San Diego Advice

Hello-

I am travelling to San Diego for a conference (TDWI, anyone?) next week and am looking for advice/information. I’ll be staying at a Ramada at 830 6th Avenue. I’ll be in town Sat night (13th) through Fri night (19th).

I’d like to do some 3 to 5 mile runs while I’m there, from my hotel would be ideal. Any suggestions?

Also, I hear there is great Mexican food in the Old Town (?) area. What’s the best place (name/address for Mapquesting would be ideal).

Also, what about sushi, steakhouses, etc? Where are the best of those located?

Finally, are there any great gear places or bike shops to check out?

We’ll have a rental car, so a bit of a drive isn’t an issue for any of these things.

Any thing else anyone with local experience can inform me of would be great.

Thanks!

Dave

For bike shops Nytro is definitely worth a visit…www.nytro.com
.

B and L in solana beach is just a few blocks south of nytro on PCH, a good stop as well as nytro. the run on harbor drive is a good run. you can get 18 out of it if you wanted to.

http://members.cox.net/sd_run_maps/sdbay2.jpg

steak houses
donavons in la jolla
ruth crist downtown

sushi
toshi san in la jolla

mexican food
santana’s for carne asada burritos (on rosecrans)
wahoo’s for fish tacos or carnitas (sports arena blvd)

burgers
hoodads in OB, probably one of the best burgers you will get

Balboa Park is pretty convenient to where you are, here are a few routes:

http://members.cox.net/sd_race_maps/bp4mi_05.jpg
http://members.cox.net/sd_race_maps/BP_8miler05.jpg

Old Town Mexican Cafe:

http://www.oldtownmexcafe.com/

Steak, maybe Donovans, they’re rated #1 on this page, but I haven’t been there. I’ve been to Dakota, Prado, and Bertrand, all pretty good but I didn’t have steak. No clue about the best sushi:

http://www.sandiegorestaurants.com/top10.cfm

Others have suggested Nytro and B&L, they are certainly the most well known triathlon oriented shops, a bit of a drive especially if there is any traffic but probably worth it. You might also check out the Trek “superstore” in Kearny Mesa, they’re friendly. And if you don’t have an REI near you, that’s always fun for browsing, also in the Kearny Mesa area, right across from Roadrunner where you can find a pretty big selection of running shoes and clothes, or just check out the returns rack for occasional great deals on your preferred model.

Swimming at La Jolla Cove - early Friday morning or Friday evening in particular you’ll find open water swimmers and triathletes there to keep you company, don’t really need a wetsuit.

Pool swimming - might want to try UCSD masters or Dan Peck’s workout at La Jolla High.

DeSoto factory store would be another possible destination but they’ve moved so I don’t know the exact location - Emilio does spin classes down in La Jolla, that could be fun.

http://www.reidogado.net/.

Mexican food, two favorites:

Sushi: WAY WAY to many to mention, any all the others have mentioned are great.

Steak:
-Donavons, awesome steak, HUGE wine selection, and good portions…reasonable priced for a steak house
http://www.donovanssteakhouse.com/
-Ruth Chris, steak served covered in sizzling butter, need I say more…HELL’A expensive

Bike Shops:
-Nytro and B&L: for tri bike stuff, I like both stores, and they are about 10 minutes from each other. Lots of good bike porn
-Supergo: Located in Oceanside, HUGE store, has just above everything bike, plus tons of bikes. Not alot of tri selection though
-Hi-Tech Bikes: Awesome fitting, sweet bikes, and very cool “Mom & Pop” feel. My favorite bike store in SD

Other:
-Road Runner Sport, marvel at the amount of shoes in one place. Pretty good shoe fit too. If you need some new shoes, or just want to check some out, good place to go.
-REI, right across the street from Road Runner Sport. Outdoorsmen’s dream come true!
-Hash House A Go Go, go for breakfest, its WELL worth it. Dinner is ok, depending on what you get and how busy there are, sometimes its over cooked. HUGE portions. They have awesome pancakes
http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/

Enjoy your stay!

-bcreager