Ask your San Diego questions here

[Tink33]

Sometimes questions about San Diego get buried in threads. I thought it would be nice to have a central place to ask questions about San Diego.

If you need help with San Diego, let us help you plan the best vacation to America's Finest City.

[diberry]

Great idea - thank you! We are coming over from UK in August and plan to spend a couple of days in San Diego one of which (at least) will be spent at Seaworld. What else is a "must-see" please?

[lap3]

I've got one: Do you guys still have Alberto's taco shops out there? That's like the best mexican food ever!

[jel0511]

O.K. Here are my questions?

1. Best Mexican Food.
2. Is Old Spaghetti Factory as good as everyone says it is?
3. Fun things to do with kids, that isn't Sea World and San Diego Zoo related.

Thanks!!!

[iceskatejen]

Yep, Albertos are everywhere. They're not my favorite though. Me, I like Miguel's Jr. Better tasting beans and they're cheaper (Bean, rice & cheese burrito and a chicken taco for under $3), but unfortunately they aren't in the SD area (not really in mine at this point either). They're mostly in NW Riverside county.

As for the next post:
1. I'm not familiar enough with SD area restaurants to answer.
2. Haven't been in a long time, but I used to love getting a combination of regular tomato sauce and the mizithra cheese. But there's probably better Italian food other places. I do like their house salad dressing, which is a creamy pesto dressing.
3. There's various museums in Balboa park and there's a small seaside amusement area called Belmont Park. You can get an all-day pass or buy tickets in smaller quantities. It's largely kiddie rides, but there's a good antique wooden roller coaster there. Just be prepared to be thrown around a lot if you ride it.

[kikipug]

We'll have about a day and a half in San Diego before an upcoming covention in mid-march... how should we BEST use our time? It will be 6 couples ranging in age from 30's - 50's... also, we don't want to stay in the convention hotel the first night (too pricey)... if you've got a suggestion for what we should do Sat & Sunday (we land at 11AM Sat.), any suggestions for reasonably priced, but not 'budget-type' accomodations would be great! Thanks.

[poohj80]

I haven't been in awhile, but I consider San Diego home so will try to answer as best I can.

Besides Sea World, the other MUST DO is the SD Zoo. The Zoo is in Balboa Park so you can make a day of it with the zoo and museums. I always loved the Reuben H Fleet Space and Science Museum and well as the SD Hall of Champions (San Diego SUPER Chargers!).

For quick Mexican food, my favorite has always been Lolitas for carne asada burritos and Rubios for fish tacos.

As for the Old Spaghetti Factory, it is more for the experience than the food. I love all the old buildings downtown so eating in a bed booth was always cool to me. The food is good, but I'm sure you could find better Italian restaurants with less atmosphere.

My ALL TIME favorite restaurant is the Corvette Diner (http://www.corvettediner.signonsandiego.com/ or http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/cohn/cohnrestaurants/corvette/index.html ) which is also in the area of Balboa Park and the Zoo. It may sound odd, but the Rory burger is REALLY good!

Hope this helps someone!

[geffric]

Is the wild animal park worth a visit.. we are planning Sea World and and the Zoo. thanks

[poohj80]

Wild Animal park is fun - animals more out in the open than in confined settings - but don't go in the summer as it can get VERY hot. Also, the Wild Animal Park is further north than the other areas.

[karylrocks]

We will be going to SW and SDZoo on our upcoming trip. Any ideas on whether it is worth the trouble to fly into SD and stay there a couple of nights, then move to a hotel near DL for the next 5 nights, flying out of Orange County? Or should we just stay the whole week in the OC area and drive to SD on those days? How long does it really take to drive to Seaworld from Disneyland at 8 or 9 in the morning? Lodging for 5 (we need a suite) seems pretty spendy in SD compared to around Disneyland. Any ideas on a good place if we do decide to stay there?

[tawasdave]

which is better the zoo or the wild animal park?

[msteddom]

which is better the zoo or the wild animal park?

If you must choose one go with the Zoo. The pandas are there, plus it's easier to get around. Much of the Wild Animal Park is set up like a game preserve, so you have to board a monorail and view it from the perimeter. I enjoy both parks though, and will visit which ever one strikes my fancy.


Melissa

[poohj80]

Any ideas on whether it is worth the trouble to fly into SD and stay there a couple of nights, then move to a hotel near DL for the next 5 nights, flying out of Orange County? Or should we just stay the whole week in the OC area and drive to SD on those days?
I would definitely recommend getting a room in SD for the days you want to spend. Traffic can be hit or miss but the last thing you want to do on your vacation is sit in rush hour traffic when you could be enjoying your destination.

[KyMattDisney]

hi....we are looking to do SD for 3 days before moving on to DL.....will be going with our 2 boys (ages 5 & 10) so we will looking to concentrate on the Zoo and SeaWorld....

What are some good hotel recommendations....both for close proximity and features (pool, breakfasts)....

thanks

[lvmymcky]

O.K. Here are my questions?

1. Best Mexican Food.
2. Is Old Spaghetti Factory as good as everyone says it is?
3. Fun things to do with kids, that isn't Sea World and San Diego Zoo related.

Thanks!!!

FYI-Old Spaghetti Factory is no longer there. They are closed for renovation till about late spring (i think) but that the newly renovated restaurant will no longer be OSF. The management/owner is the same but the style of the restaurant will be more mediterranean (sp?). There is still OSF but the other location is located in San Marcos next to some industrial buildings and close to Cal State San Marcos.

[RamblinRed]

I am attending a conference at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in May and will be bringing my family - wife, 2 kids (2 and 11).

Would love any feedback on the hotel as well as places my wife can take the kids while i'm at the conference. We will have a rental car.

Thanks
RamblinRed

[zakerdog]

This is a great idea for a thread for San Diego, we are going to be there for a week in May and I've got lots of questions. I'll start with:

1) how long will it take to drive from SD to DL on a Sunday morning?

2) recommendations for hotels in SD along the ocean?

3) recommended day tour companies?

thanks :wave:

[Eeyorecln]

We were planning on a week in SD before DL. We were planning on a day each at the zoo, animal park, Sea World, and Legoland. Does anyone know a good budget hotel in the area? Also,does SW take a whole day, or more? We are so excited for our first trip to CA. Thanks to all of you regulars for sharing your knowledge and expertise on these boards. Without the help I would feel overwhelmed with trying to figure it all out. :confused3

[poohj80]

I would plan a whole day for Sea World. That will give you plenty of time to catch all the shows without feeling rushed.

[disneysteve]

I have a question about accomodations. We're coming in August and I've been looking at Marriott's website for hotels. Prices are kind of steep but the SpringHill Suites has a decent rate. It is at Scripps Poway Parkway at Interstate 15. Is that an okay area to stay? Is it located in a good area as far as being near tourist stuff or is it too far out of the way? I don't mind doing some driving but I don't want to be stuck in some industrial park or be on the opposite end of the world from everything we want to see.

Also, how far away is Legoland from San Diego?

[poohj80]

Prices are kind of steep but the SpringHill Suites has a decent rate. It is at Scripps Poway Parkway at Interstate 15. Is that an okay area to stay? Is it located in a good area as far as being near tourist stuff or is it too far out of the way?
I would consider that too far away from the things you would like to do. You wouldn't want to get caught in rush hour traffic trying to get back to your hotel.

[zakerdog]

Has anyone stayed at the Best Western Blue Sea?

appreciate any comments on the place.

[mitymott]

Does anyone have any info on the best western hacienda suites-old town? We booked it for the end of april and were wondering what is't like.
Also how is the location? Thanks,

[marley]

we staid at the Loews Coronado resort Labor Day weekend. It is a great resort and only a 10 minute drive to the Old Del hotel. There is plenty to do at the resort for kids. The pool is great. You can rent surry bikes at the Old Del Hotel and ride around Coronado. I will warn you that the traffic to get on and off the island was enough deterent that we just staid around the hotel and enjoyed its facilities.

Has anyone heard of the Harbor Vacation Club? We have reservations there for this June. It sounds awesome and I found it recommended in several travel books. You actually rent a houseboat or yacht and stay on that. I think my kids are just going to love it and it was cheaper than most of the hotels in San Diego!

Marley

[spendleb]

Hi, we are staying at Humphreys Half Moon in early May, it's on Shelter Island, has anyone stayed there or know how close this is to the 'main' shopping/dining areas?

[MrsMud]

[QUOTE=Eeyorecln. Does anyone know a good budget hotel in the area? :confused3[/QUOTE]

I have been looking for the same. I am leaning toward the Days Inn Hotel Circle, in Mission Valley. It is close to Seaworld and the Zoo, and in fact offers free shuttle service to both as well as the airport. It gets pretty good reviews on Trip Advisor and Travelocity. They have a rate of $89 for our trip in early Oct.

[MrsMud]

Ha! I posted a reply and forgot that I wanted to ask a couple questions, too.
We will be driving from Anaheim to San Diego (Th. mid-morning). Is there a route that will take us along the ocean? Even if it takes a little longer, I would love a coastline mini-trip! Also I would love to stop at La Jolla Coves for a couple of hours before driving to our hotel (proabably in Mission Valley), checkin is not until 4:00. Is this doable? Thanks!

[Cathy K.]

Hi,
We just got back from a 10 tour of California from San Francisco to San Diego and we loved the San Diego portion of the trip. We only spent 1 night but in hindsight we wish we had cut LA short and spent an extra day here.

We stayed at the Balboa Park Inn which I thought was great. It's so convenient to the Zoo and the museums. It's a converted apt. complex so all of the suites are actually apartments with kitchens. It would be a great place to stay if you wanted to have some meals in. We had a living room with cable tv and a pull out sofa, a bedroom with a queen bed, and a full kitchen. The delivered a continental breakfast to us in the morning. We just called when we were ready for it. It was delicious, bowls of fresh fruit, fresh oj, cinamon rolls, croissants, and mini muffins. All of this for $129 a night.

The other place we loved was the Corvette Diner. Just a real fun place to have dinner. Great food and reasonable prices. My husband loved the Rory burger too like a poster above mentioned. They also had fantastic shakes. :cool1:

I just posted a 3 part trip report of our entire vacation on the trip report board. The San Diego part is at the end of Part 2 and the beginning of Part 3 if anyone wants to take a look.

Cathy K. :earsgirl:

[geffric]

I have been looking for the same. I am leaning toward the Days Inn Hotel Circle, in Mission Valley. It is close to Seaworld and the Zoo, and in fact offers free shuttle service to both as well as the airport. It gets pretty good reviews on Trip Advisor and Travelocity. They have a rate of $89 for our trip in early Oct.

I booked the HoJos hotel circle for $ 72 per night in July.

[poohj80]

The other place we loved was the Corvette Diner. Just a real fun place to have dinner. Great food and reasonable prices. My husband loved the Rory burger too like a poster above mentioned. They also had fantastic shakes. :cool1:
So glad you enjoyed one of my favorite places! I miss SD SO much!

[LUVCINDERELLY]

We will be heading to DL May 21-28 and have tickets and transfers booked to spend a day at Sea World. While there, is it worth it to take in a 'Dining with Shamu' or Shamu picnic meal? Can these be booked at Sea World the day we are there or should I book them on-line before we go? Our DD's are 16, 12 and 8...not sure if their ages will make a difference or not as they are all very excited about doing the character meals at DL!

[jewetts5]

Yes it is definetly worth the extra $ to do a Dine with Shamu lunch. I've never done the Picnic with Shamu, but have Dined there many times, usually for birthdays or mothers day. You get up close and personal with the whales, sometimes they blow water on you, but not to an annoying extent of course, just enough to add excitement! The food is awesome, a buffet with several options for entree, all you can eat and the desert tray is the best! You can book this lunch right at the main gate, once you get in the park. You should also go to the lunch place about 15 -20 min before your scheduled lunch time, since they seat in order of firstcome/first served. There are no "bad" seats since all are really close and have great views, but I like to have a choice of tables. Be sure to bring your camera since you'll get better pictures of the whales there than you can get during the actual show.

[jewetts5]

I am attending a conference at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in May and will be bringing my family - wife, 2 kids (2 and 11).

Would love any feedback on the hotel as well as places my wife can take the kids while i'm at the conference. We will have a rental car.

Thanks
RamblinRed

Depends on what time of year you go there. Loews is one of the best places for families. They have a great pool area (good in warm weather), and in the summers have a kids club with arts/crafts/games. Loews also offers gondola rides over to the Seaport Village. You can also take a water taxi to seaport village, where there are lots of touristy shops, a terrific toy shop, ice cream shops and an old vintage MerrygoRound, plus just walking along the boardwalk where you'll see clowns, and other performers. The Hotel Del Coronado has a great beach access and is a historic hotel, fun to walk thru on your way to the beach. If they have access to a car, they should drive the 20 minutes to Balboa Park where they'll find not only the ZOO but also the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, which has shows daily at 10 and 11 and 1:00 on weekends. The admission is about $2 per person and its really alot of fun.

[jewetts5]

Hi, we are staying at Humphreys Half Moon in early May, it's on Shelter Island, has anyone stayed there or know how close this is to the 'main' shopping/dining areas?
There are lots of shops in the Point Loma/Shelter Island area, but most are not boutiques or shopping malls. The shopping malls with fancy department stores are at Fashion Valley, about 20 minutes drive, and/or Horton Plaza-downtown.

You are near the best seafood restaurant thought. Don't miss Point Loma Seafoods, which is an actual fish market, with a cafe-style restaurant counter which cooks amazing fresh fish to be consumed while seated at outdoor tables overlooking the harber. There is always a line out the door of this place! Price is reasonable, about $10 per person for food and drink, depending on what you order.

[LUVCINDERELLY]

Thanks for the info! We'll definately add this to our day at Sea World!

[Eeyorecln]

Thanks for the hotel info. We'll check those out. As for the person asking about Dine with Shamu. We did the one in TX and my boys loved it. I just wish we had remembered our camcorder the whales did special tricks and were closer than any show or zoo experience. It's definitely worth it and a great experience. We are actually looking at the animal spotlight tour this time around.

[msteddom]

[QUOTE=disneysteve It is at Scripps Poway Parkway at Interstate 15. Is that an okay area to stay? Is it located in a good area as far as being near tourist stuff or is it too far out of the way? [/QUOTE]


I would not reccomend staying there unless the price is truely right. IT is right near my house, and it is a very residential area that is about 15-30 mins. by car away from most of the local tourist attractions. The only reason the hotle is even there is becase there is a large Nokia facility right up the street and it caters to the buisness travellers. Legoland is about 45 min. away from San Diego depending on traffic and from what I hear the drive is worth it if you have young children. Hope this helps!

Melissa

[karylrocks]

I was thinking it would be nice to be away from Hotel Circle and found what looks like a nice place; Staybridge Suites Sorrento Mesa, Mira Mesa Blvd. & Viper Way (2-bed 2-bath under $200). I don't mind a 20-minute drive to Seaworld and the zoo, and we will be visiting these on the weekend. I would appreciate any opinions on this arrangement. Is this a good area, not too far from attractions?

[msteddom]

I was thinking it would be nice to be away from Hotel Circle and found what looks like a nice place; Staybridge Suites Sorrento Mesa, Mira Mesa Blvd. & Viper Way (2-bed 2-bath under $200). I don't mind a 20-minute drive to Seaworld and the zoo, and we will be visiting these on the weekend. I would appreciate any opinions on this arrangement. Is this a good area, not too far from attractions?


If it is where I am thinking it should work alright for you. The only drawback I can think of is that it is in very busy buisness park area (hence the need for residentail hotels), so rush hour in the mornings and evenings are unbelievably busy, but if you can work around that you should be fine. You will have good freeway access to the 5, so commuting to all tourist destinations shouldn'y be too difficult.


Melissa

[34Angels]

Everyone seems to be forgetting Soak City (a Knott's Berry Farm's water park) in Chula Vista. Though I never managed to get down there myself, everyone I know said they had fun when they went. I'd imagine kids will love it one a warm day!

As for driving between Disneyland and San Diego, if I remember correctly, the 5 takes you right down the coast for most of the way. I think you can take the Pacific Coast Highway for the rest of it but I've never taken it so have no idea how long it takes or how easy it is to get to/from Disneyland from there.

Wow, I miss San Diego (and the sun!!).........Have fun and safe trips!!

[Sue & Co.]

Hi we hope to do 7 days Anaheim and 7 days San Diego next year and have been recommended the Handlery hotel for the SD part of the trip.l Do you know this hotel at all and if so what is it like?

Thanks

Sue

[kikipug]

We just got our hotel confirmation for next week- we are at the Marriott Hotel & Marina for the convention, and at the Ramada/St. James Hotel for the night before... can anybody tell me anything good about the Spanish restaurants in the Gaslamp Qtr... we want to go Saturday night...

[Sue & Co.]

Bumping this back to the top in the hope someone from San Diego will see it.

Sue

[msteddom]

I have never stayed at the Handelry, but I have been there for meetings. My impression of the public spaces and meeting rooms is that they look worn. The pool didn't look that impressive either. The location, however is wonderful.


Melissa

[zakerdog]

Has anyone stayed at the Best Western Blue Sea?

appreciate any comments on the place.

still looking for comments - thanks

[RESEARCH]

Has anyone used PRICELINE to get a 4 star hotel in San Dego ( La Jolla or Coronado) and how do you do it. I have never used PRICELINE and my biggest fear is getting stuck at some dirty out of the way place.

We have a loose schedule for San Diego ( Zoo & Sea World) so we can be as much as a 1/2 hour in driving distance. I am trying to save some money
this way. All tips & trade secrets appreciated. Thank you.

[disneyberry]

Don't miss Point Loma Seafoods, which is an actual fish market, with a cafe-style restaurant counter which cooks amazing fresh fish to be consumed while seated at outdoor tables overlooking the harber. There is always a line out the door of this place! Price is reasonable, about $10 per person for food and drink, depending on what you order.Oh gosh, I was just thinking about Point Loma Seafoods yesterday! I had this craving for fresh fried clams, and I had the best clams there 2 years ago, so juicy and perfectly fried! Mmmm makes my mouth water... Heh.

BTW, those who need hotel help, if Priceline is a bit too scary and unknown for you, try http://www.betterbidding.com for Hotwire assistance. The experts there can help you pinpoint which hotel you'll get. You have to be careful to look at all the amenities EXACTLY though. Good luck!

[MrsMud]

Re-posting this and hoping for an answer:
We will be driving from Anaheim to San Diego (Th. mid-morning). Is there a route that will take us along the ocean? Even if it takes a little longer, I would love a coastline mini-trip! Also I would love to stop at La Jolla Coves for a couple of hours before driving to our hotel (probably in Mission Valley), checkin is not until 4:00. Is this doable? Thanks!

[ChisJo]

Has anyone ever stayed in the center Gaslamp Quarter? What's it like there and is it safe there? The accommodations are relatively inexpensive and I want to know if there is a reason why.
Thanks

[M's_girl]

Re-posting this and hoping for an answer:
We will be driving from Anaheim to San Diego (Th. mid-morning). Is there a route that will take us along the ocean? Even if it takes a little longer, I would love a coastline mini-trip! Also I would love to stop at La Jolla Coves for a couple of hours before driving to our hotel (probably in Mission Valley), checkin is not until 4:00. Is this doable? Thanks!

There is not really a way to stay along the coast all the way from Anaheim to San Diego. Just south of Anaheim you can go west on (someone from Orange help me out here) I think I22. You'll want to catch Interstate 1 then--the South Coast or Pacific Coast Highway. You should be able to take this--there will be lots of lights along the way going through small towns--all the way to Dana Point where you will need to rejoin I5. One of the issues is that there is a Marine Base just north of Oceanside. I love it because it has kept the native landscape in place.

Dana Point is a beautiful little city with nice beaches also.

[MsYumiBr]

I am attending a conference at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in May and will be bringing my family - wife, 2 kids (2 and 11).

Would love any feedback on the hotel as well as places my wife can take the kids while i'm at the conference. We will have a rental car.

Thanks
RamblinRed

I live down the street. It's absolutely beautiful. Aside from the obvious San Diego things to do like Sea World, LegoLand, the Zoo, etc. there's a private beach next to the bay for hotel guests. They have a kids club too (call and arrange activities for them). The ocean is just across the main road, Silver Strand State Beach, from there. There's also a nice walking and biking route (kind of a far walk). Another beach is behind Hotel Del Coronado. It's well maintained. Definitely stop in at Moo Time ice for cream in Coronado. We have a lot of playgrounds around here. There's one at Spreckles park where the Gazebo is in Coronado. Sometimes they have concerts there and the whole town brings their coolers and lawn chairs. It's a quaint little town. They can park at the landing at the end of town and take the ferry over to downtown and tour the various ships over there. There's also Seaport Village but it's a touristy thing. There are sooo many things to do here that I'd start with the hotel kid club staff to make suggestions and arrangements. They are very helpful and can tell you what special things are going on at the hotel during your stay. Sometimes they have an open kitchen type thing at night where the guests can, for a fee, go into their kitchen and get whatever they want from the fridge and their cooks will cook it for them. They have fireworks during special events like 4th of July (I get to see them from the backyard). They also have campfires during the summer and at night during the summer they show movies on the wall and the kids can swim and watch the movie. Sunday has a fantastic brunch buffet too. I hope this helps.

[mitymott]

Hi,
We're flying into Lax around noon and driving to SD. I was thinking Rt 1 all the way. We're in no hurry and are looking for the most scenic drive. What do you think? Thanks,

[MrsMud]

mitymott:
I am bumping this back to page one for you. You might see post #50 just a few above this one, maybe it will help.

[msteddom]

Hi,
We're flying into Lax around noon and driving to SD. I was thinking Rt 1 all the way. We're in no hurry and are looking for the most scenic drive. What do you think? Thanks,


In places the 1 is beautiful, but the majority of the way it is just a large street with strip malls on either side, tons of traffic signals and hideously crowded with no ocean in sight. take the 405 south to the 5 south and save your sanity.


Melissa

[lark]

Hi,
We're flying into Lax around noon and driving to SD. I was thinking Rt 1 all the way. We're in no hurry and are looking for the most scenic drive. What do you think? Thanks,

As noted above, you really can't do this. Once you get to southern orange county -- a little south of Dana Point -- the PCH merges with the I-5 and you have to go inland and take the I-5. This is the stretch occupied by camp pendleton, in which traffic access is restricted for many miles to the highway.

If it were me, and I wanted a scenic ride, I would avoid the PCH north of orange county and into L.A. I would stay on the I-5 through camp pendleton and take the first exit once you hit Oceanside -- I believe it is Oceanside Harbor Drive. Take Oceanside Harbor Drive west until you hit the PCH and then just go south, through the towns of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, and Solana Beach. You can hook back up at the interstate at La Jolla, or keep going south all the way past Mission beach and right into San Diego.

This is a great stretch of the PCH, and you'll be heading south so you're on the ocean side of the street.

[Gupsmom]

We're (family of 5 with kids: 5, 6 and 8 yrs old) spending Aug 11th-Aug 14th in San Diego. Our flight arrives at 11:10am (which will feel like 2:10pm for us). We'd like to pick up our rental, have lunch somewhere and go to our hotel.

1) We need to pick a resort. It's tough because we have 5. I wouldn't necessarily mind squeezing into a room since our kids are small but I am stuck with abiding by max capacity rules. I'd really like to be on the beach because we have plans to sped our arrival day and 1 additional day enjoying the resort and beach. What is the best family beach? We like waves and boogy boarding but it can't be too rough. What resort/hotel would you recommend on that beach?

2) Where would you stop for lunch on the way to our hotel? What other places would you recommend for meals?

3) How many hours do you think we'll need for the Zoo? How many hours for LegoLand...we're willing to skip the evening fireworks because we'll be heading to our resort in Disneyland after we leave Legoland. Unless we flip the day we have planned for Legoland and the day we have planned for the zoo...

We're saving Sea World for another trip...
Any other tips?

Also...as for LA, we'd like to spend a few hours hitting a few tourist things (aside from Disney...we are staying onsite but have a car). With young kids, what would you recommend? I know they'd get a kick out of seeing some of the Stars on the Walk of Fame and we'd like to see the Hollywood sign.

Thanks...
Jess

[Blackunicorn]

I'm trying to chisel out some time in our vacation for Sea World. Is there a chance it can be done in one day? Are weekends terribly busy, like DL is? Can the SD Zoo be done in one day? Will it take an entire day?

And the big question--is there a chance that my DD can pet some animals at Sea World? (Please don't laugh--she's really serious about this! :flower: )

[Tink33]

Yes your daughter can touch some animals. It has been about 2 years, but we touched dolphins, sting rays and held seastars. You can also buy fish to feed the dolphins, sea lions and the walrus.

[bjakmom]

Bumping this back up in my excitement since making my ressies today for the San Diego and Coronado leg of our trip. Since we're Loews Platinum and get great upgrades there I booked at Coronado Bay for 3 nights - we will do SeaWorld and the Zoo from there - and 1 day to relax. Then we'll move up to Coronado to Grand Pacific Palisades for 3 nights - we will do Legoland (of course!) and the Wild Animal Park - with another day to relax before heading back to LA for DL/CA.

If anyone who is local or has returned has any input/suggestions I would love to hear them - this trip will be just me and my little nephew (8) - my big kids are all too busy for vacations these days and he's the best travel partner ever - loves any/everything to do with animals (even attends our local 'zoo camp' in the summer). We'll have a rental car and eat pretty light/simply, but enjoy an occasional 'real' meal while on the road (yep, he's even great to dine with in the nicest of restaurants!).

I'm least informed about Grand Pacific Palisades - booked this mostly because the pool area looks great for kids and I need a back up place (DNeph who works in CA is trying to get me those nights discount at 4 Seasons Avaria, but won't know until 30 days out - and I certainly can't justify their reg rates when we'll be just as happy at 1/2 the cost). TIA for any input - so far the info/help on these boards is making our dream trip a reality! :smooth:

[steen995]

The timeshares at Grand Pacific Palisades near Legoland were great. My kids just loved the pool area. The rooms were spacious. They were "newer" and adding on at the time (2 year ago). The also have a Costco across the street. We loaded up on snack foods there for visits around town.

[JudicialTyranny]

I was on Coronado last year for a conference and had a good meal at a little restaurant called Chez Loma. A little pricey, but worth it.

http://www.chezloma.com/

[Bmwdsny]

My Dh, dd(12) and i are going to San Diego for my Dh conference next month. We have 1 free day to tour either Sea World or San Diego Zoo. If you had a choice, which would you choose, and why??

Thanks!!

[Minnie824]

Can you tell me of a nice hotel on a beach a little north of San Diego, but still close to Legoland area? We're not looking to save money, but we don't want something thats not kid-friendly either. Any suggestions?

[poohj80]

My Dh, dd(12) and i are going to San Diego for my Dh conference next month. We have 1 free day to tour either Sea World or San Diego Zoo. If you had a choice, which would you choose, and why??
If you've never been to either, then I would recommend the Zoo. It's one of the best in the world and just so much to do! Even though I love Sea World and the one in SD is the best imho, they are all over the country and you can see Shamu or a relative at any one of the parks. The SD Zoo has no equivalent.

[pjhootch]

I used to live right across from Sea World, and have returned to visit both SW and the zoo regularily. We were at the zoo on Sunday (Jan 8) and I would recommend that over SW. The zoo is cheaper, and has more bang for the buck. Pick up a discount coupon at any hotel and then buy the "best buy" ticket. This gives you unlimited bus and skytram use. Well worth it if you have one day, because you can visit almost everywhere easily without wearing yourself out walking up and down hill.

There are a couple of fantastic shows going on right now... the sea lion show and the cheetah/wolf show are both pretty cool.

I still love SW but it feels more "themepark" and less animal oriented every time I return.

[Bmwdsny]

Thank you!! i will take into consideration to go SD Zoo instead of SW, although my DD insist on going to SW. She loves SW in Orlando. Is it pretty much the same as the one in Orlando?? the shows and all???

[poohj80]

She loves SW in Orlando. Is it pretty much the same as the one in Orlando?? the shows and all???
I love the SW in SD best as it's actually on the SEA and is just beautiful down by the harbor. It's not as theme parky (is that a word?) as the one in Orlando since it's not competing with Disney and Universal, but if I could only choose one I'd still go with the zoo.