Eat And Be Merry At Rock ‘N’ Roll San Diego
If you are traveling to San Diego for the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon weekend and need some dining and entertainment tips, here are some of the great hidden jewels that “America’s Finest City” has to offer.
When traveling to an unfamiliar city it is often difficult to find good food, shopping and entertainment. This problem can be multiplied when you’re on the road for a marathon, when every little detail can affect your race. We have put together a short user’s guide to the city of San Diego that will help you stay on the road toward a great race and enjoy a post-race celebration that’s worthy of your accomplishment.
Food
Pre-Race Carbo-Loading
- Venetian – Point Loma – www.venetian1965.com
Located in beautiful Point Loma, the Venetian offers a nice setting, moderate prices and inspired food that will be sure to satisfy anyone’s pre-race needs.
- Lotsa Pasta – Pacific Beach – www.lotsapasta.com
This homey little joint offers a beach vibe at inland prices. Lotsa Pasta is known for its homemade pastas and its endless mix-and-match combinations of pastas and sauces.
Post-Race Pig-Outs
- Old Town Mexican Café – Old Town – www.oldtownmexcafe.com
This San Diego mainstay is a must for all visitors to the city. Don’t let the long lines deter you, as they move fast. If you want to try some “real” Mexican food while in San Diego, the OTMC is the place to do it.
- Hodad’s – Ocean Beach – www.hodadies.com
If burgers and fries are more your thing, you would be cheating yourself not to take a ride to eclectic Ocean Beach and check out Hodad’s. Known nationwide and accumulating awards faster than it can find places to put them, Hodad’s is a place you may find yourself returning to San Diego for.
Entertainment
Stay-Off-Your Legs Fun
- Old Town Trolley Tours – www.trolleytours.com
A trolley tour is a great way to see some of the best parts of the city while keeping your legs fresh. Sites you’ll see on the two-plus-hour tour include historic Old Town, gorgeous Coronado island, Balboa Park and downtown’s hip gaslamp district.
- San Diego Padres – www.padres.com
One of the newest and most beautiful Big League ballparks in the nation, Petco Park is conveniently located downtown within easy walking or taxi ride distance of many of the major hotels. Who cares if you’re not a Padres fan? Just enjoy the sunshine.
Fun Places to Show off Your Finisher’s Medal
- Balboa Park – www.balboapark.org
You can easily make a day of visiting Balboa Park. Check out one of the many museums, sample the various food offerings, enjoy whatever sort of outdoor entertainment happens to be going on that day and spend some time in the world-famous zoo. The zoo has opened up the new Elephant Odyssey, which is a sure hit, if you like elephants.
- Gaslamp Quarter – www.gaslamp.org
Yes, it’s touristy, but the Gaslamp quarter of San Diego is touristy for a reason. It is packed with great restaurants, cool bars and clubs and interesting boutiques, and the people-watching is the best that San Diego has to offer.