Travel Recs, San Diego Edition
I recently had the privilege of visiting San Diego, and here are my travel recommendations. There's a lot I don't know about, of course, but this is what I've got today.
Transportation
When I traveled San Diego by car, I visited Cabrillo and Midway, and they were amazing. I don't know that I'd take a bus to Cabrillo (it's far out), but public transportation is quite good in San Diego. You'll want a rental if you plan to leave San Diego, but transit is good for everything in the city. In fact, I recommend sticking to the trams (trolleys?), since they're air conditioned and can get you to a lot of great places.
Beaches
I've been to Imperial Beach (go there) and I heard that Coronado is good, but I had planned on seeing a beach on the north side of the city between Point Loma and La Jolla--reachable by bus.
What I've been to
Downtown
Donut Bar & Bakery at 401 W A St
The Donut Bar is a fun coffee shop and bakery I found while walking around downtown. It's very good, go there.
Richard Walker's Pancake House at 520 Front St
This is a breakfast place I went to with friends. It is expensive, but very good. Expect a line. I have a sweet tooth, so I recommend the Chocolate Chippies.
Pantoja Park at 512 W G St
I found this park after visiting The Donut Bar. It's pretty quiet, pretty fancy, pretty clean, and has cool trees. Lay down in the fake grass, it feels great.
USS Midway Museum at 910 N Harbor Drive
I saw this with my dad a few years ago. I don't remember much, but it's epic because it's an aircraft carrier. I'm not a museum guy, but this was well worth it.
Shake Shack at 2008 India St
This is in Little Italy, and it deviates from my typical scheme--being a fast food chain--but they serve good food here. If you're looking for a break from nifty, hipster stuff and you just want a dang hamburger and a shake, eat here.
Not downtown
UTC Mall and Montrose Park at 4545 La Jolla Village Dr
This was a great recommendation from a random elderly couple I met on the tram. Yup, it's a big ol' mall, and I had just read an eye-opening piece about shopping malls being temples by James K.A. Smith. Anyway, it was a long ride on an air conditioned trolley, which was great on a hot summer day. James can say whatever he wants, it's still a nice place. I had fun checking out some of the shops and I especially liked Montrose Park.
Cabrillo National Monument at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr
It's a great view. When I was here with my dad, we saw a submarine coming in from the sea--very cool.
What I haven't been to
San Diego California Temple at 7474 Charmant Dr
Another recommendation from the elderly couple I met on the tram, but it was closed at the time. The outside is beautiful, at least. I don't know much about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but this one is theirs.
Old Town
The elderly couple I met said this is a more hispanic area, I think. They have a lot of good food.
Little Italy
I went to the Shake Shack here, but that doesn't count as visiting. I didn't have time to properly see this place, but anywhere with a name like Little "insert foreign place here" is worth visiting.
Maritime Museum of San Diego at 1492 North Harbor Drive
This is another recommendation I got from friends, but I didn't have time to visit. Apparently they have an old Soviet sub here, which I'm super sad I didn't get to walk around in.