Quote:
Originally posted by AOIIalum
I'm tagging along with DH on a business trip to San Diego, no kids! I've never ever been to California.
I'll have some solo time in SD for 1 1/2 days or so. Once he's finished working we'll be going to Disneyland for a couple of days!
Now, the bunches of questions:
1. We're thinking about staying somewhere midway between Disneyland and San Diego, if it makes sense. Is that worth it, driving-wise? Or should we just stay onsite and drive back to the San Diego airport on our departure day?
2. Just how bad is the I-5 between San Diego-Anaheim? Mapping sites say around 1 1/2 hours driving. What's realistic in the late afternoon/early evening? What about morning midweek going Anaheim to SD?
3. While in San Diego, we're at the Solamar Hotel. Thank heavens I'm not paying for that one! It looks like it's in the Gaslight area? Is there enough to do around there solo for a half day (afternoon and evening)? Any suggestions for safe walking sightseeing, shopping, dining in the general area of that hotel?
4. I'm going to the San Diego Zoo on my full solo day (you know I have to try to see the pandas!) Is there enough to do at the Zoo besides the pandas to fill a day? Any SD Zoo tips I should know?
5. Is it smarter to take a cab back and forth to the Zoo from the hotel, or are there other easy & safe options?
6. Anything else I should know about San Diego or Disneyland?
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1. It really depends on the traffic. When my parents and I were at Disneyland we went down to San Diego to visit family and the ride down there was quick, but you could see the traffic from SD to Disneyland was HECTIC. If you stay by Disneyland I suggest the BEST WESTERN!! It is right across the street from the main gate, and we got it for a cheap price. All you do is call up Best Western
directly (not the hotel itself, but the company headquarters). They will give you the best discount. We got our room (for 4 people...mind u this was at the PEAK of vacation time) for $79.
2. I guess I kinda answered this question in #1. We left Anaheim around noon, and we kinda did stops along the way, but we never had to stop for gridlock. From SD and Anaheim, I dont know...cant reallly say since I haven't observed. We went to Disneyland through San Bernadino and Riverside.
4. BRING COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! That is a big thing, since the SD zoo is HUGE! There is plenty to do and see--we've been to SD a couple times, and I remember going when I was younger and waiting HOURS to see the baby pandas...lol. If you have extra change and your feet start to kill you (or you really dont feel like walking the whole way) then you can take the little trolley/tour things they have. I dont know exactly how much they cost though.
5. Easiest and safe option? Rent a car. In all my time traveling to SD, I haven't seen a taxi (although I know they are there). I dont know exactly where your hotel is (the link will not work on my computer---darn cheap ass machine), but I know that when we stay with my aunt (who lives right up the way from Sea World) it took around 20-25 minutes to get to the Zoo...and it might just be easier to rent a car. Especially if you see a little shop, or restaurant that you wanna stop at, you can stop and not have to worry about running the meter or having to call for another taxi.
6. THE MATERHORN (sp?) ROCKS!!! Lol...try to do all the rides at least once, so you know that you aren't missing anything! My only regret from my time at Disneyland. I decided to stay with my cousin when she wanted to stay at Tomorrowland, and I wanted to try all the other rides (like Indiana Jones, and all the rides in that area). SD is a great city, I love visiting it whenever I can...it is just a relaxing place.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN SD:
**If you love hiking or whatnot you can go to Torrey Pines...or even the beach around there.
**You can travel up to Del Mar...they have some nice shopping up there (although it is a tad bit expensive), plus the beach there is nice, and whever I go it is rarely crowded.
**Try staying away from Mission bay (the water part...you'll know ur there cause u can see Sea World across the water....the water is soooo dirty..lol---this is just a personal note).
**Of course Horton Plaza is great! And i dont know how accessible these are...but when I go visit family up in SD, I love going to watch waterpolo matches. We dont have that sport here, and it is just so interesting to watch.
**I dont remember the name of the restaurant. But off of Clairemont St. there is a pizza place. It is in the same area as the supermarket (dont remember the name though). The building is kinda woodish---dark shingly wood...lol. Like my description? Well I love the pizza there.
**Of course I love to go to stores like TJ Maxx (we dont have that here) and VONS (the supermarket...lol, i'm a dork).
Have fun in SD!!