1

This would be my suggestion http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

2

The zoo Safari Park, formerly called the wild animal park is worth a drive

http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/planyourtrip/hours_and_directions.html

3

For starters, hike the trails of a park with views of the Pacific Ocean, on bluffs uniquely known on the
continent as the home of the Torrey Pine Tree.
The "Torrey Pines State Reserve" is near La Jolla. ( In La Jolla,you may even sight Mitt pumping his own gasoline.)

May might be the optimal time ( depending on rainfall) to drive out to the blooming desert and view the peak of the blossoming cactus
at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Spectacular views of all of San Diego from Mt. Soledad Natural Park in La Jolla. All Over San Diego there are inexpensive and casual diners serving fantastic Mexican food. There
are taquerias such as award-winning J V's on Morena Blvd. near interstate 8. Closer to the traveller's circuit
is Old Town Mexican Cafe, where President Clinton can be seen dining in the photo hanging on the restaurant's wall. This eatery is in another San Diego must-- Old Town State Historic Park-- just 3 miles from
downtown San Diego.

4

A senic drive up to Julian for apple pie...Then drop down the 78 to Anza Borrego for the hike...carracar

5

Sea World and the Zoo will take up the better part of your two days along with driving to Carlsbad to visit with friends, so another vote for Torrey Pines and a short hike and stop and watch the hang gliders for a few minutes. Great town. Haven't been there in a couple of years so not up to date on the restaurant scene.

6

Great advice and ideas above. One of my favorite places to eat is in the deli at Whole Foods in Hillcrest. AMAZING variety of available foods and drinks, a GREAT salad bar and too many desserts to mention. Plus they will even shuck oysters for you! They have a little dining area also. Cheap? Not so much. But I can have a great meal there for $25.

7

If you're looking for a good breakfast spot and are willing to travel to north SD check out

It's right across the street from Swami beach which is nice to hang around.

8

Sorry, not sure why the link didn't show up

http://www.cafeswamis.com/

9

If going to Swamis, be sure to bring your surfboard!

10

Seaworld is a full day activity. Balboa Park and the Zoo is at least 1/2-3/4 of a day. You should really allocate time to see other parts of the city. This city is not like others. It's a compilation of various towns with their own downtowns. So you don't have to go too far to explore.

For views etc, check out Coronado and La Jolla. Also, walk around Gaslamp District/Downtown. Lots of good restaurants and bars. Old Town may also be interesting to check out. Pacific Beach is an interesting beach neighborhood. Del Mar has some nice views.

Safari Park is great, but an all-day activity as well. Laguna Beach is great for views as a day trip, but an hour or so away.

11

For cheap great meals, go for Mexican. Some of the best Mexican in the US is found in SD. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/410663

12

I second the Torrey Pines State Beach hike. If you end up going, continue driving south along the coast to La Jolla and check out the seals and tidal pools. I live farther northeast in San Diego so I have a few recommendations that feel like you're leaving the city behind. The Mt. Woodson trail, aka the Potato Chip Rock, is pretty neat although a pretty popular trail. I also like Iron Mountain (another popular trail so you'll run into lots of other hikers)---spectacular views and you really feel like you are in the mountains. As another poster suggested, Julian has lots of great trails and great apple pies (Mom's is the best!).

If you're looking for a day trip that could be further out, there is Palm Springs (about 1.5 hrs from San Diego). There is a tram that takes you to great hiking in the San Jacinto Forrest. We just came back from an overnight trip to the Desert Hot Springs which is about 20 mins from Palm Springs. It was a nice couples retreat just soaking in medicinal springs under a dark dessert sky (at night, obviously).

During the weekdays, Convoy St. has the best Asian (Korean, Japanese, some Vietnamese and Chinese) lunch specials. They're a great value and some of the best Asian food in San Diego.