[Closed] Tell me about San Diego!

If he decides to have a day trip to tiajuna then remember to take his return flight tickets as border police might want to see them to prove that they will be leaving the US.

Tiajuna is a depressing dump though.

I had a nice ice cream when I was there, that and the Don't run over the fleeing women and children signs that are on the freeway are the only things that I remember

I lived in San Diego for a while. Some good museums (and Navy history) and beaches, some great breweries (Ballast Point and more). Dull downtown. It's an OK city, by American standards, but for honeymoon it's more WTF.

Nice for a weekend, I'd say, then drive or train up the coast to (somewhere else)

Thanks, Iv'e just messaged him & asked why. I've never heard it mentioned as a particularly touristy/interesting place.

There's an old aircraft carrier that's now a museum (which is better than it sounds), it is reputed for its zoo (which I haven't been to), the gaslight area is great for going out in the evening (bars/restaurants) and the coastal walks are fab. If they're there for a while, a day trip on the train to LA is worthwhile, not least because if you're on the correct side of the train there are long stretches where you overlook the Pacific, and the stations in LA (Grand Central) and San Diego (Santa Fe) are worth a look in their own right. Probably plenty to keep them busy 😎

Thanks NSL. Theyr'e starting their 2nd week in the West & are currently in Yosemite. Another 2 weeks to play with. I know theyv'e got some time in Vegas as well.

He’s on his honeymoon & for some reason has scrapped the idea of going to Hawaii, something to do about hurricanes

Tell him you don't get hurricanes in the Pacific.

San Diego was discovered by the Germans in 1904. Don't ask me what the name means.

Tell him you don’t get hurricanes in the Pacific.

Is it typhoons they get there? Or volcanic eruptions maybe?

Anyway, I'd rather go to Hawaii than SD. 🙂

Best city in the USA IMO. The Gas Lamp district has lots of bars and restaurants to visit, and also a damn fine hotel in the US Grant. Mission Beach area is lovely for a stroll as well. Eat at Bertrand at Mr A’s, great views over the city and top class food too. And do a walking tour, the Gas Lamp particularly has a very interesting history.

Ooohhh, cheers Lunge, I'll pass that on to them!

Avoid the 'Walkabout' style drinking sheds. Full of pissed up sailors looking for a fight.

The beaches are nice. We rented a fleapit beach side prefab type thing (Thomas Street, Pacific Beach according to Google Maps). Bit down at heel but fun and friendly.

Gaslamp area was ok.

It’s not called ‘America’s Finest City’ for nothing!

I’m here at the moment, and if it wasn’t for the pesky 8 hour time difference, it would be perfect

Lovely climate, lots to see downtown, La Jolla, Mission Bay well worth a look, Cabrillo Point, Balboa Park and always enjoy getting the ferry to Coronado ‘Island’.

Lovely area for cycling too.....

Again, thanks Trek, I'll pass that on as well!

San Diego was discovered by the Germans in 1904. Don’t ask me what the name means.

Scholars maintain the meaning was lost centuries ago. It definitely doesn't mean Saint Diego.

My favourite US city I think although  I've mostly been there for work. As above, marine museum stuff is really good, gas lamp fun for a night out and good restaurants. La Jolla and beaches are nice for a change of scene and relaxed atmosphere. Old town is small and a bit touristy but worth a visit with a few things to see. Easily enough for a good few days exploring. The city has a nice atmosphere and great weather. Not sure I'd bother going over into Tijuana personally but it depends on what you're after.

Oh and th zoo, San Diego zoo is brilliant, worth a visit if you have a few hours,

Ha! with all this info they'll be spoiled for choice!

Thanks everyone.

Not much to add to above but I went there because a mate moved down there,  not expecting much as it's not really on the radar like you said, loved it. Great riding in the area too if he gets the chance. Also went up to Big Bear for a weekend which is lovely in a US mountain town sort of way, not too far to drive. Six of us rented a huge house backing onto the lake for not much dollar

Scholars maintain the meaning was lost centuries ago. It definitely doesn’t mean Saint Diego.

Rubbish. It's German for Whale's Vagina.

I've spent cumiulative about 18 months living in the area just north of San Diego so I know the area very well. SD itself is just another large US city, and while it is very lovely as US cities go, there's not much to keep you occupied beyond a long weekend.

However, as a base for exploring the wider area it's perfect and there is a lot to love and explore there. Here are my top picks:

Balboa Park is lovely - lots of museums and art exhibnitions to explore and SD Zoo is also loocated there.

Whale watching off Point Lomas

Tijuauana is a 'trip', I've not been for a while but it's out there enough to be very entertaining.

Palm Springs, especially if you go up the cable car and go for a hike in the wilderness, the trails there are utterly magnificent. Indian Canyons are also well worth a visit or you could just tourist yourself out and go to the water park in Palm Springs itself.

Joshua Tree - need I say more to convince you?

Anza Borego National Park - this is just unreal, a true desert wilderness and full of amazing discoveries. While you're on your way there visit Julian, small frontier town with a real apple pie feel to it.

Disney Land in LA is about 2.5 hours driveSD Wild Animal park - is separate to the Zoo, out near Rancho Bernado and is amazing.

Sea World if you like that sort of thing

The best beaches are in that area - La Jolla Cove used to be a marine reserve and was amazing for snorkeling or diving. Del Mar 15th st beach is lovely. Moonlight Beach is good also.

Cardif by the Sea is a lovely place to hang out and absorb the coffee shop culture of the coast.

Noble Canyon - THE best bike ride I've ever done, but great for hiking around as well. It's over on the edge of Anza Borego.

I could go on....

Joshua Tree – need I say more to convince you?

Got any directions?

As gt says above, done all those things and more. Our son and his family have lived there for eight years, we go about 3 times a year - just booked the next trip. Beaches and surfing are great, loads of easy bike paths for getting around, with some great riding within short travelling distance. Big yes on Joshua Tree, and if heading that way visit Idyllwild and hike up Mt San Jacinto. Big Bear great too - lovely biking and hiking to be done there.

And San D weather is almost always awesome.

And San D weather is almost always awesome.

I was there in January this year and it was 27 degrees. I went body surfing in the evening in just a shorty wet suit it was that warm.

Joshua Tree is a bit further east from Palm Springs.

I forgot to mention Del Mar races, which are fun.

Joshua Tree is a bit further east from Palm Springs.

Still can't find it.....

Been three times and off again next month.

Sea kayaking in la jolla is fun. A trip up mount palomar to see the telescope is well worth it. Stay in a log cabin. I’ve enjoyed the Marines museum but you’ll need a passport to get onto the base.

Joshua tree is east of Los Angeles. Quite a trek. I watched an eclipse there a few years ago. My visit before that coincided with U2’s! Signed the guest book next to their names.

Porn capital of the US; he could add something special to his honeymoon.....

Still can’t find it…..

You still haven't found what you're looking for?

You still haven’t found what you’re looking for?

Too funny - I think I set that one up without realising it.