OT Vacation Plans?

Thanks for the tip!

I've been spending some time checking stuff out today. So far we're doing the snorkel boat cruise, dinner at Mala Tavern in Lahaina, and I've downloaded a phone app which will guide us along the Hana Highway.

As an aside, we've booked nonstop to San Diego and spending a night there. We'll pretty much have a day and a half before departing for OGG. I've always wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla, and Coronado Island ! Now just looking for a hotel nearby Balboa Park. On the return, we're spending the night in San Jose and return the Nashville the next day. For anyone using SW Air, sometimes you can get better deals booking individual one-way trips as opposed to using their connecting points. Cost us roughly half the points. (albeit, we have extra hotel stays.)

 

FYI, the "Free Throw Guy" is driving for Uber in Maui.

 

Does anyone in here know downtown San Diego.....particularly, the Gaslamp Quarter? I have a question regarding a restaurant we have reservations at:

Cafe Sevilla - https://www.cafesevilla.com/

 

I'm probably gonna be out in SD tomorrow.

Gas Lamp is pretty central. Never been to that restaurant.

 

Of COURSE you are!!

We're spending a day and a half there before heading to Maui. When I was 15, we visited SD for the birth of my nephew. My mom planned for all of us to go to the San Diego Zoo. I bagged that because all I wanted to do was body surf at La Jolla and Mission Beach with some girls (and other guys) I met at my sis's apartment complex. My mom was SO ticked off! Sorry, mom.

OK, so this time, I'm actually gonna do it. I think we're visiting the Coronado Hotel, as well. My wife is planning that.

 

The Hotel Del Coronado is pretty awesome. Last time there, there was some construction. But they have a beachfront bar that's really nice. The shopping area there is really nice too, very main street Americana kind of vibe.

Gaslamp is a lot of nightlife/restaurants. I'd recommend "Trailer Park After Dark" (White Trash themed bar) or "Vin de Syrah" (wine bar, kind of a trippy alice in wonderland vibe). Its a younger vibe everywhere there, so it can get a bit trashy. There's a Tin Roof out there too.

Little Italy is also awesome. Lots of restaurants and the area is cool and lively.

 

If I went to a white trash themed bar, I'd certainly NEVER tell anyone in here!!

Nonetheless, thanks for all your cool insights. As it relates to travel, Anthony Bourdain has nothing on you....may he rest in peace.

 

They have a Trump themed drink

 

Heh, you turkey.

 

Yeah, it’s made from bile and vinegar………

 

I asked a few questions about San Diego earlier in the thread and got some good suggestions. I was just down there last weekend and had a great time. Coronado hotel was beautiful and a fun place to finish out a busy day. False Idol is a pretty cool tiki bar we visited right outside little Italy that was a good time. Didn't spend a lot of time in the Gaslamp district but we did have a great breakfast at Spill the Beans. Kind of a stupid name, but their bagels were the business. Have fun!

 

Thank you! Great suggestions!

 

We are back from a short overland trip to Anza Borrego to watch the stars. Anza Borrego has the least amount of light pollution in the USA - went to hawk canyon, had the desert pretty much all to ourselves. Camped the night, hiked the slot canyon in the morning, got lost and did 3 miles over the ridges like idiots because we did not bother to check a map and drove around the Salton sea. Fun times.

 

But how were the stars?!

 

Stars were very nice, I am not great at star trail photos but I can find something later.

Actually the moon was out in force...

 

Here is a 15 seconds exposure example looking the other direction from that chair later that night:

 

Yup, since we pretty much had the entire place to ourselves - we got a nice view. Not a bad way to spend the night as long as you can handle camping.

 

Ever been to Down The Hatch in Lahaina? We're told they have a lobster sandwich to die for.