We go to San Diego every 3 or 4 months or so, and always use public transportation. For $5, plus $2 for the card, per day you can ride buses and trolleys all day long. There is a bus to Coronado and back, as well as a local Coronado bus.
Pretty good happy hours at Eddie V's and Flemings.
Fred's in Old Town for margaritas...try the KA margarita...and free chips and salsa.
Hodad's for the surfer girl in you...one in Oceanside and one on Broadway downtown. Great burgers.
Hash House a Go Go in Hillcrest for great breakfast fare. One pancake easily feeds 2, and I always caution people to be careful...they overfill their plates.