California

[polarpi]

1. Stay up in Anaheim, if you can swing it. While there's Disneyland, there's also California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and a number of other things you can check out in the Anaheim area. They have SO many hotels around the area that you should be able to find a great hotel for a pretty competitive price.

2. Maybe I've lucked out, but driving from my house, we can leave at 8 am and still get to Disneyland by 10 - it takes almost an hour to get from my house to the 5, which is then a straight shot to Disneyland. It is definitely true that you need to be prepared for fast drivers out here - they are brutal if you're going 70 in "the fast lane".

3. Gaslamp Quarter, while I've never spent much time there, has really improved (from what I've heard). The new ballpark (Petco Park) is down there, so as they were building, they improved the surrounding area, as well. There's a number of people around there most of the time, so safety should not be an issue (just take basic precautions and such).

4. SD Zoo is huge - the bus tour is a great idea - it takes you around the entire zoo, and they now have the hop on/hop off option (I can't remember if it costs a little more to do that, but it alleviates some of the hilly walking) - since the zoo is in the middle of Balboa Park, there's a lot of building up instead of out.

5. I'm not too familiar with the transportation options of the city (I live about 45 minutes away from downtown), but it sounds like you've gotten a lot of advice from those who would be more knowledgable.

6. I'd definitely second Belmont Park (if you're into roller coasters or "boardwalk games/rides"). The beaches are always great, but very busy during the summer Disneyland is a lot of fun - I actually prefer Disneyland to Walk Disney World (but maybe I'm biased). California Adventure is right across from the entrance to Disneyland - you can buy the park hopper and go between the two parks all day. There's more to do at Disneyland, but I'd classify California Adventure as a more "adult-friendly" type park - minimal "little kids" rides. Always use the Fast Pass option for the rides that have it - although you can only hold one Fast Pass at a time (from my understanding), it allows you to "wait in line" in two places at once.

Have fun!

[AOIIalum]

Thanks for the tips, all. I'll take all you have and more!

One more question for you Californians:

DH has decided that he'd prefer to stay somewhere about 30 minutes outside of Disneyland, between Disneyland and the San Diego airport. It sounds like "someone" told him we could stay just outside of Disneyland but still only have about a 45-60 minute drive to the airport. Of course, I'd rather stay in Anaheim but I don't do the driving

Is there such a place with decent lodging options? If so, where?

I have a friend that lives in Napa Valley. Not really sure how far away that is from San Diego and Los Angeles. If it's not too far away, I would suggest going there because of the wine tasting. My friend always talks about how he loves the wine there.

[damasa]

Originally posted by ztawinthropgirl
I have a friend that lives in Napa Valley. Not really sure how far away that is from San Diego and Los Angeles. If it's not too far away, I would suggest going there because of the wine tasting. My friend always talks about how he loves the wine there.

Napa is about 8 or 9 hours from San Diego.

[epchick]

Originally posted by AOIIalum
Thanks for the tips, all. I'll take all you have and more!

One more question for you Californians:

DH has decided that he'd prefer to stay somewhere about 30 minutes outside of Disneyland, between Disneyland and the San Diego airport. It sounds like "someone" told him we could stay just outside of Disneyland but still only have about a 45-60 minute drive to the airport. Of course, I'd rather stay in Anaheim but I don't do the driving

Is there such a place with decent lodging options? If so, where?

There was a place we passed as we were heading to San Diego from Disneyland. I think it was called Oceanside. I dont know how good the lodging is. There is also San Juan Capistrano (its the name of the church, but i think its the name of the town as well). It is also between San Diego and Disneyland. Capistrano is nice and small, we saw some hotels there, so its worth looking into...if u want.

[AOIIalum]

Thanks! The suggestions have been great. Wineries sound fun, but I'd rather go to DL any day Even better, the Haunted Mansion holiday overlay will be up and running while we're there! I've always wanted to see WDW decorated for the holidays, but I'll take a little bit of DL instead!

So, after much discussion and some feedback from a coworker of DH's who says we'd be insane to drive in and out of Anaheim (hurrah!) here's the final and booked plan:

San Diego Friday & Saturday
Pick up rental car and head to Anaheim Saturday night through Monday
Back to SD Monday night
Fly home Tuesday

Now if I could just figure out what I'm going to do on Friday afternoon/evening I'd be set! Yes, I'm leaning towards shopping and dinner somewhere. Now I'm really weird and can't stand Mexican food. (I know, you all have given me these great suggestions and I hate mexican food!) Also for AKAMonet, my husband does not thank you for telling me there's a Tiffany's right there

[epchick]

Originally posted by AOIIalum
Now I'm really weird and can't stand Mexican food. (I know, you all have given me these great suggestions and I hate mexican food!)

May I ask where you are from? I would suggest to try the food there...even if you say you don't like mexican food. Depending on where your from, it might not be authentic mexican food (and usually when the restaurant says "authentic mexican food" it really isn't). Taco Bell, Taco Cabana and all those other ones ARE NOT mexican food.

I've even been to places in Texas and gone to "authentic mexican food" restaurants and it definitely isn't authentic.

I would say, just try it...ESPECIALLY if the food you associate as "mexican food" is really not! You know what i mean?

Well your itinerary sounds fun. I've only gone to Disneyland once (and i was 17) and I absolutely loved it, it definitely is NOT for just little kids, that's for sure.

i would say for Friday to just relax!

[OtterXO]

Originally posted by AOIIalum


Now if I could just figure out what I'm going to do on Friday afternoon/evening I'd be set! Yes, I'm leaning towards shopping and dinner somewhere. Now I'm really weird and can't stand Mexican food. (I know, you all have given me these great suggestions and I hate mexican food!) Also for AKAMonet, my husband does not thank you for telling me there's a Tiffany's right there

On friday I would suggest going downtown to shop at Horton plaza and the other shops in the Gaslamp and then head to dinner somewhere downtown. Some good restaurants downtown are Monsoon (Indian); La Strada (Italian); Max Steakhouse (steak/seafood); and Cafe Seville (Spanish-tapas, etc). Those are some of my top picks!

[JenMarie]

Bumping because I'm going to San Diego in a month.

I run the risk of being really tired, but I don't think I really have a choice.

My 3 gal friends from college are going down there on a THursday. I'm meeting them on Friday night, most likely. The flight I'm looking at gets into the airport at 9:45 pm. I will most likely be picked up from the airport and we'll go straight to Gaslamp for dancing. My question is what kind of a dress code do these bars and restaurants? Could I get away with jeans and a cool pair of tennis shoes? Or are a good chunk of them "black pants and shoes" deals?

What kind of cover charges are we looking at? Drinks? And of course, which clubs do you recommend. We dig Top 40 clubs but I'm also into the 80s.

And I'm going to look up thread for beach information. But feel free to repeat or requote.

[amycat412]

You can get away with NICE dark washed jeans. No tennis shoes, EVER.

[macallan25]

Have had some good times in California. Usually stay once a year at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego....and our family has a place in La Jolla. I also like the Palos Verdes area outside of LA, I have some family that lives there aswell.

[SoCalGirl]

Best Bars
1.Pacific Beach Bar and Grill
Pacific Beach
PB's party mecca was a runaway winner. Even the second runner-up got creamed in the polls.

2.The Bitter End
Gaslamp Quarter

3.Martini Ranch
Gaslamp Quarter

4.Side Bar
Gaslamp Quarter

5.Air Conditioned
North Park

6.On Broadway
Gaslamp Quarter

7.Airport Lounge
Little Italy

8.The Onyx Room
Gaslamp Quarter

9.Beach
Downtown

10.Deco's
Gaslamp Quarter

Conversation Bars
1.Top of the Hyatt
Downtown
No one came close to touching Top of the Hyatt in votes.

2.The Wine Lover
Hillcrest

3.The Living Room Coffeehouse
Hillcrest

4.Crush
Hillcrest

5.Aubergine
Downtown

6.Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge
Gaslamp Quarter

7.Isola Lounge
Pacific Beach

8.Sinbad Cafe
Pacific Beach

9.Red Circle Cafe
Gaslamp Quarter

10.Galileo 101 Ristorante and Bar
Downtown

Dance Clubs
1.On Broadway
Gaslamp Quarter
Was there really any question who the winner would be? On Broadway wins for the second year in a row.

2.Cafe Sevilla
Downtown

3.Typhoon Saloon
Pacific Beach

4.Kickers
Hillcrest

5.Club Tremors
Pacific Beach

6.Ole Madrid
Gaslamp Quarter

7.The Shaker Room
Gaslamp Quarter

8.Thin
Gaslamp Quarter

Singles Scene
1.The Tavern at the Beach
Pacific Beach
Take it from PB's prowlers: The Tavern's got the best pickings for hopeful singletons.

2.Axis Martini Bar
Del Mar

3.Guava Beach Bar & Grill
Mission Beach

4.Henry's Pub
Gaslamp Quarter

5.Maloney's Tavern
Gaslamp Quarter

6.Bar Dynamite
Mission Hills

7.Thrusters Lounge
Pacific Beach

8.Shooterz
North Park

[mu_agd]

Originally posted by amycat412
You can get away with NICE dark washed jeans. No tennis shoes, EVER.

And this is why the shopping has been in full force lately... damn you, amy.

[BobbyTheDon]

Originally posted by SoCalGirl
Best Bars
1.Pacific Beach Bar and Grill
Pacific Beach
PB's party mecca was a runaway winner. Even the second runner-up got creamed in the polls.

2.The Bitter End
Gaslamp Quarter

3.Martini Ranch
Gaslamp Quarter

4.Side Bar
Gaslamp Quarter

5.Air Conditioned
North Park

6.On Broadway
Gaslamp Quarter

7.Airport Lounge
Little Italy

8.The Onyx Room
Gaslamp Quarter

9.Beach
Downtown

10.Deco's
Gaslamp Quarter

Conversation Bars
1.Top of the Hyatt
Downtown
No one came close to touching Top of the Hyatt in votes.

2.The Wine Lover
Hillcrest

3.The Living Room Coffeehouse
Hillcrest

4.Crush
Hillcrest

5.Aubergine
Downtown

6.Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge
Gaslamp Quarter

7.Isola Lounge
Pacific Beach

8.Sinbad Cafe
Pacific Beach

9.Red Circle Cafe
Gaslamp Quarter

10.Galileo 101 Ristorante and Bar
Downtown

Dance Clubs
1.On Broadway
Gaslamp Quarter
Was there really any question who the winner would be? On Broadway wins for the second year in a row.

2.Cafe Sevilla
Downtown

3.Typhoon Saloon
Pacific Beach

4.Kickers
Hillcrest

5.Club Tremors
Pacific Beach

6.Ole Madrid
Gaslamp Quarter

7.The Shaker Room
Gaslamp Quarter

8.Thin
Gaslamp Quarter

Singles Scene
1.The Tavern at the Beach
Pacific Beach
Take it from PB's prowlers: The Tavern's got the best pickings for hopeful singletons.

2.Axis Martini Bar
Del Mar

3.Guava Beach Bar & Grill
Mission Beach

4.Henry's Pub
Gaslamp Quarter

5.Maloney's Tavern
Gaslamp Quarter

6.Bar Dynamite
Mission Hills

7.Thrusters Lounge
Pacific Beach

8.Shooterz
North Park

SoCalGirl is DEFINATELY the shit when it comes down to San Diego! Of the places she named,I've only been to Maloney's Taven, Thrusters Lounge, Martini Ranch, the Hyatt.

The W hotel is also pretty cool. on of the floors its covered with the softest sand ever. And I went to the Yardhouse which was underground there. Another cool one.

I love San Diego

Hey SoCalGirl, I heard that Street Scene is gonna be back at downtown this year. Any truth to those rumors?

[SoCalGirl]

I haven't heard yet where it's going to be. I think Street Scene in a parking lot is lame though.

W does have a great vibe, both down stairs and on the roof/beach bar. I would totally recommend it for starting off or winding down the night.