San Diego/Phoenix/Tucson - Things To Do & See?

[Libby]

Hello fellow villagers - need some help from y'all on fun places to see/visit and possibly eat Any suggestions?

I will be flying there and renting a vehicle, staying in motels and with family as we're out that way. Will be traveling with DF and dad who's limited in his walking.

We've already done the Zoo (though I'd love to go back!) and Sea World (which isn't really of much interest anymore). We've also gone across to Tijuana, Mexico. All these things were done in the past and limited by host family members with limited ideas b/c they're locals and they don't think its fun to see local attractions. I'm glad we'll be staying in a motel and renting our own vehicle - we WILL have freedom!!

From my research, I hope to visit the US Navy Craft Carrier (Midway Air Craft Carrier) and the trendy/downtown area as well as shopping at the big box store there that aren't in Canada. I even looked up "Diners, Drive-In's & Dives" for the city and there may be a place or two we will stop in to check out for ourselves. We may even pop by to the beach for a few hours.

Anyone know of any hidden gems in San Diego? Any frugal things I should see/try?

PS: we will continue to travel in to AZ after a few days to visit with family. Any tips for must see things in Phoenix or Tucson?

[hlwilson07]

We just moved from Phoenix to bo close to family and I would imagine the things I miss most would make for alot of fun for a visitor.

Wildlife World Zoo. It's super pricey but worth every penny, it's in Litchfield Park right next to the A.F. base.

South Mountain Park - you can drive to the top and see the entire valley, it's really awesome so long as it's a low smog day. Last time I went it was still free but they have started imposing some fees for most of the parks so be prepaired with a small amount of cash. (7$ is about the average cost per car)

They have major league teams for every sport (hockey is a hoot in Phoenix because everyone is a transplant and almost no one roots for the home team)

There are a thousand other super awesome things to do in Phoenix but without knowing your likes/dislikes it's pretty hard to point you in the right direction. So if you'd like more suggestions let me know!

[azangie]

We live in Phoenix and you're coming at a good time weather wise. It's finally starting to cool off a little. We've been stuck in a heat wave.

hlwilson07's ideas are good. Here's a few more -

Desert Botanical Gardens - excellent representation of what grows here. I'm sure you can get a wheelchair there for your dad if you want. It's a great place to walk around.

Checking out Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is a great idea. We did that last time we went to San Diego and had some excellent meals. If you like Mexican/Chinese food, Chino Bandito here in Phoenix (from the show) is really good. (I know Mexican/Chinese sounds weird but trust me it's good!!)

Tucson has the Saguaro National Forest that you can drive through that's really pretty. Forest sounds weird when it's all cactus, but it's impressive.

Best of luck and hope you have a good trip.

[gapeach]

I had the pleasure of living in San Diego for 11 1/2 years. If you get a chance, go across the Coronado bridge and visit the Hotel del Coronado. It's a beautiful old hotel. Also, one of our favorite things to do was to go to Coronado just before sunset and walk on the bay side. You can watch the city lights come on and the reflection off the water is incredible if it's a clear night. It used to be a very nice walk on a nice sidewalk. Also a drive around La Jolla and Mission Bay is nice. I know there's more, I'm trying to think of the ones that don't require a lot of walking for your dad. If you like fresh seafood don't miss Point Loma Seafood. Remember to take a number when you go in and sit outside at one of the tables. They have some tables in the back that are rarely used. One of the best views of San Diego and the Pacific is up on Cabillo by the lighthouse.

[Saule]

airplane museum and desert museum in tuscson

[Libby]

Lovin' the ideas...I'm googling things now to see what they are and if they'd interest us. Please keep the ideas/suggestions coming

My dad has limited walking ability - he may let us push him in a wheelchair and he may not so a huge hiking stint isn't ideal but love the idea of an aquarium. We love those b/c they're hard to find for us.

The SD hotel idea sounds cool and the 'forest' too.

I'm going to keep a list and google everything. I plan to take a notebook of all these potential attractions with their contact info, addy's, maps etc and rates so we can decide from the book spur of the moment for those 'ho-hum' days