Traveling from DLR to SeaWorld

[katiemac1875]

We have rented a car to drive from Anaheim to San Diego. We will be leaving Anaheim about 6:00pm on a Thursday evening and traveling to our hotel in San Diego. Does anyone have any suggestions on a nice area to stop and have dinner along the way. We are taking I-5 along the coast down there. Is it pretty and scenic? My DH loves seafood and this would be a great opportunity to have dinner outside of theme parks. I would love some suggestions! Thanks!!!

 

[sonnyjane]

I do that drive often but have never stopped to eat, so hopefully others can help. I just wanted to tell you not to set your expectations too high for a "scenic drive". There is a few minute span north of Oceanside where you can see the ocean well, but other than that you're not really driving along the coast, or maybe I'm jaded because I live here, but for most of it you'll see businesses and homes.

 

[bumbershoot]

I agree with sonnyjane. I remember the ocean right as you're going by Pendelton, but that's definitely not scenic, and there are a few other spots where it's off in the distance, but it's not a coastal drive as one imagines a coastal drive to be.

Now if you want some coast scenery, dump the car and take the Pacific Surfliner train. Sure, there are some views of peoples' backyards, but I remember quite a bit of water as well!

 

[skiingfast]

Like SonnyJane pointed out just short section is on the water. To make it more stunning you might want to time it so you are in that section, about 30 minutes south of DLR around sunset. Watching the glowing ball fall into the water can be thrilling.

While there will be chain restaurants just off many exits of I-5, if price is of little concern try Solana Beach that has a lot of places on the water(won't matter if it's dark by then), or the cove area of La Jolla. You can find a lot of seafood in those places.

 

[katiemac1875]

Thanks for the help everyone! You have really opened my eyes! I will have to look again at our timing and such! you guys were a big help!

 

[perlster]

There is a "Vista Point" on I-5 Southbound near Oceanside, where you turn off the freeway and park, which offers a great view of the ocean.