Visiting San Diego/LA This Summer (price, airport, move)

[XC_Runner]

First off, I am not a Trump supporter. #feelthebern

What about Las Cuatras Milpas? I heard they are really good but have long lines.

We chose the Imperial Beach because it was recommended a few pages ago and is one of the recommended viewing places.

Can we do Torrey Pines on the same day as La Jolla?

What we liked about the Bear Open Space Park was reviewers said there are really good city views, the best out of all of the parks.

[Majami]

I always thought the best place for the 4th of July in San Diego is OB.

You literally have fireworks on all sides (get to a rooftop, any rooftop) and then there is the marshmallow fight, kind of fun and zany.

Just a suggestion.

[RosieSD]

Imperial Beach has fireworks but you will NOT be able to see the huge fireworks display on San Diego Bay from the pier.

Don't drive to IB for the fireworks. If you're staying downtown, walk down to the Bay from your hotel and find a spot. From any place along the Bay front, you'll see at least four or five different shows over the bay, all happening simultaneously. Get down to the Bay front by 6 or 7 and you'll find a spot.

If you feel like driving a bit, head over to Shelter Island, which is on the Bay, as there are usually spots there. Plan to get over there before 6 to find parking. But it would be best to just walk to the Bayfront and avoid the traffic if you can.

Again, IB has fireworks, but they are a smaller show than you'll see over the Bay.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by jamesa123

F

Can we do Torrey Pines on the same day as La Jolla?

What we liked about the Bear Open Space Park was reviewers said there are really good city views, the best out of all of the parks.

(1) Yes you can do Torrey Pines on the same day. It is IN La Jolla. It is right up the road from Birch Aquarium, just a five minute drive. Along the way, consider stopping at the Torrey Pines Glider Port and having lunch at their restaurant. Or, just stand along the cliffs and watch the gliders take off over your head and out to sea. It is something you won't believe.

(2) On the off chance that you're talking about Marion Bear Park, be forewarned that it is known as a gay "pick up" spot. There are much nicer (and safer) places to hike in San Diego County.

Black Mountain Open Space Preserve doesn't really have "the best city views" as it is 20 miles or so inland. I am all for you heading inland to see more than the coast, but you might want to ask for suggestions on other inland hikes as well if you want to hike.

If you want really stunning city, sea and coastal views, instead go to Mount Soledad when you are in La Jolla. It's right above La Jolla Shores. http://www.yelp.com/biz/mount-soleda...orial-la-jolla

When you go to Torrey Pines, be sure to pay the entrance fee and drive up to the top of the hill - there are some really nice hiking trails up there through the Torrey Pines and out to the cliffs overlooking the coast. Ask at the ranger station for suggestions on which trail would be best for your group. Then come back down, park in the lot, and go for a swim in the ocean to cool off.

I second the harbor cruise suggestion. Or, rent bikes in Mission Beach and ride the boardwalk up to Pacific Beach.

Again, consider spending your first few days in LA, then coming down to San Diego so you aren't driving on California freeways with jet lag right after landing in California.

[moved]

Aquatica is in Chula Vista. You can also take a 2 hour harbor cruise. That will give you a nice rest, and since it's on the water, it'll be cool.

[XC_Runner]

Whoops, it was Black Mountain Open Space Park, not Bear Open Space Park.

[bloom]

Las Cuetras Milpas is way overrated, lard greasy, and not good, along with El Indio.
Stick to a taco place like Roberto's at least.
Trust me - Torrey Pine views (adjacent to La Jolla) over Black, Bear, Cowles mounts, especially in July.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by moved

Aquatica is in Chula Vista. You can also take a 2 hour harbor cruise. That will give you a nice rest, and since it's on the water, it'll be cool.

From downtown, it will take you about 20 minutes to get to Aquatica. It's south of the city, almost in Mexico.

If you did feel the need to see Imperial Beach pier for some reason, you could go there after the water park. Or, head south when you are in Coronado and you'll reach IB soon enough. Look for Seacoast Drive on the map to find the beach and pier.

There aren't a lot of places to eat dinner near the pier though. I like IB, but I wouldn't put it high on my list of places to visit if I only had limited time in San Diego. There's a pier in Pacific Beach and another in Ocean Beach (longest pier on the west coast, I believe) if you feel you need to walk out on a pier over the ocean. Since you'll be in those areas anyhow, go to one of those for a pier.

I also would second driving out to Point Loma National Monument. Do a google search for their website to check on the tides, as you might hit it right to be able to get out into the tide pools and explore. That actually might be more fun than Birch Aquarium. (There are also tidepools in OB and by Scripps Pier in La Jolla.

Bloom is right. Don't miss hiking one of the trails at Torrey Pines.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by jamesa123

Whoops, it was Black Mountain Open Space Park, not Bear Open Space Park.

Whew, that's a relief.

Black Mountain wouldn't be bad if you want to do a back country hike. But ask here for other suggestions too -- our back country areas have loads of amazing hiking options.

Just bring lots of water and sunscreen if you're going to be hiking in one of the inland areas in July. It regularly gets up into the high 90s (and sometimes tops 100+) inland, so long hikes can be a challenge. Also, watch out for rattlesnakes.

Finally, I want to commend you on how well you're doing at planning your trip! It will be fun no matter what you end up doing while you're here!

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by bloom

I appreciate your open minded flexibility and reaching out to this forum for experienced advice; great to do that as a young person and you certainly don't sound like a trump dope supporter.
Consider swapping the summer hot Black mountain hike with the gorgeously-rewarding hikes about Torrey Pines State Park.

dude...really?