Do your homework by contacting the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2215 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 (mailing address only; tel. 619/232-3101; www.sandiego.org). Ask for the San Diego Vacation Planning Kit, which includes the Visitors Planning Guide, featuring excellent maps and information on accommodations, activities, and attractions. The "San Diego Travel Values" insert is full of discount coupons for hotels at all price levels, restaurants, attractions, cultural and recreational activities, and tours. It's available online, too.
You can also find valuable online information in advance of your trip at the following websites: www.discoversd.com and www.infosandiego.com, for general information; www.lajollabythesea.com, for details on La Jolla's offerings; and www.sandiegonorth.com; for information on excursion areas in northern San Diego County, including Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, Julian, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
A couple of blogging sites about all things San Diego are www.sandiegoblog.com and www.sandiegobloggers.com.
If you're thinking of attending the theater or other performance while you're in town, contact the San Diego Performing Arts League (tel. 619/238-0700; www.sandiegoperforms.com) for a copy of What's Playing?, which contains information on upcoming shows. The calendar is also available online. Half-price day-of-show tickets are available through the league's Arts Tix program.
San Diego Art + Sol (tel. 619/236-1212; www.sandiegoartandsol.com) is a cultural marketing campaign guided by the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. The website lists performances and exhibits scheduled for any specific date, and you may also request a free copy of the biannual magazine, which contains a 6-month calendar of events and cultural itineraries.
