San Diego Resort/Hotel

[Gupsmom]

We're spending 2 nights in San Diego before heading over to Disneyland. We have 3 kids...5, 7 and 8. We plan on doing the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. The beach would be a bonus but not necessary because we have beach days planned later in our trip. We're spending a lot of $$ on the Disney portion of our trip so we'd rather not spend too much on the San Diego hotel.

Also...which would you do first...zoo or Sea World? We enjoyed Sea World in Orlando but the heat was so bad that we couldn't stand some of the outdoor shows. Obviously, since we're going in August, I expect it will be hot. How much will this affect our enjoyment of the zoo and Sea World.

Any other tips? Places to eat? something else we should see..esp at night?

Thanks...
Jess

 

[abby]

Best place to stay in my opinion is the paradise point resort and spa. It can be expensive, but you if check some of the web sites like expedia you can sometimes get a deal.
Sea World and the Zoo are both great. Lots of walking at the zoo, it's built on a hillside. Get the admission that lets you ride the bus around that stops in four or five places. We ride the bus to the Polar Bears (at the top of the hill) and then walk downhill.
Have a great trip.

 

[icekdz]

Agree with using the bus at the zoo. We rode it first thing and last thing when we were there. It gave us a good idea of where everthing at the zoo was located. We did Sea World first and then the zoo. No reason for doing it that way it is just how it worked. You mentioned the beach... one of the things we did that was fun was drive up PCH from SD to Anaheim. We stopped at the beaches along the way- Dana Point (we walked around a little), Laguna Beach (kids played at a playground on the beach), Huntington Beach (kept driving as ds fell asleep) and Seal Beach (walked to the end of the pier and ate a a fun diner called Ruby's on the pier). The day we drove up and stopped at the beaches was probably one of my most favorite days.

 

[nordey]

I second the Paradise Point resort. Our family stayed there for a week in November and it was WONDERFUL. It is a bit pricey but well worth it!

 

[TracyK]

I haven't stayed in San Diego but I am hoping to stay there soon. I've been researching hotels and have seen this one recommended several times. www.balboaparkinn.com
It includes breakfast and looks suitable for families. I believe the location is good too.

Tracy

 

[Gupsmom]

If we weren't already doing so much on this trip, I'd say the Paradise Point looks great. BUT, I can't justify spending that much on top of what we're already spending. Besides, we're really not going to be able to sit back and enjoy the resort in San Diego...aside from maybe a couple hours at the beach if we can squeeze that in.

So, I definately need less expensive ideas.

Thanks for responding... We'll definately use the bus at the zoo.
Jess

 

[MrsMud]

I have been researching this same issue. It seems it is much easier to find a decent priced hotel with good reviews in Anaheim than SD. I have read all the reviews on TripAdvisor (if you haven't done that, I would suggest it), and am leaning toward the Days Inn Hotel Circle. It is centrally located for both those attractions and in fact offers free shuttles to both as well as the airport. Not the fanciest, no breakfast, but it gets good reviews and is very reasonable ($89 first week of Oct); also I think there may be an Entertainment card rate depending on when you're going. Hope this helps.

 

[disneyberry]

[SIZE=+0]Hi, 2 years ago, we attended a wedding that was held at Paradise Point. The prices were ridiculous at Paradise Point, so we chose to stay directly next door in a motel called the "Dana Inn". It was a much better value, seemed very family friendly, and is basically the same location on Mission Bay as the Paradise Point Resort. Sea World is across the street, but take the free shuttle since the "street" is more like a highway IIRC. We paid only $79/night I think, through Hotwire.

They have since completed a huge remodeling. So I don't know if rates are higher now, but assumably the rooms are nicer.

http://www.thedana.net/
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sandiego/H46543.html

For Hotwire assistance, try:

http://www.betterbidding.com

Good luck![/SIZE]

 

[lark]

If one of your days is a weekend day, I would use that day for the zoo and the non-weekend day for seaworld. If they are both weekend days or both week days, I guess I'd go to seaworld first and then the zoo, since you're headed up to Disney going to sea world then disney would sort of be going to the same style entertainment twice in a row; I might break it up with the zoo.

As for where to stay, don't get completely locked in to San Diego. There are lots of great places to stay up the coast, all within very easy driving distance to all of the San Diego attractions.

For example, we stay in Carlsbad. It's quiet, the beach is great, it's a half hour to every SD attraction (and closer to the wild animal park and legoland), and it's a shorter drive to Disney. But there are a half dozen towns like that heading north of San Diego -- Del Mar is also a nice option.

For the zoo and sea world, you won't be able to beat Paradise Point, but you're right about the cost. One thing about that place, though, is that if they are not sold out, they will definitely negotiate with you on the phone. Don't be shy about asking if a price is the best they can do.

With a family that large, I would also think about a rental house or a timeshare. They are all over the place from Coronado to Oceanside, and frankly, any of those places would be great for your needs. Two nights is tough, but it can be done. If you haven't entered the timeshare or house rental world yet, it can be a little intimadating, but it beats the heck out of a hotel. A good place to start is vbro.com

 

[sk8ingmom]

Don't worry about the heat. As long as you stay near the coast the weather is typically mild (rarely above 80). A 10 minute drive inland increases the temp. significantly!

I don't have a specific recommendation, but there are many mid-to-value hotels in Mission Bay near Sea World and about 10 minute drive to the zoo. I lived in SD for 3 years soI never stayed in a hotel.

Have you thought about visiting the SD Wild Animal Park (also run by the SD Zoo)? It is up I-5 about 40 minutes, so its on the way to Anaheim. IMO it is the best thing in CA (although I haven't been to DL yet!). It makes the safari at WDW AK look like a big joke. It's just an amazing place where the animals roam around like in the wild and you view them from an elevated monorail. You really can't see anything but the park so you really feel like you are in Africa. Of course, it is inland and gets pretty hot so you might also FEEL like you are in Africa in August!

 

[mill4023]

Yep, it's much harder to find a decent priced hotel in SD than in Anaheim. We used Priceline last summer and ended up getting the Hyatt in La Jolla for about $70/night. Very nice place and La Jolla is only about a 20 minute drive from Sea World. Being closer to the ocean, both Sea World and the Zoo are going to have much more comfortable weather than Anaheim. Don't get me wrong, it will still be hot when you are sitting in the sun in an ampitheater waiting for the Shamu show to start, but it won't be nearly as bad as Orlando in the summer. Temps at the zoo shouldn't be too bad and there is lots of shade. I hate the heat and I loved the weather when I lived in San Diego.

If you do decide to make a beach trip, I recommend Pacific Beach. There are some great little places to have dinner outside practically right on the beach.

 

[sandiegosusie]

I grew up in San Diego and I am still living here! I would go up the coast instead of the Balboa Park area for lodging. The same goes for Mission Beach. It is not one of the safest areas anymore. Lots of gang member both during the day and evening. I would also consider buying a city pass. It may save you and your family a heap on admission. Go to Old Town and eat great Mexican food there. Lots of choices and really tasty! In and Out burger is the best for hamburgers/fast food! They are in Southern California and are yummy! Order it animal style. Super messy and delicious!

 

[zakerdog]

I grew up in San Diego and I am still living here! I would go up the coast instead of the Balboa Park area for lodging. The same goes for Mission Beach. It is not one of the safest areas anymore. Lots of gang member both during the day and evening. I would also consider buying a city pass. It may save you and your family a heap on admission. Go to Old Town and eat great Mexican food there. Lots of choices and really tasty! In and Out burger is the best for hamburgers/fast food! They are in Southern California and are yummy! Order it animal style. Super messy and delicious!

What do you know about the Best Western Blue Sea Resort on Mission Beach? We are looking at staying there, any comments?

 

[poconoboatniks]

What about the Holiday Inn with Kids Suites in Mission Bay?

Poconoboatniks

 

[sandiegosusie]

I will try to do a drive-by and check them out for you both...I am not familiar with either only because we try to stay away from that area when we go to the beach. Mission Bay is contaminated most of the time and closed to swimmers. Unfortunately the Visitors Bureau doesn't tell the tourists that. They find out when they get there.

I know the Sheraton on Harbor Island is nice, I know that from experience. It has a great pool. We have had a lot of rain as I'm sure you have heard. A lot of erosion has taken place on our beaches and the sand has been depleted. Like I said in my earlier post booking up the coast more toward Carlsbad and Legoland is a safe bet. My brother-in-law lives there and they go to the beach all the time.

If you aren't set at staying within a few blocks of the beach I would reccomend the Marriott in Mission Valley. You can see the Sea World Tower from West facing rooms. Not to mention the awesome sunsets. This area is centrally located and you will be really close to the zoo, the beaches,
Sea World and the Gaslamp Quarter. Really fun!

 

[zakerdog]

What do you know about the Best Western Blue Sea Resort on Mission Beach? We are looking at staying there, any comments?

I will try to do a drive-by and check them out for you both...I am not familiar with either only because we try to stay away from that area when we go to the beach. Mission Bay is contaminated most of the time and closed to swimmers. Unfortunately the Visitors Bureau doesn't tell the tourists that. They find out when they get there.

That is really kind of you to do that I keep asking for feedback and have never gotten anything good or bad so I am getting very nervous about our choice.

 

[hambirg]

zakerdog-sorry I don't know anything about your hotel, but I did find a Best Western Blue Sea Lodge on www.tripadvisor.com . Could they be the same? It appears to be on Mission Bay. If it is there are several pages of reviews. I hope that helps you.

 

[zakerdog]

zakerdog-sorry I don't know anything about your hotel, but I did find a Best Western Blue Sea Lodge on www.tripadvisor.com . Could they be the same? It appears to be on Mission Bay. If it is there are several pages of reviews. I hope that helps you.

thanks, that does help, now I don't feel so concerned.

 

[poconoboatniks]

Sandie,

Thank you so much. We appreciate the info.

Poconoboatniks

 

[sandiegosusie]

If I can help anyone else let me know...I didn't go by the hotels this weekend due to family obligations. I will make it next week. My husband is in on it too...he is out quite a bit more than me. We are going to Disneyland in two weeks for our daughters 4th birthday! I will have it done by then. Hope this helps!