POlson

We are currently planning a trip to La Jolla and San Diego for 8 nights in late March 06. We have reservations for a two bedroom beach front suite at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. We are travelling with a toddler and thought the extra room and kitchenette would be worth the extra money.

We plan to visit: Scripps Aquarium, SD Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Legoland and perhaps a trip to Torrey Pines - the park and the lodge (spa for me and walk for DH and DD). I also plan to do some shopping in La Jolla (mostly for me) and, of course, enjoy some beach walks and other relaxing activities (or at least as much as the toddler can stand).

Other than a sunset dinner at The Marine Room, any restaurant recommendations?
Has anyone done the "photo caravan" at the animal park and is it worthwhile?
Is there a combo ticket for the San Diego attractions?
Any other insider tips and/or other area attractions or activities to do with a toddler?
And, I'm always on the hunt for artisan chocolates - does SD have any to boast about?

We are happy to stay in the San Diego area (no trips to Disneyland, Temecula or Tijuana)

Thanks for your help.

Underhill

For Mexican food in La Jolla we always head to Alfonso's.

When you're in Balboa Park, I'd suggest a meal at Prado--nice setting, good food, casual.

I don't think there's a combo ticket for the San Diego attrations, although you could check the zoo's web site to see whether theres a ticket for both that and the Wild Animal Park. Also check to see where there are special activities going on that would interest your toddler.

If the photo caravan is the one that goes down into the safari part of the Wild Animal park, I think you travel in trucks--might be difficult with a toddler. Again, check the web site for details before you decide. We found that the monorail trip worked very well.

mikemo

2nd UH's Alphonso's rec - been going there since the 70's. Carne Asada Burrito will negate any statins you take that week.
George's at the cove is muy caro, but PDG (sin rug rat).
Check out Thee Bungalow in Ocean Beach (www.theebungalow.com).
M

itsv

For artisian Chocolates, you must try Chuao chocolates.. We used them when we cooked at the James Beard House. They have a location in University Town Center in La Jolla and one other place (I don't know). Michael makes one of a kind chocolates that will not dissapoint you.

Other restaurants are Jsix downton, Island Prime on harbor island and Oceanaire. If you want something different, also try Ortega's Mexican Bistro in Hillcrest (new mexican place with unique food).

There is a combo ticket, check with convention buerau (sp?). My kids loved the train museum, the puppet theatre and the train in Balboa Park (check schedules for operation). Besided Prado you can eat at Waters Cafe in Museum of Art when in Balboa Park for a more casual atmosphere.

Kids can't go on Photocaravan and my kids found the wild animal tough to handle when they were little. Your child will love Legoland and if they are blooming, visit the Flower Fields next to Legoland when in the part of San Diego County. Very beautiful and great photo opportunities.

sajil

We went to San Diego in April, 2002 with our 18 month old son, and thought it was the perfect place to go with a toddler. We went to the Zoo, which we actually liked the least of all, it was not very stroller friendly. We also went to Sea World, which was hugely fun. There is an outdoor shopping area, I think it was called Seaport Village (or something) which was wonderful to stroll around. There's a seafood restaurant that juts into the water there. It's an embarkation port for the San Diego Ducks tour, which was good for us because we could just sit there with him and enjoy the tour and narration of both the city and then go into the water. We also went up to La Jolla which was so beautiful (but parking is difficult up there). There was a restaurant in La Jolla which was one of the best we've ever been to, but I can't remember the name of. It had wall to ceiling windows looking directly out into the surf, so we enjoyed watching the risk takers swim way out into the ocean. It also had a terrific tapas buffet.

There is usually a combo ticket available for the Zoo and SeaWorld. I recently saw some hotel offer a deal with both of those and the Animal Park. I love doing the private excursions offered by most parks, but I've noticed most have age and/or height restrictions, so our kids are still too young for most of them. I highly recommend the Shamu lunch at Sea World. It's expensive (I think $35 per person for a buffet), but it's the only good way to get private time with the killer whales. They are literally swimming up to your table.

We're heading back to San Diego in November with our 5 yo son and 2 yo daughter. This time we're planning to go to the Wild Animal Park and Legoland, and probably Sea World again. I think we're going to stay at the Catamaran Resort on Misson Bay. I think it's so fabulous to actually be steps away from the beach when you're with young children. I really wanted to stay in La Jolla, but when I went on TripAdvisor, none of the beachfront hotels in La Jolla had really great reviews. None of the beachfront hotels in San Diego do either (sigh). But just having a ton of sand at your disposal is good enough for most children.

You're sure to have a great time!

Melissa5

Totally agree about Chuao chocolates in University Town Center shopping center, at the corner of Genesee and La Jolla Village. They are unique, you won't find anything like them at See's Candy nor at Godiva...Go for the chocolates, don't bother with the desserts, the chocolates are the best. Also there's some spicy hot chocolate if you are into that.

mclaurie

Brockton Villa in La Jolla is always recommended for breakfast (they have great french toast). It's across from the ocean and a good place to start a walk after a meal and see the seals. It would also be good and child friendly (a casual place) for lunch or dinner.

Just remember if you go any place to eat for an ocean view, you can't see anything after sunset (I think the Marine Room might be an exception).

I second Mikemo's reco of Thee Bungalow. I went at his reco and it was wonderful. Small house in a mostly residential area has been converted to a restaurant. Doesn't look fancy but food (and wine) is excellent.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is beautiful but not sure how kid friendly it will be.

Don't miss a trip to Coronado (island just over a bridge from downtown SD). Fantastic beach, boardwalk, small village and the famous Del Coronado Hotel which you can visit for a meal. Have fun!

mclaurie

It is true parking in La Jolla village is difficult but they have valet parking right in front of Georges at the Cove which may be the most convenient for you.

Also had a nice meal at Roppongi (Asian) in La Jolla Village. You can sit outside. The appetizers are very good.

Heavens

Some other recs for La Jolla that are on the more reasonable side would be: Harry's Coffee Shop for breakfast or lunch. Love it. Great food, great selection. Also the Cottage, wonderful for any meal. Another favorite which is close to you is Piatti's, in that same neighborhood as your hotel. Wonderful Mediterranean/Italian.

We also love the Fishery, which is down towards Pacific Beach. Almost all seafood, very fresh, very fair prices, and great selection, such as fish and chips, fish tacos, crab cakes and Macadamia crusted halibut, which is their signature dish. It isn't fancy on the ocean, just great food, pleasant place.

Might think of a trip down to Little Italy, they have some wonderful restaurants also. Cafe Fantastico comes to mind. There are a few. Many like Philipe's for pizza. Nice neighborhood just to walk around in.

Also love Thee Bungalow. Very quaint, European style food. Some of it can be heavy for me, but they will fix however you want.

San Diego has some of the best food anywhere, IMO. You can get just about anything and at all prices.

Seaport Village is a fun place for kids and walking around, especially on the weekends. There is also the Midway museum that is close by, to the west. And the marina with all of the boats, is to the right.

You can also take a ferry over to Coronado, which is fun.

sequoia370

take a stroll thru the UCSD campus. interesting weird architecture and sculpture. see
<http://www.ucsd.edu/>