Other things to do in San Diego

[BlueChariot]

Other than the zoo and Legoland, what other good attractions and "things to do" would you recommend for a three-day stay in San Diego. It will be DH, myself, and DD (who will be 16 months at the time). Thanks!!

 

[aurorae]

Other than the zoo and Legoland, what other good attractions and "things to do" would you recommend for a three-day stay in San Diego. It will be DH, myself, and DD (who will be 16 months at the time). Thanks!!

I'm planning a visit later this year. I am planning to go to both the Zoo and the Safari Park. Also Seaworld. And I also thought we would spend some time checking out the museums in Balboa Park, although not sure how that would go over with a 16 month old. There's also the naval exhibits on the waterfront, and there are the beaches.

 

[araes2102]

On our itinerary is the zoo, Sea World, Coronado and La Jolla for the children's pool, as well as Mission Beach and Belmont Park. Also planning to check out Seaport Village. LocalWally.com is a great resource you could check out!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Seaworld and the beach.

 

[At World's End]

I'm from San Diego. I would recommend the Coronado Ferry Landing. It has a gorgeous view of downtown San Diego, lots of open space for DD to run around, shops and restaurants, and a nice little beach area on the bay. Then take the ferry over to downtown and walk south to Seaport Village (bring your stroller). More shops and restaurants there, plus a marina and really nice carousel. The ferry docks right next the the navy ship museum, the USS Midway, which is really cool. When you get back to the Ferry Landing, you could rent a surrey bike and ride around Coronado. It's a really cute little town and of course there is the famous Hotel Del, but that's a bit of a ride away.

While you are at the zoo, check out the miniature railroad that runs right next to the zoo exit. Google Balboa Park Miniature Railroad for more info.

 

[jdb in AZ]

San Diego has some marvelous sea food and Mexican restaurants. The way we chose our favorite Mexican restaurant there was to check out the crowds of people waiting to get in. The first restaurant we checked out wasn't crowded at all, so we went elsewhere and loved it. (That was many moons ago and they're no longer in business, unfortunately.)

 

[kylmac]

When we lived in San Diego almost 15 years ago, our favorite Mexican restaurant was a place called Bandini's. Sadly, it is closed. We love the Wild Animal Park-you take a tour around the enclosure-somewhat similiar to Animal Kingdom's ride where you see the animals up close. Enjoy the great weather and the beaches-Hotel Del is truly beautiful and will remind you of the Grand Floridian.
Elizabeth

 

[jdb in AZ]

When we lived in San Diego almost 15 years ago, our favorite Mexican restaurant was a place called Bandini's. Sadly, it is closed. We love the Wild Animal Park-you take a tour around the enclosure-somewhat similiar to Animal Kingdom's ride where you see the animals up close. Enjoy the great weather and the beaches-Hotel Del is truly beautiful and will remind you of the Grand Floridian.
Elizabeth

Actually, Casa de Bandini was the restaurant I was thinking of (it's been so long I couldn't remember the name.)

Last week I was wearing my Grand Floridian t-shirt (picture of the hotel on it) and someone commented that they love that hotel in Coronado and asked the name of it. ahem.

 

[Jedana]

We visited there 5 years ago, and loved it!

We did the zoo and safari park (we actually bought a year membership, as it was only around $30 more for it than to pay for a day at each for the family. That paid off, because we took a second trip a month later and went again!) We made it through the safari park in one day, but the zoo took 2! Warning: the safari park has hills--and no way up them but to walk. My legs were dying after that day! But both were incredible!

We also went to Coronado, and spent the day at the beach. Loved it!
We went on the USS Midway and went to the little shopping area there. Loved the shopping area, awed by the Midway (although I am claustrophobic--it was a tight squeeze for DH and I at times!).
There is a Mexican shopping area in SD as well. Loved the Mexian restaurant there (wish I could remember what it's name was) and there used to be a shop (not sure if still there) next to it with those shirts that absorb the sun and change colors.

Food: Loved loved loved
http://www.hobnobhill.com/
DH had this rhubarb muffin that he fell in love with--and he doesn't like rhubarb. Very very yummy breakfasts!

 

[GrumpyGoat]

When we lived in San Diego almost 15 years ago, our favorite Mexican restaurant was a place called Bandini's. Sadly, it is closed. We love the Wild Animal Park-you take a tour around the enclosure-somewhat similiar to Animal Kingdom's ride where you see the animals up close. Enjoy the great weather and the beaches-Hotel Del is truly beautiful and will remind you of the Grand Floridian.
Elizabeth

The Wild Animal Park is now called The San Diego Zoo's Safari Park. The name changed recently with a major rebranding by the San Diego Zoological Society. The monorail ride around the perimeter of the park is now gone. It had been there since the opening of the park in 1972 and was worn out. The vehicle were no longer being made and parts were impossible to obtain. Frequent breakdowns stranded passengers for long periods of time and it was more economical to shut it down entirely.

There is now a shorter "Safari into Africa" attraction that is a tram rather than monorail.

Last week I was wearing my Grand Floridian t-shirt (picture of the hotel on it) and someone commented that they love that hotel in Coronado and asked the name of it. ahem.

I can see the resemblance, but the Hotel Del Coronado has been in existence far longer than the Grand Floridian...

 

[rillsung]

We did a 3 night stay in San Diego last month and wished we had more time. We drove from Disneyland the first day and we were pokey about leaving Disney We had the San Diego citipass (includes Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Safari Park for I think 5 days) so we decided to do Sea World that afternoon and then again the next day. We did the Zoo for a day and the Safari Park for a day. After the Zoo, we drove around Balboa Park and would have loved to spend more time there before everything was closed! After the Safari Park, we drove to The Fish Market for dinner, which was right next to the USS Midway. The last day we went to Cabrillo Monument for a few hours before heading back to the airport.

 

[BlueChariot]

We did a 3 night stay in San Diego last month and wished we had more time. We drove from Disneyland the first day and we were pokey about leaving Disney We had the San Diego citipass (includes Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Safari Park for I think 5 days) so we decided to do Sea World that afternoon and then again the next day. We did the Zoo for a day and the Safari Park for a day. After the Zoo, we drove around Balboa Park and would have loved to spend more time there before everything was closed! After the Safari Park, we drove to The Fish Market for dinner, which was right next to the USS Midway. The last day we went to Cabrillo Monument for a few hours before heading back to the airport.

Thanks for the first hand info. We leave in 10 days and cannot wait!!! We are spending three days in San Diego, and DH is concerned that is too long. We have a Sea World here in FL, so probably wouldn't benefit from the Citipass. But I have a feeling we will really enjoy Balboa Park, especially with DD (16 months).

 

[Magix]

I see that a few people have already mentioned USS Midway, which is a terrific and interesting visit. If you're over that way, just walk up along the waterfront a few hundred yards and visit the SD Maritime Museum. I love the place!! They have interesting exhibits, all of which are onboard ships. They have the Star of India, which is great to explore, HMS Surprise (from the movie "Master & Commander"), the Californian tall ship, I think they still have a Russian submarine, plus they have the USS Dolphin submarine (this one's a VERY claustrophobic space), the Medea, the Pilot Boat (which you can take for 30 minute harbor tours) and the main building is on the ferry boat Berkeley. Really, a terrific place for a cheap price! First time I went, my Dad and I spent 5 hours there! They also do harbor sails aboard the Californian, which are great.

If you'd like a unique place for a meal, check out Extraordinary Desserts. They have a couple of SD locations. Nice meals (fancy sandwiches and such), great tea (huge selection of flavors) and the most amazing desserts you can possibly imagine!

 

[cagirl4life]

There is a Mexican shopping area in SD as well. Loved the Mexian restaurant there (wish I could remember what it's name was) and there used to be a shop (not sure if still there) next to it with those shirts that absorb the sun and change colors.

Old Town Mexican Cafe!! The best Mexican food in all of SD! Plus watching the little old ladies make the tortillas is always cool. We always leave with a pack of tortillas for the go! Its in Old Town by the I-8 and the I-5 not far from Sea World, Presidio Park, and SDSU

 

[Rhonna]

Just so everyone is aware. The other places are reasonably close to the city. The safari is a bit of a drive out of San Diego. I would hate for someone to think it's right by the zoo. We didn't pay attention to CA traffic and when we left the safari park at the end of the day, we hit rush hour coming back into San Diego and it was a BEAR!

 

[JumboBu]

stroll on blacks beach. And if you surf, one of the best spots in california. Just be careful for the humans in their birthday suits.