San Diego on a budget, for first timers

knucklehead G · #1 08-18-2011, 01:43 AM

My wife and I have just recently moved from the midwest to Arizona, and next weekend (starting the 25th) we're headed to San Diego for a few days. No real plans, just getting out of Dodge for a bit, basically. Kind of a last minute trip, but my work told me I needed to put in for vacation because they weren't paying it out at the end of the year.

Since we hadn't saved for a vacation, we're going cheap. Any must-sees? Cheap is great, free is better.

Munjibunga · #2 08-18-2011, 02:08 AM

There are plenty of museums in Balboa Park and, of course, the fabulous Zoo. If you like zoos, it's one of the best in the world. None are free, but they won't break the bank. Drop down to El Indio on India Street near Washington and grab some taquitos. I've been eating there for over 40 years. The chicken burritos are good, too.

The Gaslamp area downtown has become quite a destination at night for both tourists and natives. Plenty of good restaurants down there. If you like seafood, try Ocean Aire at 4th and J. Not cheap, but superb food. Buca di Beppo is good Italian food at 6th and G. For a beer and music at night, try Dick's Last Resort also near 4th and J.

Where are you staying?

knucklehead G · #3 08-18-2011, 03:29 AM

Wherever Hotwire puts us with their low price mystery hotel package. I'll find out Friday, I get paid so I get to book it then.

i_got_a_mohawk · #4 08-18-2011, 07:02 AM

Don't know if it's any use, but I got some good recommendations from TB'ers here:

Tips on things to see in San Diego?

I'm off there on Saturday, will let you know how up to scratch the tips were in a week or so

One thing that I'm quite keen to do is jump the border and visit Tijuana and Esenada

Munjibunga · #5 08-18-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

Don't know if it's any use, but I got some good recommendations from TB'ers here:

Tips on things to see in San Diego?

I'm off there on Saturday, will let you know how up to scratch the tips were in a week or so

One thing that I'm quite keen to do is jump the border and visit Tijuana and Esenada

If you're going to TJ, make sure you're wearing your Kevlar^® vest. 3,000 murders in 3 years, many featuring decapitations.

MakiSupaStar · #6 08-18-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

If you're going to TJ, make sure you're wearing your Kevlar^® vest. 3,000 murders in 3 years, many featuring decapitations.

+1. I wouldn't recommend going to TJ.

MJ5150 · #7 08-18-2011, 12:08 PM

Rachael Ray has tips on eating in SD for $40 a day.

-Mike

c-ba55 · #8 08-18-2011, 12:14 PM

Go to the beach (duh.) This is free.

For cheap, you can rent some bikes and ride them up and down the boardwalk, seeing different beaches (each one has its own character as far as the crowd).

Go to any taco stand, and get burritos. For $5, you are set for the day. More than set.

gustobassman · #9 08-18-2011, 01:03 PM

The beach for sure. If you are looking for a family beach, La Jolla Shores wins this by a mile, it's also real close to the Birch Aquarium, inexpensive, but very detailed on the marine life. Good alternative to Sea World if you don't have kids.

Party beach, i would head to Pacific Beach. tons of bars, and restaurants and people watching is fantastic.

Laid back beach... i would head to Ocean Beach. Kinda hippie-ish, if that's what you are looking for.

Definitely the museums. Natural History and Museum of man are my personal favorites. Old town is cool, lots of San Diego history as well.

I agree with Munji about the Gaslamp/Downtown Area.. much the hotspot.. Also much more expensive than the beach area that's for sure.

IotaNet · #10 08-18-2011, 01:10 PM

Took my first trip to SD last fall and fell in love with the place.

Here are some things my wife and I enjoyed:

1) Balboa Park. Museum, conservatory, parks -- absolutely beautiful. Must do.

2) Gaslamp District. Restaurants, live music, hanging out. Fun

3) USS Midway. An aircraft carrier / Naval museum. I enjoyed it although your wife may or may not. It's a very "guy" thing to check out.

4) Seaport Villiage. Trendy shops/boutiques. A little kitschy but right on the water and really pretty.

5) Hotel del Coronado. Very nice place to walk around and check out. Nice beach to view the sunset from. Nice (but expensive) restaurants.

6) Bass San Diego. Smallish place but with some nice boutique basses. (If you've never played a Dingwall, they tend to have them in stock.) Worth the drive.

electracoyote · #11 08-18-2011, 01:13 PM

I spent alot of time at Pacific Beach last time I was there, so much to do in that area. Great boardwalk, food and drink, rent a boogie board, rent a bicycle, the little amusement park, very nice area.

**colcifer** · #12 08-18-2011, 02:27 PM

I've lived there.

Beaches: If you want to make an afternoon of it, PB is good but touristy and OB is good but colorful. If you just want to hang at a beach, Windansea is world famous for a reason but can be hazardous.

Food: It's easy to eat without breaking the bank if you avoid the touristy areas. There are plenty of holes in the wall that are great; just ask a local.

Music: You might head to a part of town called North Park. You'll have to poke around online yourself as I really don't know the scene or your preferences.

And yes, Balboa Park is pretty cool. There's good theater there too.

MJ5150 · #13 08-18-2011, 02:56 PM

Seeing how you are from the Midwest, I am assuming your exposure to good seafood has been limited. Or at least fresh seafood. If you are a fan of seafood, I suggest you stop by Mama Testa's for the fish tacos.

-Mike

6jase5 · #14 08-18-2011, 03:16 PM

All great suggestions, it just really depends on what you like. If you'll have a car, don't be afraid to stay a few miles away from the beach, hotel circle or downtown. You really aren't more than 15 minutes from anything as long as you don't go too far north (Carlsbad/Oceanside - still nice areas, but 25 minute drive at least). If you want to walk from the hotel, different story. Although not as pretty, Mira Mesa, Claremont and areas around Mira Mesa Blvd have some cheap hotels 10-15 easy minutes from everything.

My suggestion, stay North of the 8 or close to it and you'll be fine. Some cool areas that border (Hillcrest, El Cajon, North Park, etc.) are good for music and eats, but not hotels. TJ - don't bother. If you want to see some music, pick a genre and hit up The Reader online for schedules. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/music/

Downtown I like the new Beer Company.
Shout House (dueling pianos) is a blast but pricey drinks.
Tivoli - cheapest drinks in Gaslamp
Rooftop bars - Hit the Hyatt or Altitude(Mariott) - pricey so just have one and enjoy the view.

OB - Cheapest place in San Diego at the beach to drink is Pacific Shores (Pac Shores). Dark and divey.
PB - Tiki bar (beer only) is your best bet for no lines. Other than that, at every bar it's party time for 21-28 year olds. Do NOT get into a fight with anybody that looks military. You can easily barhop. Try to be gone by closing time, gets nuts on the street in a bad way.

Don't forget to walk around Old Town and hit Old Town Mex for food.

c-ba55 · #15 08-18-2011, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6jase5

OB - Cheapest place in San Diego at the beach to drink is Pacific Shores (Pac Shores). Dark and divey.

No kidding. Pac Shores might have saved my life. I went there one day kind of early, and the only people there were all so obviously and impressively dedicated to alcoholism, it made quite an impression on me.

kserg · #16 08-18-2011, 03:49 PM

Why wasn't this post created when i was in San diego about a month ago... booo on you!

It's ok, i didn't have time to-do anything anyways, crazy work...

kserg · #17 08-18-2011, 03:50 PM

btw, phil's bbq is pretty decent....

**colcifer** · #18 08-18-2011, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kserg

btw, phil's bbq is pretty decent....

**** yeah! I've waited in line for 1.5+ hours there and it was totally worth it (ribs at least-sandwiches are only worth a 45-60 minute wait).

kserg · #19 08-18-2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colcifer

**** yeah! I've waited in line for 1.5+ hours there and it was totally worth it (ribs at least-sandwiches are only worth a 45-60 minute wait).

Take out takes about 2 smokes.

gustobassman · #20 08-18-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colcifer

**** yeah! I've waited in line for 1.5+ hours there and it was totally worth it (ribs at least-sandwiches are only worth a 45-60 minute wait).

here's a tip regarding phils... Stand outside the joint and look at the menu, call your order in and say you want it to go. walk right in and ask to sit at the bar, or in that area. Bartenders will let you eat at the bar or take your food out. The longest i've ever had to wait for food is one beer. My girlfriend and i figured this out one afternoon.. haven't waited in line since.

keep this on the low though i don't want it to get all over the inter.... oh crap...