Ok Left Coast Dopers. I’m traveling with my boyfriend to San Diego in two weeks to San Diego for a four day mini vacation. Being a New Yorker, I really have no idea what to expect. We’re staying at the Hard Rock. Is it “in fashion” for him to wear white sneakers, or should he stay with black and/or brown? And suggestions about “must see” attractions? Good restaurants? (we’re open to all food suggestions). Areas or “tourist traps” to avoid?
Traditionally, these threads go in IMHO – I guess because you’re asking for people’s opinions about where to go and what to do. I’ll move it thither for you.
If you’re interested in military history at all, go see the Midway.
The Zoo is also required (though I couldn’t get there when I visited).
I will say that San Diego was probably the least interesting city I’ve visited. It may have been my location (by the waterfront), and the fact I didn’t get around much, but their “historic district” was pretty bland and there seemed few attractions of note.
I don’t think anybody in San Diego will care what shoes you are wearing 
It has a pretty laid back vibe.
Lots of fabulous things to do/see: beaches, Coronado bridge, Sea World, the Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park. San Diego is a lovely place.
In addition to the sites recommended by Glory, you are also a few minutes away from that wonderful tourist attraction: Tijuana, Mexico. You can get good deals on silver, leather, and vanilla. Bring your passport.
The Padres home opener isn’t until April 12th, so that lets out seeing a game in a beautiful park. As for other things, go see the zoo. Give us some hints as to what kind of food you like, and we’ll steer you to some nice restaurants. You are in the Gaslamp, so there are plenty within walking distance. Seaport Village is close by as well.
Thanks for all the suggestions. We’re not “food snobs” Open to just about anything - with the exception of pizza. Hey, I live in Brooklyn. 'Nuff said. Is it safe as tourists to go to Tijuana? I only know what I read in the newspaper.
TJ is as safe as anywhere else on the planet. A total tourist trap - an upholstered sewer. Don’t waste your time. It will give you a totally wrong impression of Mexico and her people.
I don’t think Tijuana is worth a visit unless you REALLY feel like crossing the border. Going down there will eat up half a day at the very least; for a first-time visit, there are so many other neat things to do.
Make a point of visiting Coronado National Monument–there’s a beautiful view overlooking the city at the visitor center, and some great tidepooling if you’re into that kind of thing. If you’re up for a hike, Torrey Pines State Reserve is has some neat trails that run along the top of spectacular bluffs. If you want to take a drive in the mountains, head up to Julian where they have some neat little shops and great apple pie. Right nearby is Wynola, where they have a pretty decent pizza place.
Yeah, I’d skip TJ unless you really have a burning desire to see it. I haven’t been there for several years, but I have heard that it isn’t the safest place these days either.
In addition to the above, I’d add the Wild Animal Park in Escondido.
And there’s always the glory of Astroboy! I’ll even put pants on!
- As stated before, no one will really care, bat an eye, or even notice what kind of shoes you’re wearing. Fashion is not big in SD (there’s “trendy”, but not fashion per se)
- Being in the gaslamp, you’ll have plenty of options for good places to eat, bars to hang in, etc.
As far as what to see/do, kind of depends on what you like. But some suggestions:
- La Jolla. Nice place to see the ocean, nice shops, good restaurants. La Jolla Cove is a cool place to enjoy the sun.
- The zoo. You’ll be pretty close, and it is pretty great. The Wild Animal Park is great, too, but a bit of a drive from downtown.
- Coronado. Visit the Hotel Del Coronado (killer Sunday brunch, BTW). Great beach.
- Beaches: Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla shores, Del Mar
- Old Town - specifically the Old Town Mexican Cafe for some great mexican food. Beware, though, most of the shops fall into the “touist trap” category (but there are some cool things).
- Drive up the coast from La Jolla to Oceanside. Lots of beaches, cool little towns with cool shops, and makes for a nice drive. Top the day off with a walk out on the Oceanside pier.
Places I don’t recommend:
- Tijuana. Unless you really want that souvenir stuffed toad, really not worth the time
- Seaport Village. Yes, you will be tourists and that’s what this place caters to (more cruise ship folk), but there are better places to shop.
- Sea World. Yeah, it’s kind of associated with SD, but it’s just way too commercial for my tastes.
To shift the thread’s gears a little, my GF and I are thinking of moving there in 2-3 years.
Any advice as to the ups and downs of SD residency or what neighborhoods to look at/avoid?
If you like sushi, try Sushi on the Rocks in La Jolla.
Avoid Ocean Beach, unless you really like druggie culture. (Personally, I think OB is fun to visit, but I’d be worried about living there; it seems a bit sketchy.)
Hillcrest is the gay neighborhood.
La Jolla is the rich area. (Also Rancho Bernardo).
Santee and Lakeside are the redneck areas.
If you want to live close to downtown, I’d probably go with North Park.
Pacific beach is really nice, if you can afford it. (Except the traffic makes getting in/out of it a bit of a pain.) Clairemont and University City are nice and probably a little cheaper, but without the beach access.
You probably want to avoid Imperial Beach (the area right across from Tijuana), unless it’s been cleaned up since I lived there (moved out in 1986)–it used to be fairly high crime. Not sure if that’s still true or not.
The main downsides to living in San Diego:
-Traffic (not as bad as LA, but can be annoying in some areas)
-Cost of living, especially housing. The most affordable places are those that are far from downtown, in the far suburbs/exurbs, like Lakeside, Santee, Ramona, maybe Escondido & Rancho Penasquitos. Even there, the houses are not cheap.
Upsides:
-Lots of places to go on weekends when you’re bored. Parks, the bay, mountains, beaches, trails, museums, zoos (two really great ones–San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park), etc. If you like outdoor recreation, SD is a great place.
-Lovely weather. Great for year-round gardening.
-Diverse. No matter what your lifestyle, identity or political inclinations, there’s probably a neighborhood in San Diego in which you’ll feel comfortable.
Thanks to all that replied. We appreciate your help. I’m sure we’ll have a great time.
Also there are wineries, and a Harrah’s casino, run by the local Native Americans, in Temecula. SD being in Southern California, of course you’ll need a car.
If the Hard Rock is on Mission Bay, take the introductory sailing lesson then rent a boat on your own. IIRC most of the hotels have docks and boats for rent.