eh, when you get a moment. Watch Blackfish on netflix.. Sea World is literally an evil corporation. Like, on Umbrella levels of bad.
edit, hell.. dont mean to be a downer. in a bad moood. Sorry Thread.
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What to do in San Diego
- Thread starter Horse Detective
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eh, when you get a moment. Watch Blackfish on netflix.. Sea World is literally an evil corporation. Like, on Umbrella levels of bad.
edit, hell.. dont mean to be a downer. in a bad moood. Sorry Thread.
John Rabbit
Banned
go to Coronado.
basically just stay there.
there's a cool coffee and cigars place called Tabac in the Gaslamp too.
really though just go nap on a beach.
basically just stay there.
there's a cool coffee and cigars place called Tabac in the Gaslamp too.
really though just go nap on a beach.
I think it's a fair thing to point out.
PassiveObserver
Member
Blackfish backlash.
Actually, my advice wasn't based on Blackfish (but that's as good a reason as any to not go) more that the place is so bland. I like the arctic exhibit (mostly for the belugas) and some of the rides aren't bad, but the sea lion show and the killer whale show have just become boring (and, yes, that's beyond the other issues).
Also, there are much better things to do with your time.
Also, there are much better things to do with your time.
stufte
Member
The arctic exhibit is magical, especially the belugas.
Head of Vengarl
Banned
San Diego is the best place on Earth. The beaches are awesome, there's a ton of really fine women, and the Mexican food is amazing. I would live there in a heartbeat if I didn't have a girlfriend and a family business that kept me where I am.
Pickles the Firecat
Banned
Usually I would help more, but I'm in crunch time before vacation. Here's some stuff I've written before. I'll try to pop in and help if I get a chance. Some quick hit updates tho: Ballast Point opened a distillery that's pretty cool, there's a new Stone restaurant in Point Loma and one downtown, Green Flash opened a restaurant (all of these are beer related).
PS: If you think the homelessness problem in SD is an issue (visibility wise) and live in SF or LA, you're crazy. Legit crazy. There are some homeless dudes downtown, mostly around Gaslamp. It's really not much of a to-do.
Been spending most of my time in Los Angeles lately so I don't have much to add to the restaurants list, but Oscar's Tacos is good as is 52 Seasons (which I actually mention in the next quote as having not yet been to lol).
PS: If you think the homelessness problem in SD is an issue (visibility wise) and live in SF or LA, you're crazy. Legit crazy. There are some homeless dudes downtown, mostly around Gaslamp. It's really not much of a to-do.
Been spending most of my time in Los Angeles lately so I don't have much to add to the restaurants list, but Oscar's Tacos is good as is 52 Seasons (which I actually mention in the next quote as having not yet been to lol).
There are definitely some parts of SD that aren't great, but you probably won't find yourself there because there is no reason to go there.
Beer, tons of craft beer. If you find yourself in North County the 78 has tons of breweries like Belching Beaver, Mother Earth, Stone, Latitude 33, Iron Fist, Stumblefoot (which seriously sucks so dont even try it), and like 30 more.
Pizza Port is awesome for food and craft beer too. The gas lamp district is pretty neat.
Belmont park and sea world exist, wouldn't really recommend Belmont park. Ultrazone Laser tag is a thing but that's not exclusive to san diego but its still really fun on a weekend if youre not looking to be drunk.
There are Casinos also that are sort of neat like Barona or Sycuan that are still kind of far from where you'll be probably.
Beer, tons of craft beer. If you find yourself in North County the 78 has tons of breweries like Belching Beaver, Mother Earth, Stone, Latitude 33, Iron Fist, Stumblefoot (which seriously sucks so dont even try it), and like 30 more.
Pizza Port is awesome for food and craft beer too. The gas lamp district is pretty neat.
Belmont park and sea world exist, wouldn't really recommend Belmont park. Ultrazone Laser tag is a thing but that's not exclusive to san diego but its still really fun on a weekend if youre not looking to be drunk.
There are Casinos also that are sort of neat like Barona or Sycuan that are still kind of far from where you'll be probably.
SOME-MIST
Member
I didn't realize they opened a new location, but the main reason I picked the Escondido branch is because it was supposed to have a much better atmosphere than the one that was closer to L.A. It was the one that was listed in a "most beautiful breweries in the world" list as opposed to the other location.
my favorite part was going and venturing out in the nature section with the mini waterfalls.
just one of the random pics I took:
they basically had sections of chairs and a little nature walk area (inside the brewery) where people would bring their beers to hang out while they waited for their food instead of sitting at the table.
If the other branches have that.... then I guess there's not a huge difference, but I went mainly for the atmosphere.
Gully State
Member
Their spicy capicola sandwich is amazing. Every time I head to San Diego, I stop by there for a sandwich
Dark Octave
Banned
Yeah I've seen Blackfish. The evil corp doesn't bother me. I still go to Walmart, buy gas at Texaco (if they're cheap enough), hell, I'm pretty sure I even work for one. I just think it would be nice to be able to have another place to go with the family.
If youre looking for more of an experience definitely go to the one in escondido.I didn't realize they opened a new location, but the main reason I picked the Escondido branch is because it was supposed to have a much better atmosphere than the one that was closer to L.A. It was the one that was listed in a "most beautiful breweries in the world" list as opposed to the other location.
my favorite part was going and venturing out in the nature section with the mini waterfalls.
just one of the random pics I took:
they basically had sections of chairs and a little nature walk area (inside the brewery) where people would bring their beers to hang out while they waited for their food instead of sitting at the table.
If the other branches have that.... then I guess there's not a huge difference, but I went mainly for the atmosphere.
I didn't realize they opened a new location, but the main reason I picked the Escondido branch is because it was supposed to have a much better atmosphere than the one that was closer to L.A. It was the one that was listed in a "most beautiful breweries in the world" list as opposed to the other location.
my favorite part was going and venturing out in the nature section with the mini waterfalls.
just one of the random pics I took:
they basically had sections of chairs and a little nature walk area (inside the brewery) where people would bring their beers to hang out while they waited for their food instead of sitting at the table.
If the other branches have that.... then I guess there's not a huge difference, but I went mainly for the atmosphere.
I haven't been to Liberty Station either, just saying you don't have to go that far anymore. I've been to the Esco one many times, and it's the primary location for Stone, so if you want the primary experience, by all means go there.
Dark Octave
Banned
If you're gonna go to Phills BBQ (and you should), go to the one in Santee. The wait is much shorter. We ususally get to just walk in.
Yeah, well you did ask as if this wasn't known to you as a reason to not go. So. Cool on you.
Pfft we have the best pizza too.
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/08/10/and-the-top-10-cities-for-pizza-are/
No, not really
Oh he's right, there are a shit load of them downtown, and all over the city really. If you go by were the old library was at, they are crawling all over that area. The climate lends itself to living outdoors easily so that's why we have a lot.
I just found out about the Santee location 3 months ago and I have gone around 5 times. Taking out the hastle of waiting in line makes it so much easier to go for dinner.
I live 5 mins from there in lakeside!
Darth Pinche
Member
I just happen to be wearing this hat today! I love El Indio, I miss great Mexican food since moving to Seattle. El Indio is next to Lucha Libre, pretty good food as well.
Plus Bronx Pizza is amazing.
Dark Octave
Banned
Don't be mad, comm. I didn't know the reason was Blackfish. Actually I totally forgot about that documentary. It should have been obvious to me but I thought maybe there was a more direct reason like a huge quality drop or something.
Funny, I am moving there next week and have very similar interests. Guess I don't need to make this thread!
What is the cost of living life there?
What is this gaslight? Is it a bar or like a strip of bars?
What is the cost of living life there?
I am going for military so don't really have a choice/haven't looked in to these matters.
What is this gaslight? Is it a bar or like a strip of bars?
Dental Plan
Member
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-el-gordo-chula-vista
http://tacoselgordobc.com/index.html
It's number 15 on yelps top 100. They have amazing spicy pork.
http://tacoselgordobc.com/index.html
It's number 15 on yelps top 100. They have amazing spicy pork.
SteveWinwood
Member
I went there once. I just surfed all day (almost drowned at no surf) and got drunk at gaslight each night.
Pretty awesome.
Pretty awesome.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
Day one.
Fun day, even though plane rides are always terrible. Hopefully we can check out the zoo before we leave. Still considering beach options.
Fun day, even though plane rides are always terrible. Hopefully we can check out the zoo before we leave. Still considering beach options.
Darth Pinche
Member
Torrey Pines and Del Mar are my favorite beaches there. Just gorgeous and laid back.
CanadaGAF here, me and my gf are going to San Diego in August, already bought plane tickets. We will only be there for 2 days. I have no idea what I'm doing though.
I think we want to see the Zoo for sure, maybe Seaworld (I read a lot of negative reactions in general...) but she is interested in seeing Little Italy too. Not too sure what's the best way to get around if we don't plan on renting a car.
We considered doing the Trolley Tours.
I think we want to see the Zoo for sure, maybe Seaworld (I read a lot of negative reactions in general...) but she is interested in seeing Little Italy too. Not too sure what's the best way to get around if we don't plan on renting a car.
We considered doing the Trolley Tours.
lovely ladies
Member
Try to get a hotel downtown, except for Sea World, you'll be within walking distance of both Little Italy and San Diego Zoo. I wouldn't waste my time with the Trolley Tours if you are visiting for only 2 days.
Lazy Man's Wallpaper
Member
Lived in SD (and the suburbs near and far) from 2005 until January 2014, it's a cool town to visit. Bronx Pizza in Hillcrest is superb. Cotija's taco shop is a chain but the 3rd Avenue location in Chula Vista is the best one, get the Cali or the Carnitas Burrito and you should be very happy. Anita's in Oceanside has superb mole chicken enchiladas. Gaslamp is overrated. Lived down there for three years and yes, there are many poor and/or homeless. Sea World looked to me like it hasn't really been properly maintained since approximately 1992, it's pretty run-down. If you like zoos I guess SD is good, parking is a bitch on the weekend though. Balboa Park is beautiful and has several museums that are worth your time. Petco Park is nice but back when I used to go the audience wasn't exactly engaged, and this is when the Padres were good (2005-2007). If you want Mexico trinkets without going to TJ then Old Town is the place for you!
Gordon0Freeman
Member
Get drunk and eat at Dicks Last Resort. You will have a great time
Wow is the Zoo actually that close?
lovely ladies
Member
If you find a place near Gaslamp, I would say about 40-45 mins from downtown and that's a pretty generous estimate. Little Italy is like 5 minutes at most.
TestMonkey
Member
It's about 3 miles between the zoo and Little Italy.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/L...2!3m1!1s0x80d954b23b548949:0x243cdcc47bf9d4b8
I'd recommend staying in Little Italy. It's a walk friendly neighborhood and you can probably get a bike taxi to take you to the zoo.
Well, if you like coffee, there are all sorts of places and roasters. Caffe Calabria is good for espresso -- although I don't think it's as good as it once was -- and Italian styled pizza, as is Caffe Italia in Little Italy (albeit more on the Italian side of the coffee spectrum, and not in the necessarily third-wave or in hipster categories of depth). Dark Horse and Coffee & Collective are good for third-wave styled coffee; Broke Girls Coffee Bar also does pour overs, although they don't grind the beans fresh, which sort of undermines the point, but it's a neat, fun, artsy place. There are a number of others on that front (mostly in the way of roasters), although they don't necessarily have regular cafe hours. But to that end, you can check out West Bean, Cafe Moto, Cafe Virtuoso, and Bird Rock.
There are lots of good suggestions here, which should you keep busy. I think La Jolla and up north is pretty, but overly pretentious and boring, but I have, admittedly, not spent anywhere near as much time digging around up there. It's good to pop in and out of, though.
I will say I think Bronx Pizza is pretty shit pizza and the Mexican food here isn't that great, but the former has its fans and the latter is largely in comparison to the kind of Tex-Mex food I'm more accustomed to. There's no shortage of options on the Mexican food front obviously, and YMMV.
I think you'll be good on coffee, food, and animals. Gaming is non-existent here in terms of arcades or anything. On animals, if you can get there, the Safari Park up north may be more interesting than the zoo in Balboa Park, but both are nice; I would avoid SeaWorld like the plague personally.
There are lots of good suggestions here, which should you keep busy. I think La Jolla and up north is pretty, but overly pretentious and boring, but I have, admittedly, not spent anywhere near as much time digging around up there. It's good to pop in and out of, though.
I will say I think Bronx Pizza is pretty shit pizza and the Mexican food here isn't that great, but the former has its fans and the latter is largely in comparison to the kind of Tex-Mex food I'm more accustomed to. There's no shortage of options on the Mexican food front obviously, and YMMV.
I think you'll be good on coffee, food, and animals. Gaming is non-existent here in terms of arcades or anything. On animals, if you can get there, the Safari Park up north may be more interesting than the zoo in Balboa Park, but both are nice; I would avoid SeaWorld like the plague personally.
And to whomever mentioned The Lion's Share, IIRC, it's owned by the same people that own Craft & Commerce, and thus it's exponentially hipster, as noted by all the San Franciscans that adore the place on Yelp. That said, the food, at least at C&C, is quite good, and both places know how to make good, stiff drinks, which can sometimes be hard to find.
Mr. Wedgewood
Member
Anybody been to Legoland? How is it?
I'm heading to San Diego in May. Visiting my old home town. When I was living in San Diego the stadium was called Jack Murphy stadium and our cable company was called southwestern cable.
I'm heading to San Diego in May. Visiting my old home town. When I was living in San Diego the stadium was called Jack Murphy stadium and our cable company was called southwestern cable.
I live nearby. Our 6 year old daughter liked it for about a season. The water park side pass is worth it if it is hot. Plus they just opened a hotel on grounds.
Also Legoland is right next to Karl Strauss Brewery. Decent beer and really good food.
Note San Diego has quite the craft brew scene. Tons on breweries abound.
Have wanted to try downtown Craft and Commerce, and a noodle place mentioned above "underbelly". For my money Fillipis pizza in Little Italy is godlike, but pizza opinions are all over the map.
Finally, it's touristy, but Old Town Mexican restaurant have the best hand made flour tortillas and rotisserie chicken in the Old Town area.
Angry Grimace
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One turns to the other and says "does something taste funny to you?"
We're the only dumb city that has the airport right next to downtown. So not very much.
Awesome, thank you!
I just looked on the map and it seems Seaworld is pretty damn far. :/ We're not going to be driving or anything so that will suck.
Called hotel guy and he said most people trolley + bus, is that a decent option? I googled cab rates and it said $28, ouch.
You can always try Lyft.
StopMakingSense
Member
Are you thinking if the Safari Park?
SaggyMonkey
Member
I recommend hitting the breweries (Stone, AleSmith, Lost Abbey, Hess Brewing, Mother Earth, any of the Pizza Ports, Societe, Iron Fist... There's tons.)
...and of course also jackin it.
...and of course also jackin it.
Pickles the Firecat
Banned
...this makes so much sense. So much sense.
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