[pct-l] Visitors to San Diego

[Bill Batchelor]

I have been here in SD area for 15 years and Tom pretty much nailed it.
Those three items would be a terrific way to spend a few days here.  I would
really emphasize not to miss a stroll through Balboa Park, a stop at a
museum or two in the park, and if you like the zoo - that too.  As Paul
mentioned, perhaps the zoo's best feature is botanical.  Everyone rushes to
go see the monkeys and if you stop almost anywhere in that park and look at
the botanical splendor you will see stuff like nowhere else.  The mild San
Diego climate makes for great plant growing.

I wont elaborate much on Old Town or the Coronado Ferry options.  Tom is
correct, both excellent ways to spend a day.  Old Town is fairly small but
free.  So expect only half a day there.  Coronado Bike riding is all flat
and pleasant.

For night life, the "Gas Lamp District" is full of wonderful restaurants and
clubs.  Most of the restaurants are either a bit expensive or flat out
expensive.  There are exceptions though and will little effort you can eat
at a modest price. The night life there is great for people watching, the
streets are full.  If you are a baseball fan, the new Padres "Petco Park" is
simply the bomb.  The walking paths of the park blend directly into the
streets of The Gas Lamp District (separated only by a guy wanting your
ticket).  This makes the park feel like it is part of the surrounding area.

If you want to check out some music here are some options.  The House of
Blues is always doing something - again in the Gas Lamp District.  In the
summer, Humphry's By The Bay has fantastic concerts
(http://www.humphreysconcerts.com/).  Also, right on the water behind the
Marriott (about 5 blocks from Gas Lamp) is a small park call Embarcadero
Park.  They have concerts in the summer there too.  The name of the concert
series changes depending on who is sponsoring.  I suspect one of our big
Indian casinos called Viejas will be the sponsor as they have for the last
few years.  So the name should remain Viejas Bay Side Concerts.  Be aware
that Viejas also does concerts at their casino (quite a distance from San
Diego proper).  So make sure if you see a concert by Viejas that the venue
is on the bay.  Over the years I have seen BB King, Jackson Brown, Cheryl
Crow, John Mayer, Bob Dylan, and others there.

If you end up doing two or three of these items, before you arrive you may
want to hook a real estate agent - just to be prepared ;)

Be well!  BillB (Ezhno)