Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Stuff You Gotta Know Before You Go!

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Ahhh, you're daydreaming again. You're stuck in your cube filling out meaningless reports, it's snowing outside and you're dreaming of a trip to paradise where it's always sunny. You close your eyes and can almost smell of the ocean air.... life is good, oh so good...

Snap out of it! Unless you do a bit of homework your trip to paradise can quickly turn into a trip to touristland, surrounded by sunburned tourists with white legs, standing in long lines, eating crummy corporate food and wondering when the fun starts. You need a friend to tell you the inside scoop, and that friend is Local Wally.

Class is in session, take notes and pay attention!

 

Here's the number one rookie tourist mistake - coming to San Diego in June. You want to see a bunch of unhappy visitors just hang around the airport and watch the tourists as they deplane. Why? Because June is often the worst time to visit San Diego due to June Gloom, otherwise known as coastal fog morning and afternoon (and sometimes lasting all day), making this look more like the east coast in Winter than a tropical paradise.

Remember, San Diego is a coastal town and as the deserts heat up in the east the moisture is sucked in around the coast, creating very un-Summerlike weather. Go to the beach? Only if you bring a jacket! Let me say it again: DO NOT COME IN JUNE! June Gloom happens every year without fail so if you can plan around it, plan around it!

 

JAN - MAR: This is our rainy season, though it rarely rains more than a few days in a row. Forget about going into the ocean!

APR - MID MAY: Surprisingly pleasant and usually a great time to visit. Carlsbad Flower Fields in full bloom.

LATE MAY-EARLY JUNE: Typically horrible weather along the coast! Don't say I didn't warn you.

LATE JUNE, JLY-SEPT: More crowds, but awesome weather. Ocean temps warm enough to just dive in, evenings perfect for shorts and flip flops. This is the San Diego you've been dreaming about.

OCT: Local's favorite month. Fewer tourists, warm days, but the evenings start to cool towards the end of the month.

NOV - DEC: Hit or miss, but more hit than miss. We often BBQ a turkey outside on Thanksgiving and walk on the beach on Christmas Day. Ocean temps so cold you'll squeal like a school girl when the water hits your toes.

San Diego is big and very spread out, so yes, you will need a car and Local Wally rents all the usual suspects - check the rates. Now I know that you're thinking you're too afraid to drive in Southern California traffic or that parking is going to be bad, but unless you're willing to shell out tons of your vacation money on taxi's you don't have much of a choice.

Busses? Sorry for laughing out loud but locals don't ride the busses. In fact, the only person I ever saw get on the bus is Crazy Larry, the bag boy from the supermarket (do NOT get into his line!) But OK, let's say you're underage or the last road trip to Vegas now has you banned from ever renting a car again, if you must, the busses theoretically will get you to your destination, sooner or later. Here's the Official San Diego Bus Trip Planner.

But Wally, how about them cute Red Trolleys?

Sure, they're cute all right. But these darn trolleys run on tracks buried in the street and while the streets go everywhere, the tracks don't. So while you might think you could get to the Zoo, SeaWorld, LegoLand, or the beach on the trolley, think again cause you can't. Don't believe me? Here's the Trolley Map, see for yourself!

In fact, there are really only two places the trolley goes that might be of interest - the Convention Center area next to the Gaslamp District and Petco Park, or to the border to visit Tijuana. Jumping on the trolley in Old Town and getting off a few stops later by the ballpark is pretty smart cause parking in Gaslamp on game day is a mess. And if business or the San Diego Comic-Con (tip: see my comic-con pics here) has you traveling to the Convention Center, the trolley is a pretty good way of getting in and out without the hassle of a car. As for Mexico, it has enough risks of its own (e.g. beheadings, muggings, carjacking, corrupt police). Why risk losing your rental car on top of that? In fact, that leads us right into the next question....

Maybe this question should be "Do I like my head attached to my neck" or "Do I really need all this money in my wallet?" Over the years I've told tourists to avoid Tijuana. Most people think they're going to find festive mariachi bands and colorful pinatas, tacos and Coronas, a fun fiesta of an adventure into a foreign land. Instead they find starving children begging for money, poverty and despair. It's dirty, it's dangerous, and it's nothing like you think it is. Think Iraq with tacos. Not my idea of a fun day in paradise.

It gets worse... much worse!

Recently the drug cartel (Drugs 'R' Us) has kicked up the danger meter a few hundred notches by doing crazy stunts like dropping a guys head onto the dance floor ("Wow, that guy takes break dancing seriously!").... talk about a buzz killer! Now you can either trust Local Wally when he says "don't go there", or trust the Mexico tourism board who say "come down and party, we haven't killed any tourists lately..." You decide, but if you do go bring a passport, don't go at night, don't trust anyone (including the police), and be very, very careful. And you 18 year kids looking for fun, it isn't fun spending your night in a Mexican jail because you didn't have enough bribe money for the Federales. Think twice, then think again before going to Tijuana.

 

If you've ever driven up to the address of your hotel and got that sinking feeling as you drove past the beautiful resorts and the neighborhood is starting to look more "hood" than "neighbor", you need Local Wally. I don't tolerate bad hotels, and you shouldn't either. Whether you're looking for a clean budget motel or a 5 star resort, if it's in my Hotel Guide then you know it gets the Local Wally Stamp of Approval. And don't worry, Local Wally's hotels now come with Best Rate Guarantee so you know you got a good deal.

The top areas to stay are as follows:

TROPICAL BAY SETTING: Mission Bay, Shelter Island

RIGHT ON THE BEACH, DELUXE: Coronado, La Jolla

RIGHT ON THE BEACH, STANDARD: Pacific Beach

BUDGET FRIENDLY: Mission Valley, Hotel Circle, Point Loma, Old Town

 

The quintessential sunset dinner restaurant in San Diego is George's at the Cove's Ocean Terrace Bistro. Overlooking the blue waters of La Jolla from the outdoor al fresco rooftop is the perfect sunset dining spot. And it doesn't hurt that the food is moderately priced and good enough to please even that obnoxious foodie friend of yours.

George's actually has 3 dining experiences; the ultra gourmet and ultra pricey California Modern, located downstairs and fancy pants fancy, the hip bar located mid-level that opens to the ocean view (though finding a table on the narrow patio is harder than finding a free parking spot in La Jolla) and the upstairs bistro. The bar and the bistro have the same menu but the view at the bistro is way better. Loved by tourists and locals alike, the Ocean Terrace Bistro consistently wins the Best Sunset Restaurant award.

Up the coast there's another good one, The Poseidon on the Beach. The food's a level below George's Ocean Terrace Bistro (and not even close to George's California Modern restaurant) but it's located right on the beach. A short cement wall is all that separates you from the sand so the views of both the ocean and the bikini girls are stunning. Jake's Del Mar is next door and offers the same view but through windows so it's knocked down a few notches, though the food is quite good.

Closer to downtown are The Fish Market and C-Level, both excellent choices for full blown bay views with al fresco dining. The Fish Market, while a chain, is a San Diego favorite and the view towards Coronado offers plenty of sailboat action. Limited menu on the casual bar seating outside, prime dining seating along the open patio requires either luck or patience. As for C-Level, the view and food are great but man, who named this place? I guess they thought it clever to combine "sea level" with a business term ("c"-level, as in "CEO" or "CFO" level, get it) but for me it's a vacation buzz killer like getting a call from HR telling you to see them as soon as you get back. Thankfully the view and food more than make up for the name - you're going to really like this place.

I love the seals! I remember when they first started showing up at Casa Beach, aka The Children's Pool (map), in 1999. Before this time the seals stayed on the other side of the sea wall, doing what they've done for hundreds of years. But when one brave seal discovered the beach, well, it was like their version of Juan Cabrillo when he discovered San Diego! Damn, this is nice!

Today the seawall protected cove is typically filled with dozens of seals and their pups basking in the sun and playing in the surf. Take the short walk along the seawall for a closer look and don't forget to check out the ocean side of the wall where the seals blend in so well with the rocks that you might not see them at first.

The La Jolla seals have been part of a local controversy for years, starting with a few elites who believe the beach belongs to people, not seals. Luckily they failed in their last attempt to remove the seals and the plan today is to turn this area into a protected marine reserve. Until then, remember that you should not join the seals on the sand, and don't even think about getting close enough to pet them - they don't like that. Follow the ongoing story at the La Jolla Friends of the Seals site.

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For those of you who live so far inland that the idea of eating a fish taco is as unappetizing as biscuits without gravy, listen up. The classic fish taco, the one with its roots from the taco carts in Ensenada, is not nearly as weird or crazy as you might think. Take battered fried cod that's sort of like the fish in fish and chips, wrap it in a toasty corn tortilla, top it with some cool cabbage, a refreshing "white" sauce, add some fresh salsa and there you have it - a fish taco! Now San Diego loves fish tacos and the debate rages over who makes the best, but in my mind there's only one place and that's the bar at The Brigantine restaurants. Overstuffed with crunchy fish, the spicy California Hot Sauce on every table, an ice cold microbrew.... man, you eat a few of these and you're almost a local!

Sure, we have fast food fish tacos that are pretty good at San Diego's Rubios, healthier fish tacos featured on the Travel Channel at Wahoos, and nearly as good fish tacos at dive bar South Beach Bar and Grille, but no one can beat the baja fish tacos at The Brig. Oddly, available only in the bar so don't think you can outsmart the crowds by grabbing a table in the more upscale dining room. Various Brigs around San Diego, but my favorite is the Del Mar location on historic Highway 101.

Sadly, San Diego now has a booze ban on all of their beaches due to a few rowdies who ruined it for the rest of us alcoholics. No booze, no bottles, no smoking, don't even think about it on the beach. Now a few of you out there are thinking you might bring some plastic cups and sneak in a beer, but nothing screams BEER louder than those red plastic cups so if you are intent on breaking the rules, be smart and put the booze into a Starbucks cup and say things like "great double mocha half caff frappachino, mmmm " - and if you get caught, don't tell them it was Local Wally's idea!

Of course, a booze ban doesn't stop those intent on partying. One of the craziest new San Diego fads is to take to the water to drink, a loophole in the current regulations. Mission Bay gets packed with rafts and other floating devices where having a cold one floating off land is actually still legal. Now I'm not advocating this but it does seem sort of fun.... Hmmmmm.

Surprisingly, you can legally drink alcohol at parts of Balboa Park. You'll want to get a map out and make sure you're in the "Alcoholics Zone", but basically it's the side of the park on the 6th street side, away from the museums and the Zoo. It's close to the Dog Park area, a great place to have a casual picnic and a short walk across the bridge to the main museum area. Just don't think you can finish that beer along the way. You don't want to be the guy responsible for a new Balboa Park booze ban, do you?

Golfers of all levels dream of playing Torrey Pines Golf Course. With its stunning ocean views, the cool coastal breeze, the incredible signature holes and greens like putting on glass, it's clearly one of the best golf experiences one could have. There are two courses at Torrey, the South being the "famous" one ("as seen at the US Open!") and the North perhaps the "easier" one.

Of course, getting "on" at Torrey often means taking what you can get, so just be happy no matter which course you end up on. Green fees are around $250 with cart for the South, less for the North, and an additional $41 per player "advanced booking fee". You may book up to 90 days in advance and it's highly recommended you call right around 90 days out from your vacation as this course is more popular than Tiger Woods at a trailer park. For you procrastinators try San Diego Golf Reservations. If they can't get you on (for another fee, of course), no one can.

Holy Double Boogie Batman, I can't afford that!

Playing Torrey is awesome, but let's face it - it's expensive, it's hard, it's long, and you can't get a tee time anyway. Locals know that one of the best courses other than Torrey is the Coronado Municipal Golf Course. A muni course? Don't laugh - the location in Coronado right next to the bridge offers spectacular views of San Diego and the bay. The course is well maintained and while it doesn't have any "hit the ball into the ocean" holes, it does offer a very affordable green fee of.... are you ready for this?.... $30 for walking, $46 with a cart. Man, with fees this low you can even afford a hot dog and a beer at the turn! You still have to book in advance but the booking fee is only $38 for your entire foursome. You can book up to 14 days in advance - I recommend you start calling the pro shop (619.435.3121 Ext. 1) exactly 14 days in advance - it's competitive. Rent clubs for $50, making the entire experience less than $100 per person for a killer San Diego golf course.

Another great course that doesn't get a lot of attention is Balboa Park Municipal, the sister course to Torrey Pines. Locals love this course for the varied terrain, the well kept greens, lush green fairways and views of the city. And it doesn't hurt that the rates are low and the old school restaurant has old school prices like a $5 burger with fries.

For more golf info go to the Attractions/Golf section where I list my favorite courses.

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You've seen them on the beach. They're having a wedding, having YOUR wedding, at YOUR dream location! How in the world did they get that spot in La Jolla overlooking the ocean. They must have bribed a public official to get approval - I mean, how else could you get a wedding spot like that? Well snap out of your bitterness mode and come back to the Entitlement Generation because I'm going to show how even you can get married at the beach or at Balboa Park, or at The Presidio. Wedding doesn't stick? Try them all!

The "beach wedding" spots are all on grassy park areas in La Jolla overlooking the ocean. Your choices are Ellen Browning Scripps Park, Cuvier Park (aka The Wedding Bowl), or Calumet Park, and you can't go wrong with any of these.

If the ocean isn't your style, Balboa Park has a number of great locations you can get hitched at as well. Check out Alcazar Garden, the Rose Garden, the Zoro Garden, the Administrative Building Courtyard, Redwood Circle, or the Marston House.

Last but not least, Presidio Park near Old Town offers a few places, including Inspiration Point, Palm Canyon, Padre Cross, and The Arbor.

To reserve any of these locations, all you need is a bit of luck and a permit. For more info call 619.235.1169.

I get a ton of daily visitors and if you're interested in reaching them shoot me an email at wally@localwally.com and I'll get right back to you. My ads are cheap and my audience big and focused. And if you toss in a free meal or ticket, hmmmm, did I say my ads are cheap?!

I use a company called Advanced Reservation Systems (ARES) for my transactions, which is the same company that does the San Diego Visitors Bureau, the San Diego Zoo, as well as many official city sites throughout the US. They're BBB Approved and now offers BEST RATE GUARANTEE - find it cheaper somewhere else within 24 hours and you'll get that rate.

Also, booking your hotel through me is what keeps my site up and running. If you like my site, book through me and you'll get FREE Good Vacation Karma - no rainy days, no June Gloom, just days and days of sunshine and warm waves. How about that?

I'm seriously just a local guy who loves San Diego and loves to write about it. I started Local Wally back in 1996 when the internet was so young that if you searched for "San Diego" you would only find 16 sites. I built the first site in a few days as an exercise to try to convince the company I worked for that they needed an internet department and that umm, I was the guy to run it. They told me that the "internet wasn't going to be big" - I'm not kidding! I still remember the first day I launched Local Wally and got over a thousand visitors the first day so maybe I was right afterall.

Over the years the internet has been flooded with big corporate sites with big budgets but Local Wally remains as the original local site, the last of the initial "hobbyist" sites. I still have a real job and get up early every morning to write and update Local Wally as a labor of love. I also write a site on Napa at www.NapaTouristGuide.com. For those of you who can't get enough, follow me on Twitter for daily deals and tips, and keep me as a friend on Facebook. And yes, I have a blog I update 4 times a week with San Diego stuff - check it out!

For vacation questions go to my messageboard and ask away. I'll usually respond in a couple of days and there's no charge for my advice. If you're planning a big corporate event or a wedding, email me directly at wally@localwally.com so I can get a bit more info from you to help with your planning. Again, no charge though I would love it if you booked your hotel rooms through me. If you want to advertise or have me do a review on you, just email me and let's talk.

 

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