Navy! Get drunk and really sun-burned!

Seriously, that's a beautiful month to be almost anywhere. Especially SD. I've spent a fair amount of time in San Diego growing up but all in La Jolla. Definitely drive around and hang-out in LJ including Wind and Sea beach, the coves and walk through the La Valencia Hotel. This is the most scenic and beautiful part of SD and the beach is second to none in the continental USA. Have fun!

[BRPORSCHE]

Thank you everyone! I am very excited about this trip.

@Jim, I hope you are ready.

[JFK713]

Hey Tom,

If you like strong beer, you'll be in Heaven. Lot's of people mentioned Stone, but Ballast Point, Alesmith, Alpine Brewery and Pizza Port are all down here and make exceptional IPAs.
We are hosting national meetings during your visit, or else I could show you around behind the scenes at the Zoo. PM your address and I'll send you a couple of passes.
DO NOT go to Old Town for authentic mexican food, San Diego has some great hole in the wall places, don't go to the tourist traps.
If the weather is nice, a stroll along the Mission Beach Boardwalk is always a nice way to spend the day.
San Diego is a great city, I know you'll enjoy it.