In a few weeks, I’m going to be in the San Diego area for work [i.e. standing in front of a marketing display slapping backs and shaking hands]. The Prioress is going to meet me at the tail end for a few days. I’ve had a few conversations with people about “where to stay” and “what to do” and they have laid out agenda’s that seem would take a lifetime to fulfill.  We don’t want to try and see “everything a tourist should see when in San Diego” – I’m OK if we don’t even make it to the zoo.

I could use recommendations on a neighborhood to post up in and enjoy.  We would rather get to know a few city blocks pretty well on foot, then logging windshield time driving between “here and there” [we’ve got a 4K mile road trip planned for later this summer – plenty of windshield time there].  Criteria:

– walkable with access to interesting shops and restaurants.

– not interested in an “aggressive” night life.  would like to see some live music, but along the lines of The Dakota down in the Big City.  not interested in the club scene.

– less developed for tourist.  would like to be able to buy a coffee for less than $11.

With your comments on the area to stage out of, if you could also provide suggestions for the following – that would button up a lot of the planning:

1) beach?

2) lodging accommodations?

I posted something similar on Trip Adviser, but it’s not generating any discussion.  I’ve tried weeding through the volumes of information and suggestions available for this area – and it’s a bit overwhelming – we’re only going to have about two full days to ourselves in the area.

Thanks for your input.