San Diego has a lot to offer in terms of activities and entertainment. We wanted to provide you with our suggestions to give you a starting point for planning you vacation (before and after the wedding!). Here's a short list, and of course we'd be happy to give you other recommendations or point you in the right direction to find what you're looking for.
Additional information can be found here: http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors
We love Torrey Pines, and it's my favorite place here. I know each hiking trail forward and backward and every inch of the beach. There are several ways to visit the park, and the choice depends on how much effort you want to put in to getting there. The 101 bus route has a stop in both directions (convenient for people staying at the Del Mar Best Western) at the Penasquitos lagoon outlet (see map). From there you have beach access, and there is a short hike to the park. You can also drive and park in two ranger lots located east or west of the 101. When the ranger booth in the East lot is occupied, they charge 8 dollars for entrance (free if unoccupied). There is also street parking on the 101 (get there early) or near the East ranger lot. You can also park at several trailheads, which will always cost 8 dollars (West lot).
So now that you're at the park, what is there to do? There are several trails of varying difficulty to hike. Guy Fleming is the easiest trail, a 0.6 mile loop with sweeping views of Del Mar and the northern coast. Parry Grove has the steepest descent, but is the least crowded (my favorite trail), with views of the ocean and canyons within the park. Razor Point runs over a ridge of rock, and joins up with the Beach trail that goes all the way down to Flat Rock (beach access). Climb back up via Broken Hill and hike back using the old 101 for a 3-mile loop. Bordering the park on the south is the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.
The state beach is bordered by Black's to the South (the nude beach) and Del Mar to the north. The closet place to rent surfboards is Rusty Del Mar, located on 15th street in Del Mar. Mitch's in Solana Beach also rents surfboards (not on Sunday), and both can be reached using the 101 bus. Surf between lifeguard towers 6 and 7, or wherever the sand bar shifted to these days (you'll see a group of surfers where the waves are breaking).
This is our favorite surf spot. There's a nice point created by a reef directly west of Seagrove Park, if you can get to it. If you're looking for a less crowded wave, paddle further south to 13th street.
On the border between Del Mar and Solana Beach is a dog beach, which I refer to as "Puppy Beach". Dogs run around off their leashes here, and are very entertaining to watch. To the north is Seascape Beach, which is beautiful and uncrowded. It's best to visit from mid to low tide since it's pretty thin for a beach.
Near the center of Solana Beach lies Fletcher's Cove, known as "Pillbox". It's not great for surfing, but has a playground and basketball courts, and is walking distance from three great places to eat: Naked Cafe (breakfast/lunch), Pizza Port (lunch/dinner) and Solana Donut (24-hour donuts!). Further north is Seaside, Cardiff Reef, Pipes and Swami's (Encinitas). All are worth a look! http://www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/solanabeach.htm
Black's Beach (http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/blacks.shtml) is the most beautiful (in my opinion) beach in San Diego. The cliffs are dramatically sculpted by the wind, and the beach is wide, perfect for running or walking. There is a glider point where you can watch hangliders and paragliders drift over the ocean, golf course, and multi-million dollar La Jolla homes. You must be aware that your chances of seeing someone nude (usually a middle-aged male) are 100%. I like to take a very close look at the ocean when passing by one the Black's regulars, hehe. The surfing here is world-class, but not for beginners.
La Jolla Shores (http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/shores.shtml) is the ultimate family beach. It is well maintained and staffed by numerous lifeguards. You can rent sea kayaks (and tours!), surfboards, bodyboards, and snorkeling equipment within walking distance to the beach. La Jolla Cove is directly south, and is a protected wildlife preserve with kelp forests, caves and harbor seals to see.
La Jolla Cove contains several tide pools exposed during low tide and a beach called Children's Pool (http://www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/lajollachildrenspool.htm). The Children's Pool beach has a cement walk-out where you can observe the resident harbor seals up-close. Watch out for irate locals and animal-rights protesters.
Of course, south of La Jolla cove is Windansea, Bird Rock, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Pacific Beach (http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/pb.shtml) is the place to be if you're 18-25, and there are many bars/restaurants close to the water. Don't forget that it's now illegal to imbibe on the beach.
Far away, there is Coronado and Silver Strand (west of Downtown San Diego). Coronado (http://www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/coronado.htm) is a huge white sand beach, recently voted one of the top-10 in the country. You can walk around the adjacent Hotel Del Coronado (http://www.hoteldel.com/about/) for fun. Silver Strand (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=654) is great on windy days, there are several kite-surfers that grab huge air off choppy waves
I never get bored here, even though I go 2-3 times a year. There are so many interesting exhibits, and besides the animals, the zoo serves as a large botanical garden. If you're going to go, get discount coupons online. If I only had time to see one major attraction in San Diego, this is it! You especially need to see the Monkey Trails exhibit and hope the orangutan bums are out with bags over their heads, and go see the baby panda who likes to kick back and stuff its face with bamboo. Make sure to get there early before the animals get too hot to move around.
As a bonus, the San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park (http://www.balboapark.org/), where most of the county museums are located. It's fun to just walk around, and there's another nice botanical garden (free) to visit.
The Birch Aquarium is on the smaller side, but is very well done. It contains a large tank that mimics the habitat of the kelp forests located in La Jolla Cove, which it overlooks. There are several tidepools where you're allowed to handle starfish, and a new hands-on global warming exhibit. There is a schedule of daily events that are more kid-centric, including a tank-feeding (scuba divers).
The U.S.S. Midway is an aircraft carrier that was decommissioned in 1991 and turned into a public museum. You are given a self-guided audio tour when you enter, and you can pretty much see every part of the ship. In the main hanger area, there are several interactive exhibits, including a fighter jet cockpit. You can climb up to the top of the control tower (as part of a guided tour). There are also speakers (usually a veteran) that give talks on specific aircraft and operation.
Expensive, some nice aquarium exhibits and a really cool rescued animal show. Skip Shamu, seriously.
Great if you're a 10-year old boy or really like Legos.
A lot going on here (nightlife, restaurants, bars) but pricey.
nice park, little shops filled with candy and souvenirs.
Historic park including restored buildings, cool/tacky souvenir shops and a lot of places to get Mexican food.
These are just a few, a quick Google search yields even more discounts.
Mexican, contemporary Mexican. We go here at least once a month. Good food, very reasonable prices (the chicken tamale dinner is only $8.95!!). Nice outdoor bar area, suitable for cougar hunting. This is San Diego's Rio Grande.
The only place where you can walk up and have breakfast without waiting for an hour Sunday morning. Healthy, tasty menu, very reasonable.
A new restaurant, with an extensive, innovative list of rolls. They also have a large selection of non-sushi meals for chickentarians in particular. Very reasonable and good, beautiful view of the lagoon and Torrey Pines from the patio.
Our favorite local Chinese restaurant, try the Sizzling Rice Soup, the Sesame Chicken or the Hong-Kong Style Noodles.
Another good breakfast/lunch place, a block from 15th Street. I like the French toast the best. Slightly pricey.
Nice, indoor/outdoor local coffee shop. They roast their own beans, and have decadent cinnamon rolls that will raise your core body temperature (get there before 10 on the weekends to snag one).
This is the home of my favorite pizza, the Garlic-Veggie. Their microbrews are fabulous (according to Kevin, Cardiff Cream is the best, I like California Honey), and they have arcade/vending machines for the kids. It is crowded but worth the wait!
Great for breakfast, they have healthy and eclectic choices. I love the coconut French toast and blueberry pancakes.
Home of the biggest bearclaw I've ever laid eyes on, they have a large selection of delicious pastries. Ask Kevin for a description of their apple fritter!
The best sandwich shop I have been to in San Diego, they also have imported Cadbury candy and awesome buttery, toffee-oatmeal cookies. Next to La Jolla Shores.
The best French toast, period. Right next to La Jolla Cove, busy but not impossible to get in Sunday morning. I guess the other stuff on the menu is good too, hehe.
Check out Hash House for huge breakfasts, Kemo Sabe for New Mexican-Asian fusion, and the cafe version of Extraordinary Desserts.
Cafe Sevilla has great tapas, and the downtown Extraordinary Desserts is located in Little Italy (get there early for best selection).
The Vine is great for tasting wine and a light snack (flourless chocolate cake!), and South Beach has the beast fish tacos (including thresher shark, lobster, mahi and calamari, cash only). The ice cream place next door makes fresh ice cream/waffle sandwiches.
Starlite Lounge has great cocktails (the Starlite Mule is my favorite!) and full dinner menu, worth a stop for a late-night drink.
Jayne's Gastropub has a small but delicious menu, and the Linkery has changing daily offerings of sausages made from every type of animal you can think of, including fish (along with a locally-acquired basic menu).
My favorite sushi place is Sushi Ota, located next to a 7-11 and a car dealership. It would be hard for you to find better sushi anywhere else in San Diego.
Of course, there are many other great places to eat. Sign On San Diego, the Union-Tribune's website, has many restaurant reviews, located here: http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/sections/restaurants/