BMW X5
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-16-2021, 03:04 PM   #1
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17870
Rep
5,463
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Things to do in San Diego

We're planning a short 5 night trip to San Diego in December and are looking for advice on where to stay and things to do.

We've been to San Diego once before - nearly 3 years ago. And we all got sick. Some sort of crazy GI bug which really put a damper on that trip. So hoping round 2 will be a lot better *fingers crossed*

Where to stay:

Last time we got a super sweet suite at the Intercontinental. It was a corner suite with amazing bay views. Unfortunately, the price for that suite has literally tripled. (like literally, I'm not sure how, but we got that suite for ~$245/night. It's now listed at $745/night.)

Anyone have suggestions on a place to stay? Hoping to keep it under $300/night but willing to splurge a little if it's an incredible property. Also hoping to stay in Mission Beach area, but also open to Harbor View or Coronado. But if there's other areas we should be considering I'm all ears

Things to do:

Here's a list of things we sort of were able to do in the few moments we weren't puking:

Toured Old Town Market - This was pretty cool, wouldn't mind checking this out again

USS Midway Museum - Another pretty cool experience but probably won't do it again

Went to La Jolla - This was pretty fun, might go back

Balboa Park - Loved this place, definitely will be going back

San Diego Zoo - The animals were mostly in hiding for whatever reason (maybe time of year/day?). Unsure if we want to revisit, but might be willing to give it another try.

Anything I'm missing/any other suggestions?
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2021, 03:25 PM   #2
BMW41049
Enlisted Member
United_States
51
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: BMW X6 M50i 2021
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

The Star of India ship right on the waterfront is very cool. Tom Ham's Lighthouse restaurant at one end of Harbor Island is a great brunch place. At the other end of the island you have two good restaurants, C Level and Coasterra, the food is good at both of them and the views of downtown are hard to beat. Lots of hotels on Harbor and Shelter island as well as Hotel Circle off the 8 freeway. I think you'll pay more for downtown on the water. If you don't mind driving about 40 minutes north on the 5 freeway, in the city of Oceanside they just built two large hotels right on the beach next to the pier downtown. The Mission Pacific Hotel and the Seabird Resort. Downtown Oceanside is now full of some very good restaurants and its pier views are hard to beat. Good luck.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-16-2021, 04:12 PM   #3
Dang3r
Schmollbraten
Dang3r's Avatar
Germany
12503
Rep
1,985
Posts

Drives: M4CPC // HP4 Comp.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Liandri Central Core

iTrader: (0)

I had stayed at the Best Western Plus Bayside Inn close to the water line, had a garage parking lot and breakfast included at that booking.

Point Loma was worth a visit, as well as La Jolla beach, arriving early enough offers some free parking space not too far from the main beach line.
Coronado Island and a visit of the Hotel del Coronado for a tasty cocktail.
__________________
Citizen of ///M - Town, where too much is just right

Some say, that my scrotum has its own small gravity field and when Im slowing down that brake lights come on at my buttox
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-16-2021, 04:27 PM   #4
Germanauto
Major General
Germanauto's Avatar
United_States
9666
Rep
6,075
Posts

Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Curryosity is a great Indian restaurant. I'm Indian so my standards are very high and this place measures up.
Puesto La Jolla has great guac and tacos. Expensive but worth it
Sunset Cliffs are pretty unique to SD. They are in Point Loma area.
Coronado has some nice properties and view points.
Little Italy is a neighborhood by downtown which is worth spending some time in.
I've only done the Zoo once but thought it was great.

5 nights is quite some time for SD though. In my book it's more of a weekend trip town.
__________________
Former
-2008 E90 328 black/brown
-2012 Lexus IS250 black/black
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-16-2021, 04:42 PM   #5
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17870
Rep
5,463
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Germanauto View Post
5 nights is quite some time for SD though. In my book it's more of a weekend trip town.
Yeah I used to do weekend trips, but with a kid everything slows down and takes extra time. And you can't stuff a bunch of activities into one day or you'll have a cranky toddler to deal with. Plus with a 4 hour flight, spreading things out over 4-5 nights rather than just 2-3 nights just makes things a little more comfortable.

I guess if we end up with some extra time we could do a day trip to LA.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 1
Germanauto9665.50
      10-16-2021, 04:48 PM   #6
dreamingat30fps
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
5256
Rep
1,904
Posts

Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: South Florida & NC

iTrader: (1)

Not much to add other than the stuff you already mentioned. The Zoo is huge and probably take up most of a day, so is Balboa Park especially if you do all the museums.

I second visiting Hotel del Coronado it's awesome. You might want to look into prices there also. Looked pricey, but who knows. The property looked amazing though.

We went in our RV so we actually stayed out in the "boonies" east of the city in an area called Jamul I believe. I actually liked it over there, nice a quiet. I think it might be Indian land or something, but I'm sure you can find cheap hotels out that way. There was also a large decent casino over there if you are into that. We would go there just to use their wifi as we had nothing at the RV park we stayed at.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-16-2021, 04:55 PM   #7
dreamingat30fps
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
5256
Rep
1,904
Posts

Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: South Florida & NC

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Germanauto View Post
Curryosity is a great Indian restaurant. I'm Indian so my standards are very high and this place measures up.
Puesto La Jolla has great guac and tacos. Expensive but worth it
Sunset Cliffs are pretty unique to SD. They are in Point Loma area.
Coronado has some nice properties and view points.
Little Italy is a neighborhood by downtown which is worth spending some time in.
I've only done the Zoo once but thought it was great.

5 nights is quite some time for SD though. In my book it's more of a weekend trip town.
Depends on your style of travel. I believe we were there for almost 2 weeks and could of spent more, but we take our time. My mom on the other hand could probably see everything we did in 2 days.
Appreciate 1
Germanauto9665.50
      10-16-2021, 07:53 PM   #8
BMW41049
Enlisted Member
United_States
51
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: BMW X6 M50i 2021
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
Yeah I used to do weekend trips, but with a kid everything slows down and takes extra time. And you can't stuff a bunch of activities into one day or you'll have a cranky toddler to deal with. Plus with a 4 hour flight, spreading things out over 4-5 nights rather than just 2-3 nights just makes things a little more comfortable.

I guess if we end up with some extra time we could do a day trip to LA.
From San Diego a one day trip to consider is Catalina Island. You can take the ferry from Dana Point or Newport Beach. Check the schedule. Its about a two hour boat ride each way. The ferry drops you off mid morning and you can head back in the afternoon. Everything is walking distance or you can rent a golf cart to get around. I've owned a boat for years and that's our favorite place to go spend several days.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-17-2021, 05:24 AM   #9
The Libertine
Major
The Libertine's Avatar
United_States
1231
Rep
1,221
Posts

Drives: 2021 Porsche Macan
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: South East, MA

iTrader: (0)

Definitely see the Midway and spend an afternoon on Coronado.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-17-2021, 10:40 AM   #10
Fly320s
Private First Class
United_States
1557
Rep
140
Posts

Drives: Car
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW M2C  [5.50]
Head north to check out Torrey Pines glider park. Go in the afternoon to watch the hang gliders and paragliders fly along the cliff. There is a nice beach below there.

Del Mar is a nice area with some good shopping and restaurants. Good hiking around there, too.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-18-2021, 11:35 AM   #11
EezyBeezy
First Lieutenant
EezyBeezy's Avatar
267
Rep
323
Posts

Drives: 2018 BMW F[am]80 M3
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (5)

December Nights in Balboa Park if you're in town the weekend of December 4.

Liberty Station in Midway District. San Diego's little version of Seattle's Pikes Peak.

Walk around Seaport Village.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Not sure if it's open again to the public at the moment.

Walk the Orange Ave. strip in Coronado.

Drive along the San Diego coast and check out beaches along the way. Start at Mission Bay, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Solana Beach, Del Mar, San Elijo, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-18-2021, 12:38 PM   #12
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17870
Rep
5,463
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Awesome recommendations everyone! Thanks for all the help.... will definitely incorporate a lot of the suggestions into our itinerary.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2021, 01:12 PM   #13
UncleWede
Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner
UncleWede's Avatar
United_States
17877
Rep
9,376
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Oxnard, CA

iTrader: (0)

Did you say you are bringing a toddler? IF so, stop reading

Head up the 15, and visit one of the casinos!
Last time I was actually downtown for a conference, took the wife, and we went for the following weekend to Viejas casino. Small, middle of nowhere, quaint, but we really enjoyed it!.
Appreciate 2
wtwo317870.00
      10-18-2021, 01:23 PM   #14
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17870
Rep
5,463
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleWede View Post
Did you say you are bringing a toddler? IF so, stop reading

Head up the 15, and visit one of the casinos!
Last time I was actually downtown for a conference, took the wife, and we went for the following weekend to Viejas casino. Small, middle of nowhere, quaint, but we really enjoyed it!.
I am bringing a toddler.... but I couldn't stop reading.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 1
Tommy-G4467.00
      10-18-2021, 01:35 PM   #15
UncleWede
Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner
UncleWede's Avatar
United_States
17877
Rep
9,376
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Oxnard, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
I am bringing a toddler.... but I couldn't stop reading.
Legoland! For the toddler.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-19-2021, 09:37 AM   #16
smrtypants44
Captain
smrtypants44's Avatar
United_States
518
Rep
894
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (2)

Theres also the San Diego zoo safari park which is more of an open experience than the zoo.

The maritime musem is pretty cool (since you mentioned the midway)
__________________
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-19-2021, 09:44 AM   #17
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17870
Rep
5,463
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by smrtypants44 View Post
Theres also the San Diego zoo safari park which is more of an open experience than the zoo.

The maritime musem is pretty cool (since you mentioned the midway)
I had just come across the zoo safari park! Would you recommend it? Sounds super interesting.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2021, 07:25 AM   #18
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17870
Rep
5,463
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Finally booked my tickets and hotel! We'll be staying in the mission bay area. Thanks all for the recommendations so far!

So far I think the things we find intriguing to do are:
Balboa Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Liberty Station
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Coronado Island

Restaurants:
Curryosity
Puesto
Meze

Any other recommendations for things to do or places to eat?
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2021, 07:56 AM   #19
Fly320s
Private First Class
United_States
1557
Rep
140
Posts

Drives: Car
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW M2C  [5.50]
If you like cocktails, I can highly recommend the Vieux Carre at Bo-Beaux in Ocean Beach. They are currently closed due to covid, but they might be open again when you are there.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-27-2021, 12:24 PM   #20
JLZ4
New Member
JLZ4's Avatar
Australia
64
Rep
14
Posts

Drives: 2019 Z4 20i
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Melbourne

iTrader: (0)

+1 for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, I really enjoyed that!

+1 for Puesto for great contemporary Mexican food and cocktails. Another great place for tacos is Salud in Barrio Logan - it's much more casual than Puesto. The Barrio Logan neighbourhood itself is worth a quick stop for a wander.

For desserts, a local recommended Extraordinary Desserts to me. I also like Salt & Straw for an ice cream fix, but they have stores in multiple cities on the west coast so if you don't make it in San Diego, there is always the option to try it in Portland, LA or San Francisco.

If you feel like some healthy food, Cafe Gratitude is amazing.

In the supermarkets, look out for Chuao chocolate blocks - interesting flavours (such as churros) and a local company based in Carlsbad. A recommendation from the local friend I stayed with.

If you intend to venture a little further north: my friend took me to the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas and the Leucadia Farmers' Market.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-27-2021, 03:56 PM   #21
floridaorange
Colonel
floridaorange's Avatar
United_States
10015
Rep
2,658
Posts

Drives: 2013 bmw 320i xdrive
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: orlando, fl

iTrader: (1)

Eat tacos, drink beer, go surfing.
__________________
Stage 2 BM3

Quote:
Originally Posted by GrussGott View Post
Sounds pizzagatey.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317870.00
      10-28-2021, 12:52 AM   #22
whyzee125
Brigadier General
1637
Rep
3,592
Posts

Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chattanooga Tn

iTrader: (0)

I’ve been to about 30 countries and almost every state and without a single doubt, San Diego is my favorite place on earth.

Cafe gratitude is amazing!
Coronado island is worth your time
Sunset cliffs are really pretty
There’s a theater on the roof of a skyscraper by sassafras street which is pretty awesome
Literally anything you do will be nice haha
Appreciate 3
selbyp93163.50
wtwo317870.00
Dang3r12503.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:26 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST