Week in San Diego...what to do? (Corona, Carlsbad: rental car, rental)

[Julesunder]

Hey Guys

I will be visiting San Diego for the first time for a week at the end of July. I'm going for a work conference, but I would like to get out and explore a good bit. I would like some ideas of stuff to do, it’s just me for the week. I'm very into the outdoors and photography, mid 20's and would like to avoid the touristy stuff. Not interested in SeaWorld, the zoo..etc. Would like a locals opinion on stuff to do. Everything I google seems cheesy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[cruitr]

Will you have a rental car?

[photo4fun]

Originally Posted by Julesunder

Hey Guys

I'm very into the outdoors and photography, mid 20's and would like to avoid the touristy stuff.

Thanks

1) go to Coronado Island to photograph San Diego skyline at sunset
2) La Jolla Shore has interesting rock formation
3) Torrey Pine park
4) Old Town
5) Balboa Park

[Julesunder]

Yes I will have a car. Thanks, those ideas sound amazing

[GMUAlum08]

beer/wine tour!

[kettlepot]

Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma. I think you will get even better photographic views from up there than Coronado - though Coronado has other charms. Point Loma will also give you excellent photographic shots of any navy ships that are in port. And if you are lucky, you may have some ships (Navy, Cruise, Yachts) entering or exiting the harbor. The feds charge a fee to get in that is good for the week, so go there on your first or second evening, and if you really enjoy it you can go back for free.

Old Town - In my opinion, that's just another tourist spot. A historic version of Seaport Village which is another AVOID location.

Other Good Spots:
Torrey Pine State Preserve.
Mount Soledad Cross - if it's a clear day the views will be spectacular.
La Jolla Cove - Are the seals gone now?
Sunset Cliffs - At one or two of the locations people walk down to the waters edge and get splashed by the crashing waves.

Nightlife spots because not all of your free time will be daylight hours -
Gaslamp
Hillcrest (5th & University)

More neighborhoody night spots:
North Park (30th & University)
South Park (30th & Juniper)
Normal Heights (Adams & 34th)

[bounty80]

Originally Posted by kettlepot

Point Loma.
Sunset Cliffs - At one or two of the locations people walk down to the waters edge and get splashed by the crashing waves.

100% agree on these two. If you're into photography these two can't be beat. In fact - two of my most favorite spots in all of the San Diego area.

[cruitr]

> Seaport Village <

Every out-of-town guest that stays with us wants to go to Seaport Village. They must market the hell out of Seaport Village in large cities around the USA.

As for La Jolla Cove, the Children's Pool is no longer a protected area. Lots of tourists walk that beach, so the seals hang out on the rocks. Still a nice place to go.

Since you're an outdoor person, a kayak ride thru the La Jolla caves should probably be on your short list.

[oddstray]

Seaport Village is touristy.

Second the notion of a kayak ride through the La Jolla caves. See if you can managed to waterproof your camera somehow ...

[sdurbanite]

Some good stuff already mentioned here, might I add:

- Walk out to the end of the OB or PB piers to watch the surfers in action.

- Hike a mountain....Cowles Mt. or Iron Mt. give great views of the city.

- Rent a bike downtown and take it the ferry across to Coronado and from there you can bike around Coronado and and down the Strand.

- Drive along the Coast Highway from La Jolla north to Carlsbad, to check out the beach towns along the way, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach.

- You'll be here during horse racing season so check out the Del Mar Racetrack for some cheap entertainment.

- Plenty of photo ops in Balboa Park.

- Walk the Mission Beach Boardwalk for the people watching.

- Must try fish taco, 5 rolled tacos with guacamole, carne asada fries and a California Burrito (not all at once) before you head home!

Have fun!