California - San Diego, only 1 day, what can you recommend?

Hi,
I am going to travel to San Diego on March 14th (UA901 from FRA) for a meeting. My girl-friend is going to travel with me and we only have 1 day off (I have my meeting on 16th in the afternoon and we will depart on 17th UA900).

When I was in SAN last time, I did a whale whatching tour, which was excellent. I wonder whether it is possible to rent a car and visit one of the national parks around. Does this make sense or is it not enough time?

I would be interested in visiting some nice places different to the european landscape :) - any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
Regards, Michael

National Parks near San Diego? Not really anything close... The only thing within reach of a day trip is Cleveland National Forrest, which is not a terribly tourist scenic area.

For "non-Europe" experiences, how about a trip up the the San Diego Wild Animal Park (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/index.html) (actually about 30 miles North of town)....where you can see African wild life roaming free w/o (obvious) cages?

If you have never been to the desert, consider renting a car and driving out to Anza Borrego State Park. You might actually hit the peak for spring wildflowers. And the town of Julian is worth a stop on the way.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

http://www.julianca.com/about_julian/index.htm

It's also whalewatching season. I will be in SD the upcoming weekend, and will definately not miss that :)

It's also whalewatching season. I will be in SD the upcoming weekend, and will definately not miss that :)

I think I will do the whalewatching tour... I found an offer on sailsandiego.com
Did not remember that April is still whalewatching season.

Thanks for your advice.
Michael

I think I will do the whalewatching tour... I found an offer on sailsandiego.com
Did not remember that April is still whalewatching season.

Thanks for your advice.
Michael

Take a look at this one: We just did it two weeks ago and it was fabulous. The guys are real pros, very personable, and the boat is gorgeous.

http://www.stars-stripes.com/san-diego-sailing/san-diego-whale-watching.html

4 hours, $60 on weekdays.

Some other ideas to consider:

I recently hosted a group of friends in San Diego. This is the Around-the-City drive that takes in major sites and doesn't involve much backtracking.

http://sites.google.com/site/weekendwithfriends/friday-city-tour

Here is a list of attractions. I highly recommend the Children's Pool in La Jolla for view and the seals.

http://sites.google.com/site/weekendwithfriends/san-diego-attractions

Old Town Mexican dinner with Mariachis:

http://sites.google.com/site/weekendwithfriends/friday-dinner-and-lite-shopping

There's also a local guy who hosts a website which covers some of the less-commerical options.

http://www.localwally.com/sd

Thanks lili for your posting and the links!!

It's at about the limit of whats doable as a day trip (~3 hours each way) but before I moved here I did it and was truly amazed. Joshua Tree

http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

The Chollo Cactus garden truly is one of the most surreal things I have ever seen. If that's too far though I'll give a second vote for Anza-Borrego, not quite as dramatic but still beautiful.

I suggest you spend the day in Balboa Park.

(But I am a park/museum type guy)

I also recommend Balboa Park (but I am also a museum/park person). You can eat outside in the sculpture garden of the art museum. That said, when visitors come here, they always seem to want to spend most of their time at the beach--La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove (w/ seals), Torrey Pines, etc. They always enjoy anything with a view of the ocean, palm trees, sailboats, etc. A quick visit to Old Town is usually fun--nice Mexican/Californian atmosphere. Casa Guadalajara is good and the Bazaar del Mundo shops are colorful. There's plenty to do here. No need to trek up to Julian or out to Anza Borrego, unless there's something specific you want. Eat Mexican or fish tacos or In-and-Out, or fancy-with-a-view at, say, Georges in La Jolla.

One caution is you should NOT go to Mexico. Right now it is not very safe for tourists. You could probably go and nothing would happen, but there have been problems. The US State Department warns against travel to northern Mexico and tourism is down about 90%. Very sad for the people who live there.

One caution is you should NOT go to Mexico. Right now it is not very safe for tourists. You could probably go and nothing would happen, but there have been problems. The US State Department warns against travel to northern Mexico and tourism is down about 90%. Very sad for the people who live there.

Mexico border cities have had issues for years.Since 1960 that I'm personally aware of.Things have changed in the last ten years, more awareness of the problem, and a lot of other things.. That said, I would not go there right now, there's just too much going on that doesn't affect the tourist unless the tourist is in the wrong place at the wrong time. As we so graciously refer to them, Ma and Pa Kettler could spend a day in Tijuana in ignorant bliss and have a pretty nice time. Other folks, not so much.

The US State Department warnings are interesting. Except for Western Europe there is nowhere on their list of "safe" countires.

I had a Mexican "cop" arrest my brother and I and attempt to steal our money in 2005 in Tijuana. Let's just say that if I want to visit Mexico, I will go to Mexico City.

It was an experience, though.

Even though you've done a whale watching trip in the past, we've got a gray whale in the harbor - been there the past 2 days - you can see it from the shore.

I know your trip has come and gone, but you asked about a Nat. Pk in San Diego to no useful reponse. Thought I would add to the posts for someone coming behind in a "search"

San Diego has 17 State Parks, and one National, Cabrillo.

Seal Beach in La Jolla is great!

Thousands of Gyn docs will invade San Diego next November the 1st!!!
Beware of them you women that doesn`t attend once a year for tune ups!!.
This will be our first visit to San Diego, will be a long journey from Buenos Aires.
My wife and I hope to enjoy your beautiful city.
Comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Take care and appoint your doc........