I am flying into SD next Tuesday for the craft brewers conference. Tuesday afternoon/evening and Wednesday morning I am on my own before a colleague gets out there. We plan to hit Stone, Lost Abbey, Alesmith and Ballast Point that afternoon. My question is, what should I do Tuesday and Wednesday morning? I will have a car. I'm looking for cool sights I should check out. I'd prefer to get out of the city since it will be my only real chance. The rest of the week will be spent drinking beer, going to breweries and checking out the local craft beer bars. I get in around 2:00 on Tuesday. Anyone want to get me on at Torrey Pines?
Not out of the city but maybe check out the USS Midway and walk the harbors. If you really want to get out of the city and work off some of that beer, there are great hiking trails. Potato chip rock, Iron Mountain, Torrey Pines Reserve if you want a beach view.
The 101 basically starts north of La Jolla as you get into Del Mar...yes it is a cool drive, but it's all stop-and-go traffic signs/lights. It doesn't really turn into a highway until north of LA. Most of it isn't also along the beach, only when you drop down into the lagoons. Although you could hit Pizza Port Solana or Carlsbad on your way to Oceanside and once there you'll see Breakwater Brewpub too. If you want to change directions and not do the coast, I'd suggest Alpine and then drive north into Julian as there's a brewpub there too. Can't get much more out of the way than a drive up the Sunshine Highway off of 8. Nice and twisty, and def out of the city. Some casino's in the back country as well.
