San Diego on a budget

June 22, 2007

By CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT
Fine Living Network
Tuesday, June 12, 2007

The words "affordable" and "San Diego" aren't often mentioned in the same sentence. That's because California's second-largest city isn't exactly known as a bargain vacation destination.

But it can be. Tina Toms and her two daughters discovered that on a five-day San Diego getaway recently, a vacation that included hanging out at the beach, visiting exciting attractions and eating authentic cuisine. Their price tag: just $1,300.

So how did they do it?

The Toms family recommended visiting this Southern California resort during the off-season. Hotel rates in the winter are significantly lower than during the summer, and some of the biggest area attractions, like the beach, are far less crowded. But the ladies found another way of lowering their lodging bill: They skipped a hotel and rented a condo. For only $100 a night, they scored accommodations in a choice area.

"It was right on the beach," said Tina Toms. "You couldn't beat it."

Speaking of beaches, there's no shortage of them in San Diego, with 70 miles of shoreline to choose from. Coronado Beach (http://www.coronado.ca.us/) is popular with families. Or try La Jolla, which is known for its tidal pools. Best of all, the beach doesn't cost a penny.

With the money they saved, the Tomses decided to splurge on admission to San Diego's signature theme park, SeaWorld (http://4adventure.com/SWC/). Regular admission for three to SeaWorld set them back by about $150, which let them spend a full day enjoying shows that feature dolphins, Orca whales and seals, plus aquariums full of Beluga whales, polar bears and sharks.

Tina and her daughters made the visit extra-special by springing for the dolphin encounter, a 10-minute experience that gets you up-close and personal with the friendly mammals for $40 a person.

"There's just absolutely no price that you can put on interacting with these animals," said Toms.

SeaWorld San Diego cost the Tomses $460, but the adventure was worth it. And since the family still wasn't theme-parked out, they plotted a course to Legoland in Carlsbad (760-918-5346; http://www.legoland.com/california.htm) for a day of fun with more than 50 rides, shows and other attractions.

There are more than 15,000 Lego models -- everything from replicas of famous buildings to a real Lego roller coaster -- giving every member of the family something to enjoy. "It's geared toward the younger preschool age all the way up to 13 and above," said Toms, "so I had as much fun as the kids."

Tickets to Legoland are $57 for adults, $44 for kids. For these vacationers, the high point at this park was touring the mini-cities of skyscrapers, a Mardi Gras parade and even the Eiffel Tower, all built with Legos. Plus, they sampled Legoland's specialty snack: one-of-a-kind apple fries dipped in vanilla cream.

On a $1,300 budget, that left plenty of money for the main course. They found fresh seafood on Scott Street in San Diego and authentic Mexican cuisine in Old Town. (If you're indecisive, go to 5th Avenue, better known as Restaurant Row, where you can find just about anything.)

So here's how the Tomses managed their five-day vacation to San Diego for $1,300: The condo cost $400 for four nights (and the beach was free). Add in $250 for food, $160 for Legoland and $460 for SeaWorld, and these vacationers came in under budget, spending just $1,270.