San Diego recommendations

[Gil Bang 26,225]

On 8/7/2024 at 11:22 AM, wild_turkey said:

I'm heading to San Diego in late August with my wife and our 19 month old daughter. It's our first time there and we'll be staying in an Airbnb house a couple blocks from the beach, near the junction of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. We liked the idea of Coronado Island, but they don't allow short term rentals there, so it would've had to be a hotel, which meant sharing a room with the kiddo (no bueno) or paying significantly higher rates for a suite. The Airbnb option in Pacific Beach suited us better.

We plan to visit the zoo and spend time at the beach. We would like to visit La Jolla and probably Coronado Island. We don't have any specific activities planned other than the zoo, but looking for recommendations.

I would also appreciate some kid friendly dining spots around that area if anyone knows of anything. Basically prefer outdoor seating with good food, price is no concern, casual or upscale, just don't want to be crashing a quiet date night spot.

Are Stone Brewing or Ballast Point Brewing worth visiting?

I'm a fan of whale watching with kids.  Even if you don't see whales, you're sure to see a ton of dolphin.  She may be too small to enjoy though.   Near the USS Midway, I love The Brigantine.  Right on the water, great outdoor seating.   Great taco Tuesday deals, BTW.   Also, in late August, the horses will be running at Del Mar if you enjoy that.  "where the turf meets the surf, down at old del mar

On 8/7/2024 at 11:32 AM, Herbie Hancock said:

Miguel’s Cocina by the El Cordova Hotel on the island is great food with a nice patio. Been a few years, but we hit Stone and Bolt brewery and enjoyed both.

Bought a vase from a dude blowing glass in the art market at Balboa park. Pretty damn cool to watch something get made from scratch right in front of you and then get to take it home.

Miguel's is a chain. It's fine, but there are several locations.

18 hours ago, wild_turkey said:

Any thoughts on Duke’s in La Jolla? Or the aquarium up there?

The Scripps Aquarium is fantastic.  And, on that day, go to the gliderport.  There's a cool sandwich shop there and you can get lunch. https://www.flytorrey.com/the-cafe/

In La Jolla, there are a ton of seals.  The kid might get a bang out of that.  And a restaurant with the best views ever: https://www.georgesatthecove.com/

4 hours ago, mdleast said:

I also like hanging out on that patio at the Duke's in La Jolla and have done so multiple times.  I like the food well enough but I am not a big "foody" or anything if that's a big factor for you. 

There is also a Jake's in Del Mar from that same company that I also have been to multiple times at sunset.  Love that beach around there and how they do the view beyond sundown with lights on the beach

Love Jakes.  J.R. hasn't been behind the bar the last couple of times I've been there.  

Edited August 19 by Gil Bang

[StassneyHorn 6,763]

I’ve had the Ribs and Chicken plate at Duke’s in LJ and it was dope.

[ATXhorn17 1,677]

I’ll be in Encinitas for a long weekend with the Mrs in November — staying at a resort called Alila Marea (credit card points conversion for Hyatt came in clutch). 

Any general recos/must sees/must eats? The Zoo and/or the Safari Park is definitely on our list, but we’re pretty wide-open other than that. 

[Gil Bang 26,225]

I love 3rd corner wine shop and bistro.  

[Gil Bang 26,225]

On 10/6/2024 at 1:00 PM, ATXhorn17 said:

I’ll be in Encinitas for a long weekend with the Mrs in November — staying at a resort called Alila Marea (credit card points conversion for Hyatt came in clutch). 

Any general recos/must sees/must eats? The Zoo and/or the Safari Park is definitely on our list, but we’re pretty wide-open other than that. 

Will you have a car? 

Del Mar will be running their winter meet in November, so you can see the ponies if you enjoy that sort of thing.   If you do any day trips, pick up a picnic lunch at Seaside Market in Cardiff.  It's the best fucking market I've ever seen.  Amazing prepared foods.   You could easily do wine country Temecula for an afternoon if that appeals to you.  If you've got Global Entry, you can go to TJ for a few hours, but don't do it without Global Entry.  The border wait can be hours long. 

Edited October 8 by Gil Bang

[DalTxHornFan 3,130]

The Midway aircraft carrier was pretty damn cool the last time we were there.  Very well restored.  Definitely gives you a sense of what that Greatest Generation went through.

[Gil Bang 26,225]

17 minutes ago, DalTxHornFan said:

The Midway aircraft carrier was pretty damn cool the last time we were there.  Very well restored.  Definitely gives you a sense of what that Greatest Generation went through.

Yeah, and the aforementioned Brigantine and Miguels are only about 200 yds north of The Midway. 

[Gil Bang 26,225]

BTW, was just down in Little Italy the other night.  What a cool vibe.  Great neighborhood, great restaurants and bars.  No trashy bullshit like the Gaslamp.  

[Upgrayedd 5,865]

On 10/6/2024 at 3:10 PM, Gil Bang said:

I love 3rd corner wine shop and bistro.  

My go to in Point Loma