San Diego after DL

[nycdisneygal]

HI!
So we are going to San Diego as I have a 5 day meeting. We decided to fly to LAX and spend 4 nights at DL beforehand and then drive to San Diego for the meeting. Hotel is on the beach. So originally I thought we would just relax all day (my meeting ends at 1 pm every day). Was thinking of maybe going to the San Diego zoo one day (have to figure out if my family will go in morning and then I cab it over at 1). Is it a must see?I know I went when I was 12 but dont remember much. I know it is not just a zoo but am wondering if it is worth it after 5 days at DL. Am thinking that I may want to just relax after DL. Is there something I absolutely should not miss? What about restaurants?

 

[Camonkeygirl]

HI! So we are going to San Diego as I have a 5 day meeting. We decided to fly to LAX and spend 4 nights at DL beforehand and then drive to San Diego for the meeting. Hotel is on the beach. So originally I thought we would just relax all day (my meeting ends at 1 pm every day). Was thinking of maybe going to the San Diego zoo one day (have to figure out if my family will go in morning and then I cab it over at 1). Is it a must see?I know I went when I was 12 but dont remember much. I know it is not just a zoo but am wondering if it is worth it after 5 days at DL. Am thinking that I may want to just relax after DL. Is there something I absolutely should not miss? What about restaurants?

What time of year are you planning on being in Southern Ca? Depending on this may be your deciding factor, as the Zoo closes at different times at different times of the year. The Zoo is $48 (adult)/$38 (child 3-11). If you only have a couple of hours it may not be worth it. I work at the Zoo, and can let you know what the closing time will be for your trip if you want

 

[nycdisneygal]

Thanks Camonkeygirl!

End of March.

 

[GoBears 1980]

I would go ask on the TripAdvisor boards about San Diego.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g60750-i41-San_Diego_California.html

I think the Zoo is worth it, so id the USS Midway because it sooo much better than the USS Intrepid

As to restaurants it depends on where you are staying, kind of food you'd like and budget.

 

[jsebsirois]

We love the San Diego Zoo, but it's better if you have enough time to see it all for there's so much to see!

As far as restaurants are concerned, we love Spaghetteria, which is in Little Italy. Not expensive at all, great food and most of all, great staff! A classic for us!

I would plan some time to visit Coronado and, if you don't have one in your city, have lunch at Panera Bread, which was a great discovery for us!

 

[Chiomaca]

I love the Zoo, but given the price, it should be for most of the day. If your family goes, you could always meet up at Balboa Park and hit some of the very cool museums there.

Where exactly is the hotel? There are a ton of good restaurants in San Diego, but that area is sprawled out and I'd hate to give recommendations in one neighborhood if you're going to be on the other side of town. Little Italy is a great area. The Gaslamp is overpriced and crowded with drunks too often for my taste, but there are a few gems in the mix. Hillcrest, South Park (my old neighborhood), and North Park have great dining options. And if you're into food trucks, there's a pretty good scene with gatherings in a different spot most nights of the week.

 

[cagirl4life]

The one restaurant I always suggest to people visiting San Diego is Old Town Mexican Restaurant. It is my favorite all time and is true San Diego Mexican food plus old town is fun to visit. I agree that the zoo is an all day thing. So maybe not this trip. San Diego has a lot of other offerings. Balboa park is pretty and the museums are good. USS Midway is impressive and you can go to Seaport Village at the same time. Visit the Coronado Del Hotel. Bike around the bay. Just go to a park at one of the beaches and chill while the kids play. Del Mar is interesting to walk around at and has some good food. There is a great Italian place. Walk the trails at Tory Pines State Beach. La Jolla Shores has a great park and grass area by the beach which is fun to picnic at and fly kites. Lots and lots to do.

 

[Camonkeygirl]

At the end of March, the closing time will be either 6 or 7, depending on the exact dates due to Spring Break. I usually recommend 4 to 6 hours to see the park. I have seen people stay as little as 2 and others still want to come back for more after 8 hours. If you are thinking about being there after 1 each day, you may want to consider a two day pass or if your planning on going to the Safari Park and Sea World, then you might look at the three park ticket (unlimited access to the Zoo, Sea World and the Safari Park) for 5 days

 

[MunFam]

The Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour may be something that you would like. It goes everywhere and is a lot of fun. It runs until later too. Do not confuse it with the "San Diego Trolley" which is our light rail system.