re: San Diego recs for first trip

Just came from there a few weeks ago (also have been there a few times due to family)

If you have a car, I always enjoy spending a day in La Jolla. everything from bakery, walking around, beach, etc.

As someone said, spend some time at Balboa Park.

If you enjoy museums, USS Midway is easily the one to do.

As for food:
Ironside - happy hour was pretty good, considering I can kill a couple dozen raw solo locally (New Orleans)

Menya Ultra Ramen - I have eaten way too many ramen places in my lifetime, this is easily top 3.

Soichi or Sushi Tadokoro - if you like omakase, either one will be worth your while. reservations get taken up quickly, so I would try to keep it on your radar to do it ahead of time. We didn't go this past trip because it was too late second.

Bencotto - pretty solid italian upscale restaurant. same group as Born & Raised (if i remember properly). I would rather spend my money & time here though. Skip Born & Raised. Nice ambiance, but the food is overrated

Say what you want, Tacos El Gordo is always worth the time to eat at midnight.