Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with sandiego

Never use Priceline after 5am

disillusioned — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:30:58 -0800

IdiotFilter: I booked a Priceline hotel with the wrong region selected. Should I eat it and book somewhere else? Or will it work for New Year's Eve? I made the catastrophic mistake of Pricelineing after 5am last night and during my rebid process (where you add regions that don't have the star level you're looking for, so you can instantly rebid), I jacked it down from 4 star to 3.5 star without unchecking all the regions.

This placed me at the Hilton Del Mar (map).

I'm there from Dec 31 - Jan 3, for $161 total.

I wanted to be in Downtown/Harbor Island, so that I could have a choice of festivities, and to be closer to downtown SD during the other days, but again, I was an idiot.

Both Priceline and Hilton absolutely refuse to budge and that's to be expected—I read the terms and made the mistake.

So my question is: Should I eat the $161 and try to find a similar deal closer? Or should I just stay there and drive in?

We have a vehicle, but I don't know what sort of parking situation we'll see coming in to downtown.

We might like to do the Zoo, Sea World, Harbor Island, the beach (which is close to this hotel), and the Gaslamp Quarter, so clearly being closer would be nice.

What's your expert opinion, San Diegans? It appears to be a solid 20 miles from downtown—will this be absolutely devastating, traffic-wise on the holiday weekend? Or can I reasonably make it down in 20 minutes?

God, I feel stupid. I'm usually fastidious and extremely careful with things like travel bookings, but I just missed it here and now I'm stuck.

Your advice is welcome—I'm willing to eat the $161, since I'm splitting the hotel with the girlfriend (she'll split wherever we stay, I'll eat the $161 myself) so that hurts a bit less, but if it's manageable, we'll just stay there. It looks like a pretty nice hotel on its own.

These boots were made for walkin' in LA?

pointystick — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:17:23 -0800

What is appropriate fashion in fall and winter when in a warm or desert climate? I live in Atlanta where we have 4 disctinct seasons (albeit in no particular order!) but I'm hoping to spend more time in the Southwest - Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Los Angeles, etc - both for fun and perhaps for work, but have no idea what to wear when it's fall (I'll be there this weekend) or winter (again around Christmas). Will my trousers and boots look silly? How about tweedy skirts or sweaters? I am most concerned about business wear (woman, 30s, casual to dressy office) and going out in the evenings. Does it matter if you stay inside where it's going to be air conditioned? Do desert-dwellers and southwesterners still hanker for wool and suede when the mercury outside is in the 70s? Thanks for your wisdom!

What do we do with a 140k inheritance?

veritas — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:39:03 -0800

We live in San Diego. We have 140k in cash after an inheritance, a mobile home we can't afford, crappy jobs, and have never had this much money ever. How do we best invest this money? My husband and I grew up in San Diego - it's expensive, the schools are terrible... but there's lots of parks, great beaches, and we have good friends here. We're 22+23 - he's in college double time for massage therapy and I'm working as an admin/personal assistant. Right now, we're the usual poor college students - I pull in about 20k a year after taxes.

The Good: We have no debt except for his school which is a $400 a month payment debited from our account. There's 8k left on his school. We're both healthy, have a huge mobile home that was also left to us, no kids. We used part of the money to get a reliable car, so that's not a problem.

The Bad: We live in one of the worst neighborhoods in town, paying $700-900 space rent + utilities on the mobile home. We both have to drive about an hour each way for work/school. We have no health insurance, and after bringing all our debts to the bare minimum, we're still in the hole 600 every month. We have someone moving into the extra bedroom soon, but that will only let us break even. We doubt we'll be able to sell the house, because there's a dozen others for sale that haven't sold, including one across from us for 29k, which is cheaper than some cars.

Our options, so far, seem to be buy a house in a crappy/still far away area (El Cajon, Lakeside, City Heights) which would use up all our saved up money, or rent a place (presumably prepaying the rent, because we just don't have credit histories), get a second car, and invest the rest in retirement/savings and making our lives better (buying clothes for once in our lives, a second car). I checked some of the other inheritance posts, but none quite dealt with this large a sum.

Southern California recommendations for art/culture/history nerds

acridrabbit — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:56:29 -0800

Southern California recommendations for art/culture/history nerds in our late thirties/early forties? My husband and I are planning a trip to San Diego at the end of October. I have to be in San Diego proper on October 28, but other than that, we're free for 7 full days around that date. Here are some things about us:

- Love history, art, culture, and nature; left-wing commie pinko former punks (prefer gritty SF Mission murals to opera)
- Indifferent/hostile to movie stars, theme parks, and overpriced tourist traps
- Independent, experienced world travelers
- Not surfers or beach people, but we enjoy a good view
- No kids
- Vegans
- Non-drinkers

We have been to San Francisco before, but nowhere else in CA. We're thinking it might be fun to do an open-jaws trip - fly into San Jose and drive south, then maybe see a little of LA before arriving in San Diego and flying out. Given our timeframe and quirks, where would you recommend we visit? Hotel recommendations, restaurants (with vegan options), and sights to see all welcome.

Here are the places currently on my list:
First night: Ragged Point Inn, followed by Hearst Castle/San Simeon the next day

Driving down the coast, stopping at...
San Luis Obispo?
Solvang?
Santa Barbara?
La Jolla Canyon (hike)

Los Angeles area:
Watts Towers
Getty Center
Santa Monica?
Leucadia?
Catalina Island?

San Diego:Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park/San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp District

PS Some of these recommendations have come from the other CA travel threads, so thanks for all the previous comments!

San Diego taco trucks?

y6y6y6 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:02:54 -0800

Taco trucks in San Diego? Other than Marisco's German, which I already eat at regularly, what/where/when are some good taco trucks in San Diego.

For 75 bucks they'd better serve liquid gold

The Whelk — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 10:28:27 -0800

Post-ComicConFilter: Best Sunday brunch in San Diego that's not the Hotel Del Coranado? Near downtown a plus. Views or unusual atmosphere doubleplus.

Exploring Southern California

bobertdude — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:00:41 -0800

What are some good travel guides for Southern California? I just got my first car and I've been exploring all around Southern California. I've lived in So Cal for most of my life, but I don't really know the place at all. Can anyone recommend me a good travel guide that'll point out all the nooks and crannies of where I live? I'd like something very detailed that gives candid descriptions ALL over Southern California (not just the "greatest hits"). I'm very excited to see what there is to see, and a little bit of direction would really help.

If you can't recommend a travel guide, some personal input on interesting spots would be just as appreciated.

Hip San Diego Hairstylist for stylish haircut?

strangelove — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:50:27 -0800

San Diego Hairstylist Filter - Where do I obtain a stylish men's haircut with highlights, for ~$60 in SD. I'm a guy in his late twenties. Thanks!

Breakfast in Laguna Beach?

grateful — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:26:49 -0800

Breakfast in Laguna Beach? Mrs. grateful and I will be visiting San Diego in a few weeks. On our last day, we have a few hours to burn before heading to LAX. What activities, not-to-be-missed sights or sublime breakfast experiences do you recommend we find on a Saturday morning? We're open to any and all suggestions...

Any courses on internet marketing in San Diego?

carofowler — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:09:11 -0800

I am looking for some good basic classes/courses in or near San Diego, California on interactive/internet marketing (metrics, e-commerce, channels, website usability, SEO, etc.). Can anyone recommend anything that ends before August '09?

I usually go in the middle of the day...

Korou — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:15:15 -0800

TrafficFilter: Help me get to San Diego! I live in Camarillo, CA. I am driving to San Diego, but have to stop in South Pasadena and Long Beach. I am picking someone up in Long Beach—he doesn't get off work until 6:30pm.

I want to arrive in SD as early as possible, with the least amount of driving, stopping in these two places.

When is the best time to leave? Is this the best route?

white ink/blacklight tats in san diego?

gcat — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:28:47 -0800

White ink/black light tats in san diego? are there any places in san diego that do white ink and/or blacklight tattoos?

after a bit of research, i see there is a lot of differing opinion on the subject, but i was hoping to find a place in SD that does them so i can go look at a portfolio or two and talk to a few artists.

ive called a few places so far (including both Avalons), but they don't do it, which, of course, might indicate something.

So again, anybody know any places? I still have lots of reading to do on askme, but in the meantime, I hope to find someone local to talk to also.

Thanks, everyone!

Lake sailing near San Diego?

mamessner — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:44:56 -0800

Anywhere to rent a sailboat on a lake near San Diego? I know all about the bay and ocean sailing rentals, but I'd like to go sailing like I did back home in Wisconsin - Go to a park, rent a little boat for cheap, have a picnic on shore, maybe BBQ a bit... Are there any county or state parks nearby where you can rent a sailboat on the cheap and go lake sailing?

What are some good blogs written by Californians about humanitarian projects in the area?

cmyers — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:56:00 -0800

What are some good blogs written by Californians about humanitarian projects in the area? Doctors without Borders is planning a tour of its outdoor educational exhibit A Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and San Diego in October and November. A friend of mine is working for their public-relations department and is looking for California-area blogs to publicize the tour. Know of any?

Winter container vegetables in San Diego?

exceptinsects — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:38:20 -0800

What winter vegetables can I grow in pots in a warm climate? I'm in San Diego, so it will get into the 40s at night in the coldest part of the year, maybe even the 30s if it's an especially cold winter. Days can be in the 50s to the 80s. There's not much rain.

I have some largish pots (maybe 18" diameter) on my front steps that get full sun for part of the day (south-facing but there are trees that shade it sometimes). I had tomatoes in them over the summer.

Now that the tomatoes are done, can I grow root vegetables? Onions? Potatoes? Lettuce?

Freezers looking for space in San Diego?

strangelove — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:40:30 -0800

Secure warehouse space, with generator, in San Diego? Hi fellow metas,
Is there anyone here in the community that can assist me in locating warehouse space with generator in the San Diego area? We are looking to store ~twenty freezers with two compressors each for a six month period while their dedicated space is getting ready.

OR for the greater question, how do I store twenty freezers with no home. I am thinking that I can make an arrangement with a local property manager who has a suitable space available between tenants...

Contacts, alternative resolutions, or recommended paths to follow accepted and appreciated. Let me know if you all need additional details.
Thanks!

Know about a short-term rental in San Diego?

Mr. Gunn — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:12:09 -0800

Anyone have a line on a short-term rental in San Diego? Craigslist has disappointed me. Since I'm not in the area to drive around and look for signs, most things I can find are either vacation rentals, shared rooms, or semester rentals for college students. The kind of thing you'd expect to find in the short-term section of craigslist. None are what I'm looking for, which is a furnished house with a backyard, big enough for two people and a dog, in South Park, from now through December.

So, anyone know of something available that vaguely approximates the above?

I just want to get married!

CwgrlUp — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:40:34 -0800

How to enjoy our first Pride Parade? My gf and I are taking advantage of the opportunity to go get married in San Diego next weekend. (YAY!) We've just now realized that same weekend is the Pride Parade. We didn't have much else nailed down as far as plans go, but I have to admit I'm a little worried now about there being a bazillion more people in town than usual. She's really gung ho about all the Pride-activities and I am too, but I have lots of questions.

Are we even going to be able to get into a club Friday night?

Do you have to register or buy tickets or anything to march in the parade Saturday? Do people walk in regular outfits? I didn't actually plan on packing my feather boa for the trip.

Looks like we're going to hit the festival on Sunday and hopefully catch Kathy Griffin there that evening. Better to buy tickets for the Festival ahead of time online I guess? Can we bring water in with us? Am I going to need cash? (I'm usually anti-cash which is why I ask)

Non-Pride related - we have an apptmt to get our marriage license Fri afternoon and immediately get married there (they don't take apptmts for that...sigh) Now I'm totally freaked that there's going to be mass crowds of gay couples clamoring to get married. Is this gonna work? I have this horrible image in my head of it not working and us having to go back each day and keep standing in line.

Give it to me straight. (no pun intended, really) I know I'm a control freak. I like definite plans. Am I worrying too much? Or is it going to be that crazy? Any suggestions to keep my sanity?

*Note, we will be staying with a friend of mine from high school. She's going to be chauffeuring us around so multiple trips to try to get married would be a definite bummer.

Looking for bike rides around San Diego

mathowie — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:43:29 -0800

Know of any long road bike rides around San Diego, California? I'm spending a couple weeks down in SD at the end of this month, and I'm in the middle of training for a week-long 500 mile ride in September. I should be taking my mileage up to 150 miles/week during this time.

I'll be around Mission Bay (above Sea World, in the hills) and aside from the main El Camino coastal route, I have no idea where to find safe 25-35 mile loops to ride. About half the roads I've driven down there don't seem very bike friendly and I'm mostly used to quiet Oregon country roads for riding long distances.

I know up north the Palomar Observatory road is the killer hillclimb to try one day, but other than that, what are some good up to 40 mile loops in San Diego county worth checking out?

What to do during our SDCC hangover?

bodgy — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:49:45 -0800

In San Diego for 2 days, hate zoos and most museums. Willing to travel. What should we do? My husband and I are going to San Diego Comic Con and got tickets that fly out from LA MONDAY night rather than our intended SUNDAY night. So we have all day Monday and, as we're usually done with SDCC after Saturday, we can also have all day Sunday to do something.

This is not our first trip to SDCC but we usually feel we only see the convention center and the gaslamp quarter. But we're not Zoo people, museum people, or Seaworld people.

We love going places where we can take scenic and cool photographs, or just have good experiences and see unique things. Are there some things in San Diego we should do?

If not in San Diego, we'll have a rental car and need to go back to LA by Monday night, so should we drive somewhere? We can't think of anything really fun in LA. We've seen the Tar Pits, Hollywood, Venice Beach, filming of the Tonight Show etc. so unless LA has some hidden treasures we'd like things outside of LA...

Thanks!

what's made in usa and where do i get it?

Citizen Premier — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:15:00 -0800

For my 4th of July present to America, I want to start buying American-made products. Where can I do so in San Diego? And would you be willing to make a list for me of American companies that make frequently-needed products? Are there any nearby supermarkets which carry a high percentage of American products? As a last resort, I might be willing to buy some of the more expensive stuff online.

To make it a little easier, I'm also willing to buy from other first-world nations, especially since I'm going to try to avoid Tommy Hilfinger, GAP and Calvin Klein.

Any other general tips about making the switch would also be nice.

San Diego Mexican food

Ragma — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:20:22 -0800

Authentic Regional Mexican food in San Diego. Where "regional" ≠ Tijuana/TexMex. My folks from Idaho are coming for a San Diego visit and they asked to go out for some authentic regional Mexican food. I've been to places like Marisco's German and Tacos El Gordo, which I've been told are at least close to "authentic", but I suspect those are more Tijuana authentic. I think we're looking for something other than the Tijuana region. But I'm a complete gringo so how would I know? Additionally, I'd rather not go to places where I'm uncomfortable parking my car. I don't mind being the only white guy in the place, but I have my comfort limits.

So two questions -

1) What are some good, authentic, regional Mexican restaurants we should try?
2) What the hell does "regional Mexican" food even mean really? What food am looking for?

And please, do us all a favor, don't tell me to go to Old Town Cafe. I'm sure it's authentic on some level, but I'm interested in something more.

What should we do in San Diego over the 4th of July weekend?

jacobm — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:02:13 -0800

My girlfriend and I are visiting San Diego over the 4th of July weekend. What should we do and see? Are there any special 4th of July events we shouldn't miss? And what about good vegetarian restaurants? We're staying in the Gaslight district, but we'll have a car so we'll be able to get around to other places if necessary.

San DiEee901

Akeem — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:04:17 -0800

Where can I find an Asus Eee 901 in San Diego close to the convenion center? Will they be available by June 21? I'll be at BIO 2008 next week in San Diego; I would like to pick up an Eee 901 while I'm in the US but find different reports on its availability (June 3, June, July). Would I have to travel to the outskirts of the city to the big electronic stores or are there any that stock Eee's near the center ?

How difficult would it be to get your hands on the new model once it launches? Do you have to reserve one beforehand?

Can I expect difficulties travelling with this US purchased item through customs to Europe ? Would I have to pay import taxes ?

San Diego Comic Con Accommodation Advice?

pzarquon — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:27:49 -0800

Advice for San Diego accommodations for Comic-Con? This is the 2008 edition of this question, begging your pardon for a bit of a repeat. My wife and I will be coming from Hawaii to attend Comic Con in July, our first trip without our kids since having kids. We have our convention passes and our plane tickets, but we don't yet have a place to stay. We know that all the official convention hotels are booked solid, and have been for weeks. So, from what I can tell, our options are among the following:

1. Way overpay for a "historic" hotel near the Convention Center ($400+ night), knowing that it'll be old and crummy since it can afford to be so close to the action.

2. Find a hotel along the San Diego trolley line, which hopefully would be more affordable. This is the suggestion from last year, but I'm having a hard time finding hotels that have trolley stops in front of them. (I found an "Old Time Trolley" with hotels listed but that seemed more like a tourist ride, not mass transit.) If we could get some suggestions, I like this option a lot.

3. Find a hotel or motel further away ($200+), say 5-10 miles (i.e. "Hotel Circle"), then depend on shuttles or taxis. I'm not sure how pervasive either shuttles or taxis are, though, and I gather this option most limits our spontaneous wandering around options.

4. Expand the radius ridiculously, bargain hunt, and just rent a car to get around. More wandering options (my wife is hinting that she wants to blow off a day of the con and just do the tourist thing), but then we have to deal with parking, which I gather is also a nightmare in San Diego.

FWIW, I've already inquired at several private vacation rentals (VRBO, HomeAway), and they're all booked or require a full month. A pity, since I'm becoming a fan of vacation rentals versus hotels.

Anyone familiar with San Diego or Comic Con have some insights to share? Like I said, we haven't hopped a plane anywhere for 10 years, so as long as you've visited San Diego more recently than that, I'm sure we could learn something from you.