OT - Your thoughts on visiting San Diego?

[Michael Whitaker]

My wife and I are visiting San Diego for the first time over the Christmas holiday. No golf… just taking in the sights.


I’ve never been to this part of California. Not sure if we should book accommodations in San Diego or somewhere nearby. We’re not really beach people, so while we enjoy the views it’s not an attraction for our time.


Any thoughts or suggestions on how we can make the most of our visit?

Thanks for your help!

[Rob Marshall]

Have lunch at George's in Lajolla on the outdoor terrace. Incredible views.


https://www.georgesatthecove.com/

[Jackson C]

Mike,


If this is your first time in SD area, the main attraction is likely the beaches (and views).
La Jolla is an option but may be too busy, too expensive etc.
I would look at the many beach towns from Coronado in the South all the way to Solano in the North.
That will give you a chance to grab a cup of coffee and walk along the beach in the morning.  Then you can go sightseeing in the afternoon.
If you want somewhere to walk around in the evenings with restaurant options, the choice is downtown.


Hope that helps and enjoy America's best city (but not for golf).


Jackson

[Tim Martin]

Mike-The Gaslamp district is a fun area with lots of restaurants and bars and is worth checking out for a lunch or dinner. Enjoy your trip.

[Greg Hohman]

Resident here. I agree with Jackson about the beach towns. Coronado has the spectacular bonus of the bridge which takes you there and back. Along the coast road, you'll pass UC San Diego, the Salk Institute (architecture) and Torrey Pines GC. Veering inland can take you through wealthy Rancho Santa Fe, which gives you that side of San Diego.

I detest downtown, where I lived for two years and have worked for 20+ years; recommend a walk through nearby Balboa Park, which also includes the zoo. Beside it is Bankers Hill, an old neighborhood which merits a stroll. Not far away is Mission Hills, another of the city's older neighborhoods; it has pretty streets and homes.

The county's "Backcountry" has many worthwhile rural destinations. If interested, I can elaborate.

My current taste runs in different direction: gritty National City. I doubt it is for you.

[Kevin_Reilly]

Nice to have a drink or lunch at the Hotel Del Coronado, then drive down the Silver Strand and catch a glimpse of the Navy SEALS obstacle course right off the road.  If your timing is good, you can also see prospective SEALS doing rock portage on the shoreline right outside the Hotel Del.

[Kalen Braley]

The location of the airport is terrific, a bit like flying into Vegas where you're only a couple miles from downtown.

Agreed with the above sentiments, you can't go wrong staying near the coast., and there is a fair bit to see both south and north of downtown proper.   A few things I've really enjoyed in my visits over the years:

1)  Downtown/Gas Lamp area
2)  Tour of the Midway carrier
3)  Coronado area via the bridge and drive all the way south to the Imperial Beach pier
4)  La Jolla point area, several terrific spots and vantage points
5)  Torrey pines State reserve, some good hikes with great views or just chill on the beach.

P.S.  If you're into top notch beer, I can give you a few recommendations too.  SD is beer nirvana!

[Peter Sayegh]

I much prefer La Jolla though I always drive to the zoo and PETCO if there's a game.
Second Rob's recommendation of George's.

[Jeff Schley]

Will be hard to not have a great time with the weather and activities there. I lived in So Cal for 10 years and would head to SD every month or so. A couple things that appeal to all:

• Coronado - have lunch at Hotel Del Coronado and gives you a chance to walk the beach.  FYI a wealthy donor owned a house on the beach where President Clinton would stay. Who else was living in Coronado?  Oh yeah Monica.
• Coronado - alternate would be Tent City Restaurant, which basically prints money on most nights and weekends.
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps - this is close to LaJolla, so when you go up North everyone who I have taken there thought it was worth the time.
• SD Zoo - I don' t know if it is open now (assume so), but if it is will be a nice day or at least half day.
• Gas lamp has many spots to eat/drink and the place to be in the evenings.

You'll have a great time.  Also for hotels, it used to be (not sure now) that you had to stay a good deal of the way inland as the coast and Lajolla was an arm and a leg. So factoring in parking each day would add up.

[Gib_Papazian]

Michael,


I speak fluent San Diego in both our agriculture biz and from a golf perspective.


Gastronomically - if you do not want to wade into the Gaslamp - the worst restaurant in the Little Italy section is terrific. Tough neighborhood in terms of competition, so every Exec Chef has serious culinary chops.


However, one joint unique enough that you cannot get something *THAT* creative and delicious anywhere else is as follows:


https://elagave.com
El Agave . . .
2304 San Diego Ave # B, San Diego, CA 92110

This will be the best Mexican gourmet you've ever eaten - and wifey will dig the decor. Best high-tone Mezcal drinks on the planet - this is no taqueria, that is for sure. I was literally stunned walking in the door, wishing I had my Mark III to get some pictures.

Start the evening with a Sunset Cruise around Mission Bay . . . . nothing like it, just book one of the nicer ones with vino and a few appys'. Again, major brownie points with wifey, guaranteed.

[Adam G]

Don't miss the zoo. It might be the best in the world.

[Steve Lang]

   Might want to check out whether Pete Lavallee has any home brew available and info on local happenings...

[Pete_Pittock]

The Holiday Bowl is 12/28   Pac 12 vs ACC.  Tijuana for sombreros
Anything indoors I would try to pre-book

[Marty Bonnar]

On the ONE DAY I spent in San Diego we did the Old Town area and a couple of wineries near the harbour. Quite touristy but good fun, but a very short visit!
F.


PS I also remember we got stuck on the wrong side of the expressway and had to walk through a massive bed shop to get back to our ship. The salesman’s face as eight pasty, half-pissed Scots wandered through his shop was a picture!

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Tour The Midway aircraft carrier


Have lunch on the patio at Torrey Pines


Have lunch or dinner at Del Coronado Hotel and take a tour


Visit the Zoo.


Ride around Rancho Santa Fe or La Jolla ...some nice houses there

[John Emerson]

It is the greatest city, all things considered, in the USA.  If anyone disagrees, then I’d love to debate them

[Kalen Braley]

It is the greatest city, all things considered, in the USA.  If anyone disagrees, then I’d love to debate them

I love SD, but depending on how and what you're measuring, its not even the greatest city in Southern California....

LA easily out-does nearly any category San Diego scores well in, much less if we're including golf..

[John Emerson]

It is the greatest city, all things considered, in the USA.  If anyone disagrees, then I’d love to debate them

I love SD, but depending on how and what you're measuring, its not even the greatest city in Southern California....

LA easily out-does nearly any category San Diego scores well in, much less if we're including golf..

I’m not talking about golf.  I’m strictly referring to quality of life.  LA is full of nothing but pompous Jack asses.  No thank you.  Not too many cities I will never visit again but LA is on that list for me.

[JohnVDB]

In addition to the zoo, go to the Wild Animal Park. See the animals in a more open setting,


About 12 years ago, I was there and went on a 2-hour sail on an Old America’s Cup yacht around the harbor,  it was a really cool experience. I just looked and there are cruises on a yacht from the 1990-, but the one we went on was bigger and older than that.  Still looks like fun.

[Tim Leahy]

Brunch at the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island is special, don't miss it. Covid permitting? Also Anthony's Fish Grotto in La Mesa is worth the drive. Unique setting and great fresh seafood.

[mike_beene]

Don’t look out the window when you land. It is like landing in a football stadium.

[Pat Burke]

https://www.theshell.org/


San Diego Symphony is phenomenal


The new “Shell” is world class. If any of their holiday shows fit

[Pete Lavallee]

Since you haven’t booked accommodation yet the Hotel Del Coronado would make a nice home base. Built in 1888, it was the first place west of the Mississippi to have electricity. It was used in the movies Some Like it Hot and The Stuntman. They have just undergone a major restoration. The Silver Strand Beach is one of the finest in the country; a good place to take a stroll even for nonbeach people. You can rent bikes across the street and Coronado is ideal for cycling. A quick trip over the bridge and your in downtown or Little Italy.


San Diego is beer central in Ca. I would recommend trying our largest micro brewery’s tasting room Ballast Point on India and Ivy. They have over 25 of their own beers on tap and the food is good.


You could also stay at the Lodge at Torrey Pines which is the only 5 star hotel in the region. That would leave you close to La Jolla.


If you’re really feeling adventurous try a tandem paraglide at the glider port just south of the 12th hole at Torrey Pines!


Balboa Park has a lot going for it, be it just a stroll down the Prado or visiting one of the many museums. Sadly the two free features the Botanical Building and the Timken Art Gallery are closed for renovations. The Zoo is world class and you could easily spend half a day there. The Prado restaurant is a good place to grab lunch while in the Park.


Any way you cut it I’m sure you’ll both enjoy “America’s Finest City”!

[Marty Bonnar]

On the ONE DAY I spent in San Diego we did the Old Town area and a couple of wineries near the harbour. Quite touristy but good fun, but a very short visit!
F.


PS I also remember we got stuck on the wrong side of the expressway and had to walk through a massive bed shop to get back to our ship. The salesman’s face as eight pasty, half-pissed Scots wandered through his shop was a picture!

Actually, now that I think about it, the bed shop story was in Santa Barbara.
I’ll blame Age - and alcohol - for the memory lapse!
 

[Michael Whitaker]

To all...


I can't thank you enough for your input and suggestions. This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping to get. Our visit will be much improved thanks to you. You guys are the BEST!!!


Whit