IgoUgo

San Diego Journals

SAN

A September 2006 trip to San Diego by panda2

Museum of Photographic Arts Photo - Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego, California More Photos
Quote: It's too hot a climate here for my preference, but doable for a brief visit.

SAN

Overview

Quote:
Hotel Circle area has alot of motels with competitive rates that's a good value near the airport. Balboa Park has a collection of museums of various interests one should visit. San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld are major tourist attractions. Old Town has mainly rebuilt businesses of the past opened as museums, restaurants, shops. The Downtown is expensive to park if you can't find street parking, Gaslamp Quarter is way too crowded with crawling traffic and people, with relatively pricey dining options. The Hillcrest neighborhood is a really nice area not being too crowded with several gay/lesbian venues with a nice neighborhood art movie theatre, 24 hour Mexican food. ...Read More

Hilton San Diego Resort

Hotel

Hilton San Diego Resort Photo - Hilton San Diego Resort, San Diego, California
Quote:
Hilton San Diego Resort is situated on an 18-acre beachfront property with a Mediterranean village styled design. Located on Mission Bay off I-5, fifteen minutes from San Diego International Airport and downtown. Across the bay from Sea World, close to Old Town historic park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the San Diego Zoo. Tijuana, Mexico is a 25-minute drive.The lobby has complimentary wifi access, the 300+ rooms and 8 suites have high speed Internet access for $12 for a 24 hour period.Our room wasn't ready when we checked in before noon. Once in the room, it was nicely appointed and world class with very comfortable queen size b...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 13, 2006

Hilton San Diego Resort
1775 E Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, California 92109
(619) 276-4010

Pacific Inn Hotel & Suites

Hotel | "Pacific Inn Hotel And Suites"

Pacific Inn Photo - Pacific Inn Hotel & Suites, San Diego, California
Quote:
Pacific Inn is a relatively low budget accommodation advertising free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, parking on an available basis. The two beds were lined underneath with plastic sheets and we didn't have a comfortable rest, turning on our beds throughout the night unable to get a good night's sleep. The Wi-Fi wasn't available in our room, and had to resort sitting right outside the office lobby to get a signal, when we came back late we parked illegally as the parking lot was full. Pricing varies depending on activities nearby. There's a lack of a waste basket in the room and not enough AC outlets to plug-in electrical/electro...Read More

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on September 13, 2006

Pacific Inn Hotel & Suites
1655 Pacific Hwy.
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 232-6391

Vagabond Inn Hotel Circle

Hotel

Vagabond Inn San Diego Hotel Circle Photo - Vagabond Inn Hotel Circle, San Diego, California
Quote:
Vagabond Inn San Diego Hotel Circle is a good value for our stay at Hotel Circle. This particular place is a bit run down, it offers two swimming pools open till 10pm, modest room with two beds, convenience store and a restaurant next door. Lack of sufficient AC outlets for your electrical/electronic devices. Make your own waffle breakfast in the morning is included. We got a good night's sleep from being very tired and lack of sleep on our travel day flying.We were able to get a better rate than what was initially offered by mentioning rates offered by the nearby competitors and being there early in the m...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 13, 2006

Vagabond Inn Hotel Circle
625 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, California 92108
(619) 297-1691

Crest Cafe

Restaurant

Crest Cafe Photo - Crest Cafe, San Diego, California
Quote:
Crest Cafe in the Hillcrest area spoke to us after walking around the area for a while looking for a place to dine with it's prices, look and atmosphere. Our waiter was patient as I tried to make up my mind of what to select. The food quality was high, though the peach cobbler ala mode dessert was only fair.

A split/sharing charge of $3, 18% gratuity will be added for parties of 5 or more. Credit cards accepted min. $5, open daily 7am to midnight.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 17, 2006

Crest Cafe
425 Robinson Ave.
San Diego, California 92103
(619) 295-2510

Moose McGillycuddy's

Restaurant | "Moose McGillycuddy's Pub & Cafe"

Moose McGillycuddy's Pub & Cafe Photo - Moose McGillycuddy's, San Diego, California
Quote:
Moose McGillycuddy's Pub & Cafe in the Gaslamp Quarter was a place we felt comfortable trying based on price, looks, and atmosphere. There are a lot of places in this area, but a lot of them are pricier. This place offers a balance of price/value for this area with comfort food. We dined outside, as it's cooler and quieter than inside and also offered us the opportunity to people watch walking by the restaurant.

Our server was courteous and patient, and offered suggestions as I decided what to order. The food quality was high, fresh, and plentiful.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 17, 2006

Moose McGillycuddy's
353 Fifth Ave
San Diego, California 92101

Cafe in the Park

Restaurant

Quote:
Cafe in the Park is a relatively inexpensive place for lunch in a fairly basic setting indoors near the museums in the nearby area. The sandwich is prepared fresh and good. The smoothie was fresh, but I was unimpressed with its taste.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on September 17, 2006

Cafe in the Park
1649 El Prado
San Diego, California
(619) 237-0322

Cafe Coyote

Restaurant

Cafe Coyote Photo - San Diego, California
Quote:
Cafe Coyote in Old Town was one of two places my partner felt like dining at because it was busy with a party positive type energy when we walked by here earlier. We came back later after walking around and seeing the sights and saw that it was still busy here. We sat down, and shortly after we found they weren't seating any more people, as it was 9pm. I ordered one of the more popular dishes, Margarita Chicken, $10.95. The food is good, fresh, and hot. We were pleased coming to dine here.

Open daily at 7:30am-9pm, till 10pm Friday-Saturday, credit cards accepted.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 18, 2006

Cafe Coyote
2461 San Diego Ave
San Diego, California 92110
(619) 291-4695

Kojack's Restaurant

Restaurant

Kojack's Restaurant Photo - San Diego, California
Quote:
Kojack's Restaurant is located near the beach, at the end of W Mission Bay Drive. We got lost trying to find our hotel and came across this area, and returned here for lunch later after settling in our hotel. We walked around this area and decided on this unpretentious place, which offered Greek food with a brighter atmosphere. We each had the lamb gyros with a Greek salad and a drink. I liked the lamb gyros, it was pretty tasty, but the Greek salad was too different for my personal likes. The people working here are decent and nice. Credit cards are accepted.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 18, 2006

Kojack's Restaurant
714 Ventura Place
San Diego, California 92109
(858) 488-5647

Posta

Restaurant | "La Posta N-8 de Acapulco's Taco Shop"

La Posta N-8 de Acapulco's Taco Shop Photo - Posta, San Diego, California
Quote:
La Posta N-8 de Acapulco's is an inexpensive, no-frills, bare-bones 24-hour Mexican fast-food place with dishes made to order. Line up at the window counter, select the item(s) to order, pay, and wait for your order to be called. There are tables and benches to sit there and dine in, or you can take away. The atmosphere isn't much to speak of, but the food is fresh, hot, and filling. Al pastor (marinated pork) isn't listed but is available. It's great to come here for a late night meal or anytime. Cash only.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 18, 2006

Posta
3980 3rd Avenue
San Diego, California
(619) 295-8982

Vulcan Steam & Sauna

Attraction | "Vulcan Steam & Sauna"

Quote:
Vulcan Steam & Sauna is the nicest of the three gay baths here being better maintained and it costs less than the competition for entry. Limited parking is available for a few customers on this two story property with lockers, private rooms, TV room, video room, bunk area, steam room, showers, whirlpool, and outdoor patio. Open daily 24 hours. Twelve hour time limit, in and out allowed for an hour. One dollar for a one month membership, $13 locker, $17 room. Keep some singles on you in case you want some convenience drinks or snacks.

Telephone: (619) 238-1980

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on September 13, 2006

Vulcan Steam & Sauna
805 West Cedar St.
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 238-1980

Horton Plaza -Westfield Shoppingtown: Versailles

Attraction | "United Artists Horton Plaza 14"

Quote:
United Artists Horton Plaza 14 is part of the Regal Entertainment Group with 14 screens on two levels and 2 concession stands with validated parking good for 4 hours done as you give your movie tickets to be torn. The facility was good, able to watch our movie without any problems.There are lots of food places to eat on level 4 outside of the theatre in the Gaslamp Quarter here. This area can be too busy to be comfortable in with traffic and crowds of people. Matinee shows are starting times before 6pm Monday-Friday, before 4pm on weekends and holidays. Admission $10, matinee $7.50, child & senior $6.50, student &a...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 13, 2006

Horton Plaza -Westfield Shoppingtown: Versailles
324 Horton PLZ
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 232-2696

Hillcrest Cinema

Attraction | "Hillcrest Cinemas"

Quote:
Hillcrest Cinemas is part of Landmark Theatres showing independent and foreign films on a 5 screen cineplex. Admission is $9.50. If you come to the Landmark Theatres frequently, you may save some money by buying 5 admissions for $35.Specialty items at the concessions counter include gourmet chocolates, espresso coffee beverages, Italian sodas and popcorn with 100% real butter.It's nice to be able to go to see a movie that's not on the mainstream circuit. The facility here is very good even before entering the theatre on the second level. The Italian soda was a delightful change and even offers su...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 13, 2006

Hillcrest Cinema
3965 Fifth Ave
San Diego, California 92103
(619) 819-0236

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Attraction

Quote:
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center built 1973 has IMAX films and planetarium shows inside the 76 foot high dome. Basically it's a gimmick, if you like IMAX films, you'll like this.Personally, after seeing one or two of these, I'd prefer a more traditional screen presentation. I wasn't all that impressed with the subject nor presentation and fell asleep through most of the show. Admission to the show includes admission to the Science Center exhibits which are very similar to other science exhibits from different places around the world and gets rather mundane after a few times. The food area by the entrance offers free wifi.Telephone (619) 238-1...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on September 13, 2006

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 238-1233

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Pacific Southwest Railway Museum"

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Photo - Campo, California
Quote:
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum located in Campo presents rail cars from the past in this museum and includes an excursion ride with two departures, first at 10am, the second at 2:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays. The excursion ride takes us close to the border but doesn't cross it.On the third Saturday of each month, except December, a train for Tecate, MX boarding at 10am, departs from Campo at 10:30am, arrives at Tecate at 11:45am, Tecate Brewery Walking Tour is available, re-boarding at 2:45...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on September 13, 2006

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
1649 El Prado
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 696-0199

SRO Lounge

Attraction

Quote:
SRO Lounge is a unique, provocative, stimulating place to people-watch with a mixed crowd of guys, gals, cross-dressers, transgendered. One could order a drink, sit at the bar, not talk to anyone and just observe the people interacting with each other, quite entertaining. Pool table in the back.

Ladies Night Out on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 8pm.

Telephone (619) 232-1886

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 16, 2006

SRO Lounge
1807 Fifth Ave
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 232-1886

Club San Diego

Attraction

Quote:
Club San Diego in the Hillcrest area isn't part of the Club Bath Chain. For men only. Amenities include multi-station universal gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, tanning bed, 300 lockers, 52 rooms, 5 VIP suites, steam room, 2 video lounges on 2 floors. Government issued photo ID required. Open daily 24 hours, cash only. A bit run down. It'll cost around $20 plus for entry.

Telephone +1.619.295.0850

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on September 17, 2006

Club San Diego
3955 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, California 92103
(619) 295-0850

Kickers

Attraction | "Kickers and Urban Mo's"

Quote:
Kickers and Urban Mo's (formerly Hamburger Mary's) is a very popular country & western bar with food service available; the outdoor patio open till midnight for smokers, dining, entertainment with a mixed crowd. On the night we went, there was a fairly light crowd. The bartender quite nice. Other subsequent nights driving by, we see the patio packed with a crowd. Latino Night Mondays.

Telephone (619) 491-0400

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 17, 2006

Kickers
308 University Ave
San Diego, California 92103
(619) 491-0400

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Attraction | "San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park"

San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park Photo - San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego, California
Quote:
San Diego Model Railroad Museum In Balboa Park offers a rather extensive collection of California model railroads to wonder through and learn about.

Open Tuesday-Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm, admission $6, seniors $5, students with ID $3, active military with ID $2.50, children under 15 when accompanied by an adult free. First Tuesday of the month free for all.

Telephone (619) 696-0199

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 17, 2006

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
1649 El Prado
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 696-0199

Museum of Photographic Arts

Attraction

Museum of Photographic Arts Photo - Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego, California
Quote:
Museum of Photographic Arts was worthy of a visit here. On this visit, we saw an exhibit from these women's perspective and insight, Breaking the Frame: Pioneering Women in Photojournalism, featuring Margaret Bourke-White, Grace Robertson, Thérèse Bonney, Hansel Mieth, Esther Bubley, and Olga Lander.Open daily 10am-5pm, Thursday till 9pm, hours vary for special events. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25th, January 1st and July 4th. Galleries close at 2pm on December 24th and December 31st.Admission: adults $6; students, seniors, military $4; school groups with advanced reservat...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 18, 2006

Museum of Photographic Arts
1649 El Prado
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 238-7559

Amtrak - SAN - San Diego Santa Fe Station

Attraction

Amtrak - SAN - San Diego Santa Fe Station Photo - Amtrak - SAN - San Diego Santa Fe Station, San Diego, California
Quote:
Amtrak - SAN - San Diego Santa Fe Station offers only one regional route Pacific Surfliner from Paso Robles (PRB) to this station. The station hours are daily 4:30am-1am, ticketing daily 5:15am-10:15pm, baggage service daily 5:30am-7pm, no Qu...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on September 25, 2006

Amtrak - SAN - San Diego Santa Fe Station
1050 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, California

About the Writer

panda2

panda2
California, California

More Journals by panda2

Popular San Diego Hotels

Pacific Terrace Hotel

User Rating:

Ocean Villa Inn

User Rating:

Kona Kai Resort

User Rating:

Doubletree Hotel San Diego Mission Valley

User Rating:

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

User Rating:

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

User Rating:

Balboa Park

User Rating:

SeaWorld San Diego

User Rating:

Torrey Pines State Reserve and Beach

User Rating:

Seaport Village

User Rating: