Andy's Orchids and Sunset Valley Orchids are both good choices, I have never been to Lico's but they are very nice people. The San Diego County Orchid Society meets the first Tuesday of every month at Balboa Park - sdorchids.com This orchid society has one of the largest memberships in the US and is very much worth your time if you are there during that time. A trip up to beautiful Santa Barbara is much better for a large orchid nursery experience but is a 4 hour drive one way. Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, Cal Orchid, Westerlay Orchids and Gallup & Stribling are all great destinations. The following is a website geared towards orchids in this area. I only recommend the growers I listed as the others are open by appointment and not worth your time. http://www.californiaorchidtrail.com/orchidgrowers.htm I lived in southern California for nearly 40 years until 2009 when I moved to New Hampshire. I even worked at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate for over a year. If you have any further questions I'd be happy to answer them. Matt Swift

In addition to the Zoo, go to their animal park outside of town. A friend and I went a couple of years ago. It was wonderful. Here is a link that might be useful: San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park

There is alot to see. If you go up interstate 5, that will take you up fast, 101 is scenic, but bad traffic. I personally would avoid LA area, Ventura has a nice mission, as does Santa Barbara. Bakersfield is nice also. Around Santa Nella is good, If you have children look for Montery Bay aquarimarine. Go to Auto Club and discuss what you want to see. Also go into the motels/hotels in your area and look for broucheurs. No matter where you go it will be fast heavy traffic. Go to the library, and look for Sunset Magazine. Lots of ads etc as the Coastal Mag also

Solana Succulents in Solana Beach is off the 5 fwy near the S.D. fairgrounds (about 1/2 mile N.) The owner Jeff has written a couple of popular succulent books recently. Rainbow Gardens Nursery is more inland in Vista. The kind of plants you are looking for also. This is also the Original (Rainbow Gardens) book store. If you want books, this is a Must See!