For a free shore dive La Jolla cove or La Jolla Shores is probably your best bet for local. But the conditions can be iffy depending on the day. I would recommend a boat dive for you. Here is a link to a website for all California Dive Boats. In San Diego I know the Humboldt, Marissa, and Lois Ann are all great operations and typically have a morning 2-tank and afternoon 2-tank dive trip at an affordable rate under $100. You may even be able to rent equipment with the boat. Its easy to get paired up on a dive boat by the DM, plus it gives you access to the fantastic wrecks in wreck alley. The Yukon and Ruby-E wrecks are spectacular. And the Point Loma kelp beds are lush with life. Check out the boat websites to give you a better idea. Have fun!