San Diego visit

[+ GregM]

Ok so next month I will be in San Diego for a few days for a class. I am getting in the day before the class (10am arrival) and leaving the after the class which is a Sunday (gotta be at airport at 3pm). My class is 9-5 and is just south of downtown. I will be staying about 30 mins south by bus from the class. What might I see and do during my off time? The Sunday i leave a friend and her family are coming down from OC for brunch. I haven't been to SD since I was in 7th or 8th grade. I thought about going to TJ the day I get in but have no clue how to cross the border. Isn't that funny, a mexi who doesnt know how to cross the border? Lol

 

Hugs,

Greg

[+ Avalon]

Ok so next month I will be in San Diego for a few days for a class. I am getting in the day before the class (10am arrival) and leaving the after the class which is a Sunday (gotta be at airport at 3pm). My class is 9-5 and is just south of downtown. I will be staying about 30 mins south by bus from the class. What might I see and do during my off time? The Sunday i leave a friend and her family are coming down from OC for brunch. I haven't been to SD since I was in 7th or 8th grade. I thought about going to TJ the day I get in but have no clue how to cross the border. Isn't that funny, a mexi who doesnt know how to cross the border? Lol

 

Hugs,

Greg

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balboa_Park_(San_Diego)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Zoo

[+ bashful]

I liked San Diego. It's been almost 20 years since I've been there, so take this with a grain of salt. Visited there a few times back then.

 

Have stayed in Old town, Coronado, and Mission Hills. Zoo is awesome, an elephant slobbered trunk spit on my hand (it's just like water). Got spit on by some big ole fish at Sea World (whale, or dolphin). Gaslamp area had a lot of bars, restaurants, and people. Hotel Del is worth a look if you like old buildings. Still have the souvenir glasses they used to served us Coronado Mimosas (they add cranberry juice), but stayed at the Lowes. Neighborhood feel in Mission Hills area. Visited La Jolla. Beautiful, and expensive (including the fine for the parking ticket I got).

 

I'm sure others close to San Diego can give you more accurate info.

[OneFinger]

I just moved from San Diego (lived there 2 previous times). I echo Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and Gas Lamp area. The Ebmarcadero is also another suggestion. Lots of shops and things to do - including tour of the aircraft USS Midway.

 

The last 3-1/2 years I lived in Hillcrest and really loved that area with all the gay bars and gay-friendly companies / restaurants. I highly recommend Urban Mo's - good drinks and a decent menu. In the same neighborhood is the Crest Cafe (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives). Been there with gay and straight friends and all loved the menu and food.

 

https://www.crestcafe.net/

 

Also love Old Town. Great places to eat and some interesting shops.

 

Can't suggest enough that you stay away from TJ. I don't feel safe there at all. But, you can access it from the trolley line and walk across the boarder. I usually walk to the main area of town - not sure I trust the taxi's there. I doubt I'll ever go there again. Nothing that I want.

[rustyrex]

I just moved from San Diego (lived there 2 previous times). I echo Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and Gas Lamp area. The Ebmarcadero is also another suggestion. Lots of shops and things to do - including tour of the aircraft USS Midway.

 

The last 3-1/2 years I lived in Hillcrest and really loved that area with all the gay bars and gay-friendly companies / restaurants. I highly recommend Urban Mo's - good drinks and a decent menu. In the same neighborhood is the Crest Cafe (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives). Been there with gay and straight friends and all loved the menu and food.

 

https://www.crestcafe.net/

 

Also love Old Town. Great places to eat and some interesting shops.

 

Can't suggest enough that you stay away from TJ. I don't feel safe there at all. But, you can access it from the trolley line and walk across the boarder. I usually walk to the main area of town - not sure I trust the taxi's there. I doubt I'll ever go there again. Nothing that I want.

 

 

I thought the Mr Tanga competition happened in TJ? It looks like one of the hottest competitions I've ever seen. I know they have it once a year at Spartakus, have you ever been?

[+ GregM]

I thought the Mr Tanga competition happened in TJ? It looks like one of the hottest competitions I've ever seen. I know they have it once a year at Spartakus, have you ever been?

 

What?

[OneFinger]

I thought the Mr Tanga competition happened in TJ? It looks like one of the hottest competitions I've ever seen. I know they have it once a year at Spartakus, have you ever been?

No, I haven't been so you may have more accurate info. I just don't feel safe in TJ.

[azulpalido]

Native San Diegan here. The purpose of San Diego is to slow down and relax. Seems like everyone has covered the basics. Here are a few random recommendations...

 

- Catch the water ferry from downtown San Diego to Coronado. Time it so that you catch the sunset as you head to Coronado and then when you return to San Diego enjoy the night skyline (summer time slightly complicates the schedule since the sun sets so late and the ferry only runs until 9 or 10). https://www.flagshipsd.com/sites/default/files/userfiles/files/ferry-schedule.pdf

 

- Hike Torrey Pines State Reserve including the fun little jaunt down to Black's Beach (nude beach).

or

- (same area) if the winds are cooperating, take a tandem paragliding ride! (not cheap). One of the best areas in Southern California for this type of stuff.

https://www.flytorrey.com/

 

- TJ is only good if you know the cool "trendy" spots that have opened up lately. Last time, I spent 6 hrs at the border crossing to get back to the US. That said, you can find some good eats, "local craft beers," and cheap OTC viagra (even at the Costco!). If you want a taste of TJ without going all the way down to TJ, you can get some street tacos at "Tacos El Gordo" (http://tacoselgordobc.com/locations/) or some homestyle Mexican at "Super Cocina" (http://supercocinasd.com/).

 

Enjoy your stay!

[Jared]

randyphillips.tours

 

Take a nice tour of the bay area by boat. The captain is a hottie!

[rustyrex]

What?

 

YouTube video of what I'm talking about. This takes place in TJ a couple times a year.

 

[+ GregM]

YouTube video of what I'm talking about. This takes place in TJ a couple times a year.

 

 

Not at all interested in that. Zzzzzzzz

[rvwnsd]

I moved from San Diego a couple of years ago after living there for 16 years and, coincidentally, just returned home from a quick visit. Here are a few suggestions:

 

• Continue walking north/west from the Embarcadero along the bay. The views of the skyline and the water are stunning, especially from Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, and Cancer Survivors' Park. (You can also walk there from the airport)
  
• Golden Hill has some decent places to eat, plus more amazing views! the #2 bus will take you there from Broadway downtown.
  
• Hillcrest, the Park Avenue district within University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington are all little urban villages north and east of Downtown and are accessible via the #11 bus.
  
• Everyone explores Balboa Park west of Park Blvd. There are some great hiking trails east of Park Blvd.
  
• If you are staying 30 minutes by bus from your class, you will probably buy a multi-day pass or a couple of day passes. That same day pass can get you to Coronado for no additional charge.
  

[+ GregM]

I'm happy to report all the doom and gloom of Tj was well not true. Everyone I came across were very nice and friendly. I was never addressed in English so I'm assuming I blended in although I'm one of the light skinned Mexis. So for all those that are soooooo afraid of what American fake news media tells ya or what happened 30 yrs ago, stay state side. More tacos and what not for me!

 

Hugs,

Greg