I'm going to San Diego the weekend of May 8th for the Red Bull Air Races. We are also going to the San Diego Zoo. Does anyone have any suggestions for restaurants, nightlife and other things to do?

If the Ags and Cal Bears are playing football, don't go to the game. I think Cal just scored again.

Definitely go to the Gaslamp District. If you have a car available, drive out to Coronado Island or up to La Jolla.

Thanks for the tip. We will try to check out both!

Go to the Fish Market. They have an appetizer called the "Smoked Fish Sampler." A little salty but incredible. One of the best meals I have ever had.

Also, if you go to the Wild Animal Park, which is great, it is fun to go by the Orfila Vineyard.

Whiskey Girl in the Gaslamp Area is fun times. Lots of bars in that area, so pick one. The Grape is a fantastic wine dive and cigar bar. Tabul is a pretty good eat, but pricey.

you can go snorkeling off La Jolla coast or go surfing at some of beaches around San Diego (the water may be a little cold, but nothing a wet suit couldn't fix)

In Del Mar, there is a place called Jakes. I am a big fan.

In La Jolla, if you want to experience a first class meal at a great rate go to the George's at the cove for lunch and sit upstairs on the patio. Greatly reduced prices for great food.

I hate the GasLamp district. Its like 70%West End in Dallas and 30% Sixth Street. As someone who commuted to San Diego for two years, the locals agreed it was a tourist trap.

If you want something a little off the beaten path, try going to the Rancho Vallencia Resort. A good drive, but a nice drive. Tons of orange groves and lemon groves, etc. Nicely manicured spot. Not exactly cheap, but again for a weekend lunch I recall it not being outlandish.

For a local cheap eat, try World Famous in Pacific Beach. They have some super cheap taco special. I forget when and how it works. But a good spot.

For beaches, I recommend Torrey Pines State Beach. Very nice spot.

I could come up with more, but that could get you started.

[This message has been edited by Objective Aggie (edited 4/29/2009 10:59p).]

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In La Jolla, if you want to experience a first class meal at a great rate go to the George's at the cove for lunch and sit upstairs on the patio. Greatly reduced prices for great food.

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This.
I couldn't remember the name. We ate upstairs on the deck.

Also check out the seals on Children's Beach.

I did not like Jake's at all. They horribly overcooked my seafood. Only redeeming factor was the fact that the waitstaff and hostesses (much like every other woman in San Diego) were very easy on the eyes.

I agree with Og. Aggie. I love Jake's and have never had anything but a great meal there. You should give them another chance.

And George's is good and much cheaper for lunch.

Go to the Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island and have a drink in their bar. I have never eaten there but love the hotel.

I second the drive out to the Hotel Del. Great place to get a drink and people watch for awhile. Old Town is kind of cool, good food and bars. Stayed out there for a few days last year. Balboa Park is a must for the beautiful buildings and trees. Great place for pictures. Mission Beach is pretty fun as well.

I suggest taking a tour of Tijuana

That State Department disagrees with you

Agree on Coronado. We stayed at the Marriot on the bay side. It was nice.
The aircraft carrier, Midway, was awesome.

Why was this old thread TTT?

It all depends on the days of the week that you go when deciding bars and eateries to go to.

Try:

La Puerta
Bencotto
Buon Appetito
Urban Bar & Grill
The Local
The Neighborhood
Basic


Fish Market is just ok.