La Jolla Mom

16 Best Cheap Hotels In San Diego County You’ll Love

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 16:25:00 GMT

Searching for budget or cheap hotels in San Diego, California, can be a daunting task. San Diego is such a popular business and vacation destination that hotel prices often reflect demand based on events or season.

Our lowest-priced hotels can crest well over $100 at times and causing visitors to experience a bit of sticker shock even with national brands normally known for low prices.

Budget hotels in San Diego don’t always mean sacrifice. The ones reviewed on this list have cool, contemporary interiors, great restaurants, and convenient locations. You’ll get your money’s worth.

Prices for Cheap Hotels in San Diego Vary by Location

When exploring budget hotels in San Diego, know that location plays a big roll in price.

All Gaslamp hotel rates increase drastically during Comic-Con or large conventions, for example, due to proximity to the action.

Additionally, San Diego hotels near the beach have higher pricing year-round, especially during months when schools are on holiday, or the sun is shining. These fluctuations are not usually seen in other San Diego neighborhoods, such as the inland Mira Mesa neighborhood.

To help you scour through cheap San Diego hotels without giving up on a quality night’s sleep, here are some suggestions for the best budget hotels in San Diego.

Note from Katie: I mention hotel booking resources I know offer the best prices via membership programs or are popular with readers. If you book through links on this page, I may earn a small commission. Some amenities may be temporarily modified. Check with the hotel also for updated safety measures and travel restrictions.

If you have questions about hotels in San Diego, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll answer.

Downtown and Gaslamp San Diego Budget Hotels

Choose a Gaslamp San Diego hotel if you need to be near the city’s best nightlife, the San Diego Convention Center, PETCO Park, or the cruise ship terminal.

1. The Sofia Hotel

Neighborhood: Steps from the Gaslamp Quarter
Address: 150 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 (Steps from the Gaslamp Quarter)

CHECK PRICES

The Sofia Hotel steps from the Gaslamp manages to keep modest pricing for a boutique hotel. It certainly doesn’t feel or look like it fits into the budget category but it has comfortable rooms with modern decor, a spa, and Currant restaurant (a local favorite).

It’s also a good choice for those who enjoy historic properties. The property opened in 1926 as the first hotel in San Diego built with en suite bathrooms.

Pets love it, too, and they offer perks like complimentary yoga classes in the fitness center and bike rentals for guests. Rooms have a microwave, mini-fridge, flatscreen 42″ televisions, and coffee makers.

2. Homewood Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayside

Photo courtesy of Hilton

3. Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside

Photo courtesy of Hilton

Neighborhood: Downtown San Diego/Little Italy
Address: 2137 Pacific Highway Suite A, San Diego, CA 92101

Hilton’s Bayside campus includes two hotels: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside and Homewood Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayside.

Having two hotels on one campus is designed to provide a resort-like experience. Which of the 364 total guest rooms and suites across both hotels you choose depends on length of stay and price.

Homewood Suites

Homewood Suites is an extended stay San Diego hotel with contemporary suites that have fully equipped kitchens, work desks, and separate living areas.

Don’t feel like cooking? Opt for room service, the onsite 24-hour Suite Shop with snacks or any one of San Diego’s best restaurants located within walking distance.

This hotel will also fill your suite’s full-sized fridge with groceries, by request. Other perks include daily hot breakfast and a Monday–Thursday evening social hour.

Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn features rooms with a fresh aesthetic, some with bay views. The hotel also features a cool pool and Bayside Kitchen and Lounge.

The campus location is two blocks from the San Diego Bay, and steps from attractions on the Embarcadero (like USS Midway Museum) and Little Italy.

Hilton Hotels are usually best booked using the discounted Hilton Honors rate (free to join).

HOMEWOOD SUITES

HILTON GARDEN INN

4. Porto Vista Hotel & Suites

Neighborhood: Little Italy
Address: 1835 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101

Photo courtesy of Porto Vista Hotel & Suites

Nestled in the Little Italy neighborhood, Porto Vista is a family-owned boutique hotel with amenities that one might expect in a first-class hotel such as rooftop yoga, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, rooms with harbor views, two-level lofts (perfect for entertaining), and The Glass Door restaurant. Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome.

This cool hotel is within walking distance of the major downtown attractions as well as enjoying all the charms of Little Italy right outside your door. They also have a complimentary airport shuttle.

CHECK PRICES

Airport/Shelter Island/Point Loma Budget Hotels

These are great options for when you need a cool San Diego airport hotel with things to do nearby.

5. Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel and Marina

Neighborhood: Shelter Island
Address: 2051 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

CHECK PRICES

A waterfront Best Western? Yes, and it’s a great hotel near the airport and downtown San Diego attractions and restaurants.

In addition to spectacular water and skyline views, this San Diego budget hotel has a private mega-yacht marina (excursions are available), two waterfront swimming pools, tennis courts, free WiFi, complimentary bike rentals, laundry facilities, an onsite restaurant, cheap parking at $10/night and more.

And, the food at Blue Wave Bar and Grill onsite is excellent complete with water views.

6. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station

Neighborhood: Liberty Station
Address: 2576 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106

Photo courtesy of Hilton

Yes, it’s another Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego option that is located along the water in San Diego’s cool lifestyle complex, Liberty Station.

Here, guests enjoy multiple restaurants, Stone Brewing Company (famous local craft brewery), a luxe movie theater, the city’s only public market and more.

The complimentary airport shuttle takes guests to the terminals in just a few minutes. Suites have one or two bedrooms and separate living areas. Included in the rate is a complimentary hot breakfast and an evening social hour (usually Monday–Thursday).

CHECK PRICES

7. The Pearl Hotel San Diego

Neighborhood: Point Loma
Address: 1410 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92106

The Pearl Hotel (Josh Cho Photography – Pearl Hotel)

The Pearl Hotel San Diego boutique hotel offers excellent dining and craft cocktails and one of San Diego’s best pool experiences. Guests book in for poolside movies and pool parties (during normal times).

Recently renovated rooms are comfortable with bright whites and neutral colors accented by mid-century modern style, eco-friendly furniture. The vibe is upbeat with a bit of 1960s Palm Springs mixed with great service.

It’s located in Point Loma, not too far from the San Diego International Airport, Cabrillo National Monument, Ocean Beach, and Liberty Station. It’s about a 15-minute drive to things to do in downtown San Diego.

CHECK PRICES

Beach & Neighboring Areas Budget Hotels

As mentioned earlier, cheap hotels in San Diego near the beach typically have higher rates than inland properties, but these options are good value.

8. La Jolla Cove Suites

Neighborhood: The Village of La Jolla
Address: 1155 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

This is seriously the view from La Jolla Cove Suites, located steps from La Jolla Cove beach, where our famous sea lions congregate. The fabulous location also allows guests to walk to the best restaurants and shopping in La Jolla.

The hotel is going through some much-needed changes right now to deal with the issues guests have left in reviews. There is the new Pines section where rooms are a little pricier. However, you can stay in some Terrace rooms for the mid-$150 range or lower. And, that’s a steal for the location.

It’s a good option for groups looking for a more wallet-friendly La Jolla hotel. They also have a great rooftop with panoramic ocean views that occasionally hosts events.

See also: Guide to the Best La Jolla Beaches.

CHECK PRICES

9. Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach Hotel

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

Photo courtesy of Hilton

This Carlsbad hotel is in an ideal location within walking distance of three popular Carlsbad beaches.

Amenities include complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel, a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour onsite convenience store with snacks, a lounge and restaurant, bicycle rentals, and an outdoor pool. Many rooms boast breathtaking ocean views in addition to a microwave, refrigerator, and coffeemaker.

CHECK PRICES

North Park/Old Town/Mission Valley Budget Hotels

These locations are excellent for those who want to be near downtown’s action without actually being in downtown. All hotels over here, especially along Hotel Circle San Diego, tend to skew a bit lower in price. These are my favorite cool gems to consider.

10. Town and Country Resort

Neighborhood: Mission Valley
Address: 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108

Photo courtesy of Town and Country Resort

It’s kind of hard to believe that a resort like this would fall into the budget category, but it does, mostly due to its Mission Valley location.

Town and Country Resort just went through an extensive multi-million dollar renovation that accentuated the Mid-Century vibe and refreshed the amazing pool deck, complete with a fun water slide, nearby firepits, and zero-entry family pool.

All of the rooms have modern decor and amenities like Keurig coffee makers and Egyptian cotton sheets— even art by local artists. You can also choose larger suites and to dine at one of the three onsite outlets. They also normally offer a large roster of activities and lawn games.

This is the best full service resort on this list.

CHECK PRICES

11. Kings Inn San Diego

Neighborhood: Mission Valley
Address: 1333 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108

CHECK PRICES

Creating a charming and inviting ambiance, Kings Inn in Mission Valley prides itself on friendly service. You’ll enjoy clean and spacious rooms, free parking and WiFi, a kidney-shaped pool, and laundry services at this San Diego motel.

Rest assured that you won’t go hungry as there are two fun restaurants on site. The Waffle Spot is famous for (you guessed it) waffles in addition to comfort food favorites like country fried steak and eggs or huevos rancheros. The Amigo Spot is a family-style Mexican restaurant with a menu of carne asada fries, fajitas, California burritos, and more.

Located right off Interstate 8, guests will find an easy drive from Mission Valley to major attractions in San Diego.

To give you an idea, things to do near this San Diego budget hotel in 15 minutes or less by car include Fashion Valley Mall, Old Town San Diego (1 mile away), Balboa Park, and downtown San Diego.

12. Hotel Iris

Neighborhood: Mission Valley
Address: 625 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108

CHECK PRICES

This modern, eco-friendly hotel provides guests with spacious rooms, easy freeway access, and excellent service. Amenities (with a small $5 resort fee) include an outdoor pool, Wi-Fi, free parking, daily housekeeping, and laundry/dry cleaning facilities.

Rooms have luxury linens, blackout shades in addition to a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee/tea maker. Pets are welcome.

13. Old Town Inn

Neighborhood: Old Town San Diego
Address: 4444 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92110

CHECK PRICES

The Old Town Inn is actually a AAA Two-Diamond property with consistently good reviews, despite an unusual location near the freeway.

It’s a 10-minute walk to the sights in Old Town San Diego, a popular spot for margaritas and experiencing California’s birthplace. This also means it’s just a 10-minute drive from the airport, Mission Beach, Belmont Park, and SeaWorld San Diego.

Rates include a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, free internet, free parking, DVD players in all rooms, and free movies. They offer extended stays and even a jacuzzi suite (pictured above). Amenities include an outdoor pool with a BBQ.

14. The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

Neighborhood: North Park
Address: 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

Photo courtesy of The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

Channel your inner hipster for a stay at this lively, fun boutique hotel in North Park right in the middle of excellent dining and nightlife that locals love, too. It has an Old Hollywood vibe because it was a place that celebrities used to hang out back in the day.

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows considers itself community-minded and attracts families, single travelers, groups, couples, and free spirits alike.

However, the pool, designed by former Tarzan and five-time gold medal winner Johnny Weissmuller, is one of the best in town. The well-designed rooms with funky-cool-modern decor include traditional suites, bungalows with two or three bedrooms, and family suites with bunk beds and a California king.

Tip: It’s on my list of hotels near San Diego Zoo and you can save money by bundling tickets with your room in a vacation package.

CHECK PRICES

Coronado Budget Hotels

Coronado is not a big place. So, the upshot of budget hotels here is that you’re within walking distance to Coronado beaches. It’s not a place for nightlife, but there are outstanding restaurants and plenty of things to do. You can also take the Coronado Ferry to downtown San Diego.

15. La Avenida Inn

Neighborhood: Coronado (across the street from Hotel del Coronado)
Address: 1315 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118

You can’t beat La Avenida Inn’s location, right on Orange Avenue, the main Coronado artery. Not to mention Hotel del Coronado with gorgeous Coronado Central Beach is across the street.

La Avenida Inn is known for its 29 comfortable rooms and friendly service. Complimentary services like hot coffee, pastries, and fruit each morning, WiFi, and parking are included in the rate.

Guests may even borrow beach chairs, towels, and boogie boards. It’s also pet-friendly.

CHECK PRICES

16. Crown City Inn

Neighborhood: Coronado
Address: 520 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118

Crown City Inn is a renovated 1940’s motor court hotel and a quality island budget option with a popular, intimate bistro that locals love. Rooms are very simple (a bit dated) but clean and also have a microwave, refrigerator and renovated showers.

The laid-back inn also offers complimentary fitness passes to a fitness center down the street, complimentary beach cruisers and a small, outdoor heated swimming pool onsite.

Pets are welcome and the shops and restaurants on Orange Avenue are within easy walking distance.

CHECK PRICES

Save More Money with Vacation Packages

If you’re going to visit our popular theme parks, search your dates to see what vacation packages are available. You may be able to save even more money by bundling your hotel and tickets together.

What do you think are the best cheap hotels in San Diego County?

12 Best Hotels Near LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 17:57:00 GMT

My picks for hotels near LEGOLAND California include some of San Diego’s best luxury hotels, the LEGOLAND California hotels onsite for diehard fans, a few Carlsbad beach hotels, accommodations with space for large families, and a handful of value options.

Families with young children base their vacations in Carlsbad because you can spend multiple days enjoying the LEGOLAND park, water park (when it’s open during the summer), and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Pretty Carlsbad beaches are nearby and the rates can be a bit more wallet-friendly than other resorts across the county.

So, without further ado, here are the best hotels near LEGOLAND California Resort (one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids).

1. LEGOLAND Hotel

Address: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: It’s adjacent to the park (you can’t get any closer)

Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND California

Top pick for: Families who want to immerse in the LEGO experience.

Why go: You have the ultimate LEGO enthusiast in tow who wants to immerse in all things LEGO. Or, you’re going during peak season and want to avoid crowds. A stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel provides exclusive early entry to the park up to an hour before it opens to the public (it’s usually 30 minutes).

You can also book VIP experiences with your hotel stay, including VIP dining, character escorts around the hotel and in the park, priority ride access, and more. It is the ultimate LEGO experience.

Hotel amenities:

Your choice of LEGO-themed rooms – Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, LEGO Friends, and NINJAGO
Free breakfast buffet
Nightly children’s entertainment
Free WiFi (included in $30 nightly resort fee)
Free 24-hour fitness center
Outdoor pool (heated) with pool cabanas
Free parking (included in $30 nightly resort fee)
Valet parking $25/stay
Hotel restaurant (“Bricks”)
Hotel bar and lounge
Room service
Concierge
Cribs available
Gift shop (filled with plenty of LEGOs)
In-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises for kids.

Good to know: This is a busy hotel with lots and lots of kids.

Awards: TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award 2020

Reservations: You can book directly through the resort or check TripAdvisor for reviews and other sources. It’s not available for booking through a lot of online travel agencies otherwise. No bookings for either of the LEGOLAND hotels are available until March 28, 2021, but I’m finding this hotel unavailable for most dates in 2021.

CHECK RATES AND REVIEWS

2. LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

Address: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: It’s adjacent to the park (you can’t get any closer)

Photos courtesy of LEGOLAND California Resort (PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland)

Top pick for: Families who want to immerse in the LEGO experience centered around LEGO Kingdoms.

Why go: This LEGOLAND California hotel has 250 premium themed rooms, including 20 suites. Upon entering LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, guests first step into a grand hall where a LEGO wizard meets them before taking a magical levitating lift (elevator) that will take them to one of three different floors where adventures await.

In the Knight rooms, guests are surrounded by dragons and knights as they prepare to go into battle to defend the king’s castle and protect the king’s treasure.

In the Princess rooms, woodland animals such as butterflies, squirrels, owls, and songbirds all made of LEGO, of course, are found.

In the Wizard rooms, guests discover how magic is used to protect the king’s treasure with the use of giggling potions and spells.

Hotel amenities:

LEGO fully themed rooms – Knights & Dragons, Royal Princess or Magic Wizard
Building station in each children’s room
Nightly children’s entertainment
In-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises for the kids
Separate park entrance for hotel guests
Zero-entry pool with water play features
Laundry onsite

Good to know: Deluxe rooms sleep 5 people (king, bunk, and trundle beds). Deluxe Suites sleep 7 people (king, bunk, trundle and sofa beds).

Reservations: You can book directly through the resort or check TripAdvisor for reviews and other sources. It’s not available for booking through a lot of online travel agencies otherwise.

For all stays in 2021, no breakfast is included and no nightly Resort Fee is being charged because of limited offerings. However, when the theme park reopens, the $30/night resort charge will again be levied with breakfast at an additional charge.

CHECK RATES AND REVIEWS

3. Four Seasons Residences Club Aviara, North San Diego (Top Pick)

Address: 7210 Blue Heron Place, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 5.9 miles

Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

Top pick for: Families who adore Four Seasons style service, residence-style accommodations with living rooms and kitchens, and quieter luxury.

Why go: You’d like to visit LEGOLAND California but are most comfortable with exquisite Four Seasons service (as frequent guests like me are). You’d prefer a quieter, more exclusive five-star property with space to suit large families and multigenerational travel.

Most of the villas at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara have kitchens or kitchenettes and separate bedrooms from the living area feel like a home away from home.

Hotel amenities:

Kids Club 760 with fun activities such as arts and crafts, ping pong, video games and dive-in movies (unstaffed)
Board games to check out and use in the villa
Child-sized bathrobes and slippers and special children’s bath amenities
Two swimming pools and a special children’s pool
Childproofing, high chairs and other amenities available upon request
Full-service spa and fitness center
Babysitting services
Free parking (self-parking) included with the hotel fee
Signature Beachtown Tours (the kids can come, too) in a vintage Woodie, by reservation
Seasons barista bar for gourmet coffee drinks and to-go items
Unique dining experience like the chef’s table and kitchen counter where guests pull up a stool to interact with chefs and taste bites in the open kitchen

Good to know: Aviara is inland from the beach and you will need a rental car. I truly love this resort and think it’s somewhat of a hidden gem. I also feel that you get what you pay for (which sometimes might just be less than you think for a Four Seasons).

Reservations: I can add Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits to your booking that include:

Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
USD 100 Resort credit
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites, villas, and private residences)
Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms; complimentary premium Internet in all suites
Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and your travel agency and the amenities that are being extended

REQUEST A PREFERRED PARTNER RATE

4. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Address: 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 6.8 miles

Photos courtesy of Park Hyatt Aviara

Top pick for: World of Hyatt members, families traveling to LEGOLAND who prefer larger luxury resorts, large groups, families who like suites.

Why go: You are a World of Hyatt member and want to base the family in a North County San Diego luxury hotel with excellent service, excellent golf, and an award-winning spa.

The hotel has just been renovated to a beautiful standard. I find that Park Hyatt Aviara can price very well during certain times of the year, and they do (usually) have reasonably priced suites with separate living areas, which young families tend to enjoy. I’ve also been particularly happy with their behind-the-scenes service.

Hotel amenities:

Aviara Kids Academy by Camp Hyatt for ages 4–12 during the summer
Lessons at Aviara Golf Academy for all ages
Bird watching over the wetlands
Seasonal junior tennis clinics
Outdoor family resort style pool with a splash pad and water slide
Shallow wading pool and water play area
Poolside cafe with kid-sized picnic tables
Surf concierge including transportation to Ponto Beach and 2 hours of boogie board or surf lessons for ages 6 and above
Kids DVD library
Arnold Palmer designed golf course
Six state-of-the-art lighted tennis courts
Adults-only outdoor pool with panoramic views
An impressive 15,000-square-foot spa with solarium lounge area, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, couples treatment areas, and locker and dressing areas
TaylorMade Performance Lab for a 2-hour custom club fitting experience
Exquisite, varied dining across multiple restaurants
Frette robes, pillow-top beds, rooms with a private balcony
Seasonal shuttle service to Moonlight State Beach and other Carlsbad Beaches

Good to know: This incredibly beautiful part of Carlsbad is inland of the I-5 freeway so you’ll need to drive to the beach. You can read about our recent stay at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.

Awards: AAA Five Diamonds

Reservations: You can book Park Hyatt Aviara Virtuoso amenities that include breakfast for two, a resort credit, and more.

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
Daily full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom
$100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Complimentary daily Aviara Spa access for two guests including sauna, whirlpool, steam room, and indoor solarium lounge.
Locally-inspired culinary welcome amenity
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE*

*The desktop version of Virtuoso.com is where you’ll search rates and book online. If you don’t know how to enable this on a mobile device (tap the “AA” in the search bar on Safari or three dots on the bottom of a Chrome screen), send me your dates. When searching rates on Virtuoso, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.

5. Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort (Top Pick for Beach)

Address: 1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 5 miles

Photos courtesy of Cape Rey Beach Resort

Top pick for: Families who want to spend a decent amount of time at the beach in addition to LEGOLAND.

Why go: If you’d like to enjoy the best of both worlds (beach and LEGOLAND), Cape Rey Carlsbad Becah is your best choice. They are an official LEGOLAND California partner hotel with an onsite concierge to help structure your day in LEGO heaven.

It’s also not your average Hilton property. Cape Rey has an upbeat, family-friendly vibe catered to those who are adventurous at heart and a long list of activities. They also have a courtesy shuttle to LEGOLAND California that also goes to nearby restaurants and shopping (including Carlsbad Premium Outlets).

Hotel amenities:

A robust events calendar that even locals take advantage of
A beach pack available for purchase with an umbrella, two chairs, two towels, and bottled water.
Surf excursions available for booking through the onsite Director of Adventure (the famous South Ponto surf break on Carlsbad State Beach is across the street)
Chandler’s restaurant, which serves California cuisine
Some rooms have partial or full ocean views.
Complimentary WiFi
Rooms have 42″ TVs with premium channels, Paul Mitchell bath amenities, Hilton Serenity Beds, microwaves, mini-fridges, in-room coffee
Full-service Ocean Crest Spa
Oceanview pool with jacuzzi and cabanas
Bike rentals
Complimentary shuttle within a 10-mile radius (including LEGOLAND)
Complimentary morning coffee and tea in the lobby

Good to know: They check their packages where the room rate bundles discounts on dining, beach activities, and some local attractions.

Awards: TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, AAA Four Diamond Award

Reservations: Book using the Hilton Honors discount. If you’re not a member, it’s free to join and then you can use the app, including Digital Key entry to your room or suite.

BOOK ON HILTON

6. Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

Address: 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 7.9 miles

Photos courtesy of Omni La Costa

Top pick for: Multigenerational trips (villas from studios to three-bedrooms with kitchens plus connecting rooms and suites), parents who enjoy world-class spas, and people who like resorts with an abundance of kids’ offerings.

Why go: What is widely regarded as San Diego’s most family-friendly resort, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa happens to also be a hotel near LEGOLAND California.

It’s an excellent option for people who like to spend time on a resort because between the famous golf course, award-winning spa, resort style pool, kids’ club, and activities calendar there is undoubtedly a lot to do here.

They also have gorgeous villas with designer kitchens that happen to be seriously great value for larger families and multigenerational trips.

Hotel amenities:

Kidtopia kid’s club, designed by an architect that specializes in theme parks and museums, offers supervised play for infants and toddlers, potty-trained kids ages 3-5 and kids ages 6-12 (each age group enjoys different programming)
Splash Landing pools with a water play area and water slides
Sandy Beach Family Pool with sand to play in
Vibz game lounge offering pay-per-play high-tech games and activities for ages 10 and up
A pretty impressive daily activity schedule that can include anything from reptile shows to s’more roasting
Kids fitness boot camp
The adults-only Edge Pool
Lifestyle boutiques for golf, yoga and beach gear among other finds
Diversions sports lounge to catch a game, smoke a cigar or read the paper; all-day dining with a view at VUE
Two world-renowned golf courses
Spa at La Costa’s awesome lounging facilities and nature-inspired treatments
One-, two- and three-bedroom villas of which most have full kitchens blend vacation and home

Good to know: Many first floor rooms have French doors that open to a nice patio. La Costa suites (one of the most popular room types because the living room closes off to the bedroom and they are reasonably priced) are closest to the family pool.

Awards: Southern California’s only Gold Medal Golf Resort (Golf Magazine), #1 Wellness Spa in the nation by Spa Magazine, Travel + Leisure’s #4 Spa in North America

Reservations: Omni La Costa often runs direct promotions and sale rates that are worth checking out. If there are none, the Travel Leader Select benefits I can add to their Best Available Rate are likely the next best way to go. They include:

$100 Resort credit per stay
Complimentary full breakfast for two at VUE (this temporarily is grab-and-go at Marketplace)
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
Room upgrade at time of check-in (subject to availability)

You’ll need to contact me with your dates and preferred room type to access these benefits.

REQUEST A TRAVEL LEADER SELECT RATE

7. West Inn & Suites

Address: 4970 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 2.1 miles

Photo courtesy of West Inn & Suites

Top pick for: Families who are value-oriented and don’t mind paying a bit more for larger suite accommodations, but don’t need the amenities of a five-star resort.

Why go: You are a value-oriented traveler. West Inn and Suites is a charming boutique hotel that includes excellent amenities without a lot of upcharges.

Located about a 5-minute drive from LEGOLAND and just three blocks (a 10-minute walk) to the beach and the Museum of Making Music, this pet-friendly, 86-room hotel’s relaxed yet sophisticated setting may be perfect for a family vacation, a romantic weekend getaway, or for business travelers.

There are 35 suites among the hotel’s 86 rooms. We have enjoyed staying here in a spacious suite with our rescued pitbull in tow (dogs can’t be left alone in the rooms).

Hotel amenities:

Complimentary water (2 bottles in your room) upon arrival
Refrigerator and microwave
In-room, one-cup coffee maker
High-speed wired and wireless Internet
Day use of beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards & beach toys
Dog/cat-friendly rooms ($75 extra for one night, $150 extra for two or more nights)
Fitness center
Heated pool and Jacuzzi
Casual & fine dining on-site supported by the hotel’s own West Farm
Room service by Bistro to Go
Included buffet breakfast (temporarily unavailable)
Complimentary self-parking
Complimentary shuttle service within Carlsbad (based on LEGOLAND hours)
Cribs and pack and plays
Weekday newspapers
Rollaways ($10 fee per night) and turn down service upon request

Good to know: The West Inn & Suites does not have a resort fee. This hotel near LEGOLAND California Resort offers a special LEGOLAND Package (in addition to other special packages) providing admission tickets and a shuttle to and from the park.

Awards: TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award 2020

Reservations:

CHECK AVAILABILITY

8. Grand Pacific Palisades

Address: 5805 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: Located across the street from the theme park. Walking distance to the turnstiles is probably 10 minutes.

Why go: This is a good pick for families who need accommodations with kitchens because they like to cook meals (there is a nearby Costco). These are timeshare accommodations that anyone can book. Condos can be one, two or three bedrooms.

This well-located resort on 12 landscaped acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean has a pedestrian entrance to LEGOLAND, a separate adult, Olympic-sized pool with a sunset view and cabanas, and a family-friendly kid pool. It’s also close to the outlet mall, beaches, and Carlsbad Village.

Hotel amenities:

Free WiFi
Olympic-sized adult pool and cabanas
Family pool with kids interactive splash pad
State-of-the-art fitness center and steam room
Activity center and weekly resort events for all
Video and game room
Pedestrian entrance to LEGOLAND California Resort
Karl Strauss Brewery and Restaurant nearby for breakfast and room service
Just a free shuttle away is luxurious Ocean Pearl Spa at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort
In-room massage treatments
Business center
Grand Concierge services to meet all your resort needs
Resort shuttle available within a 5-mile radius
Rollaway beds

Good to know: The complimentary Tide Trolley is a fun-filled way to be transported to Carlsbad’s pristine Tamarack Beach and is available on Saturday and Sunday, daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, and various holidays throughout the year.

Reservations: I think it’s a little easier to understand which condo you’re reserving when booking direct but you can check rates across top sites.

CHECK RATES AND REVIEWS

9. The Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Address: 5805 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: Across the street with the same pedestrian entrance as Grand Pacific Palisades

A two queen room interior at Cassara Carlsbad — Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado

San Diego in January: Weather, Events, Things to Do, & Insider Tips

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 02:48:13 GMT

One thing is consistent about San Diego in January this year. So far, a few days in, it’s sunny with blue skies. It’s the kind of winter weather that people from cold weather climates fly in to enjoy.

Except, this year, they can’t. We’re under a Regional Stay at Home Order with no end in sight. However, as usual, I will list out what residents can do around town this month and what it’s normally like to be here in January for those of you planning trips in the future.

And, thankfully, there are plenty of you.

You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated.

San Diego January Weather

San Diego weather in January is a mix of crisp air and sunshine. If you didn’t know it, you’d think that some of the photos I’m about to show you were taking in the summer.

Our Microclimates

San Diego has four main microclimates: coastal, inland valleys, mountains, and desert — in that order.

Along the coast, we have a pretty temperate climate with the most humidity thanks to the ocean. Inland valley communities like Escondido, where the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is, will have colder mornings (it can be frigid there December–February) because cold air sinks into the valleys. Mountains may see snow if there’s a big storm and the deserts also have cool mornings but warmer days.

Most tourists will stay in the coastal region, along the beach neighborhoods and perhaps venture into the inland valleys to golf, taste wine, or visit the Safari Park.

Residents, however, are taking San Diego day trips to the mountains during normal times. This is because we don’t see the seasons change along the coast.

Blue Skies in Winter

I took this photo of the Unconditional Surrender statue in downtown last January.

You’d think that we’d receive a ton of rain in January, but we typically don’t. In fact, we renovated our backyard last January, so I was in-tune with rain. It only drizzled two times briefly that month.

Here are the San Diego January weather stats:

Average temperature (high/low): 65°F/49°F
Rainfall: 2 inches
Days of rain: 7
Days of sunshine: 72%
Daylight: 10.2 hours
Ocean temperature (high/low): 60.3°F/58.1°F

Can You Go to the Beach in January?

Of course, you can go to beaches in San Diego in January.

You will find more people than in December on the beach exercising and surfing (probably for exercise).

Maybe it’s the crisp air but the beach sunsets are particularly beautiful. I took this last January from Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach.

Ocean Tips

The ocean is cold in January. There’s no getting around it. The hearty will be fine for a quick swim but you’ll need a wetsuit otherwise. You can rent them at various surf shops around town, even for kids.

You CAN still take surfing lessons or learn how to stand-up paddleboard. Both fulfill any exercise-related New Year’s resolutions.

Advice for Booking Hotels in January

January is a GREAT time to book San Diego hotels. From the time winter break ends to President’s Day weekend, rates are at some of their lowest points of the year.

If you are visiting to sightsee or take advantage of the many outdoor activities in San Diego, you will get the most bang for your buck if you come in this low season.

Plus, it’s less hot than it is in the summertime. I love walking around San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park in January. It’s so pleasant on a sunny day.

Just note that beach valet services may be limited in January but you can ask me or call the hotel in advance to see if they are on offer.

Or, Start a New Year by Rejuvenating at Our Destination Spas

Before the Regional Stay at Home Order went into effect, I had quite a few people booked into our destination spas in January. After the year we all had, I think people were looking to invest in themselves — I can tell you from personal experience that you feel better when you return home.

Did you know that some of the best destination spas in the world are right here in San Diego?

There’s no better way to kick off a new year than by rejuvenating at Golden Door or Rancho La Puerta (just across the Tecate, Mexico border) for a week (they also offer shorter stays). Through me, you have access to benefits at both spots. I can also book you into Cal-a-Vie.

Or, I would recommend a weekend at Rancho Valencia. It’s a Relais & Chateaux property which means the food is outstanding, but you can eat well and take advantage of their many wellness offerings. They typically have a long roster of fitness classes, tennis, sports courts, and even a yoga pavilion.

San Diego January Events

San Diego events in January are a little slim this year but it’s typically a light event month anyway.

Farmers Insurance Open

Golfers and spectators look forward to the Farmers Insurance Open PGA tournament every year at the end of January at Torrey Pines Golf Course. This year, the dates are January 25-31, with no spectators onsite.

But you can watch from home and get a feel for what our weather is like in January. The course itself is gorgeous.

Of course, the center of the action is at my favorite La Jolla hotel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, which overlooks the course. It’s tough (if not impossible) to secure reservations near and during the tournament (it’s sold out this year), but it sure doesn’t hurt to try.

GRANDSTANDS AND VIEWS
My favorite rooms at The Lodge at Torrey Pines are Palisade Rooms because they have ocean views and overlook the 18th hole. The hotel builds the tournament grandstands usually starting late December so you may see them in your view if booking suites or Palisade Rooms.

Jurassic Quest at Del Mar Fairgrounds

You can drive through dinosaurs at Del Mar Fairgrounds thanks to Jurassic Quest, the nation’s largest touring dinosaur exhibit.

From adorable baby dinos to a fierce T-Rex, guests embark on the adventure of a lifetime led by a thrilling-for-all-ages audio tour as they view 70 photorealistic dinosaurs that move and make sounds, all from the comfort of their own vehicles.

Jan. 1-10, 2021 (closed Monday & Tuesday, Jan. 4-5)
Wednesday and Thursday: 1 p.m.-8 p.m.
Friday and Sunday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Things to Do in San Diego in January Now

Your best bet for enjoying life outside of the house is going to involve outdoor activities. Some outdoor tours are still running and there are many ways to fulfill a New Year’s resolution that involved health and wellness — oftentimes for free.

Plus, I challenge you to add this to your resolution or to-do list. Try something new in San Diego this year.

Go Tide Pooling

I sound like a broken record but you can visit our best San Diego tide pools. In 2021, afternoon minus tides happen between January 10-16 and January 24-31 with a few other dates mixed in. Check the online tide charts.

A few weeks ago I walked the tide pools in La Jolla along the La Jolla seal trail, roughly between La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool Beach.

There were a lot of people not practicing the best tide pool etiquette, so please be mindful that you’re not one of them. You can take shells from these areas but please remember that the animals in the tide pools use them for habitats.

You can’t take shells from tide pools in the protected La Jolla Ecological Reserve (around La Jolla Cove).

Visit San Diego Botanic Garden

Please visit them!

I would highly recommend a walk or day out with the kids at the San Diego Botanic Garden. It’s open as an outdoor recreation facility. You can clock in some serious steps on the 4 miles of trails, get garden inspiration, and let the kids safely play outside in the Hamilton Children’s Garden (and learn about plants and the environment).

I can’t tell you what a respite this place is given our current climate. You will need to purchase a ticket online and make a reservation.

Visit an Outdoor Shopping Area & Malls

If you are comfortable, pick up your essentials or even a new book from retailers in Westfield UTC mall or shops in the Village of La Jolla, Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, North Park, and more. Retailers are permitted to be open at 20% capacity.

Go Gray Whale Watching

It’s officially whale watching season in San Diego! And, many of our Whale Watching tours are running with enhanced health and safety measures in place.

If you’re not comfortable heading out to sea, you can try viewing from land. This is the month when they swim south to Mexico to give birth. So, they swim closer to shore. When they swim back north with their calves they tend to swim in deeper water further out.

Popular places to try to see them from land include:

Whale point at Cabrillo National Monument
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Various cliffs and piers — just keep an eye out for spouts

Take Your Dog on an Adventure

My rescue pit bull, Ruby, loves Pacific Beach.

While the gyms are closed or offering limited services, you can seriously get your exercise outside. Take your dog with you to off-leash and on-leash dog beaches in San Diego.

We like Law Street Beach in Pacific Beach but there’s also North Beach in Coronado, Del Mar Dog Beach, and other on-leash options. Just check to be sure that you go when dogs are allowed and what the leash requirements are.

I’m receiving quite a few emails asking for dog-friendly ideas so stay tuned as I compile a list.

Order Take-Out

San Diego restaurants can use our support now more than ever. Before you use a food delivery app, please check with the restaurant to see if they are offering local delivery if you can’t pick up your order. Beaumont’s in La Jolla has been offering local delivery. Even Cesarina in Point Loma will deliver to La Jolla (gather your friends for an order to help them out).

The goal this month, especially, is to leave as much money in their pockets as possible.

Keep in mind that many are also offering pantry staples that you can eat on future days. I picked up granola from The Cottage in La Jolla recently. You can pick up condiments and sauces from Juniper & Ivy. My point is to think about how they can help you beyond the meal you need.

What to Wear in San Diego in January

What to pack for San Diego in January involves sweaters, long-sleeved T-shirts and a medium-weight jacket if you plan to be out in the evenings.

Here’s what to put in your suitcase:

Face coverings — required everywhere you’re not 6′ away from someone
Medium weight jacket for the evenings (I wear a light Patagonia or Lululemon puffer jacket in later afternoons and evenings)
Athleisure and hiking shoes for outdoor activities
Portable umbrella
Bathing suit and warmer cover-up
Rashguard or UV shirt for sun protection and warmth
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Flip flops for the beach and pool
Shorts for beachgoing
T-Shirts (mostly long-sleeved)
Pants or jeans
Sweaters or sweatshirts
Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
Casual wool/warm dress or collared shirt, sweater, and nice jeans (if you plan to dine in one of our nicer restaurants )
Sweaters and sweatshirts
Ugg boots (residents are wearing them — I’m wearing them daily around the house and sometimes out)
Wetsuit, if you have one (otherwise they’re easy to rent)

Real fur is not well-received in Southern California so leave it at home.

Lifestyle: What Residents Are Up To

This year is getting off to an unusual start. However, I can tell you that residents in my circle are getting back into the swing of things and are looking forward to a better 2021, fingers crossed.

Exercise and wellness are top of mind in addition to keeping the kids sane, too. But, most of us are home, with occasional excursions to the beaches and open outdoor facilities to try to stay, well, sane.

If you live here, please share your thoughts about San Diego in January!

Weather and temperature sources: seatemperature.org, currentresults.com, NOAA

How to Buy Discount Discovery Cove Tickets

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 18:45:57 GMT

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort where guests can enjoy animal encounters like swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays, and feeding exotic birds operated by SeaWorld. There aren’t many places to buy discount Discovery Cove tickets to avoid paying full price, which is why I’m glad you’re here.

I’ve listed a few authorized sellers below who offer cheaper admission. However, I also want readers to understand that it may be better to buy SeaWorld multi-park tickets through Discovery Cove instead of through other parks. And, yes, Discovery Cove is open with some modifications in place and one of the best Orlando attractions.

I only recommend authorized ticket sellers and trusted methods and may be compensated should you make purchases using the links in this post. I strive to eliminate the need to search for promo codes, coupons, special offers, and other online deals that do not work.

SHORTCUT TO THE MOST POPULAR TICKET
Signature Dolphin Swim Package

SAVE NOW

Discovery Cove Tickets: Gate Prices & Available Direct Discounts

The best place to buy Discovery Cove tickets is usually directly through the park, which often offers online promotions.

This is likely due to the resort’s all-inclusive nature and because they always limit attendance to 1300 guests per day to maintain an exclusive environment.

Snorkeling through The Grand Reef

Admission Prices

If you find Discovery Cove discount tickets, measure the price against gate prices to determine if the savings are worthwhile.

Discovery Cove charges a $4.99 resort fee per ticket, a $9.99 service fee per order, and tax for online orders.

Children under age 3 receive free admission. Discovery Cove gate prices for ages 3 and older are as follows.

Signature Dolphin Swim Package: $199
Signature Dolphin Swim Package – Two Parks (unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica during your vacation): $219
Signature Dolphin Swim Package – Three Parks (unlimited admission and free parking at SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens during your vacation): $244
Day Resort Admission: $149
Day Resort Admission – Two Parks (unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica during your vacation): $169
Day Resort Admission – Three Parks (unlimited admission and free parking at SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens during your vacation): $194

SHOP TICKETS

What to Know About Multi Park Tickets (Important)

Multi-park tickets that you can buy through the other SeaWorld Entertainment parks do not include Discovery Cove.

But, Discovery Cove’s multi-park tickets include unlimited admission to other SeaWorld parks for 14 consecutive days after the first activation of your pass.

If you plan to visit Discovery Cove and SeaWorld or Aquatica, I recommend that you take a look at the Two-Park ticket. It’s outstanding value seeing that the price covers three theme parks for just a little more than Day Resort Admission.

Reservations, Health, and Safety

Reservations are required, even for kids who are ages 2 and under. You will make them when you purchase your tickets.

You should also read up on the park’s health and safety measures. Face coverings are required at the entrance and in the retail stores, food and beverage areas, and other areas in the park. Face coverings are not required in the water.

The Dolphin Swim Experience has been modified. You will need to wear a face covering and it will take place in the shallow end of the habitat.

What’s Included in Your Discovery Cove Ticket

The nice thing about a day at this Orlando theme park is that so much is included with park admission.

Helpful Amenities

Guests have access to lockers, wetsuits, towels, snorkeling gear (including prescription goggles by request), showers and changing facilities, animal-safe sunscreen, and much more to enjoy their day. Parking is free, too.

Food and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

From breakfast to lunch, guests enjoy unlimited sustainably-sourced food and non-alcoholic beverages served at Laguna Grill and refreshment spots throughout the park. Of course, you can pay extra for gourmet coffee drinks, and a selection of beer and wine.

Fun Park Experiences

These up-close animal interactions make this theme park one of the best things to do in Orlando with kids.

The Grand Reef

Explorer’s Aviary: Home to over 250 exotic birds, here you can hand-feed and interact with birds up to 4′ tall.

The Grand Reef: This is where you can swim and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays who live among the coral reefs inspired by reefs from around the world.

Freshwater Oasis: The highlight here is up-close encounters with otters where they and guests can swim side-by-side, separated by plexiglass. Here, you can also take a close look at the resident marmosets on their island playground.

Serenity Bay: Swim in the 85-degree pool with a sandy bottom and beach. Don’t miss the flamingos who walk through every morning.

Wind-Away River: This one is for lazy river fans. Let the tropical currents carry you past beaches and waterfalls, through the aviary, and even an underwater cave. (They’ll provide you with a flotation device.)

Popular Upgrades

Of course, there are also ways to enhance your day. These are some of the most popular upgrades but there are more.

You can swim with dolphins (face coverings are required now)

Signature Dolphin Swim Experience: One of the best things to do at Discovery Cove Orlando meeting bottlenose dolphins.

During the 30-minute interactive adventure, you’ll start off in a small group to learn about their care and witness trainer-led demonstrations. Then, each guest will be able to have their own personal interaction with the dolphins. Children must be age 6 or older.

SeaVenture experience

SeaVenture: This is an underwater walking tour where you’ll wear a dive helmet to explore underwater and interact with schools of fish and gentle rays, sort of as if you were scuba diving. Children must be age 10 or older.

Shark Swim: Daring swimmers can safely swim with about 20 sharks in their habitat accompanied by an expert aquarist.

Private Cabanas: Retreat to your own cabana with chaise lounges, towels, a refrigerator stocked with drinks, and a locker to keep your valuables safe.

Premium Drink Package: For an extra $40/guest, you can have unlimited signature cocktails, wine, and beer to sip during your day on the resort.

Multi-Park Ticket Discounts Through Undercover Tourist

A sloth hanging out on Animal Trek.

You can find slight discounts on multi-park tickets through Undercover Tourist.

Day Resort Package (Two Parks)

Includes Day Resort Admission to Discovery Cove plus unlimited admission across 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. Price: $114.47

BUY NOW

Unlimited Resort Package (Three Parks)

Includes Day Resort Admission to Discovery Cove plus unlimited admission across 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica plus free self-parking. Price: $131.41

BUY NOW

Day Resort with Dolphin Swim Package (Two Parks)

Includes admission and Signature Dolphin Swim Experience at Discovery Cove plus unlimited admission across 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. Price: $148.34

BUY NOW

Unlimited Resort with Dolphin Swim Package (Three Parks)

Includes admission and Signature Dolphin Swim Experience at Discovery Cove plus unlimited admission across 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica plus free self-parking. Price: $165.28

BUY NOW

Florida Resident Discounts

Florida residents receive a year-round 20% off discount on all Discovery Cove tickets and packages.

There’s a special tab on the tickets page where residents can secure this offer, but don’t forget to check other park offers because they might be lower.

SHOP RESIDENT TICKET DEALS

Discovery Cove Tickets + Hotel Vacation Packages

Search your dates across multiple hotels, to enjoy extra savings in a vacation package. Admission to Discovery Cove is guaranteed when booking through Discovery Cove at Official Hotel Partners and Hotel Partners.

Official Hotel Partner packages from with extras such as complimentary parking at SeaWorld and Aquatica, 10% off of merchandise and dining, and priority entry.

SHOP VACATION PACKAGES

AAA Discount Tickets

Interact with birds in the aviary.

Check with your local AAA branch to see if they are offering Discovery Cove discount tickets. The offers vary by region.

For example, there are no offers or coupons for Southern California members but there are for other parts of the United States. There are discounts for members of AAA South.

Military Discount Tickets

The park offers discounted Day Resort Admission and Signature Dolphin Swim active duty military personnel and up to three direct dependents through the Waves of Honor program.

Veterans and Retirees are also offered discounted rates on Day Resort Admission and Signature Dolphin Swim Package for up to three guests.

FAQs About Discovery Cove Orlando, Florida

The morning flamingo walk.

Is Discovery Cove open?

Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida reopened on June 11, 2020. For the time being, the park is closed on Wednesdays.

What safety measures are in place?

Guests will be subject to temperature screening before entering the park. Guests ages 2 and older will be required to wear face coverings at all times except when participating in certain water activities and while eating or drinking.

You should read up on what to expect when at the park as certain experiences are temporarily modified, including the Signature Dolphin Swim Experience.

What should I bring to Discovery Cove?

While face coverings are not required while in the water, ages 2 and older will need to wear one in retail spaces, to enter the park, at food and beverages outlets, and in other places around the park.

You will need to bring a bathing suit that is appropriate for a family environment. You’ll need some dry clothes whether you wear them in or pack them.

Kids in diapers are required to wear a waterproof diaper cover or swim diapers. They can provide swim diapers but for the best fit, I would bring the ones you know already fit your child.

Adults ages 18 and older will need to bring a photo ID. Kids under the age of 18 attending without their primary guardian(s) will need to bring a waiver. Bring a credit card for incidentals.

WHAT NOT TO BRING
Less is more. Leave jewelry, other valuables, and flotation devices at home.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

No. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

What other SeaWorld parks are in or near Orlando?

Multi-park tickets purchased directly through Discovery Cove can include these SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment theme parks:

SeaWorld Orlando
Aquatica Orlando
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Adventure Island Tampa (open seasonally)

How far is Discovery Cove from Walt Disney World?

Discovery Cove Orlando is about 4 miles from Walt Disney World. It should take you just over 10 minutes by car to get there.

How far is Discovery Cove from Universal Orlando Resort?

The distance between Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando Resort is about 7 miles and it should take less than 15 minutes to get there by car.

How do you buy Discovery Cove Orlando tickets?

Need a place to stay? See our reviews of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World.

Learn also how to buy discount:

*Photos are courtesy of Discovery Cove Orlando

15 Best Travel Cribs for Babies & Toddlers That Are Portable, Easy, & Safe

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:17:20 GMT

Whether you’re going to grandma’s for the weekend or jetting off to Europe for a summer vacation, traveling with a baby is going to require some sort of travel crib.

A comfortable and safe place for snoozing is essential for you and your family to have a pleasant vacation while your child is still young. Hotels provide cribs or Pack n’ Plays, but I’m finding that many parents are bringing their own portable cribs with them.

These days, you can choose from breathable mesh styles to backpacks to grow-with-your-kid options. The best travel crib for you depends on the price, the level of portability and versatility you need, and where you’ll use it.

Top Picks for Best Portable Cribs

Traveling with your baby can have its ups and downs, but one thing that can make a world of difference is their sleeping space. Take a look at these best travel cribs for babies and toddlers that are essential pieces of baby travel gear that make your job a little more manageable, especially when it comes to traveling and packing.

Best Overall Travel Crib: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Best Portable Travel Crib: Munchkin Brica Fold n’ Go
Best Affordable Travel Crib: Graco Pack n Play on the Go
Best Backpack Travel Crib: Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
Best Travel Crib with a Play Yard: Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome
Best Rocking & Stationery Travel Crib: MiClassic Bassinet
Best Travel Fold-up & Go Crib: Delta Children EZ Fold
Best Travel Crib for Outdoor Travelers: KidCo P3010 Peapod
Best Foldable Crib: 4Moms Breeze Go
Best Travel Crib for Twins: Joovy Room² Portable Playard
Best Travel Rocking Bassinet: Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet
Best Lightweight Travel Tent: Sunba Youth Baby Tent
Best Budget-Friendly Travel Cribs: Evenflo BabySuite Portable Crib
Best Multipurpose Bassinet: Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib
Best for Growing with Your Baby: Graco Travel Lite Travel Crib

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Travel Crib

When choosing the best travel crib for your child, there are many things to ask yourself, such as:

Is it sturdy?
Is it easy to carry?
Is there a sun canopy?
Does it have wheels?
What is the weight limit?
Does it meet safety standards?
How big is it when folded and unfolded?
Will you use it at home?
Are you comfortable with the cost?

The travel cribs below meet the criteria above and have received high-star ratings and glowing parent reviews.

It’s important to check directly with the manufacturer before purchasing as ratings, features, included accessories, and certifications may change. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

15 Best Travel Cribs for Babies and Toddlers

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light (Top Pick)

As the best overall travel crib, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib is a clear winner. It was our most important piece of baby gear when my daughter was young.

This ergonomic, portable crib provides sturdiness and support. It weighs just 13 lbs, making it great to travel with. The nice carrying case is good for air travel. Check with your airline for carry-on dimension guidelines, but some parents report flying with it as carry-on luggage.

It’s simple to set-up. The soft padded mattress rests on the ground, so this travel crib doubles as a soft (and contained) place to play and a sleeping environment. When you need to pack up, remove the mattress, fold in one leg at a time, and then fold the whole crib in half. It literally takes just a few easy minutes.

What’s more, once you’ve folded the crib and put it in its neat carrying bag, there’s room to throw in a few precious extras like small blankets and stuffed animals. You can remove the fabric and put it in the washing machine for cleaning.

I recommend that you buy it with the fitted crib sheet because it fits better than standard crib sheets. It is more of an investment than others on this list.

Ages: 0-3 years old
Weight limit: No upper weight limit
Dimensions: 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches (closed) and 44 x 24 x 32 inches (open)

BUY ON AMAZON

Munchkin Brica Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinet

If you’re looking for an affordable option without carrying around extra bulk, you’ll love this Munchkin Brica Fold n’ Go bassinet. These best travel cribs for babies are easy to carry and weigh under three pounds, giving you a lightweight, durable, and reliable bassinet with a comfy mattress for sleeping at the park or nearly anywhere.

It features breathable mesh panels, soft fabric, and a four-point locking frame. Parents appreciate the low price tag, the safety, and peace of mind knowing that their most important priority is snuggled safely inside. The fitted sheet is machine washable and you would wipe down the waterproof mattress pad.

Ages: Infants who can’t push up on hands and knees
Weight limit: 15 lbs.
Dimensions: 30 x 11.75 x 21.25 inches (open) and 22 x 17 x 3 inches (folded)
Item weight: 2.45 lbs.

BUY ON AMAZON

Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard with Folding Bassinet

Graco Pack ‘n Plays are superb on the go playards from one of the most trusted baby gear brands. We, like many parents, owned one and give it a glowing review. This model can be used as a full-sized bassinet, playpen, and travel cot. You also can’t beat the affordable price.

With a versatile mattress pad, the sturdy and durable nest will give your little one a comfortable place to nap. It features a full-size, removable bassinet that’s easy to travel with and use as a diaper changing table.

It comes with a toy bar and soft toys to help keep your little one entertained. Designed to pack up easily with the signature Graco push-button fold means that packing it up is a cinch. Be sure to order the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard with the folding bassinet. It also has folding feet and wheels, so it’s 20% more compact than standard Pack ‘n Plays, and you can move it around your house or hotel. The mattress is included but sheets are sold separately. To clean, wipe down with mild soap.

Bassinet Weight Limit: Infants up to 15 lbs
Playard Size Limit: Children up to 35″ tall, unable to climb out
Dimensions: 39.5 x 29 x 10.5 inches (folded) and 39.5 x 28.25 x 29 inches (open)

BUY AT ALBEE BABY

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

If you’ve ever experienced traveling with kids, you’ll know the value of having to cart one less thing around with you. That’s where this easy, Guava Lotus Travel Crib wins hands down as the best portable backpack travel bed. This ultra-lightweight, portable crib folds seamlessly into a compact, carrying case, easy to toss onto your back, and off you go.

Like the BabyBjörn travel crib, the mattress rests on the floor, so there’s no worry about a weight limit. The frame is easy to open or stow away. One thing that’s unique about this portable crib is its side zipper “door,” creating a doorway for you to nurse, cuddle, and play with your little one.

It also comes with a GreenGuard Certification, which means that you won’t find phthalates, flame retardants, PVC, lead, and other harsh chemicals in the crib’s materials.

The Lotus by Guava Family weighs 11 pounds with the bag, so it’s not too heavy to carry around, worry-free at the airport, easy to fly with. They do call it airport-friendly, but you may have to check it at the gate. Check your airline’s carry-on luggage measurements.

A comfy mattress and waterproof cover are both included. Wipe down to clean but you can launder its organic crib sheets (sold separately).

Ages: 0–3
Dimensions: 46 x 31 x 25.5 inches (open) and 24 x 8 x 12 inches (backpack)
Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, US Federal Standard for Play Yards
(16 CFR 1221 / ASTM F406), Consumer Product Safety Info Act (H.R. 2020 / CPSIA 2008)

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Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome

The Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome is a 2-in-1 portable crib, perfect for relaxing at home or traveling with your baby. Two colorful toys dangle from the toy bar for a little sensory entertainment. They are easy to remove and you can also add on other accessories to the bar if you like.

The portable crib features a comfortable mattress for your little one to take naps or to play on. The canopy fully-covers the crib to prevent distraction, sun exposure (it’s UPF 20) and keeps out any bugs with its insect-protective netting. It’s popular for use both indoors and outdoors.

Collapse the dome flat and transport it everywhere using the convenient carry handle. The mat is machine washable but you would wipe down the rest of the travel crib.

Ages: Babies who can not hold their heads up
Dimensions: 31.38 x 5.38 x 22 inches (open)
Item weight: 12.17 lbs.

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MiClassic Foldable 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet

If you’re a parent who relies on rocking your baby as a part of their bedtime routine, the MiClassic Foldable 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet is a superb travel bed. It quickly converts from a stationary sleeper bed to a rocking cradle that’s super easy to pack up and move around.

It comes with a carrying travel bag and folds quickly without needing to be disassembled. Though it’s not the smallest option, parents do love this rocking bassinet with breathable mesh sides. You can take off its legs for easier transport, however. The brand also states that you can only use MiClassic sheets and accessories with this bassinet. The bassinet zipper cover and mattress cover are machine washable.

Ages: Okay for babies until they begin to push up on hands and knees or have reached 33 lbs
Dimensions: 37.4 x 23.8 x 28 inches (unfolded) and 22.8 x 6.7 x 20.7 inches (folded)
Item weight: 18.16 pounds
Certifications: Meets or exceeds all required and voluntary CPSIA safety requirements

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Delta Children EZ Fold

Delta Children EZ Fold is another easy to set, fold n’ go travel crib option. The ultra-compact fold comes with a provided travel bag for quick transport and storage (no assembly required).

It features breathable mesh sides providing ventilation for those hot summer days. For added protection, there is a removable canopy. The lightweight design and easy to use carrying case mean you can cart it anywhere without any trouble. A machine-washable, waterproof mattress pad and fitted sheet are also included.

Age: Until infants begin to push up on hands and knees or have reached the manufacturer’s recommended maximum weight of 15 lbs — whichever comes first.
Dimensions: 41.7 x 20.7 x 24.8 inches
Item weight: 13.3 lb
Certifications: Certified by JPMA meet or exceed CPSC & ASTM standards

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KidCo P3010 Peapod

The micro-lite KidCo P3010 Peapod comes pre-assembled and ready to use. It’s one of the most lightweight travel cribs on this list.

The lightweight travel bed is surrounded by mesh providing great airflow with anchor straps and UV protection. It’s easy to fold up and fits into a standard carry bag, ideal for adventure parents looking to go camping, to the beach, on picnics, etc. This is one of the travel cribs that you can toss into a suitcase or larger handbag with no problem. Wipe down to clean.

Ages: 1–3 years old
Dimensions: 16.5 x 3 x 16.5 inches (folded) and 46 x 18 x 28 inches (open)
Item weight: 2.45 lbs
Certifications: This product passes all required ASTM and Federal standards

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4Moms Breeze GO

It doesn’t get any easier than this quick, one-push open and one-pull close setup. Press on the center of this roomy playard and watch it all open in place. When you’re ready to pack it away, pull the center loop to fold it up. It’s the perfect accessory for travel or moving around the house.

The one-handed 4moms Breeze GO portable playard is designed to give you clear views of your little one. It features a mattress that’s easy to wipe down and a travel bag you can simply fold up and pack away. Though it’s not the lightest travel crib, where it lacks in weightlessness, it compensates with its effortless setup. You can also check out the 4moms Breeze Plus for a more deluxe version with a bassinet and playard.

Age: birth to 30 lbs.
Dimensions: 43 x 30 x 29 inches (open)
Item weight: 23 lbs.

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Joovy Room² Portable Playard

The Joovy Room² Portable Playard provides nearly 50% more play area than most traditional playards. This is perfect for families with twins or very active babies and their friends. The playard doubles up as a portable crib with wheels for easy play on the go and mobility.

What’s also great is you can use this crib as a safe place for your baby right up until your kid is a toddler. It features four mesh walls to provide you with a 360-degree view of your child and their playdate. This portable playard also comes with a travel bag and a waterproof cotton fitted sheet, making it ready for any family vacation.

Ages: newborns to toddlers 35″ tall
Dimensions: 39.75 x 39.75 x 31 inches (open) and 10 x 9.5 x 37 inches (folded)
Item weight: 29.6 lbs.

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Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet

From naptime to nighttime, the Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet will provide peace and quiet, wherever you go. The portable smart design includes a fitted sheet to keep your baby snug and safe.

It features a foldable frame that simply expands and folds quickly. Mesh sides increase visibility for mothers and fathers, and allow for airflow to keep your baby comfortable.

With different modes to use, you can rock your baby to sleep or lock it into a stationary mode, whenever you need. Wipe or spot clean.

Ages: 0–5 months or 15 lbs.
Dimensions: 37 x 23 x 28 inches (open)
Item weight: 18.34 lbs.
Certifications: Meets ASTM Standards

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Sunba Youth Baby Tent

One of the biggest selling points for the Sunba Youth Baby Tent is its ultra-portable weight at under two pounds. There’s no assembly required because the tent pops up within seconds and is easy to fold back up into a small circle for storage.

The lightweight travel tent is made of 100% eco-friendly certified fabrics that are gentle on your baby’s skin. The tent has a UPF 50+ to protect your child from the sun’s rays during your outdoor and beach vacations. Tent pegs help keep it in place outside.

It’s the perfect travel crib for both outside and inside use, whether you’re at home, on a picnic, or at the beach. It’s super easy to set up and is the ideal light travel companion to sling over your shoulder with the provided carry bag. Note that it doesn’t come with a mattress pad. Wipe clean.

Dimensions: 53 x 35 x 24 inches (open) and 19.3 inch diameter (folded)
Item weight: 1.4 lbs.

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Evenflo BabySuite Portable Crib

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly travel crib, then the Evenflo BabySuite Portable Crib will provide you with affordability and more. It features a raised mattress, lockable wheels so you can move your crib from one place to the next, and a bassinet. There’s also a storage organizer with plenty of room to store your child’s essential items.

It’s easy to set up and includes surrounding mesh walls for excellent air circulation and an uninterrupted view of your child. It’s the perfect travel crib that provides storage, versatility, portability, value for money, all in one. And best of all, it packs away into an easy carry bag ready for travel, and you can wipe it clean.

Ages: 0–24 months, if unable to climb out.
Weight limit: up to 30 lbs.
Dimensions: 40 x 27.5 x 29.5 inches (open)
Item weight: 14.9 lbs.

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Flisko 2-in-1 Travel Crib

The Flisko 2-in 1-Travel Crib provides a sturdy, effortlessly portable, and lightweight design that is both a sleeping environment and a bassinet that can be removed as your baby grows.

The movable baby crib folds into an easy carrying case, ideal for travel and storage, whether you’re going by car, train, or plane.

The multifunctional travel bassinet is soft and comfortable, and intended to keep your child feeling secure and comfy. A side zipper opens the crib up to turn it into a play area. It comes with a waterproof mattress. No age or size limit is listed.

Dimensions: 43 x 28 x 22 inches (open) and 23 x 21 x 6.75 inches (folded)
Item weight: 13.82 lbs.

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Graco Travel Lite Travel Crib with Stages

What’s neat about the Graco Travel Lite Crib with Stages is that you can buy it when your baby is a newborn and keep it through the toddler years.

There are three stages in total. The first is an elevated bassinet for newborns that is easy to reach from your bed. You can lower the bassinet as your baby grows in the second stage, and place the mattress on the floor of the crib in the third stage.

Two wheels on the backside of the crib make it easy to move around the house. It also folds up into a convenient carry bag. Kids can play with the soft toys that hang from the canopy.

If you’re wondering what the difference is between the Graco Travel Lite Crib and a Graco Pack n’ Play, the answer is size. The Travel Lite is 20% smaller so you’ll want to make sure to buy sheets for it. Wipe down the exterior with mild soap to clean. The carrying bag can go in the washing machine.

Stage 1 Bassinet: for use up to 15lbs
Stage 2 Bassinet: for use up to 20 lbs.
Stage 3: Playard for use up to 35″
Dimensions: 23.2 x 33.5 x 32.25 inches (open)

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Final Thoughts on Travel Cribs that You’ll Love for Your Child

I can’t tell you how much I recommend travel cribs, even if you don’t have any trips planned in the near future. Not only will you be prepared to visit grandma or for an impromptu road trip, but you may find that you’re using these baby products around the house. It’s nice to have a portable option that you can easily move from room to room.

When it does come time to check in to a hotel or vacation rental, your baby or toddler may sleep better in a familiar sleeping environment if you bring your own travel crib.

See also: Travel games for kids and gear for flying with kids.

Best Dog Beaches in San Diego: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 20:31:18 GMT

Canine friends love playing on dog beaches in San Diego County. I walk my dog regularly on the beach, and there is never a dull moment between chasing birds, sniffing seaweed, socializing with other dogs, and generally freaking out with excitement. These excursions are worth the extra bath and sand in the car.

It’s important to know where to go as not all beaches in San Diego allow dogs. The ones that do have different hours, leash requirements, and other rules listed below.

Off-Leash Dog Beach San Diego Options

These are the best San Diego dog beaches where your well-behaved furry friend can roam freely under voice control.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

It’s so fun to play in the ocean.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach was established in 1972 as one of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States. It’s a great place that welcomes all breeds and sizes, in line with the beach town’s vibe.

The Original Dog Beach is wide and sandy, with a lot of space for pups to play and swim. It’s one of the most popular off-leash dog beaches in San Diego as there are no hourly restrictions.

The off-leash area can be found in the northern part, where the sand meets the mouth of the San Diego River. Keep your dogs north of the Ocean Beach Bike Path and avoid the area between the path and the beach pier.

Expert surfers also enjoy a popular surf break here.

Off-leash times: 24 hours a day, every day.

Coronado Dog Beach

You’ll find North Beach Dog Run Beach north of the popular Coronado beach in front of Hotel del Coronado and south of the North Island U.S. Naval Station.

It’s the only off-leash beach on the Coronado Island shoreline and unique because there are no time restrictions. Signage indicates where your dog can be off-leash.

Dogs that like to surf (yes, really, they surf in San Diego) can sometimes be seen riding Coronado Dog Beach waves on foam boards. Yes, they usually wear life jackets and sometimes boardshorts.

It’s also one of the best dog-friendly beaches in San Diego, CA, because owners appreciate that it’s a quieter spot to sunbathe and other amenities like fire pits, a lifeguard tower (not always staffed), a foot shower, and free dog litter bags at the entrance. And you will surely enjoy the stunning views from Point Loma to south of The Del.

Dog Beach is across the street from Sunset Park. While tempting to let your dog run around this big grassy area, the park does not allow dogs.

Off-leash times: 24 hours, every day.

Fiesta Island Park on Mission Bay

Located on San Diego’s Mission Bay, Fiesta Island is a hub of activity with tons of events year-round. Pups don’t have to miss out. Fiesta Island was voted Best Dog Park in the Country by USA TODAY 10Best.

There are designated off-leash dog beach areas covering most of the beach, other than the Youth Campground and endangered least tern bird nesting sites. Basically, your pooch is allowed anywhere outside of the fenced areas.

There are fantastic sand dunes, hiking trails, and ample space for your dog to run around. If they love water, they’re sure to run into the waveless, calm bay waters.

Note that there aren’t public facilities like restrooms on Fiesta Island, so you’ll need to bring water for your dog.

Off-leash times: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. every day.

Del Mar Dog Beach

A group of dogs of different breeds playing in the ocean

Del Mar North Beach, also known as Dog Beach, is the only beach that your dog can be leash-free on Del Mar City beaches year-round (certain times apply). This stunning dog-friendly option in San Diego runs about a half-mile from 29th Street to Solana Beach.

Most dogs play ball and swim in the ocean section below the San Dieguito River mouth near the volleyball net poles while their humans socialize.

During off-peak season mornings, the off-leash beach area extends south into adjacent Main Beach. The boundaries of Main Beach are in between Powerhouse Park and North Beach.

Main Beach off-leash times: Day after Labor Day through June 15, dogs are allowed off-leash between dawn and 8 a.m. only. They are allowed on-leash after 8 a.m. during these days. Between June 16 and Labor Day, no dogs are allowed on Main Beach (it gets jam-packed) at all.

North Beach off-leash times: Permitted off-leash hours vary by the time of year, so it always pays to check before you go. Between the day after Labor Day and June 15, dogs can be leash-free at any hour. From June 16 through Labor Day, dogs can be off-leash from dawn to 8 a.m. and on-leash during other hours.

On-Leash Dog-Friendly San Diego Beaches

Many beaches in San Diego County allow dogs during certain hours but they must be leashed. Beaches overseen by the City of San Diego let you bring pups in the morning and evening (hours vary by the season). Most beaches overseen by the California Department of Parks and Recreation do not allow dogs on the beach. These are a few popular places to go to.

All dog-friendly beaches in San Diego mentioned below require that you use leashes no longer than 6′.

WHY A 6′ LEASH?
This popular length provides the freedom to explore and substantial control. The longer the leash gets, the less control you have. The reverse is true – we trained our dog on a 4′ leash. Plus, setting a leash length makes life on dog beaches fair because everyone is restricted to the same amount of space.

La Jolla Shores Beach

A big nope from Scooby who hated water.

I love walking my dogs on La Jolla Shores Beach. It’s big, so if you have nervous rescue dogs like my first pit bull was, there is plenty of space to meet other pooches or avoid dogs. It’s flat, about a mile-long (though you could keep walking north), and you can use Scripps Pier as a distance benchmark.

You can park in the La Jolla Shores Beach parking lot next to Kellogg Park, which has a fun small playground for kids, a huge grassy area, and a new huge mosaic map of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, including sea life seen underwater. Leashed dogs are allowed at Kellogg Park.

Times when leashed dogs are allowed: City of San Diego beach rules apply. Dogs are allowed before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. from November 1 to March 31 and before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. between April 1 and October 31.

Learn more: Where to Go to the Beach in La Jolla

Pacific Beach

My rescue dog, Ruby, loves Pacific Beach.

I park on the residential streets near the beach on Law Street and use the beach access point near the bathrooms. This is another huge sandy beach to walk on where you can greet dogs or have enough space to walk on your own.

Most people walk or run here for exercise in the mornings. In the evenings, you’ll find people parked in the sand with their dogs to watch the sunset, picnic, and enjoying normal beach activities.

During the summer months, local families tend to stay later at the beach. It’s less crowded, but still a warm time to swim or surf. So, I’m often picking my daughter up from the beach with my dog in tow.

Learn more: Where to Go to the Beach in Pacific Beach

TIP: OCEAN FRONT WALK IS DOG-FRIENDLY
A beach boardwalk lined with shops, bars, and restaurants runs between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. It’s called Ocean Front Walk but referred to as the Mission Beach boardwalk. Leashed dogs are welcome at all times to walk with owners.

Mission Beach

My dog enjoyed winter evening walks on Mission Beach.

If you keep walking south on Pacific Beach, eventually, it transitions to Mission Beach. If you like to run or walk with your dog, you can clock in a good 6 mile round trip between the Law Street beach entrance and where South Mission Beach ends at the jetty.

South Mission Beach is where many pet-friendly San Diego vacation rentals are located. So, it’s convenient that canines are allowed on Ocean Front Walk at any time and the beach during certain times.

Most beach amenities like a permanent lifeguard station, bathrooms, basketball courts, and volleyball courts are located at South Mission Beach.

Dogs must be on a leash, but you can walk them through Belmont Park, our seaside amusement park, here as well.

Learn more: Where to Go to the Beach in Mission Beach

Del Mar South and Main Beaches

Del Mar is not a part of the City of San Diego, so their rules for dogs on the beach are a little more generous.

South of North Beach (Del Mar Dog Beach), you’ll find two other beaches that are popular for walks and on-leash dogs. We already discussed Main Beach, which has early morning off-leash and on-leash hours during the remainder of the day during the off-peak season only. Otherwise, no dogs are allowed.

South Beach, in between Main Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach at 6th Street, allows you to walk leashed dogs on the beach at any time. How nice is that?

South Beach times when leashed dogs are allowed: 24 hours per day, every day.

Learn more: Where to Go to the Beach in Del Mar

Cardiff State Beach

Cardiff State Beach is the only state beach in San Diego that allows dogs. What’s nice is that generous hours mean that they can accompany you on a stereotypical Southern California beach day. This is a very popular beach for swimming and sunbathing thanks to its size.

You can go camping here, too, at the adjacent San Elijo State Beach campground. Dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach. This isn’t a big deal because you would instead walk over to Cardiff State Beach.

Like other state beaches, you do pay to park your car. Use an automated machine located near the restroom and entrance at the Seaside Parking Lot to pay.

Times when leashed dogs are allowed: When the beach is open. Beach hours are 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.

Imperial Beach

If you’re already in the South Bay, you take your dog for walks in some parts of Imperial Beach. Avoid the area between Imperial Beach Boulevard and Palm Avenue. South of Imperial Beach Boulevard and north of Palm Avenue are both dog-friendly beach areas.

A note about South Imperial Beach: There aren’t many amenities here like restrooms, and you’ll want to bring water for your dog. I would check the ocean water quality before letting your dog walk into the water. It’s near the United States- Mexico border, and the Tijuana River empties into the ocean near here, which prompts contamination alerts. Ocean swimming near the Imperial Beach pier and north isn’t impacted as much.

Dog Beach San Diego Rules, Etiquette, & Tips

See? They do surf in San Diego.

Pets and their owners can enjoy a fun day on the sand if they follow these required guidelines and expected etiquette.

Dogs Must Wear Collars With Current Licenses

Ensure that your dog wears a collar with his or her license and your contact details on it. If you live in San Diego County, this license comes from the San Diego Humane Society. These days, it has a handy QR code that people can scan to find owner information. If you don’t have this license, you can order one online.

TIP: WATERPROOF DOG COLLARS
I recommend a waterproof dog collar versus letting your dog’s normal collar get wet. A wet collar that holds sand and saltwater on the skin can lead to neck chafing which is difficult to control, in my experience, once it starts.

They Must Respond to Voice Control

If you’re visiting one of the off-leash beaches, please be sure that your dog impeccably responds to voice control. It’s the best way to keep everyone safe, and these leash-free areas operating without complaints.

On the flip side, be aware that many pet-owners who frequent dog parks and dog beaches in San Diego do not, in my experience.

Vaccinations Are Required

Keep puppies at home until all of their required vaccinations are received. The City of San Diego also requires that adult dogs are fully-vaccinated, which is also necessary for licensing.

Bring a Leash to Off-Leash Areas

The odds are that parking lots, street parking, and the sidewalks you take to get to the beach have leash requirements. Plus, in the event your pup really wants to play with a dog who isn’t interested, you’ll need it to break the focus.

Pick Up After Your Pup

Take waste bags with you and clean up after your dogs, leaving only paw prints and fun memories behind. It’s actually illegal to leave dog waste on public property in San Diego, and you can be fined for it.

Don’t Let Your Dog Drink Ocean Water

When ingested in large quantities, saltwater disrupts a dog’s fluid balance. A little bit here in there swallowed from chasing balls into the ocean, and swimming is likely okay. Read more about how salt water is dangerous for dogs so that you can keep an eye on yours.

Carry fresh water instead, which will also help flush out the salt if your dog does decide to drink the ocean.

BYO FRESH WATER
You will see San Diego dog owners with these cool portable leakproof water dispensers with drinking bowls attached that you can pop into your bag. I recommend this one.

My happy rescue pit bull on La Jolla Shores Beach.

Don’t Let Them Eat Seaweed Either

Seaweed also has a high salt content but also absorbs pollutants from the ocean. On our beaches, it’s also where you’ll find a lot of microtrash which could be dangerous to dogs if ingested.

Dried seaweed carries the risk of expanding once inside a dog’s stomach, risking intestinal blockage. The best rule of thumb is to make sure your pooch doesn’t eat anything off the beach.

What San Diego Beaches Do NOT Allow Dogs?

As mentioned above, dogs are not allowed on many of our state beaches. These include:

Carlsbad State Beach (campground is okay)
South Carlsbad State Beach (campground is okay)
Silver Strand State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach
San Elijo State Beach (campground is okay)
Moonlight State Beach
Leucadia State Beach

You can read the rules for dogs at the state park and beach you plan to visit.

What is your favorite dog-friendly beach in San Diego, CA?

San Diego in December: Weather, Events, Things to Do, & Insider Tips

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 21:03:26 GMT

I’m late in publishing this San Diego in December post because, well, let’s hope we don’t have another December like this one. It started okay, but toward the end of the first week catapulted into a regional stay-at-home order that (as you know) closed theme parks, hotels, onsite restaurant dining, and a ton of small businesses that are already hurting.

December is normally one of the most popular times to visit San Diego. Many tourists would normally be reading this post. Since they are not permitted here, and hotels cannot accept leisure travel, let me tell you, residents, what’s on tap that we can actually do.

If you book tickets, tours, or hotels using the links in this post, I may be compensated.

San Diego December Weather

San Diego weather in December is a mix of cold days and sunny warm days. So far this month, we’ve had a couple of shorts weather days along the coast, but they do end in the evenings with a need for a coat and Ugg boots.

Our Microclimates

I mentioned our sunny weather along the coast, but if you’re in the inland valleys, mountains, or desert, the temperatures that you feel are usually more extreme. It does snow in the mountains occasionally in December but usually deeper into winter.

Most tourists are still visiting our coastal regions because that’s where most San Diego attractions and San Diego resorts are.

Blue Skies in Winter

Yep. Shorts weather. I was roasting in a long-sleeved T-shirt at San Diego Botanic Garden.

I like December in San Diego because we have mostly blue skies in which we can enjoy the various holiday lights and tree lightings. Technically, it’s our coldest month, and we can have thunderstorms. The latter is rare.

Here are the San Diego December weather stats:

Average temperature (high/low): 65°F/48°F
Rainfall: 1.5 inch
Days of rain: 6
Days of sunshine: 73%
Daylight: 10 hours
Ocean temperature (high/low): 61.7°F/59.2°F

I can only remember a handful of times when it’s rained on Christmas. Most of my memories are usually of the family hanging out in shorts in the backyard.

Can You Go to the Beach in December?

A frequently asked question by people planning winter break vacations here is whether it’s warm enough to go to the beach in San Diego.

My answer is that it depends. We, locals, use it for walks, runs, picnics, watching the sunset, and water sports like surfing.

Visitors from cold weather climates tend to use our beaches as we do in the summer. They’re used to snow and parkas. They find the idea that they can go to the beach ultra appealing, which means they do soak up rays and head into the ocean.

Ocean Tips

So, what I tell out-of-state families is that if you want to get your Pacific Ocean fix, you can. Just rent a wetsuit. Many of our surf shops and rental spots even have wetsuits for kids. A rental may not fit perfectly, but something is better than nothing. Call ahead to see if kids’ sizes are available.

Don’t let cold water temperatures hold you back from our best water sports. You CAN still take surfing lessons. In fact, many of our best surfing schools like Surf Diva offer awesome winter break camps.

If you plan to head in for more than a (chilly) minute or two, wear a wetsuit.

Advice for Booking Hotels in December

What normally happens at Hotel del Coronado (courtesy photo).

If you plan to visit during winter break, you should book San Diego hotels as soon as they’re available for reservations. Winter break is one of our most expensive peak seasons, and during normal times, room rates only increase as your travel date nears.

In 2020, our hotels are unable to accept leisure travelers. This isn’t likely to be the case next year.

So, I advise visitors and residents planning staycations to lock in a flexible rate directly through the hotel. These rates are easy to adjust in the rare event that rates fall. Most of the time, the hotel will just adjust your existing reservation instead of canceling and rebooking a new one. Easy.

Our hotels deck the halls literally with beautiful Christmas trees, Menorahs, poinsettias, and other decor. And each usually offers its own list of holiday programming from opportunities to see Santa, holiday afternoon teas, Christmas dinners, holiday treats, and much more.

Hotel del Coronado is the most festive place to stay thanks to its beachfront ice skating rink and a long list of holiday activities. Another almost equally festive resort is Fairmont Grand Del Mar with its Winter Wonderland and a multitude of things to do.

Beach valet services will be up and running so that visitors can clock in beach time. Our outdoor swimming pools are heated year-round so rest assured you can still use them.

San Diego December Events

Rudolph and friends at SeaWorld (Photo courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego)

San Diego events in December typically focus on holiday fun. Sadly, most are canceled this year. For those of you planning to visit in December 2021, you can expect parades, holiday markets, theme park events, boat parades, and even a Surfin’ Santa.

Check my ultimate guide to San Diego Christmas and holiday events for the full list, but here are a few.

Balboa Park December Nights

Balboa Park December Nights is a two-day holiday tradition where the numerous museums and cultural institutions in Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park, open their doors free of charge. Guests also look forward to live music, holiday light displays, dance performances, and food from around the world.

San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells

Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo was supposed to start at the end of November but it’s been pushed to December. Dates are currently set (but subject to change) for December 4-6, 11-23, 25-Jan. 3. The celebration includes lighted displays, seasonal food, live animal presentations, holiday decor, and more.

And, remember that you can buy discount San Diego Zoo tickets through me.

ACCESS MY EXCLUSIVE TICKET DISCOUNT
I have unpublished deeper savings on tickets through my partnership with aRes Travel, an authorized San Diego Zoo ticket seller. Use password lajollamom to access it on this page.

Christmas at SeaWorld San Diego

You’ll also be able to start celebrating Christmas at SeaWorld San Diego from November 13 through January 4! You’ll be able to see Santa at a proper distance, enjoy popular park shows like Dolphin Island Christmas Presentation and Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special, in addition to seasonal food. Admission is included with regular park admission.

Refer to my post about buying cheap SeaWorld San Diego tickets. Reservations are required.

Holidays at LEGOLAND California

Kids always look forward to seeing the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree (30′ tall). The entire resort will be decked out in holiday décor and more during Holidays at LEGOLAND California. In addition LEGO Christmas characters including LEGO Santa, events include a holiday light show.

Things to Do in San Diego in December Now

Here, I will list things to do in San Diego in December that are open now in 2020 during the stay at home order. We’re talking about mostly outdoor activities. Some outdoor tours are still running as well should you want to hop in a kayak or boat.

Go Tide Pooling

Keep an eye out for our twice-daily low tides that happen during daylight hours. If you check the online tide charts, you are likely to find minus tides in December that are perfect for tide pooling.

Use my list of best tide pools in San Diego to find out where to go, but you can find multiple tide pools in La Jolla along the La Jolla seal trail. to hit a few popular spots like La Jolla Cove and Shell Beach.

As I said last month, be sure to practice good etiquette by leaving the tide pools as you found them. The most commonly-seen creatures include hermit crabs, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, limpets, and small crabs. You can’t remove anything other than trash from tide pools in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve (around La Jolla Cove).

Visit San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden is open as an outdoor recreation facility. Because Governor Newsom reversed playground closures, this also means that Hamilton Children’s Garden is open, too. You can (and should) walk the 4 miles of trails for exercise and let the kids blow off steam in a pretty garden-like setting with some edutainment activities woven in.

Enjoy Our Outdoor Shopping Areas & Malls

Retail stores are open at 20% capacity so if you need to do some holiday shopping do it in person and locally. Sure, you can head over to Westfield UTC mall but also to shops in the Village of La Jolla, Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, North Park, and more.

Holidays in Your Car

You can drive through a magnificent display of lights at Del Mar Fairground. See it for less with a Groupon.

Tours on the Water

You can take a tour to the La Jolla sea caves by kayak. Or, while most dining cruises on San Diego Bay are not running, you can take a harbor tour or ride the Patriot Jet Boat with Flagship Cruises and Events.

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Use code lajollamom (enter code and click the green checkmark) for a 20% discount on kayak and snorkeling tours, lessons, and rentals. For 20% off clothes and accessories, use code LJM20. Shop and book now.

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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Yes, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is open for hikes. Guy Fleming and Parry Grove trails are one-way loops.

Cabrillo National Monument

Indoor exhibits and buildings such as the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Visitor Center are closed. The Cabrillo sea cave and parking lot near the tide pools are both also closed. But, you can go to walk these mild trails, enjoy ocean views, and spend a nice day outside at Cabrillo National Monument.

Climb at Belmont Park

It’s free to enter Belmont Park so if you’re in the area, check out their holiday decor that was meant to go with their winter programming. Retail stores, quick bites dining, the Rock Wall, and Sky Ropes are open Thursday–Sunday.

What to Wear in San Diego in December

Your San Diego packing list for December involves more sweaters, long-sleeved T-shirts and a medium weight jacket if you plan to be out in the evenings.

Although, as I type this, it’s hot outside, and people are walking around the Village of La Jolla in shorts. So, don’t forget the shorts.

Here’s what to put in your suitcase:

Face coverings — required everywhere you’re not 6′ away from someone
Medium weight jacket for the evenings
Portable umbrella
Bathing suit and warmer cover-up
Rashguard or UV shirt for sun protection and warmth
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Flip flops for the beach and pool
Shorts for beachgoing
T-Shirts (mostly long-sleeved)
Pants or jeans
Sweaters or sweatshirts
Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
Casual wool/warm dress or collared shirt and nice jeans (if you plan to dine in one of our nicer restaurants )
Sweaters and sweatshirts
Ugg boots
Wetsuit, if you have one (otherwise they’re easy to rent)

People here generally do not wear traditional raincoats. Part of the reason is that it very rarely rains. Do not pack fur coats or fur accessories to keep you warm. They generally are not well-received.

Lifestyle: What Residents Are Up To

Normally, San Diegans are prepping for the holiday season. We’re eating too much, staying up too late, and shopping in our outdoor malls.

This year, we’re at home and trying to figure out how best to support the struggling local businesses around us. They’re part of who we are and why San Diego is such a fantastic place to live and visit.

If you live here, please share your thoughts about San Diego in December!

Weather and temperature sources: seatemperature.org, currentresults.com, NOAA

Where to Get Take-Out Christmas Dinner in San Diego

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:30:53 GMT

Normally, this post would be about the fabulous restaurants you could go to for Christmas dinner in San Diego. Alas, this isn’t the year for that. You can skip doing dishes and cooking by ordering a gorgeous meal to-go from your favorite hotel or local eatery.

Note: This list is a work in progress so if I’m missing San Diego restaurants with Christmas or New Year’s offerings for pick-up, please leave a comment or email me. Prices listed below also do not include tax, service fees, or gratuities.

George’s Curbside Christmas and Christmas Eve Dinner

In addition to Sunday meals with a Chinese theme, Thursday–Sunday takeout, and the ability to pick up just a Bûche de Noël yule log dessert ($30), you can take home a delicious George’s at the Cove Christmas dinner that includes:

Choice of Prime Rib with twice-baked potato or Vegetable Pot Pie with squash veloute and fines herbes powder
Baby Beet Salad, blue cheese, candied walnut, honeycrisp apple, champagne vinaigrette
Bûche de Noël Dessert

Price: $50/person. Pick-up on December 24–25. Order online.

Cesarina

Wait under holiday decor while you pick up your holiday box or dinner.

You have quite a few options at Cesarina and they will deliver to select neighborhoods, including La Jolla. But, those picking up at the restaurant will be treated to a glistening tunnel of lights, garlands, cascading icicles, poinsettias, and oversized ornaments throughout Cesarina’s anterior walkway and patio into a socially distant walk-through exhibit.

Cesarina is also offering complimentary vin brulé (Italian-style mulled wine) and hot cocoa while their staff retrieves guests’ orders.

>>Limited Edition “I Pasticcini di Cesarina” — Proceeds to Staff<<

Cesarina is pledging 100% of profits from their limited-edition holiday boxes, “I Pasticcini di Cesarina,” which are priced at $99 each and feature two dozen specialty tartes, biscotti, cannoli, and other Italian pastries made with love by Chef Cesarina, who hopes to raise $15,000 – $20,000 for her family of employees.

Holiday Meals

Each to-go order for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve will come equipped with a custom QR code, which will populate convivial videos of Chef Cesarina Mezzoni greeting guests, discussing her inspiration for the menu and more.

Christmas Eve Special A La Carte Add-Ons — Inspired by the Feast of Seven Fishes, Cesarina’s lineup of Christmas Eve specials will embrace elevated seafood fare. Cesarina’s full dinner menu will also be available for takeout.
Christmas Day Prix Fixe Menu — On Christmas Day Cesarina will be open and offering a multicourse prix-fixe menu available for takeout from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Celebration Package — Say “arrivederci, 2020!” with Cesarina’s New Year’s Eve package. The multi-course takeout program will showcase various antipasti, pasta and risotto, alongside entrée offerings like Lenticche e Cotechino, a traditional celebratory dish said to bring prosperity in the new year. The celebration package will also include add-on prosecco bottles and access to Cesarina’s NYE playlist, featuring the restaurant’s signature electric jazz tunes.
New Year’s Day — Cesarina will be open on New Year’s Day.

Advanced orders should be placed by calling the restaurant direct at 619.226.6222 before Sunday, December 20th for pick-up on Wednesday, December 23rd or Thursday, December 24th. Free delivery will be available to select neighborhoods.

Juniper & Ivy Holiday at Home

Choose from several fun and tasty packages that are securely packaged and picked up curbside at Juniper & Ivy to easily cook at home.

Hannukah-inspired Festivus for the Rest of Us (feeds 4-6, available December 11-13):

Poppy Seed Challah Bread
1/2 Dozen Knish with Cabbage and Potato
Matzo Ball Soup
Choice of Beef Brisket Bourguignon with Root Vegetables & Red Wine Sauce OR Everything Crusted Salmon with Caramelized Fennel & Citrus Caper Butter
Noodle Kugel with Quince & Cinnamon
1/2 Dozen Sufganiyot (Traditional Jelly Filled Donut Filled w/ Apple Butter).

Holidays at Home (feeds two or six people):

Beef Wellington
Potato Puree
Pot Roast Vegetables
Beef Jus
Kale Caesar Salad
Chocolate Bundt Cake
Sourdough Loaf

Price: $155/two people or $350/six people. Pick-up is between December 22–24. Order online.

Cardellino Christmas Eve Prime Rib Dinner

This looks delicious.

Trust Restaurant Group’s Chef Brad Wise is serving up a Prime Rib Dinner to-go this Christmas Eve.

Available for pick-up at Cardellino in Mission Hills, each dinner is individually prepared and includes:

A 12 oz slice of prime rib
Mixed greens salad
Truffled mashed potatoes
Green beans almandine
Horseradish cream
Jus

Sweet add-ons include Pastry Chef Jeremy Harville’s homemade Apple Crisp (feeds two) and festive pints of Mr. Trustee ice cream.

Price: $45 per person. Dessert and beverages are available for an additional cost. Place your order by December 21 and pick up on December 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cardellino located at 4033 Goldfinch Street. Order online.

Top of the Market Holiday Mains & Sides

For those of you who just need sides, turn to Top of the Market for their bundle of mashed potatoes and more. Or go for the full meal with prime rib and roasted chicken.

Prime Rib & Roasted Chicken Dinner (up to 4 people):

Ready to Roast Bone-In Ribeye Roast and Whole Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Fire Roasted Baby Carrots
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Honeynut Squash
Chicories Salad
Au Jus
Sadie Rose Assorted Dinner Rolls
Whipped Butter
Apple Pie
$275.00

Price: $275 or sides only without protein is $95. You can also opt for a decadent seafood platter or a platter of lobster mac and cheese. Order by December 21 to pick up on December 24. Order online.

The Westgate Hotel Christmas Dinner To-Go

Christmas Dinner to-go from The Westgate Hotel is a 4-course dinner for two that includes:

Porcini Mushroom & Chestnut Soup
Artisan Salad & Persimmon with Duck Breast Prosciutto, Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese, Candied Almonds
16 oz Angus Beef Tenderloin with Yukon Gold Potato Gratin, Brussels Sprouts, Red Wine Demi – Horseradish Crème Fraiche
Chocolate Holiday Yule Log & Hazelnut Gelato

Price: $138. Pre-orders close on December 22 and pick-up is Thursday, December 24 or Friday, December 25 between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

La Valencia Holiday Afternoon Tea & Christmas Dinners To-Go

Take The Med’s afternoon tea home!

La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla is offering a few options to get you into the holiday spirit.

Holiday Tea To-Go: Pick up your multi-course afternoon tea complete with a pink pop-up tea stand. When you order online, you can add on a bottle of bubbly or even some caviar.

Holiday Tea To-Go is available on the following dates for pick up between 12-4 p.m.: Dec. 11, Dec. 12 | Dec. 18, Dec. 19, and Dec. 26. The Holiday Tea Set is prepared for one person so for two or more people, update the quantity in your cart.

Price: $50 per person. Order online.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Dinner To-Go: Celebrate this year with a festive ready-to-heat takeout meal for four from La Valencia in the comfort of your home.

Must order by Monday, December 21st and pick up on Wednesday, December 23rd only between 2–6 p.m. The menu includes:

Forest Mushroom Soup with Porcini Oil, Mushroom “Chips”
Diestel Smoked Ham with French Green Beans, Organic Carrots, Potato Tart OR Beef Wellington with Brussels Sprouts Mushroom Duxelle, Zinfandel Glace OR Acorn Squash with Quinoa, Baby Kale, Pistachio, Mushrooms, Parsnips
Carrot Cake with Spiced Pecans, Butter Rum Sauce

Price: $250 for four people. Order online.

Lionfish Christmas Dinner

Chef Jojo Ruiz at Pendry San Diego will offer to-go Christmas dinner for two that includes:

Candy Stripe Beet Salad
Shrimp & Chicken Dumpling Soup
Specialty Nigiri Sampler
Miso Butter Beef Tenderloin
Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding

You can add on the likes of Center King Crab Legs, 20oz Mashima, or other delicious sushi rolls. Contact Lionfish to order.

Hotel del Coronado Christmas Dinner

Most holiday events at Hotel del Coronado were canceled but you can still pick up Christmas dinner to eat at home. They’ll validate parking so plan a few extra minutes to shop and enjoy their pretty decor.

The menu for four people includes:

Del Lobster Bisque with Garnish
Braised Bone-In Short Rib
Red Wine Sauce
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans with Smoked Pork Belly
Spice Roasted Acorn Squash
Flourless Chocolate Tart
Whipped Cream

Price: $215. Order by 3 p.m. on December 18 for pick-up at ENO Market on Wednesday, December 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Order online.

Where will you pick up Christmas dinner in San Diego? See also: Ultimate Guide to Christmas in San Diego.

15 Best Hotels in Mission Valley / Hotel Circle San Diego

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 23:51:36 GMT

Mission Valley is home to quite a few reasonably-priced accommodations with easy access to sightseeing, thanks to the multiple freeways passing through the area. They’re mostly nested in Hotel Circle San Diego, where multiple hotels and motels line two frontage roads called Hotel Circle North and Hotel Circle South.

The Mission Valley Hotel Circle San Diego hotels price well is because of their freeway location inland from the beach near shopping centers, businesses, and high-density housing like condos and apartment complexes. You won’t have panoramic landscapes in your guest room view necessarily, but getting around town (outside of rush hour) can be easy from this bustling location.

You can reach SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, downtown San Diego, Old Town San Diego, and other sights within 15 minutes or less. Some travelers go carless thanks to the MTS Trolley Green Line’s multiple stops between Mission Valley and downtown. This location is also popular with business travelers and families who need brand name hotels that price lower than the ones downtown.

KEEP IN MIND
Some of these hotels face the freeway, so rooms may have street noise. I’ve also listed the distance to trolley stations — some of these hotels are close to stops while others are not.

1. Town and Country San Diego (Top Pick)

Location: 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Fashion Valley (5-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

Town and Country just completed a multi-million dollar renovation that gave a fresh look to the mid-century modern resort. The casual California vibe is accentuated through pops of color and artwork by local artists to tie today’s San Diego with its past. A highlight is an outdoor oasis with three swimming pools including a children’s pool, a two-story water slide, private cabanas, and fire pits that made my list of best hotel pools in San Diego.

There’s also a volleyball court, gift shop, fire pits around the pool area, and a large rose garden and park for picnics. You can work out in the fitness center or participate in a boot camp class or yoga in the garden.

The 675 guest rooms are well-equipped with comfy beds, WiFi, TV, and a coffee machine. And there’s a selection from small and simple to large and luxurious Skyline suites.

Multiple on-site dining options include destination restaurant ARLO, the Lapper poolside bar and eatery, and grab-and-go at The MRKT. Of course, you can dial up room service to enjoy meals in your robes in bed too. But, you can walk to the fabulous Fashion Valley Mall from the resort in under 10 minutes.

2. Kings Inn San Diego

Location: 1333 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Fashion Valley (24-minute walk)
Hotel class: Budget

CHECK PRICES

Pack your bags and take the kids to enjoy a memorable vacation at this fun, retro family-friendly hotel with free parking. Kings Inn San Diego is a 60s-themed vacation spot, but with all the modern amenities modern travelers expect, including hairdryers, free WiFi, microwaves (on request, a $5/day fee applies) and flat-screen TVs in the 136 guest rooms. Accommodations range from traditional double queen and king rooms to poolside deluxe/superior rooms and junior suites.

Guests have access to the large outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub, as well as the cantina and tiki bar. There are also two on-site restaurants, the Mexican-themed Amigo Spot and local favorite, Waffle Spot. In fact, if you’re staying in one of the Hotel Circle South hotels, you may want to treat inexpensive greasy spoon breakfast here (make sure to try a waffle).

Kings Inn San Diego is also one of my favorite budget hotels in San Diego.

3. Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa

Location: 875 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Fashion Valley (21-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

The new Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa is a Bible-themed resort envisioned by well-traveled televangelist Morris Cerullo (who passed away earlier this year), but meant to be a place where all faiths can come together.

The entertainment complex features a 126-room hotel, a performing arts theatre, restaurants, a show fountain that you can see from the freeways, an underground replica of catacombs in ancient Rome, a replica of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, a conference center, an international open-air marketplace similar to those in the Middle East, and much more.

The resort part of the complex offers a gorgeous full-service spa, outdoor pool, and multiple dining options including room service. Take your pick between premium or deluxe rooms, both of which offer luxury bedding and toiletries in addition to a smart TV and coffee station. Guests are also raving about the excellent service throughout.

4. Springhill Suites San Diego Mission Valley

Location: 2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Old Town Transit Center (27-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

Stylish and accommodating, Springhill Suites by Marriott provides spacious accommodations with plush beds that are ideal for sinking into after a long day. Their studio-style means that the suite is formatted so that the living room and bedroom feel more separated while not fully divided. The kitchenette comes with a mini-fridge, microwave, and sink. The suites come with a kitchenette that has a mini-fridge, microwave, and sink.

If you’re traveling for work, the business center is ready to accommodate any of your work-related needs, and you’ll enjoy free WiFi. And those visiting for pleasure can spend hot days in the outdoor pool and sit around the firepits at night.

5. Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

Location: 901 Camino del Rio South
Trolley station: Hazard Center (17-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley may overlook the I-8 freeway, but you can book a room on higher floors and even the top floor with premium city views (and some extra included snacks).

The 350 guest rooms offer the choice of one or two Hilton Serenity Beds (one king or two queens) and even a sofa bed in some king rooms. You’ll also enjoy air conditioning, heating, flat-screen TV, and WiFi. Each room is equipped with a desk and chair, as well as a minibar and refrigerator.

The hotel offers room service but also has a great Latin-inspired restaurant on site where you can enjoy three meals a day in addition to Denny’s next door and a Benihana a few steps away. There’s a 24-hour business center in the hotel as well as a fitness center for all guests. Dogs up to 75 lbs are welcome at this pet-friendly hotel.

6. Homewood Suites San Diego Mission Valley / Zoo

Location: 445 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Hazard Center Station (23-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

Expect an inviting atmosphere at Homewood Suites by Hilton, where you can choose between one king (sleeps 4) and two queen suites (sleeps 6) with sofa sleepers. Suites also come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, WiFi, private bathrooms, seating areas, and a work desk. The full kitchen comes with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, twin burner stove, small dining table, and utensils. Accessible rooms are available on request.

All guests receive complimentary breakfast each morning, and an evening social with complimentary drinks and light bites is served from Monday to Thursday. The hotel has a business center, an on-site ATM, and a snack shop. There’s also a pool and fitness center available for use.

7. Hampton Inn San Diego/Mission Valley

Location: 2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Old Town Transit Center (27-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

Another of the Hotel Circle hotels with free breakfast is Hampton Inn Mission Valley. Kick-off your day of sightseeing or work with waffles, fruits, pastries, eggs, and meat. Coffee and tea are also available throughout the day.

Comfortable guest rooms come with mini-refrigerators, in-room coffee, and comfortable Hampton beds. You can enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as the outdoor seating area and 24-hour fitness center.

The hotel’s on-site Tickled Trout Restaurant and Piccadilly Lane Pub offer cozy dining and drink spaces. Like other hotels on this list, this one is near the freeway, so request a high floor.

8. Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Diego–Mission Valley

Location: 7450 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Hazard Center Station (1-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

If you’re looking for hotels near a trolley station, this is an excellent choice because one is steps away from Doubletree by Hilton San Diego–Mission Valley. Plus, turning down the signature welcome Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookie at check-in (though you can ask for one daily) would almost be a sin. They’re delicious.

These hotel rooms come with either two queen beds or one king bed and have soundproof windows, stylish en-suite bathrooms, and a workstation. You can choose whether you’d like to have a view, an accessible guest room, a French balcony, or if you’d like one of the suites.

Amenities include an indoor pool and outdoor pool, a fitness center, grab-and-go market, breakfast cafe, and dinner spot in Lounge 72°, which also offers happy hour.

9. San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Address: 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Rio Vista (6-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

San Diego Marriott Mission Valley is near SDCCU Stadium, so great for those headed to a game or event there (though easiest to hop on the trolley for a few stops or take an Uber).

Guests have access to free self-parking, private pool cabanas, a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, as well as a full bar and restaurant. Each room has its own private balcony, with views of either the pool below or the city around you. Plush beds and quality linen will help you make the most of a good night’s sleep, and for those lazy evenings, there’s a smart TV for Netflix.

For those wanting a bit more luxury, the M Club Lounge is available to Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite Members or anyone who upgrades their stay to club level. Enjoy complimentary snacks, breakfast, coffee, cocktails, WiFi and printing services, and charging stations.

10. Holiday Inn Express Suites Mission Valley

Location: 635 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Fashion Valley (20-minute walk)
Hotel class: Budget

CHECK PRICES

Holiday Inn Express Suites Mission Valley claims to be the most modern of the Mission Valley Hotel Circle San Diego hotels, which you can see above, tend to lean a bit mid-century. It’s likely because the rooms feature a clean design with crisp white linens accented by colored throw pillows and art.

Other amenities the Hotel Circle San Diego property is proud of include walk-in showers, oversized bath towels, and even connecting rooms for larger families and friends traveling together. There’s also a refrigerator, microwave, in-room coffee and tea, and flat-screen television.

Cool off under the San Diego sun in the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Guests can also take advantage of the fitness center, business center, onsite self-laundry, and free hot breakfast daily.

11. Atwood Hotel

Location: 1201 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Fashion Valley (23-minute walk)
Hotel class: Budget

CHECK PRICES

The Atwood is a retro-modern motel that offers a comfortable place to stay, free parking, free WiFi, family rooms, and pet-friendly accommodations.

Each room contains a coffee machine and refrigerator, as well as a desk and laptop safe. Choose between two queens or a king-size bed, and accessible rooms are available as well if needed.

When you’re not out enjoying the convenience of being so centrally located, the hotel boasts an inviting outdoor pool and a 10-person jacuzzi in addition to a little convenience store onsite.

12. Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel

Location: 1433 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA
Trolley station: Mission Valley Center (21-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate

CHECK PRICES

Sheraton Mission Valley is a AAA three-diamond hotel offering stellar service and fantastic amenities, including Wellness rooms with purified air, a hypoallergenic environment, and allergy-friendly bedding. Choose king or double queen rooms with in-room coffee, minirefrigerators, and complimentary bottled water. Larger families will appreciate the double queen Executive Suite with a sofa bed that can sleep up to six people.

Onsite guests have access to 24-hour room service and the Cru Bistro for casual California cuisine and the Cru Bistro Bar for cocktails after work or sightseeing. Work off glorious San Diego food at the 24-hour fitness center or laps in the outdoor heated pool.

Stay with little ones and still enjoy a quiet adult’s night out thanks to the hotel’s babysitting services. And you’ll be a short distance from family-friendly fun attractions and great beaches.

13. Best Western Seven Seas

Location: 411 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, California 92108
Trolley station: Fashion Valley (15-minute walk)
Hotel class: Budget

CHECK PRICES

Best Western Seven Seas spans 12 acres and is the largest Best Western on the West Coast. Spend your time lazing on the sun loungers by the outdoor swimming pool or soothing muscles tired from sightseeing in the hot tubs with poolside service from the nearby cafe. Or, maybe play tennis with the family.

Other Hotel Circle San Diego hotels are steps away, so you can discover the surrounding eateries or dine on-site at the hotel’s restaurant. There’s a fitness center, too, if you find yourself overindulging in fish tacos and other San Diego must-eat food.

The 307 guest rooms include two double beds, two queen beds, one king bed, and accessible options. They contain seating areas, mini-refrigerators, free WiFi, and coffee machines. Free parking is included, too.

14. Handlery Hotel

Location: 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Fashion Valley (12-minute walk)
Hotel class: Budget

CHECK PRICES

For a budget vacation in Hotel Circle San Diego, family-owned Handlery Hotel San Diego fits with its affordable prices and amenities. There are 217 rooms, which come in traditional or premier and have two double beds or one king bed. You can also request an accessible guest room or a pet-friendly room because dogs up to 40 lbs. are welcome (additional fees apply). The hotel offers room service as well as poolside service.

Guests enjoy access to the outdoor heated swimming pool, the lounge area, fitness center, business center, and the on-site restaurant. Another bonus is the free shuttle service that will take you to the many surrounding attractions like San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego. They are renovating room interiors right now, but this will not impact your experience.

15. Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld

Location: 543 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108
Trolley station: Fashion Valley (15-minute walk)
Hotel class: Budget

CHECK PRICES

As the name implies Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld is about 10 minutes from SeaWorld San Diego. In fact, it’s easy to get to the theme park straight down the I-8 freeway from most of the San Diego hotels in Mission Valley and Hotel Circle hotels. (You can also check my list of hotels near SeaWorld San Diego for more options.)

Guest room options include standard, standard with kitchenette, and premium. Most rooms offer a refrigerator and microwave, even without the full kitchenette. You also get a TV, coffee machine, and seating area.

While there are plenty of places to eat and enjoy around the hotel, it’s fun to have dinner at the on-site burger joint, Bunz, at least once during your stay.

Do you have favorite Mission Valley hotels in San Diego?

30 Fun Outdoor Activities in San Diego for Locals & Visitors

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 00:55:00 GMT

Thanks to a year-round mild climate and seaside location, the outdoor activities San Diego has to offer top most lists of best things to do anyway. I do have my favorites, though, since I’m lucky to live here. My ideas on this list suit all ages, abilities, and budgets — some are even free.

Whether you’re a resident or on a San Diego vacation, plan some outside time to unplug and soak up our sunshine. Don’t forget our big attractions, but I have listed some more nuanced places you may not have considered. I’ll start with the most obvious.

If you buy tickets or tours through links in this post I may be compensated. Also, county mandates currently require ages 2 and older to wear face coverings when not in 6′ of people not in the same household.

1. Go to the Beach

Surf, walk, sunbathe, swim, and more at our beaches.

No list of things to do outside in San Diego, CA would be complete without mentioning our famous beaches so let’s get it out of the way. We are so lucky to have multiple beaches spread across 70 miles of coastline, each with its own amenities and character.

Where you go to the beach depends on where you’re based, but my top picks include Coronado Central Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Shores Beach, Del Mar Beach, Moonlight Beach, and South Carlsbad State Beach. You can learn more in my guide to San Diego beaches.

If you live here, I would encourage you to try something new at the beach. Organize a picnic, watch the sunset, maybe even learn how to surf, or choose a new-to-you beach that you’re a little less familiar with.

2. Eat Fish Tacos at George’s Ocean Terrace

You must eat fish tacos in San Diego.

When we have out-of-town guests, we take them for lunch at George’s Ocean Terrace. I think it’s a quintessential San Diego experience because it highlights the best of what we’re known for.

The outdoor rooftop restaurant boasts panoramic ocean views over La Jolla Cove. The farm-to-table menu is fantastic. I consider the grilled fish tacos some of the best in town and I pair them with their famous black bean soup.

Plus, what’s better than sipping a nice glass of wine in our sunshine with friends? The tables are shaded by umbrellas and are currently divided with glass partitions. I recommend making reservations and asking for a table against the glass fence because it’s closest to the Cove.

If not George’s, find another al fresco dining spot near you. Our restaurants could certainly use the support right now.

3. Have Lunch at Torrey Pines Gliderport (Then Glide?)

One of the most adventurous outdoor activities in San Diego.

Bring your camera. Torrey Pines Gliderport offers one of the best Pacific Ocean views in San Diego from atop the cliffs overlooking Black’s Beach.

Colorful gliders float above you in the sky. The scene is rather relaxing, and you can find yourself sitting here, decompressing for longer than expected. Linger at a picnic table with a good deli sandwich and soda from the cafe for as long as you like, or bring your own.

And guess what? If you’d like to be one of those people in the sky, ask if tandem flights are available. It’s also a flight school, after all. They don’t take reservations. It’s first-come, first-served. You can read my list of top San Diego adventures with ideas like this one for the more daring.

4. Go Tide Pooling (Winter)

Family-friendly outdoor adventures include tide pooling.

San Diego tide pools reveal themselves when low tides happen during daylight hours in the winter season. You’ll need to check the tide charts to find a minus tide. When you see one, especially if it’s around -1 or lower, head out to the beaches known for tide pooling.

Tide pool creatures include the likes of sea anemones, hermit crabs, starfish, and sea cucumbers.

5. Spend a Day at San Diego Zoo

With so much emphasis on the closure of theme parks and museums, I’ve learned that people tend to forget that San Diego Zoo is mostly outdoor exhibits. Walking around the park is good exercise, plus you’ll have a chance to see your favorite animals like polar bears, koalas, giraffes, and more. Remember, it’s also a botanical garden and you can take some of their tours on a private buyout basis.

It’s operating pretty normally, but the guided bus tour, play areas, movie theater, and a few other indoor experiences are closed. You won’t miss them. Also, remember that this isn’t just an activity in San Diego for kids — all ages love it. Read my San Diego Zoo tips.

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6. Or, Visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Yes, this popular attraction is open, too. San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s best exhibits are outside. You can enjoy the wallabies, meerkats, lions, giraffes, tigers, and other animals at this famous facility. Some safaris are also available for private buyout.

Certain hands-on animal encounters are temporarily on pause as is the Africa Tram. Bring the whole family through and maximize your day with tips from my San Diego Zoo Safari Park Guide.

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7. Take Photos at Scripps Pier

A popular shot.

Scripps Pier is one of the most popular places in San Diego on Instagram. People are drawn to its linear aesthetic and ocean backdrop that is perfect for family and holiday card photos, especially during the golden hour.

During the summer season, it’s also possible to participate in a pier walk with Birch Aquarium, where scientists set up fun learning stations and share their research. The pier is otherwise closed to the public.

You’ll find it on La Jolla Shores Beach, so this San Diego outdoor activity isn’t just about the pier. Walking to it and enjoying the beach is part of the fun, too. This is my favorite beach to walk the dog and for exercise in general. And, per #3 above, some of the best La Jolla tide pools are located just north of the pier at Dike Rock.

8. Catch a Sunset

One of the things to do outside in San Diego that even residents frequently overlook is the simple joy of watching a sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Take a blanket and a picnic to your favorite beach. Or, book a happy hour or dinner at your favorites seaside restaurant.

Sunset Cliffs near Ocean Beach one of the best places for a sunset (hence its name). You’ll find it on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, in between Adair Street and Ladera Street. Find free street parking, and walk into the park.

9. Go Boating on the San Diego Bay

Photo courtesy of Speed Boat Adventures

Yes, even now you can head out into the San Diego bay on a harbor cruise, sightseeing tour, or ferry. Narrated tours share interesting facts about our military history, the downtown skyline, Coronado Bridge, Cabrillo National Monument, and other sights you may pass.

Options include a leisurely harbor cruise, drive-your-own speed boat, catamarans, or a seal tour in one of those crazy bus-boat vehicles that starts on land and ends in the water. We even have the Patriot Jet Boat thrill ride that I suggest to people visiting San Diego with teens. Refer to my list of favorite San Diego bay cruises for more ideas.

10. Learn How to Surf

My daughter’s surf camp in Pacific Beach, California.

Our awesome waves and surf schools make learning how to surf in San Diego a breeze. Why not give it a go? The foam boards forgive a little wobbliness, and kids as young as five can try, too.

Two popular spots to learn include La Jolla Shores and Pacific Beach at Law Street. You can also choose Mission Beach, Del Mar, Coronado, or Carlsbad.

11. SUP During the Day or Night

It’s possible to stand up paddleboard (and even do yoga on a SUP) all across San Diego County from Mission Bay to Carlsbad’s Agua Hedionda lagoon. Rentals are also easy to come by, as are lessons.

However, several companies offer night tours LED-lit stand up paddle boards that attract marine life to the surface. How cool is that? Most of these tours are temporarily paused, but keep this fun thing to do outdoors in San Diego for the future.

Other popular water sports include kayaking, aqua cycling, boat rentals, sailing, jet skiing, and more.

12. Explore Balboa Park

San Diego is home to the largest urban cultural park in the United States with 16 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, playgrounds, beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and the San Diego Zoo.

Exploring Balboa Park grounds is a free and lovely thing to do outside in San Diego, especially if you can catch a special event like a free performance at Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Remember that the beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden is open.

If you have time to dine al fresco, Panama 66 and the Tea Pavilion are my favorite places to eat in the park anyway — both have only outside seating.

13. Hike Torrey Pines State Reserve

This was an early morning hike in La Jolla, California

Home to the rare Torrey pine tree, this seaside state park is an excellent place for leisurely hikes (even for kids) and spectacular ocean views. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located in northern La Jolla on the border of Del Mar.

As you explore the trails, keep an eye out for gray whales during the winter in addition to the wildflowers and various land wildlife who call the park home. The beach below the reserve is also very popular with families who may want to cool off with a dip in the ocean after a hike.

14. Hike to Potato Chip Rock

This outdoor activity is for the advanced hiker.

The Mount Woodson hike leading to potato chip rock isn’t exactly for beginners. Part of the 8-mile trail is rocky and uphill, but the epic photo of you on top of Potato Chip Rock is one to frame. You’ll find this very popular San Diego hike in Poway. Bring lots of water and be ready for a workout.

15. Kayak to the La Jolla Sea Caves

Readers love this.

Seven sea caves line the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, a protected and marine life-rich underwater park in between La Jolla Shores Beach and La Jolla Cove.

A variety of kayaking tours take you out to the caves (and inside depending on conditions). The guides tell stories about how they were used during prohibition to smuggle booze into town.

Along the way, you’ll no doubt see leopard sharks, orange Garibaldi (California’s state fish), and friendly sea lions. You get all of this while getting some exercise in our fabulous sunshine. I have taken Everyday California’s kayak tour and recommend it.

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16. Snorkel with Leopard Sharks (Summer)

Really, it’s completely safe.

July and August bring the largest annual aggregation of leopard sharks in the world to La Jolla Shores Beach. Most are pregnant, and they come to incubate in the warm waters while feasting on sea life provided by the underwater park.

They’re harmless, so it’s possible to chill with them in knee-deep water but hopping on a guided snorkeling tour is definitely recommended (use the above Everyday California discount).

17. See the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions

I never get tired of visiting our sea lions and seals.

La Jolla’s seals and sea lions are used to people and you can get quite close to them, however, a respectful distance is encouraged. You can start at La Jolla Cove where the sea lions hang out and take a leisurely walk south to the Children’s Pool, our unique urban rookery for harbor seals.

It’s easy to fill up a camera flashcard with photos of them lazing along the coastline, often snuggled up against one another. Adults love this San Diego outdoor activity just as much as kids do. See my guide for how best to see the La Jolla seals and sea lions including a helpful map.

18. Drink Craft Beer Al Fresco

A number of San Diego’s best craft breweries have stunning outdoor gardens and patios. Those who do tend to be welcoming to families. There’s no better way to experience what our famous beer culture is all about than by sipping under sunshine.

The original Stone Brewing Company in Escondido is the most picturesque but even Station Tavern’s kid-friendly patio in South Park is a lot of fun for all ages.

19. Play Torrey Pines Like Tiger

Golf is booming right now in San Diego so there’s no time like the present to learn or take advantage of the spectacular courses on offer around town.

Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course is home to San Diego’s prestigious annual PGA golf tournament, the Farmer’s Insurance Open. Grab a tee time here (as far in advance as possible) as some holes border the ocean, too.

TEE TIMES THROUGH THE LODGE
The golf services desk at The Lodge at Torrey Pines can help guests secure tee times here and at other private clubs in North County if you’re in need of a vacation or staycation.

20. Tour Cabrillo National Monument

Enjoy San Diego outdoors at our only National Park.

San Diego’s National Park commemorates the discovery of California by a Spanish explorer named Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.

Its location on a peninsula at the tip of Point Loma means the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean views at Cabrillo National Monument are spectacular. There are also hiking trails, tide pools, and a great Visitor Center that tells the story of 16th-century exploration. Kids can earn Junior Ranger badges, too, at this family favorite.

21. Go Grunion Running

Late at night, grunion “run” onto the beach to lay eggs in the sand before swimming back out into the ocean. This natural occurrence is unique to Southern California and one of the fun outdoor activities in San Diego for night owls. Expected times are posted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

I recommend that you bring a camping headlamp to see them. Avoid using your phone as a flashlight because I’ve seen people drop them into the water.

22. Take an Electric Bike Tour

Photo courtesy of San Diego Fly Rides

Don’t worry about pedaling hard if you don’t want to. Electric bikes can chug up steep hills with no problem or you can set them to pedal with as much effort as desired.

Bike tours in the Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, and beyond are a fantastic way to learn about the area and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. Try San Diego Fly Rides’ California Dreamin’ or So C al Riviera tours.

Not up for a bike? We have Segway tours, too.

23. Or, Bike Around the Bay

Put the bikes in the car or rent one to cycle around the 12 miles of Mission Bay bike paths that go roughly in a loop. It’s a flat ride that is easy for small kids. In fact, there are a few playgrounds you’ll pass along the way, in addition to some of our Mission Bay resorts where you can stop in for a coffee or a bite to eat. There are also a couple of grassy areas that would be perfect for flying a kite.

You can take your bike on the ferry to Coronado Island. From the Coronado Ferry Landing, ride over to the Hotel del Coronado side. There’s a bike path along the Silver Strand between Coronado and Imperial Beach, where you’ll have the San Diego Bay on one side and the gorgeous state beach on the other.

24. Catch an Outdoor Movie (Summer)

During the summer months, many parks, attractions like the USS Midway Museum (and even some craft breweries) host family-friendly outdoor movies. BYO blanket, chairs, and perhaps a few glow bracelets for the kids for a temperate evening under the stars.

25. Run Through the Flower Fields (Spring)

Photo courtesy of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch lights up a Carlsbad hillside with brightly-colored ranunculus flowers every spring. They also host fun outdoor activities for the public to enjoy, including tractor rides and other special events. It’s pretty spectacular and a trendy place to take photos for your Instagram feed (that you can use my list of travel hashtags to promote).

26. See Gray and Blue Whales

You can go whale watching almost year-round

A number of tour companies offer whale watching tours during seasonal migrations of the gray and blue whales.

We used to only see gray whales in San Diego during fall and winter but blue whales are now migrating closer to shore during summer and fall. It’s a lovely opportunity to get out of the city and on the water, and you’ll usually see dolphins, birds, and other sea life, too.

27. Play at Belmont Park

Belmont Park San Diego is our seaside amusement park in Mission Beach with (temporarily closed) rides and carnival games. Even now, you can still walk around to enjoy some of their outdoor activities like the Midway Games, Tiki Golf, Rock Wall, and The Plunge Pool.

Soak up sunshine over sushi at Cannonball, the rooftop restaurant, or sip cocktails in the sand at BeachHouse.

28. Cruise the Boardwalk

The 3-mile boardwalk that runs between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach is called Ocean Front Walk. It’s lined with vacation rentals, hotels, motels, restaurants, and beach bars. I like to walk on it but many others choose to bicycle, roller skate, or skateboard. You’ll see some colorful characters and occasional buskers. The vibe is upbeat, especially in good weather, but eclectic.

In fact, if you want to rent a skateboard or bicycle, to use on the boardwalk, you can pick them up at Belmont Park.

29. Explore Old Town San Diego

Sure, the tiny museums are closed but Old Town State Historic Park, the restaurants, El Campo Santo cemetery, and shops are not. One could easily spend a few hours walking around the birthplace of California and cap it off with some delicious Mexican food or a giant margarita. For more inspiration, read my Old Town San Diego guide.

30. Get Inspired at San Diego Botanic Garden

Photo credit: Rachel Cobb

With your newfound time at home, why not go to one of the best places for garden inspiration whether your tastes are water-wise or tropical. San Diego Botanic Garden is open and ready for you to explore its 37 acres and 4 miles of trails.

Not only that, but you can bring the whole family. Kids love the many outdoor activities like grass mazes and more in Hamilton Children’s Garden.

Bonus: Shopping

Most of our shopping malls, like Westfield UTC mall and some of our outlet malls are outdoor adventures. Sure, you would need to go inside of the stores but the bigger outdoor malls are set up like lifestyle spaces with plenty of outdoor lounging areas, outside dining, and more.

You can walk around the shops in La Jolla, Little Italy or Seaport Village all while enjoying fresh air and our fabulous weather.

My Favorite Outdoor Activities in San Diego

If you’re having trouble narrowing down this list, these are my favorite things to do outside in San Diego.

1. Visiting the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions

I never get tired of visiting the seals at the Children’s Pool and the sea lions at La Jolla Cove. They’re always doing something a little bit different than the last time I saw them. Not to mention, it’s a lovely walk between these two areas.

2. Kayaking the La Jolla Sea Caves

When people come to me looking for ideas they haven’t considered for their trip to San Diego, I always mention a kayak tour out to the La Jolla sea caves. Many tell me that it was a vacation highlight. It’s fun and a great exercise to paddle along the coast while catching a glimpse of sea life.

3. Al Fresco Dining

When the weather is good, and it usually is, enjoying a meal at one of our many spectacular outdoor oceanfront restaurants is high on my list. I choose George’s Ocean Terrace because it’s one of San Diego’s best restaurants and also quite near my house.

4. San Diego Zoo

The vast majority of San Diego Zoo exhibits are outside. So, you can spend an entire day there in today’s environment and not feel like you’re missing out on a thing. I’ve been a San Diego Zoo member for a long time because I love animals and also what they do conservation-wise for the entire globe.

5. Going to the Beach

Going to the beach doesn’t necessarily mean sunbathing. For us, it’s a place to exercise, take the dog on walks, meet friends, picnic, surf, SUP, swim, and generally just get outside of the house. The beach is one of the main reasons why we are lucky to live here.

What are your favorite outdoors activities in San Diego?

25 Exotic Asian Fruits to Try on Your Next Trip to the Region or Grocer

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 20:32:00 GMT

One thing I miss about living in Hong Kong and frequently traveling throughout Southeast Asia is the food. When I return to the region, I look forward to buying delicious Asian fruits at street markets and grocers that are hard to source at home.

The point of this list is to share the names of common and exotic Asian fruit you may encounter, what they taste like, and how to cut open and eat them.

This way, you’ll look like a pro and know which ones to reach for first (they often wind up in luxury hotel room fruit bowls — which I love).

You’ll also appreciate the effort that goes into preparing some of the more weird and unusual gems when you see them on restaurant menus. These are in no particular order but I saved the very best for last.

1. Pomelo

Perfectly-peeled pomelo is delicious.

Native to Southeast Asia, pomelo looks like a large, oversized grapefruit (reaching 6-10″ in diameter) but it tastes a little bit sweeter and milder than a grapefruit.

It is my daughter’s favorite fruit, and she eats tons of it when we return to Hong Kong or anywhere else in Asia where it’s readily available.

Like other citrus family members, it’s high in Vitamin C and has a thick outside rind that you peel off. Pomelo fruit peels apart in wedges like oranges, but each wedge is bigger and encased in a thick white pith.

It’s labor-intensive to peel pomelo to get to the fruit beneath the pith. This is why many grocery stores sell this Asian citrus fruit perfectly-peeled and in individual slices, exactly as pictured above. I recommend that you buy it peeled to save yourself the effort, if possible.

How to Peel a Pomelo

Slice about 1/2″ of the stem end off until you start to see the flesh inside.
Dig your fingernails into the pith and pull the skin off. Or, hold the pomelo with the cut end facing up. Take a knife down its sides to score vertical slices through the skin to make it easier to pull off.
Peel all skin off of the fruit.
The remaining fruit will remind you of a peeled grapefruit or orange. One end will have a dimple, and the other end will have a hole. Put your fingers in the hole to break apart the pomelo into slices.
A membrane surrounds each slice. Unlike other citrus fruit, you’ll need to peel the membrane off, too. It helps to cut the edge of the membrane that runs along the long side of the slice that would normally face the fruit’s core. This cut makes it easier to peel the membrane off cleanly. If you try to go for it, you could be peeling for ages.

Do you see why it’s better to spend a few extra dollars to buy peeled pomelo? You’ll want to do the same for our next exotic fruit.

2. Jackfruit

It takes effort to get the fruit out.

Native to South Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, jackfruit is actually the national fruit of Bangladesh. It’s also the largest fruit in the world. It can reach up to 40″ in length and weigh up to 50lbs. In the markets, you’ll usually see it in more manageable sizes so that one could actually carry it home.

A notably aromatic and exotic fruit, the flesh is starchy and fibrous and tastes like a combination of apple, mango, pineapple, and banana.

Jackfruit is eaten in many different ways across the Indian Subcontinent, including on its own (or alongside a bowl of rice), dried and eaten as candy, or even as part of curry because it’s often used as a substitute for meat. It’s believed to have health benefits like anti-aging properties and also helps lower blood pressure.

You’ll have to slice through the odd, spiky exterior to get to the fruit flesh, which is in pockets surrounding seeds. Its exterior is oily, so it’s best to handle a jackfruit with gloves on. Even its sap can ruin good knives.

So, it’s not exactly a fruit that you’d bring back to a hotel room or eat on the side of the road. I’ll tell you how to open one though, so you can appreciate peeled jackfruit.

How to Open a Jackfruit

It takes some expertise to know when jackfruit is ripe. Its exterior will need to have a little bit of give in it and have turned from green to yellow with brown spots. You’ll notice the sweet bubblegum smell. Knock on the spiky skin, and it will also sound a little bit hollow.

Once you feel it meets the ripe test, it’s time to cut it. The core of the jackfruit, similar to the core of a pineapple, is inedible. You’ll read several methods for how to peel a jackfruit, and I think this one is the best for newbies because it contains mess a little better than others, in my experience. (Experienced street market vendors hack into a whole jackfruit with far fewer steps. Practice makes perfect.)

Grab your longest, sturdiest knife. I think a solid serrated knife works best.
Grab a cutting board. Make sure it and the surface below it can handle thick sap. You may want to put a big paper bag or plastic wrap under your cutting surface to catch the sap.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sap (many people I know skip this step).
Rub grapeseed or another mildly-flavored oil on the knife. This will help it resist sap while you’re cutting.
Lay the jackfruit on its side. Make the first cut a roughly 2′ slice off the bottom.
Then proceed to slice it into 2″ rounds.
Cut out the white round core from each round.
Cut one side of the round so that you can open it to create a straight line with the spiky fruit rind. The yellow pods can be pulled off the rind.
The soft smoother-looking yellow pod that surrounds a seed is the edible portion. Pull the seeds out and save the pod.

You will have a lot of leftover waste.

3. Wax Apples

Eat them like regular apples.

Native to the Malay Peninsula and surrounding islands, wax apples grow on tall trees and are shaped like a bell. The cotton candy-like nest at the inside center tastes like a pear.

It looks like it’s made out of wax, hence its name, but also referred to as rose apples, water apples, mountain apples, love apples, Java apple, Semarang rose-apple, and wax jambu.

This Asian fruit is put in salads or lightly sautéed and is also used to cure diarrhea. They’re usually about the height of a medium-sized apple, but much skinnier.

How to Eat a Wax Apple

Eat wax apples just like any other garden variety apples or pears. Slice or bite around the core of seeds to enjoy.

4. Lychee

A popular Chinese fruit

From the southern Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, the lychee is the most popular of Asian fruits. It grows on an evergreen tropical fruit tree that bears small fruits, about 1″ wide, with a red-colored, rough-textured, and inedible outside skin.

The inside is a lovely white flesh that is commonly used in desserts. This Chinese fruit is typically eaten fresh and rich in vitamin C. While it’s widely sold in cans, the canning process robs the fruit of much of its signature flavor. I also feel that the liquid in the can is sweetened with sugar — a completely unnecessary step. I consider fresh lychee a must-try.

Lychee martinis are also quite good. (My favorite martini in the world is the lychee martini at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong‘s Blue Bar.)

It’s important to pick the right lychee because they do not continue to ripen after being picked. Typically, they’ll be a vibrant pink-orange-red shade, like in the photos above, and about the size of an apricot.

How to Peel a Lychee

Peeling lychee is similar to peeling an orange because no tools are required. Pierce the thin red skin with your fingernail. Then you’ll be able to quickly peel the skin off to reveal the pale pink fruit inside.

Pierce the flesh of the fruit (similar to an apricot) to extract the large seed inside. After removing the seed, you can pop the entire lychee into your mouth.

5. Rambutan

Strange looking but delicious.

From Indonesia and Malaysia, the fruit of the rambutan tree is related to the lychee but slightly bigger because of the hair. The name rambutan is derived from the word for hair in local languages.

The unpeeled rambutan fruit skin is red (like lychee), but the rambutan is also covered in distinct red, spiny hairs. The hairs are actually green on the tree, and they turn red a few days after being picked.

Inside, the fruit has an off-white (or maybe pinkish) color and tastes like grapes. It’s commonly eaten raw and rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and other nutrients,

How to Peel and Eat a Rambutan

A rambutan’s skin is thicker than lychee skin, so it helps to score it with a pairing knife. Then, you can continue to peel it off with your fingers. It also has a brown seed inside that you’ll need to remove before eating this Asian fruit. If it’s difficult to remove, eat around the seed and then spit it out.

6. Durian

A weird spiky fruit that smells rotten but tastes delicious.

Notorious for its off-putting, rotten smell once cut open, durian’s name derives from the Malay word for spike. This is a reference to the spiky, green/brown outside of the fruit, which grows to nearly the size of a basketball.

Because of its infamous smell, the so-called “King of Fruits” has been banned from some public places in Asia, including the Singapore subway system.

The truth is that despite being a smelly Asian fruit, durian is actually quite sweet (it tastes like a creamy mix of mostly sweet with a little bit of sour) and delicious if you give it a chance. Durian is used to make candy, milkshakes, ice cream, and even cappuccinos, but is also eaten raw with sticky rice, especially in Thailand.

Similar to people who like the most extremely spicy foods or hot sauces, personally, I’ve found people who like durian to be very proud of their affection for the fruit and to have a tendency to want to flaunt it.

Why does durian smell so badly? Scientists have learned that it’s the weird fruit’s mixture of over 50 chemicals.

How to Open a Durian

I’m not entirely sure why I’m sharing this because cutting durian open isn’t for the faint of heart. Like jackfruit, knowing when it’s ripe is half the battle. You’ll need the stem actually to smell like durian… if it’s a faint aroma, it’s probably not ripe. If you shake durian, it should rattle a little but not too much. If you hear nothing, the fruit is already bad. The exterior should be firm and not mushy.

Look for its bottom, like oranges have a bottom. On durian, it will be where you see the spikes form a star pattern.
Grab a sturdy knife and shove it into the center of this star, the core of the fruit. You’ll need to wiggle the knife side to side, slowly as you cut into the durian to try to force the core of the fruit to split it into two halves.
You should now see some edible pods that are darker than the rest of the flesh. Pry these out with your fingers or a knife and discard the rest.

7. Asian Pear

They are sold with the styrofoam cushions for protection.

The Asian pear is known by many names, including Chinese pear, Japanese pear, and Korean pear. The East Asian tree on which this fruit grows is a common symbol of early spring.

Because they have higher water content and a grainier texture than the pear type familiar to Americans and Europeans, Asian pears are most commonly eaten fresh versus being baked into pies or made into jams.

Blemish-free, perfectly-round Asian pears can be relatively expensive. These prized gems are typically given as gifts, eaten on special occasions, and cushioned by foam in grocery stores to protect their round shape and flesh. Prices are reasonable for shoppers who are not concerned about appearance. They are also easily sourced in the United States at Asian grocers.

How to Eat an Asian Pear

Eat Asian pears, just like any other pear or apple. They have a slim core with seeds that you’ll bite or cut around. Because of their size, I have a hard time finishing a whole pear in one sitting.

8. Mangosteen

Mangosteen look like flowers when sliced open.

Originating on certain Indonesian islands, the (inedible) purple-colored rind of the fruit of the mangosteen tree encases a sweet, tangy white fibrous fruit that looks a little like citrus fruits. It tastes like a mix of tropical fruits — lychee with hints of peach, banana, strawberry, and vanilla.

Mangosteens are high in antioxidants and are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects in humans. They’re also low in calories.

Opened with a knife, the white fruit inside is commonly eaten raw, though it is also canned and dried.

How to Open a Mangosteen

Take a paring knife and score the rind in an orbit all the way around the center of the fruit, careful not to damage the flesh. Split the fruit into two halves. You can pressure the center of the mangosteen with your hands in a circle around its printer to try to split it apart that way.

9. Longan

Longan are a popular Chinese fruit.

Longan is from the same family as the lychee and the rambutan. The name of this Chinese fruit is Cantonese for dragon eye, which references how it resembles an eye when cut in half.

The rind and the black, eye-like seed at the center are not edible. Only the translucent white fruit is typically eaten raw. It tastes mildly like lychee but is a little less juicy. Longan is also used in soups and desserts.

How to Peel a Longan

Create a break in the small brown Asian fruit skin with a toothpick, knife, or your fingernail. The skin peels off quickly. Pop out the seed before eating (or spit it out).

10. Guava

Guava is popular in Taiwan

Taiwan is the world’s premier grower of guavas and can produce the savory, exotic fruit with a green exterior and pink or white interior year-round.

Different varieties and colors of guavas are grown in other parts of the world, including red guavas in Mexico (which are also much smaller), and eaten in different ways. They can be sweet or sour.

The best macaron I ever ate was a pink and green guava macaron at the Cake Shop inside Mandarin Oriental, Taipei. If in the area, you must try one.

When guava is ripe, it will smell sweet and it will be slightly soft when you press on the skin.

How to Eat Guava

The entire guava is edible. So, simply cut it into slices and enjoy.

11. Lotus Fruit

Lotus I saw in a market at Zhujiajiao, a water town just outside of Shanghai.

Native to the tropics of Asia and Australia, many parts of the sacred lotus have been eaten for centuries, including the roots and flowers. Roots are commonly boiled or pickled.

The pod at the center of the flower, which resembles a watering can head, has seed-like fruits in each hole that are also edible raw.

How to Eat Lotus Fruit

Take the lotus fruit in your hand and break it so that it’s easier to pop out the seeds (these are the “watering can holes” or “little eyeballs,” as my daughter calls them. Score the skin of the seeds with your fingernail and peel it off to reveal the edible fruit. It has more of a nutty flavor than a sweet flavor.

12. Sugar Apple

Delicious sugar apples

Native to the American tropics and the West Indies, the sugar apple was brought to Asia by Spanish explorers. It’s prevalent in markets.

The leafy, green exterior of the fruit looks a little like an artichoke or turtle shell. The creamy white interior flesh (encasing inedible black seeds) tastes like custard, which is also why it’s also referred to as a custard apple.

How to Eat a Sugar Apple

When it’s ripe, deeper cracks will start to form in between its bumps. Place your thumbs in the cracks and pull it open. You’ll see soft little fruit pods inside that look sort of like peeled garlic cloves.

13. Chinese Bayberry (or Waxberry)

Bayberries are often confused with lychee.

The wax myrtle is a subtropical tree grown for its red/purple fruit covered with hundreds of pinhead-sized bumps called waxberries, Chinese bayberries, yumberries, or yang mei. This Chinese fruit’s interior flesh is also red with a sweet flavor and tart taste with a single seed in the center.

Commonly eaten raw, the waxberry fruit is also dried, canned, and fermented into an alcoholic beverage. These exotic fruits are often used in China for medicinal purposes because they are thought to relieve pain and serve as an anti-inflammatory.

How to Eat Waxberries

They are ripe when they’re maroon in color. You do not need to peel waxberries. Eat or cut around the center seed, sort of like a plum.

14. Starfruit

The fun shapes will liven up a fruit salad.

Native to the Philippines, the Indian Subcontinent, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, the oblong fruit with a yellow exterior (when ripe) has several irregular, leaf-like ridges extending from it lengthwise.

When cut in cross-sections, these ridges give the fruit its distinctive, namesake star shape. The fruit is entirely edible raw, even the thin, waxy outer skin.

Starfruit is also placed in preserves and juice drinks. Starfruit has a tart, sour taste with a texture that I think is closest to mild grapes.

They are a dream for garnishing fruit salads, drinks, desserts, and more but difficult to find (at least in San Diego) as fresh and tasty as they usually are in Asia.

How to Eat a Star Fruit

The entire fruit is edible. It’s most decorative to slice it in its star shape prior to serving on its own or with other fruit. It’s a marvelous garnish, too, in infused waters and cocktails.

15. Pulasan

Another delicious spiky fruit.

Rare outside of Southeast Asia, the pulasan fruit is typically eaten raw and tastes sweeter even than the lychee or rambutan.

Like lychee, the outside rind is red, bumpy (or hairy as some say), and encases a sweet, white edible fruit inside. The pulasan tree is also ornamental.

This exotic fruit is thought to help control blood sugar and its high fiber content is thought to assist with weight loss by making you feel full.

How to Eat Pulasan

No tools are necessary. Use your fingers to twist open the hairy skin which separates fairly easily from the fruit. You can also eat the seed which has a nutty flavor.

16. Kumquat

A very popular and auspicious fruit in China.

Resembling an orange but much smaller (like a large olive), the kumquat is Cantonese for golden orange. Kumquat shrubs are native to South Asia and have been cultivated in the region for hundreds of years. The shrub is also ornamental and used as auspicious decor for Chinese New Year.

It’s one of the most popular Chinese fruits because of its unique mix of sweet and sour. The sour comes from the rind and the seeds.

How to Eat a Kumquat

The oval kumquat fruit is eaten raw in its entirety though some cut them in half to remove the seeds, which also have a bitter flavor. You can gently roll it in your fingers to help release its aroma.

In contrast, the round kumquat’s fruit, a similar but different varietal, is mainly used to make marmalades and jellies.

17. Breadfruit

Breadfruit is often used as a meat substitute.

Breadfruit grows on a tropical tree in the mulberry and jackfruit family. Its name is derived from the fruit’s texture and taste when cooked, like baked bread with a potato taste.

Originally from New Guinea and Indonesia/Malaysia, the tree’s timber is also commonly used to build ships and houses in the region. Green and slightly spiky/bumpy on the outside and white inside, the fruit is roasted, boiled, or fried and then eaten. You can eat it raw, though, and use it in dishes that would call for potatoes.

Breadfruit is also very popular in Hawaii (where it is called Ulu) and can weigh up to 12 lbs. It’s actually quite nutritious with a decent amount of protein in addition to vitamins.

How to Open a Breadfruit

You want the breadfruit skin to have turned from green to yellow. Green breadfruit still has a sap-like milky liquid that can be messy and irritating.

Grab a sharp knife and cut the breadfruit in half. Then cut those halves in half and repeat until you can safely use the knife to cut out the brown core and peel off the outer skin.

If you don’t store cut breadfruit in water, it will oxidize and turn brown, sort of like an avocado.

18. Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is incredibly popular in China and Hong Kong.

Dragon fruit actually hails from the Americas, where it is called pitaya, but it is incredibly popular in Asia. It’s prevalent in fruit bowls, breakfast buffets, and even in ice cream over there. Dragon fruit is not a very sweet fruit and tastes like a mild kiwi but with usually a crunchier texture and far more tiny black seeds.

This exotic fruit is a superfood for its high antioxidant content and variety of health benefits. It’s grown on a cactus, which is why it’s become more common in the United States.

How to Eat Dragon Fruit

I lay the dragon fruit on its side and slice it into rings. Then, the pink outer skin peels off easily as I eat it.

You can also slice it in half and dig out the fruit flesh with a spoon. People do not eat the skin.

19. Santol

Skip the seeds.

Santol is among the tropical fruits native to Southeast Asia referred to as wild mangosteen or cotton fruit that comes in a yellow or red variety. The inner lobes that cover the seeds have a spongy, cotton-like texture and taste sweet. However, sour unripened santol is often eaten with salt in Thailand and the Philippines.

It’s one of the weird fruits on this list because you need to be incredibly careful to avoid eating the (usually) three to five seeds inside. Why? Long story short, they can cause severe abdominal issues. As your body tries to digest the seeds, they become very pointed and sharp.

Oddly enough, santol fruit is thought to flush allergens from the body.

How to Eat Santol

The peel is inedible, so you need to cut the santol to get to the fruit inside. You can cut it in wedges like an apple or peel the skin off to eat it like an apple until you get to the seeds.

20. Langsat

Ready for sale at the market.

Another gem native to Southeast Asia, langsat comes in several varieties also known as lanzones, duku, or longkong. It’s grown in clusters, like grapes, on a tree in the mahogany family.

Inside the skin awaits a translucent flesh divided into sections like an orange. Duku langsat is sweeter, but the rest taste similar to grapefruit.

Some parts of the plant are used to make traditional medicines for various ailments ranging from scorpion stings to malaria.

How to Eat Langsat

Peel the skin off, like an orange. Pull apart the interior sections to eat them while avoiding the three to five seeds.

21. Mango

Mango in a basket on a green wood

Mangos are the national fruit of India, Haiti, and the Philippines. You also can not visit Thailand without enjoying a good mango drink or sticky rice and mango dessert. There are many varieties now of different shapes, levels of sweetness, textures, and skin colors. And, while they’re prevalent around the world, they are particularly delicious in East Asia.

Ripe mangoes have an outer skin that has turned from green to yellow or red hues. They’re soft without being mushy when you press on them are soft on the inside with a silky sweet flavor that can be flowery or citrusy, depending on the version.

How to Eat a Mango

The trick to eating a mango is cutting it properly. They have a large flat seed in the middle that you need to cut around.

Lay the fruit on its side so that if you were to cut the left or the right of the seed, you’d have separated most of the fruit from the seed. As you cut into the mango, you’ll start to feel the seed and be able to glide the knife along its edge.

Take the two halves and score them into slices or cubes without piercing the skins, like in the photo above. Flip the skin inside out. The mango should release from the skin with a little help from a spoon or knife.

22. Snake Fruit

Salak fruit is a tropical fruit native to Java island, Indonesia

Fruit from the Salak tree, a palm tree species, is called salak fruit or snake fruit, thanks to its scaley skin that looks like it belongs to a snake. When you bite into it, you get a sweet like honey taste plus a tart citrus-like flavor at the same time. They’re about the size of a fig.

Health benefits include a high beta carotene content compared to most fruits and people use it as an aid for indigestion.

How to Eat Snake Fruit

This is one of the Asian fruits that doesn’t require any tools to open. Pinch the pointy top of the fruit to create a break in the skin. It should peel easily from here. You’ll see three lobes of edible flesh that surround an inedible seed.

23. Japanese Persimmon

Whole and sliced persimmon fruit on a cutting board against a black table cloth.

The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Christmas Events & Holiday Activities in 2020

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 00:50:00 GMT

Things to do in San Diego during the 2020 December holidays include events that are modified to current health and safety measures. They still include opportunities to safely see Santa, festive lights, tree lightings, and even get your annual dose of The Nutcracker.

So far, I’ve listed 20 Christmas and holiday events in San Diego to choose from at San Diego hotels, theme parks, neighborhoods, and other venues around the county. Keep in mind that you should verify dates and times before you go in a rapidly-changing environment like the one we’re in now.

You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated.

1. Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Old Globe is determined not to miss a season of the beloved annual performance of Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The whimsical musical is back, featuring favorite songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and more. This year, the production can be heard on the radio for free.

Tune into KPBS Radio 89.5 FM, on the KPBS website and app, and on smart speakers on these dates and times:

Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day) at 12 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 at 12 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 at 12 p.m.
and Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) at 6 p.m.

2. Little Italy Tree Virtual Lighting & Holiday Markets

Photo courtesy of Little Italy Association from a prior year

The Little Italy San Diego tree lighting goes online but you can still shop the weekly holiday market.

The Little Italy Holiday Special will stream via various platforms, details are still to be determined. It will be a 45-minute Hallmark-style event that will light the live 30′ tree at the center of Piazza della Famiglia on W. Date and India Streets.

Viewers will be treated to an Italian countdown by Father Joe Tabigue of Our Lady of the Rosary, a musical performance by Our Lady of the Rosary Choir in the church, a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas by Santa & Mrs. Claus.

Instead of the usual Christmas Village, you can shop the weekly Holiday Market on Wednesdays in December from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be some other fun events. Keep an eye on their calendar for more details.

The tree lighting will be streamed on December 5 from 5:30-6:15 p.m.

3. Where to See The Nutcracker in San Diego

The San Diego Ballet Company is presenting eight outdoor matinee performances of The Nutcracker Ballet on Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29 and Saturday, December 5 – Sunday, December 6. The outdoor, drive-in, pop-up auditorium will accommodate 30 parking spots per show. This event is currently sold out.

City Ballet dancers take guests on an extraordinary journey to the magical Land of the Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince a little differently this year — with a masquerade theme! You can watch the performance online, on-demand by renting it.

Take a virtual stage tour complete with narrated excerpts from The Nutcracker via Poway OnStage and Southern California Ballet Company.

On Saturday, December 19, you can watch a live performance of City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Del Mar Fairgrounds from your car. Performances are at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. You will need to reserve your spot (and I’ll tell you more about the car experiences at the Fairgrounds below).

4. Holidays at Hotel del Coronado

There is always lots to do during the holiday season at the Hotel del Coronado. Sadly, the Skating by the Sea ice skating rink is on-pause for 2020 but you can still go to the resort for some San Diego Christmas events and fun.

In the rink’s place will be a Winter Wonderland with an enormous beachside tree, opportunities to take photos with Santa from a proper distance, arts and crafts for kids, in addition to festive drinks and treats for the whole family. You can also check out their line-up of holiday movies on the beach like Elf. Book a private Jingle Roast, a private bonfire on the beach where you can roast s’mores (and enjoy food and beverage items from a small menu, including adult beverages).

Learn more in my round-up of things to do at Hotel del Coronado during the holidays. November 26 – December 31.

5. Omni La Costa Resort and Spa Christmas Day Brunch

In addition to fun holiday activities for guests in residence, Omni La Costa Resort and Spa will host a Christmas brunch with physically-distant visits from Santa at Bar Traza. December 25 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

6. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

The annual Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo is a celebration that includes an opportunity to view colorful light displays and enjoy live performances such as a DJ, dancing elves, and other musical groups in the evenings. December 4-6, 11-23, 25-31, and January 1-3.

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7. SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration

This year SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration features a chance to decorate cookies with Santa, watch a shortened version of Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer, and take photos with favorite Sesame Street characters like Elmo. Families can go on treasure hunts and pick up treats along the Stocking Stuffer Christmas Trail. The rides are closed by outdoor exhibits, and shows are still running. Select dates between now and January 4, 2021, during park opening hours.

If you are going to attend, you REALLY should take advantage of the park’s Black Friday sale (now through November 30.

8. Holidays at LEGOLAND California

Head over to LEGOLAND California for physically-distant meet-and-greets with holiday characters such as Santa, the Toy Solider, and Gingerbread Man. You’ll also see the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree stands 30-feet tall and is constructed out of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO^® bricks and has 400 LEGO ornaments.

This popular San Diego Christmas event features seasonal treats, opportunities for kids to participate in LEGO builds, and live music performances. The rides are still closed, but you’ll need a special ticket. November 20 – 29, December 4-6, 11-13, 18-31, January 1-10.

9. Balboa Park December Nights

December Nights in a normal year (Photo courtesy of Balboa Park)

Balboa Park December Nights is one of the most popular San Diego holiday events and has been modified for 2020. It will focus on 20 vendors and food trucks from past December Nights that will feature their most popular menu items. You’ll order and pick-up in a drive-thru setting in the Inspiration Point parking lot. Guests remain in cars but must have face coverings for interactions with vendors.

“Taste of December Nights” will happen Friday, December 4 – Sunday, December 6 from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

10. Birch Aquarium Holiday SEAson Seas ‘n’ Greetings

From December 1 to 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Birch Aquarium celebrates Seas ‘n’ Greetings all happening outdoors with SEAsonal music and decor the whole family will love. All Seas ‘n Greetings activities are included with admission.

11. Garden of Lights – San Diego Botanic Garden

The San Diego Botanic Garden lights up for the holidays after dusk, complete with new decor, hot beverages, food, and more. The nonmember cost is $18 for adults and $5 for children 3–12. December 2-6, 9-13, 16-23, and 26-30 from 5 – 8:30 p.m.

12. Liberty Station’s Salute the Season

Liberty Station’s annual Salute the Season features several events throughout the holiday season. These include the aforementioned drive-in Nutcracker performance in addition to a festive art walk, Christmas tree photo opportunities and much more.

There won’t be a tree lighting ceremony this year, but you can see Liberty Station’s decorated 88′ Christmas tree starting on Thanksgiving Day. You can take photos at the holiday tree which is located directly behind Stone Brewing.

You can also take a self-guided tour of the Salute the Season Art Walk featuring 12 installations inspired by the “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol. Find them throughout Liberty Station’s North and South Promenade. If you snap photos with the installations and post them to social media with #SaluteTheSeason, you may win a chance to Zoom with Santa. November 26 to Sunday, January 10.

13. Santa by the Sea — Del Mar Village And Tree Lighting

This annual Del Mar Village Association event, Santa By The Sea, delights families with a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa, carolers, and arts and crafts. Complimentary admission. Sunday, December 6, from 3 – 5 p.m., tree lighting happens at 5 p.m.

14. La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival

The La Jolla Christmas Parade is still scheduled with a Christmas at the Cove theme. Some virtual entertainment and lighting of the Christmas tree will happen in front of the Athenaeum. Details are still being ironed, but I did read that they may make the floats stationary while viewers drive by—stay tuned. Sunday, December 6 at 1:30 p.m.

15. La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village

The delightful downtown of La Mesa is transformed into a Victorian wonderland during its old-fashioned Holiday in the Village. It will occur in a modified Craft Market format that has been approved by County and City officials with holiday music, craft vendors, a food court, and unique holiday photo stations on La Mesa Blvd. between. Palm Ave. & 4th street. December 5 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

16. Poway’s Christmas in the Park

Poway’s Christmas in the Park is also modified this year. You will need to reserve your time. The annual tree lighting will be held via Facebook live on December 12 at 5:15 p.m., but you’ll be able to go to the park to drop off letters to Santa, pick-up some fun crafts, and safely visit Santa on some dates. December 5, 12, 19 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

17. Holidays in Your Car

Take a festive drive through the Del Mar Fairgrounds, rain or shine, to look at some spectacular holiday lights and decor set to Christmas music. You’ll see over a million lights on displays as tall as 40′. You can save on admission with a Groupon. December 5 – January 2, 2021.

18. Take Pictures with Santa at the Mall

If headed to one of San Diego’s shopping malls, Santa will likely still be there until December 24 during mall hours. At Westfield UTC mall, for example, you’ll find Santa starting on November 27 in a new location by Anthropologie. He’ll be ready for photos, just a little further away this year.

19. Breakfast and Photos with Santa at Seaport Village

Surfin’ Santa from a few years ago (Photo courtesy of Seaport Village)

You have two opportunities to see Santa at Seaport Village this year. First, he’ll be available for photos on select dates beginning November 21.

Surfin’ Santa’s typical arrival festivities have been canceled but you can have breakfast outdoors with him at Eats by Sam. Guests will enjoy an exclusive breakfast menu by Sam “The Cooking Guy” in addition to photos with Surfin’ Santa, an interactive magic show with the Toy Soldier, live music, and goodie bags. Groups of 2–6 can make a reservation. $25 per person. December 13, from 9 – 11:00 a.m.

20. Neighborhood Christmas Lights

Take a drive through these neighborhoods to see houses decked out in lights beyond belief. This is a short list of many. The key this year, I believe, is drive-by. These displays can be crowded and you will want to respect the space between you and the host homes and people viewing the lights.

Candy Cane Lane (Poway)

Each house here is estimated to have over 50,000 lights. It’s a cul-de-sac themed like the North Pole. Location: Hickory Court, Hickory Street, off Twin Peaks Road and Silverset St. Also Includes Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct.

Christmas card Lane (Rancho Penasquitos)

This neighborhood display is known for larger-than-life illuminated Christmas cards and other lights adorning the homes. Location: Ellingham Street and Oviedo Street, just off Black Mountain Road

Belardo Lights (Tierrasanta)

It’s just one house but it’s well worth seeing. The idea started in 2006 as a way for the Schmika family to provide a light show for their two autistic sons. If it is raining, check the website to see if the lights will be off. They will spread Christmas cheer in 2020. Location: 5306 North Belardo Drive

Garrison Street (Point Loma)

These high-end homes are dense with brightly-colored Christmas lights. Drive through or walk around … it’s your choice. Location: Garrison Street near Chatsworth

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in San Diego

Sadly, they are closed in 2020. Normally, we look forward to Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea, the Viejas Ice Rink, and Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station.

Fingers crossed that we’ll be ice skating under sunshine next year.

List of Canceled San Diego Holiday Events

If you don’t see things listed above, it means that these annual activities have been canceled or information is to be determined. The list of officially canceled events and activities includes:

Hotel del Coronado Skating by the Sea
Viejas Ice Skating Rink
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Coronado Holiday Parade and Open House
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade (assume not because no available details)
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Holiday Bowl and Holiday Bowl Parade (the Big Balloon Parade)
North Park Toyland Parade
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

See also:

What are your favorite fun San Diego holiday activities? Please leave a comment with anything missing from this list! And, don’t forget that shortly after the winter holidays, that we have Lunar New Year San Diego events to look forward to.

6 Things to Do at Hotel del Coronado During the Holidays in 2020

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 01:03:00 GMT

One of the best places to celebrate the holidays in San Diego is at the iconic Hotel del Coronado.

The beachfront hotel offers a full lineup of holiday activities that have been modified to fit the requirements of this most interesting year.

Sadly, one popular activity on pause is Skating by the Sea, the renowned ice-skating rink overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I am hopeful that it will return in 2021.

Whether you check-in overnight or visit for the day, here’s what to expect at the resort between Thanksgiving week and the first week of January.

1. Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Thursday, November 26

Sadly, due to state regulations, dinner in the spectacular Crown Room has been canceled. Thanksgiving dinner at Serea is sold out. However, you can bring a fantastic Hotel del Coronado Thanksgiving dinner home with you for 10-12 people to eat with your family. Reserve online.

2. Winter Wonderland

The Windsor Lawn will be turned into an outdoor Winter Wonderland of festive holiday activities.

Beachfront Christmas Tree

Go to see the 35-foot outdoor Christmas tree on the Windsor Lawn that will be the focal point of the resort during the season.

(Locals and tourists usually come to see the tree in the historic lobby which is closed for renovation. So, this is the hotel tree to take photos of this year.)

Pictures with Santa

While Santa sits in his sleigh full of presents, guests will be able to take properly distanced photos in front of the sleigh. The cost is $20 and includes a professionally-taken 5×7 photo printed onsite. You will need to make a reservation.

Frostbite Bar

Get your holiday treats and libations on the South Paseo Lawn at the Frostbite Bar.

To-Go Holiday Crafts

Guests will be able to purchase to-go holiday crafts for kids to do at home on in their hotel rooms. These include cookie decorating kits, kids’ crafts including a faux gingerbread house, a DIY snow globe, Santa hat and ornament decorating kits.

3. Holiday Movies At the Beach

December 12, 19 and 31

Watch favorite holiday-themed films in a “theater under the stars” on Del Beach. Lounge in a beach daybed or in a sand chair, enjoying s’mores as well — physically distanced, of course.

December 12: A Christmas Story (1983)
December 19: Elf (2003)
December 31: Back to the Future (1985) + the New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop at 9pm and beach fireworks

Tickets are $20 per chair or $300 for the special VIP Family Movie Package. Movies begin at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Reserve online.

4. Jingle Roasts

December 15 – 25 at 5:30 or 7:00 p.m.

Gather friends and family around the fire on the beach at sunset for a Jingle Roast at the Hotel del Coronado. Colorful Santa hats and holiday s’mores are included but you can also opt for a full menu of fireside franks and other roasted favorites. Fire pits are $230 for 1 hour with optional add-on extras also available. You can take advantage of this whether you’re a day or overnight guest, but reservations are required.

5. Holiday Shopping and The Annual Christmas Ornament

And, let’s not forget holiday shopping the various stores on-site like Babcock & Story Emporium and Spreckels Sweets & Treats.

This year’s Annual Collector’s Ornament features Santa in his sleigh, honoring the spirit of the holiday season at Hotel del Coronado. It comes in a beautiful, padded gift box, ready for both travel and gift-giving. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Coronado Schools Foundation. You can order it online or pick it up in The Signature Shop.

6. Book A Special Holiday Room Package (or Use My Benefits)

Many people, even locals, stay overnight at Hotel del Coronado during the holiday season. I have some advice if this is in your plans. And, I also have access to some amazing perks and service at the hotel.

It’s best to book in one of two ways: the Merry and Bright package or Virtuoso (the latter is usually more advantageous).

The Merry and Bright package includes a 2020 Annual Collector’s Ornament and a $50 Daily Resort Credit for use towards dining, spa, and activities. Book this directly through Hilton.

However, it’s usually more beneficial to book with Virtuoso benefits that can include complimentary breakfast for two (a la carte breakfast at Sheerwater), a $100 resort credit, room upgrade subject to availability (these are difficult to come by during winter break), and my help.

BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE*

*If on a mobile device you’ll need to access the desktop version of the site in your browser to access online rates and booking.

A Placeholder for Skating by the Sea

Many of you are already thinking about traveling later in 2021. So, I’m leaving the 2019 Skating by the Sea details her so that you can see how neat of a holiday event it is.

Where else can you ice skate on the beach?

Skating by the Sea is truly a Southern California experience and a great thing to do in San Diego for kids during the holiday season. This spectacular rink is usually located on the Windsor Lawn and features stunning views of the ocean and Coronado beach.

A portion of the proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego. Guests were able to reserve their own rink-side lounge at Frostbite: A Place to Chill, featuring seating for 4 – 6 around a fire pit and food and beverage service.

Let’s hope we can skate again next year!

Other Hotel del Coronado Holiday Tips

The Hotel del Coronado is a popular place to spend the holiday season. Reservations for any dining, spa, and special events are highly encouraged. The common areas of the hotel are quite busy during the holiday season, but health and safety measures are in place.

Right now, the entire hotel is self-parking only and that timed street parking is extremely limited. Parking is $20 for the first two hours ($10 discount with purchases) and $10 per hour after that or $40/night for overnight guests.

What is your favorite thing to do at the Hotel del Coronado during the holidays?

*Top photo is used courtesy of Hotel del Coronado

10 Best Tide Pools in San Diego and Tips for Visiting Now

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 19:36:00 GMT

Going tide pooling is one of the best things to do in San Diego in winter. San Diego tide pools are usually exposed between November and March when very low, minus tides happen during the day.

One of the many neat things about tide pooling in San Diego is that each beach’s terrain is a bit different. There will always be something new to see because California tide pool animals move between habits. No two visits will ever be the same.

To get the most out of your tide pool experience, it helps to arm yourself with some fun facts. This is especially true if you’re you’ve chosen this winter activity from my list of best things to do in San Diego with kids. I’ll also share tips about where to find the best tide pools in San Diego, what to know before you go, when to go, animals to see, and much more.

IN THIS POST

Fun facts about tide pools
How to know when to go
Which animals you might see
10 Best tide pools in San Diego
Year-round Birch Aquarium touch tide pools
What to know before you go
FAQs about tide pooling in San Diego

Fun Facts to Enhance Your San Diego Tide Pool Visit

Learn a little bit more about what they are and why you’ll see.

What Are Tide Pools?

Tide pools form when water gets trapped during low tides, creating small pools that provide a habitat for marine life.

Tide pools are pockets of water found in rocky parts of the coast where the ocean meets the sand. There are three tide pool depths that are broken down into zones that are each important to the ecosystem: the splash zone, the intertidal zone, and the subtidal zone.

The splash zone is where few animals like chitons live because the tides rarely reach them. These animals are nourished by splashes of water and can tolerate salt from evaporated water. The subtidal zone is always covered with water where there are there are bottom-dwelling invertebrates and bigger fish.

For the sake of this article, we’ll focus on the intertidal zone. The pools that form here during low tide are what most people are thinking of when they refer to tide pools. Even in the highest areas here you’ll start to see snails, crabs, and a few anemones. The lower the tides, the more California tide pool animals, including chitons, sea urchins, sea stars, and small fish, you’ll see.

How to Know When to Go

Knowing when to go tide pooling in San Diego or anywhere else is easy. All you need to do is check the San Diego tide pools chart. It will show tides measured in feet relative to the average water level. Low tide is less than 1 foot or lower. However, you’re looking for negative tides or tides close to 0.

If you see a tide chart say -1 or lower, that’s the best time to go. Even if you can make it an hour or two before the lowest tide, you’ll have a blast and enjoy beautiful views.

What Makes California Tide Pool Animals So Unique

Twice a day, a whole new world is revealed on the rocky coastline, making it an amazing place to explore — especially with kids. All you need to do to find interesting wildlife is to turn over a few rocks carefully.

Some plants and animals can only be found in this dynamic habitat. To live in California’s tide pools, they have to be tough enough to withstand extreme fluctuations.

During rainy days, a tide pool that’s usually salty may be flooded with fresh water. On hot days, the water in a tide pool can get quite warm. And depending on the weather, the water level in tide pools may get quite low. Without the protection of the ocean, sea life suddenly becomes vulnerable to birds and other land predators.

San Diego Tide Pool Animals You Might See

Despite the unpredictable conditions mentioned above, a lot of really cool animals live in tide pools. In San Diego, CA you might see:

sea anemones
barnacles
baby fish (tide pools serve as hatcheries for some species)
translucent ghost shrimp
brittle stars
sea stars
brightly colored nudibranchs
purple sea urchins
hermit crabs
limpets
two-spot octopuses
sea hares
sea cucumbers
small sea snails like periwinkle snails and black turban snails
small rock crabs
California mussels

Pick up a brochure about the tide pools and the types of sea creatures you’ll find; trying to identify them all makes for a great game or outdoor scavenger hunt with the kids.

10 Best Tide Pools in San Diego

Coronado Tide Pools
Cabrillo Tide Pools, Point Loma (top pick)
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach Pier
Tourmaline Surfing Park, Pacific Beach
False Point, La Jolla
Shell Beach, La Jolla (top pick)
Dike Rock, La Jolla
Cardiff State Beach
Swami’s State Beach, Encinitas

The above San Diego tide pools are listed from north to south with a few of my favorites called out.

1. Coronado (in front of Hotel del Coronado)

My Not a huge tide pool, but still a fun one for kids.

The best Coronado tide pools are right in front of the Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton. They are not big, but it’s a good choice for visiting San Diego tide pools for kids because you don’t have to wander far out onto the rocks to see sea life. Plus, since this beachfront San Diego resort is one of the most popular with readers, it’s worth pointing out tide pooling as something to do in the late fall and winter.

What you’ll see: You will definitely see sea anemones, barnacles, limpets, chitons, and likely some hermit crabs. If it’s a really low tide, then perhaps small fish and sea hares.

When I walk along the shoreline here in the morning, I tend to find sand dollars and other pretty shells. If you’re lucky, you might also enjoy an enormous and ornate sandcastle creation by the Sandcastle Man.

How to get there: You can pay to park at the resort, whether you’re a hotel guest or not. Or, street parking is an option. You’ll see a jetty in front of the hotel (popular for family and wedding photos). The tide pools are on the hotel side of the jetty.

FUN FACT
The SS Monte Carlo shipwreck is located just south of the hotel. If it’s a VERY low tide after an El Nino storm powerful enough to uncover the wreckage, you will be able to see what remains of this 1920s gambling ship.

2. Cabrillo Tide Pools, Point Loma

Photo courtesy of NPS.

The Cabrillo tide pools among the best tide pools in San Diego. The waters surrounding the Cabrillo National Monument, a popular tourist attraction, are home to an incredible ecosystem of unique plant or marine life. They are often referred to as the Point Loma tide pools, as this National Park is located in the Point Loma neighborhood.

The coast that hugs Cabrillo National Monument is home to a protected and easily accessible rocky intertidal zones in Southern California (remember, the word ‘intertidal’ refers to the ecosystem that sits between the high and low tides along the shore).

What you’ll see: The area closest to shore is home to invertebrates like periwinkle snails, lined shore crabs, acorn barnacles, troglodyte chitons, and various limpets.

The middle intertidal zone is the area that’s fully submerged during high tide and fully exposed during low tide. Creatures you’ll find here include California mussels, aggregating anemones, limpets, chitons, California sea hares, snails, crabs, fish, lobsters, and octopuses.

How to get there: The Cabrillo tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument are located at the bottom of the park. You’ll enter the park and pay the entrance fee. Next, go straight. Just before the main parking lot, you’ll see signs to turn right into the tide pool area. The address is 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, CA 92106.

The drive down to the tide pools is beautiful and very picture-worthy; if you aren’t driving, make sure you’re on camera duty. The parking lot in this area isn’t very big and can fill up quickly. You can also use the bigger lot near the Visitor Center and walk down.

Note: Cell phone reception is very spotty at the Cabrillo tide pools, so be sure to make arrangements beforehand if you’re getting a ride or need to coordinate with others. Remember that fourth graders receive free entry as part of the National Park Service’s Every Kid Outdoors initiative.

VISIT THE REST OF CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT
Don’t skip the rest of the park! After exploring the tide pools, head back uphill toward the Visitor Center. Take a photo in front of the Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo (he is the Spanish Explorer credited with the discovery of California), admire the San Diego Bay views, and walk the hiking trails.

3. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Ocean Beach

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park stays true to its name of being one of the best places in San Diego to watch a sunset. The beach below the park is also referred to as Garbage Beach but popular for surfing and beachcombing. Water fills the flat rock channels here along the shoreline, which reveals plenty of sea life at low tide. You’ll see a more rocky terrain on the north side of the stairs to explore also.

What you’ll see: Smaller limpets, crabs and fish in addition to snails and sea anemones.

How to get there: The stairs down to the beach are roughly where Ladera Street and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. You’ll see plenty of street parking but also a nearby dirt lot. Don’t try to scramble down the sandstone cliffs!

4. Ocean Beach Tide Pools

Ocean Beach Pier and tide pools

If you’re in the eclectic Ocean Beach neighborhood during low tides, head over to the pier, where you’ll see lots of low-lying sandstone rocks where lots of sea life lives. This is actually a good San Diego tide pools spot for kids because the rocks are relatively flat with shallow pools. (You’ll still need to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re wearing proper footwear to navigate slippery terrain.)

What you’ll see: Sea anemones, barnacles and limpets, pretty sea grasses, hermit crabs and some small snails.

How to get there: The OB Pier a the end of Newport Avenue. You can’t miss it. There’s a small (usually full) parking lot north of the pier. So, your best bet is to look out for metered street parking or one of the several paid lots.

5. Tourmaline Surfing Park, Pacific Beach

Though mainly known as a popular San Diego surfing spot, Tourmaline Surf Park in Pacific Beach is also home to some extensive tide pools. They’re located north of the surfing area (just a few minutes’ walk) and are tucked away in the soft sandstone and on top of a larger boulder field.

You’ll find plenty of tube snails, barnacles, and anemones here, as they do well with the slow water flows. The rocks are typically covered with very slippery algae, so shoes with good grip are a must.

What you’ll see: Sea snails, red thatched barnacles, aggregating and solitary anemones, limpets, and tube snails near the low water line. The little ones will enjoy looking out for hermit crabs here and other shelled creatures as well.

How to get there: Take La Jolla Blvd. until you reach the Tourmaline St. intersection. Then, turn onto Tourmaline toward the beach and into the parking lot. Park in the lot (or on La Jolla Blvd. if the lot is full) and start walking north until you reach a large boulder field with some smaller rock outcroppings. Start looking for snails in the sand before you reach the rocks. They like to hide!

CARRY A PLASTIC BAG
We’ve participated in organized beach clean-ups here because trash and microtrash tends to wash up onto this beach. If you see any, please pick it up if it’s safe to do so. Litter is harmful to sea life.

6. False Point, La Jolla

You’ll find these Bird Rock tide pools at the bottom of a (relatively steep) staircase a mile or so north of Tourmaline. This is a rockier area than most, but the abundance of pebbles and shallow spots makes for an excellent tide pooling experience.

Additionally, the area is rarely crowded because of its somewhat secluded location and creates a much more tranquil environment for exploration. The ocean sunset views are incredible here, so if you’re going later in the day, be sure to stick around for a burst of color and an excellent photo op. You need to be careful if taking kids because the rocks are slippery.

What you’ll see: Hermit crabs, sea anemones, brittle stars, sea urchins, and occasionally lobsters.

How to get there: There is street access from the Linda Way and La Jolla Blvd. intersection below Sea Ridge Drive (you’ll see access signs just to the left of 341 Sea Ridge Drive). The ramp and stairs take you directly down to the boulder and tide pool area, but it gets rocky very quickly. The large rocks could be challenging to navigate and climb down unless it’s extremely low tide. Be sure to wear shoes with a good grip and practice extra caution in this area.

7. Shell Beach, La Jolla

Shell Beach at low tide during golden hour.

This little La Jolla beach is an excellent option for checking out La Jolla tide pools. On a good day, you’ll be able to see some pretty shells and colorful wildlife; however, the key here is to come at very low tide.

A fun aspect of the tide pools here is Seal Rock Reserve, a rocky island just offshore that is protected and reserved for the La Jolla seals and sea lions. Keep an eye out for them, as they’re often swimming around or sunning themselves on the rock. If you want to make a day of it, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it underneath the shade of the green hut just above Shell Beach (called a belvedere), this hut dates back many years and is a great spot to watch the waves.

What you’ll see: True to its name, you will see plenty of seashells of all sizes, which means you may also spot hermit crabs, seagrasses, sea anemones, and more.

How to get there: Shell Beach tide pools lie at the southern end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla, at the bottom of a small cement stairway. Look for the green hut and walk down the stairs to the left; “Shell Beach” will be engraved in the cement above it.

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK — LOTS OF NEARBY TIDE POOLS
If it’s a minus tide, La Jolla tide pools will also appear all along the Coast Blvd. boardwalk north and south of Shell Beach. Start at La Jolla Cove and then walk to Shell Beach. Next, keep walking south to the Children’s Pool, where the harbor seals hang out. Behind the lifeguard station, there is South Casa Beach, another tide pool spot. You can even keep walking south to Hospital Point, where there are even more tide pools. Read my full list of La Jolla tide pools for more information.

8. Dike Rock, La Jolla

A favorite of UCSD® biology students, this La Jolla tide pool is essentially a rocky area just north of Scripps Pier. The beach’s name refers to a slab of volcanic rock that has forced its way through a large gap in the sedimentary rocks, which you’ll see once you get down there. This area is protected as part of the La Jolla Underwater Park marine reserve.

For an in-depth experience at La Jolla tide pools, sign up for a Tidepooling Adventure Tour by Birch Aquarium (highly recommend). Their trained naturalists will be able to point out all kinds of wildlife and answer any questions you have. We have taken a tour and it’s great outdoor fun for the whole family.

What you’ll see: Look for rare starfish, hermit crabs, sea anemones, and octopuses during minus tides.

How to get there: Start at La Jolla Shores Beach (8200 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla CA 92037) and walk north along the shoreline. Pass Scripps Pier, then pass another rocky area until you reach the dike, which juts out slightly.

9. Cardiff State Beach

Another one of the best tide pools in San Diego is Cardiff State Beach. These tide pools are located about thirty minutes north of La Jolla in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a small, quiet little seaside community that you’d miss if you blink — it’s nestled right between Encinitas and Solana Beach.

The tide pools here are comprised of 45-million-year-old sedimentary rocks containing embedded fossil clams, a fascinating and rare sight you won’t see at any other local tide pools. You’ll find them on the south end of the beach in a spot called Seaside Beach.

What you’ll see: Besides fossils, look for starfish and sea cucumbers in addition to the usual residents — hermit crabs, limpets, chiton, and other mollusks.

How to get there: The Cardiff tide pools are located by the bluffs at the south end of the parking lot at Cardiff State Beach. Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway past Solana Beach and just north of Lomas Santa Fe Drive. You’ll see a sign labeling Cardiff Beach and a large parking lot. Before you walk down to the rocky area, there will be a small information board with illustrations of tide pool life.

10. Swami’s State Beach, Encinitas

A tide pool surrounded by mollusks at Swami’s Beach in Encinitas.

This Encinitas beach has long been a haven for surfers and is known for its excellent surf break. Located just north of Cardiff, it’s home to a substantial reef formation that becomes visible during low and minus tides.

You’ll find oyster fossils here, and on good days an extensive flat, rocky area is revealed (referred to as Tabletop by the locals). If you’re in the mood for a walk, you can head toward the San Elijo Lagoon and even the South Carlsbad Beach jetty from Swami’s — it’s in an excellent central location.

What to look for: Octopuses, crabs, brittle stars, starfish, sea hares, and sea cucumbers.

How to get there: From Cardiff, continue north along the Pacific Coast Highway until you see Encinitas’s southernmost part. The parking lot for the beach will be on your left just before you reach downtown; if you see the white domes of the Self-Realization Fellowship™, you’ve gone too far. There are no visible signs, but look for the carved wooden tiki head statue on the grass!

Bonus: Year-Round Tide Pools at Birch Aquarium

You can see San Diego tide pools year-round at Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public outreach are for the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography. When people ask me where to see tide pools during the summer, this is where I send them.

Tide Pool Plaza is located on the back patio, which also happens to sport panoramic Pacific Ocean views over La Jolla Shores Beach. Here, under docents’ supervision, you can safely touch some of the sea life like a sea anemone or hermit crab. Be sure to use the nearby hand washing stations to wash your hands before (to wash off lotions or hand sanitizer) and after touching.

What to look for: Rare California abalone live in these tide pools, which are difficult to see in the wild. There are also usually sea anemones, sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea hares. During normal times (these group activities are temporarily paused), you’ll want to check the daily schedule for tide pool feedings. Also, they usually lead some fun tide pooling tours during the winter season.

How to get there: The address is 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037. The aquarium has a lot with free three-hour parking for guests. It does fill up, so arrive early. Otherwise, you can find street parking but be careful that some areas are marked for UC San Diego permit holders.

Things to Know Before You Go Tide Pooling

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Wear close-toed shoes with a good grip, as the tide pool rocks can get slippery when wet. Also, wear clothing and footwear that can get wet because it’s likely that you’ll be getting wet.
Your shoes should be sturdy enough to withstand a bit of rock scrambling, and it’s always a good idea to bring along a towel and a change of dry clothes or extra shoes.
Sunscreen is a good idea even during a San Diego winter.
There are two high and low tides a day, and it is always best to go at low tide or minus tide. Check the local paper, obtain a tide table from a dive/surf shop or lifeguard station, or check a San Diego tide table online to determine the best time for tide pooling.
If this is your first tide pooling experience, you might want to bring along a tide pool guide book. It’s great to observe the unique creatures you find, but it can be even more exciting to learn exactly what the animals are and how they got there. And don’t forget to bring a camera – tide pools and their residents can be very colorful!
Be aware of the incoming tide at all times, especially if you are with younger children.
The collection of any natural item or living organism is strictly prohibited at all San Diego tide pools. Respect the wildlife and take care when you’re walking around the intertidal zone.
Many tide pool animals can be safely touched, as long as you’re extremely careful and gentle. Rinse your hands first to make sure all hand sanitizer and anything that might harm them is washed off.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tide Pools in San Diego

Lately, thanks to current world circumstances, I’m receiving quite a few questions about going tide pooling San Diego and elsewhere in California.

Why is winter the best time for tide pooling?

During late fall and winter, when the tide ebbs in the mid-afternoon or evenings, the water levels are significantly lower than during other times of the year. This exposes more of the fascinating intertidal zone that you can see in daylight.

These low tides happen at night throughout the rest of the year, which obviously makes visibility an issue. It’s not impossible to see some of the high intertidal zone exposed during the summer months, but it’s pretty rare. You might see an occasional sea anemone or limpet but not much else.

What are the best San Diego tide pools for kids?

The best San Diego tide pools for kids are ones where they can walk on sand or flat rocks to avoid tripping and slipping—two easy things to do when navigating this kind of beach terrain. You’ll want to avoid rocks covered with seagrass or algae. Kid-friendly tide pools I like are also close to other family activities that you can pair a visit with.

With the above in mind, I think that the La Jolla tide pools are best for kids. You’ll find tide pools along Coast Boulevard between roughly La Jolla Cove and Hospital Point, including Shell Beach, all within walking distance of each other. In this area, parents can surely find suitable areas to explore for their children’s ages and abilities. Plus, families can catch a glimpse of our seals and sea lions along the way. Check my list of things to do in La Jolla.

My second choice is Cabrillo National Monument because the area to explore is quite large. Plus, you can combine your tide pool visit with a chance to learn about the discovery of California in our only National Park. The mild hiking trails are also fun to explore.

Where are the best tide pools in California?

There are tide pools up and down the California coast, though, of course, I’m biased and think that some of the best tide pooling in Southern California can be found right here in San Diego (Cabrillo National Monument and La Jolla are recognized as top places for this in the state).

There are also multiple spots along the Laguna Beach coastline that are popular for tide pooling.

What is the best time to visit tide pools?

The best time to visit tide pools is during low tide, in the late fall and winter. On the California coast, there are two low tides each day, and the timing of those tides varies from day to day.

A minus tide, indicated on a tide chart by a minus sign, is optimal because California tide pools will be the most exposed.

Can I see San Diego tide pools in the summer?

It’s possible to go tide pooling in San Diego during the summer months, but you’ll need to do some planning. If there is a low tide, it’s likely very early in the morning and only on a handful of days during sunlight. For example, you can catch low tides on a few days during June and July, 2021 around 7 a.m. Check the San Diego tide charts.

If you aren’t an early bird, go to Birch Aquarium at Scripps to see their tide pools. Sure, they are humanmade, but they do look exactly like the ones at the beach and house the same animals. Plus, you have a docent there to answer questions.

Are there tide pools at SeaWorld San Diego?

There are no authentic tide pools at SeaWorld San Diego. What they do have is a touch pool area called Explorer’s Reef where you can touch harmless reef sharks and California round rays. It’s supervised by Animal Care Ambassadors.

Will I see starfish?

Several different types of starfish live in California tide pools. The most common starfish you’ll encounter in San Diego tide pools will be the ochre sea star, which comes in colors like orange, brown, and purple. Look for them near mussel and barnacle beds.

The colorful bat star is easy to recognize because its arms are connected by a web. The brownish brittle star has five skinny arms that it uses to move around and can often be found under rocks.

Giant sea stars are much bigger than most other sea stars in the intertidal zone, growing up to two feet in diameter, but are seen less frequently because they like to live in the deepest areas. The same is true for pink sea stars. I hope you get lucky and see one of these amazing creatures because they are rare to see lately.

What animals are found in California tide pools?

The intertidal zone supports a tremendous diversity of life. In the shallowest or nearly always exposed area — the splash zone — you can see periwinkle snails, acorn barnacles, shore crabs, chitons, and limpets.

You’ll see California mussels, sea hares, lobsters, octopuses, flowering anemones, sea stars, and a variety of crabs and fish in the lower zone. And as you move deeper into the intertidal zone during the lowest tides, you may see bigger fish, larger sea stars, urchins, and other larger animals.

Why are tide pools important?

Tide pools are an important ecological habitat on the California coast because they provide a safe haven for many small creatures and an important food source for larger ones. They also serve as an important barrier that slows down water flow to keep our cliffs from eroding.

It’s important to examine animals in tide pools gently and respectfully, but even our behaviors at home impact their ecosystem. Remember that storm drains around San Diego wash everything from trash to fertilizer into the ocean.

Are tide pools dangerous?

Tide pools can be dangerous to humans if you do not walk carefully around them. Algae and seagrasses that line some of the rocks can be slippery and hide pools you might not see. You can slip, twist ankles, and fall rather easily if you are not careful.

Tide pools can be dangerous for the sea life who lives in them if humans behave recklessly while exploring them. Don’t litter; watch where you are walking; and keep in mind that shells, rocks, sticks, and grasses might be someone’s home.

How do tide pools form?

You might think that tide pools only form when the tide goes out and exposes depressions in the rocky ground, but new tide pools can also form when big waves are driven further up beaches by storms or high wind.

These waves push sand and stones ahead of them, creating mounds that run parallel to the shore, and the water that rushes over these mounds is trapped. Any time water is trapped in a low area, a tide pool may be the result.

If ocean activity is significant enough to change the shape of a beach or other coastal area, the resulting pool can become a permanent feature and wildlife will eventually populate the pool.

Which San Diego tide pools do you like to visit?

Rancho Bernardo Inn: A San Diego Destination Resort for Golf & Spa

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 23:06:57 GMT

Spread across 265 acres of beautiful grounds, Rancho Bernardo Inn offers visitors a luxurious and relaxing getaway in North County San Diego. The destination resort boasts a championship golf course, award-winning spa facilities, delicious cuisine, and a choice of fun leisure activities.

Its quiet inland location is close to wine country and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, but not to far to the beach, downtown San Diego, and other local attractions. In this review, I’ll tell you why I like this resort and who it’s best for. I also have some benefits here that you’ll want to take advantage of when you book.

What I Love

One of San Diego’s best spas
A peaceful location
Championship golf course
Fresh dining, partially thanks to the onsite Chef’s Garden
Preferred Platinum benefits that you can secure through me

Good to Know

If you plan to sightsee, you’ll need a car
Health and safety measures are enforced
Pets under 30 lbs. are welcome with an additional fee

Health and Safety Protocols

Like other hotels and resorts who have been Clean + Safe Certified by the California Hotel and Lodging Association, Rancho Bernardo Inn has health and safety measures in place. Face coverings are required in public spaces for guests and staff. Restaurants, the spa, and pools are open with proper distancing and sanitization in place. Hand sanitizer is available to guests. You can read more here.

Rooms at Rancho Bernardo Inn

The 287 guest rooms and suites uphold an excellent standard of facilities, decor, and comfort. Suite and room amenities include:

42″ flat-screen TVs
luxury bath amenities
private patios or balconies
minibar/refrigerator
microwave (upon request)
cribs and rollaway beds (upon request)
air conditioning
in-room safes
in-room coffee and tea
in-room bottled water

Guest Rooms

The guest rooms are set among the lovely gardens and winding paths so there is an open-air feeling in each of the rooms. All options are available with a single king bed, or two queen beds.

Prado Room

Terazza Room

Sereno Room

Clasico Room

Depending on the size of your travel party and budget, you can pick from the following:

Clasico: From 400 square feet with partial garden views.
Terraza: From 400 square feet with a private balcony or patio and fountain or courtyard view.
Sereno: From 400 square feet, private balcony or patio, and garden views.
Prado: From 440 square feet, private balcony or patio, and a view of the spa or golf course.

Guest Suites

Estate Suite

Vice Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite

The suites offer all of the same comforts as the rooms – and then some. Again, there is a selection of suites to choose from.

Presidential Suite: Three full bedrooms, three and a half baths, living area, and fireplace.
Vice Presidential Suite: One full bedroom, one full bath, living area, and optional connecting rooms.
Estate Suite: A king-sized bed, full bathroom, living room, and private balcony

Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course

A pretty golf course

The Rancho Bernardo golf course is a coveted 18-hole championship course that has hosted the PGA and LPGA. The course was designed by William Francis Bell in 1962 and offers a driving range with grass or mat tees, a complete golf shop, and golf instruction by PGA professionals. And, let’s not forget it’s an unforgettable day in the San Diego sunshine.

TIP
If you’re going to play golf, consider the JC Golf Players Card, which gives you access to the other nine Southern California Golf Courses managed by JC Golf.

The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn

Reserve a cabana at the Spa Pool.

The Rancho Bernardo spa offers serenity and relaxation for visitors seven days a week with various world-class facilities and treatments. It’s one of my favorite spa facilities in all of San Diego. Of course, enhanced health and safety measures are in place here, too. At the moment, guests can book 50-minute facials, massages, and nail treatments.

You can enjoy them in the comfort of an outdoor casita set amid the peaceful Spa Garden. During normal times, the adults-only Spa Pool also enjoys food and beverage service with a menu of lighter fare. Right now, guests can pick up food and drinks from Cafe Granada or Veranda Restaurant to bring to the Spa Pool area. I highly recommend the treatment casitas.

The fitness center is also a part of the spa facilities but is currently closed. It normally offers state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment.

Rancho Bernardo Inn Restaurants

No luxurious getaway is complete without a decadent meal or a well-brewed cup of coffee. The three Rancho Bernardo Inn restaurants cover what resort guests want — a grab-and-go marketplace, outdoor lounge seating, regional menus, and an elegant sit-down option.

Ingredients for the restaurants and the spa are sourced from the onsite Chef’s Garden.

Veranda Restaurant

AVANT Restaurant

Café Granada

Veranda Restaurant

The Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant provide a space to unwind amid golf course views. The menu features Meditteranean cuisine with a Southern California twist using locally-sourced ingredients.

AVANT San Diego

Avant offers a sophisticated dining experience that is void of pretense, serving California cuisine that is simple and fresh. It’s inspired by wine country dining, so no surprise that you’ll find a great wine list with limited production wines from around the world and artisan cocktails. Note that AVANT is currently open Thursday–Saturday.

Café Granada

Café Granada offers a convenient stop for your morning coffee and food-to-go. The welcoming atmosphere invites guests inside, encouraging them to leave with gourmet, organic snacks from local vendors.

The Bar

What better after a warm day on the golf course than a few cold ones at the sports bar? The Bar at Rancho Bernardo is a convenient choice for a quick bite to eat and a casual drink. Although a sports bar, the venue features stunning vintage-inspired interiors to add to the luxurious mood.

INN Room Dining

Room service is, of course, an option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Inn uses contactless delivery.

Two More Swimming Pools

In addition to the Spa Pool mentioned above, there is also the family-friendly Santiago swimming pool with its poolside bar. Normally, there are also fun pool activities such as dive-in movies. Also, you can enjoy the adults-only Bernardo outdoor pool.

Right now, you’ll need reservations (the front desk can assist) for the pools on Friday-Sunday, which are available in 2-hour time slots.

Resort Activities

Rancho Bernardo Inn offers something for everyone. In addition to golf, spa treatments, and delicious dining experiences, there’s also a busy calendar of options to enjoy on the property. These activities include, but are not limited to, the following (some may be temporarily paused):

Morning and sunset yoga to achieve balance and relaxation.
Chef’s garden tours by master gardener Trish Kydd.
Weekly dive-in movies via the poolside cinema series.
Daily lawn games, including cornhole, croquet, and oversized Connect Four.
Picnic baskets provided by Café Granada.
Kids golf clinic to introduce your little ones to the game.
Falconry encounter under the guidance of experts.
Fireside workshops that cover a variety of topics.

These fun activities promise a lot of fun for the whole family which is why Rancho Bernardo Inn is also on my list of best San Diego resorts. The resort will also help organize local adventures to some of the many nearby attractions in San Diego.

Rancho Bernardo Inn Weddings

Considering the beautiful, natural surroundings of Rancho Bernardo, it’s no wonder that couples choose this venue as their special space to tie the knot.

The venue is popular for small, intimate gatherings as well as larger celebrations. There are seven ceremony sites and five reception locations to choose from, helping to make your special day all the more memorable.

The Rancho Bernardo, CA Location

Rancho Bernardo, California is a mostly-residential community located in the northeast San Diego hills, just off of the I-15 freeway.

In addition to the resort activities, including golf, you’re located near family-friendly Bernardo Winery, where you can spend the day browsing shops and sipping wine (or coffee — there’s a great little cafe here, too). During normal times, they also host events to look out for. Abnormal Wine Company is also about a mile away from the resort. This post is unique because they’re a craft brewery, winery, and restaurant, so there really is something for everyone on the menu.

Outside of this, sightseers will want to know how far the resort is from other major attractions. The times listed below are drive times without traffic, and there can be rush hour traffic along this corridor.

San Diego Zoo: 29 minutes
San Diego Zoo Safari Park: 16 minutes
LEGOLAND California: 35 minutes
SeaWorld San Diego: 30 minutes
Coronado: 35 minutes
La Jolla Cove: 33 minutes
San Diego Convention Center (Downtown): 33 minutes

Keep in mind that San Diego attractions are spread out, so no matter where you stay there is driving involved.

Rancho Bernardo Inn Reservations

Rancho Bernardo Inn is part of Preferred Hotels and Resorts. This means that I can book you into with Preferred Platinum benefits that include:

Best Available Rate
Breakfast for Two Daily
$100 Hotel Credit per Stay (to be used on services such as spa, dining, or selected amenity valued at $100 or more)
Hotel Welcome Amenity and Welcome Note from General Manager on behalf of Travel Agency
Complimentary In-Room Internet
Room Upgrade*
Priority Check-in and Check-out*

*Subject to availability

You’ll need to send me your dates and I’ll let you know what’s on offer.

REQUEST A PREFERRED PLATINUM RATE

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I rate the best San Diego luxury hotels based on personal experience, client feedback, insider tips and share how to book in as a VIP.

11 Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo Safari Park Near Escondido, CA

Find boutique, resort, or budget hotels near San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido to relax in after your day at the park and what to know before booking.

What to Expect at SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 23:57:23 GMT

SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration is underway and included with park admission! Guests will be treated to some much-needed holiday cheer complete with sparkling lights, decorations, and holiday festivities. The theme park is open on select dates as an accredited zoo and enhanced health and safety measures. Here are 14 things to look forward to when you go between now and January 4, 2021.

You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated.

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NEW SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Activities

Rides are closed but during the holiday season there is still plenty of fun to be had throughout this popular theme park.

1. Cookies and Photos with Santa

Santa will tell a Christmas story while guests enjoy cookies and activity sheets at single-party tables outside. It’s an upgraded experience, but you’ll also receive a physically-distanced photo with Santa.

2. Santa Presents: Christmas Animals Around the World

Join Santa at Nautilus Amphitheater as he shares his favorite holiday-centric animals and holiday traditions from around the globe.

3. Rudolph’s Movie Experience

Watch a shortened version of the classic tale on the park’s 150-foot outdoor screen and keep an eye out for a live appearance by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

4. Kwanzaa Festivities

If you can visit SeaWorld San Diego between December 26 and January 1, you’ll be treated to nightly lighting of the kinara and Kwanzaa festivities that celebrate African heritage.

5. Stocking Stuffer Christmas Trail

SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration would not be complete without fun treats. Bring the kids under age 12 to explore various areas of the park to collect sweets, small toys, and other fun trinkets that will drop into their bags (available for purchase in retail shops) through a chute.

6. Christmas Treasure Hunt

Santa has gifts for all of his eight reindeer, and you’ll need to search the park to find them. Grab a map and mark each location once you find each present. Then, take your completed treasure map (available for purchase) to the SeaWorld Store for a special gift!

Returning Favorites From Prior Years

Guests of last year’s SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration will be treated to some of the same events, which have been modified to fit today’s environment.

7. Sesame Street Christmas Village

Take photos with Elmo and friends (Photo credit: SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment)

Take physically-distanced photos with your favorite Sesame Street characters decked out in holiday attire while enjoying the

8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Included with park admission is the chance to take a physically-distanced photo with Rudolph and his friends Bumble, Yukon, and Clarice with your smartphone or camera. If you’d like a digital print or photo file, these are available for an additional cost.

9. Holly Jolly Marketplace

It wouldn’t be a Christmas celebration without a little bit of shopping. Stock up on some gifts and decor as the seasonal boutique will feature plenty of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer merchandise.

10. Hanukkah Celebration

Between December 10 and 18, guests will be able to view the traditional lighting of the menorah throughout Hanukkah

11. Photo Backdrops

Fill your Instagram feed or perhaps snap the perfect holiday card photo in front of the various greeting card backdrops throughout the park ranging from Santa’s sleigh to a menorah display at the Manta roller coaster, one of SeaWorld San Diego’s best rides (which sadly are not operational at this time).

12. The Tunnel of Lights

Walk through the more than 5,000 colorful lights as they shimmer to holiday music in the Tunnel of Lights.

13. Fan Favorite Live Animal Presentations and Outdoor Exhibits

Say hello to the dolphins at Dolphin Point (Photo credit: SeaWorld San Diego)

These outdoor activities and attractions are available and what guests have been enjoying successfully since the park reopening. The world-famous Dolphin, Sea Lion, and Orca Encounter live educational presentations that occur throughout the day with physical distancing in place.

You’ll also be able to see outdoor animal attractions showcasing dolphins, bat rays, Magellanic penguins, bamboo sharks, flamingoes, sea otters, seals, sea lions, turtles, and more.

14. Holiday-Inspired Food

You will definitely eat, drink, and be merry at SeaWorld San Diego this season with treats like peppermint cheesecake, SeaWorld San Diego’s famous hot chocolate with toppings like peppermint crumbles, winter cocktails, limited-release holiday craft beer, glazed ham sliders, and more.

Plan a day to visit SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration this year because there really will be plenty to do. And, don’t forget to shop their Black Friday sale on tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes.

20 Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Teens (and Tweens)

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 17:28:00 GMT

Families visiting San Diego, CA with teenagers in tow will have no problem unplugging them for a bit to enjoy outdoor activities and even a little edutainment. We’re the perfect destination for this somewhat picky set (tweens included, too).

I’ve listed the best beaches, tours, museums, and other things to do in San Diego with teens and tweens. My daughter now fits into this age group, and a big part of what I do is help people visiting San Diego with kids plan their family vacations. I’ll also tell you how best to buy tickets where necessary to keep them on budget and where to stay.

Two things to note: You’ll want to check with each venue or activity listed below for information about what’s open and running during your visit as we are living in an ever-changing world. I specialize in helping families save money on San Diego vacations. If you purchase tickets, sightseeing passes, or hotels through the links in this post, I may be compensated.

20 Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Teens and Tweens

Tip: Most of these attractions are on the Go San Diego card.

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San Diego Beaches for Teens

With 70 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that some of it will appeal to the teen set. These three San Diego beaches offer the most activities that will appeal to teens and tweens.

La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla Shores Beach makes an excellent teen beach because of the activities on offer. Plus, the sand is gorgeous for regular beachgoing. Families often choose to base their San Diego vacations at one of the beachfront hotels (La Jolla Shores Hotel or La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club) for this reason.

The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is located right offshore. Its four habitats (rocky reef, kelp bed, sand flats, and a submarine canyon) are home to an abundance of sea life and cause waves to break gently.

This is why snorkeling, scuba and kayak tours of La Jolla’s seven sea caves launch from here with ease. It’s also possible to boogie board and SUP. Excellent surfing happens to the north near Scripps Pier. Bring your gear or rent it nearby. Surf Diva offers lessons, clinics, and camps for kids and teens who want to learn how to surf or SUP (highly recommend) at La Jolla Shores, too. I also recommend Everyday California.

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Pacific Beach/Mission Beach

Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are young-at-heart neighborhoods located right next to each other. Pacific Beach, in particular, is popular with the college crowd. The neighborhoods share a nearly 3-mile beach boardwalk that is fun to ride, bike, and skate (safely) along.

Find excellent fast-casual food and Belmont Park along the boardwalk. An excellent surfing school, San Diego Surf School, gives lessons, camps, and clinics in the more family-friendly North Pacific Beach near Law Street.

Teens will also like browsing the shops along Pacific Beach’s Garnet Avenue. (Note: This beach area does not appeal to all families, but teens do tend to like it.)

Mission Bay

We’re lucky to have bay beaches and ocean beaches in San Diego. Mission Bay is a humanmade aquatic park that borders Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Hotels like The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa offer water sports equipment rentals onsite for families to check out and use including kayaks, SUP, aqua cycles, sailboats, and more.

TIP
You can swim in the bay though the water can be murky in spots. It’s best for water sports.

Coronado

Coronado beaches are some of San Diego’s best. Two appeal most to teenagers.

Coronado Central Beach in front of Hotel Del Coronado offers up gentle waves and a vast sandy area for beachgoing. The sand sparkles with gold flecks of a mineral called mica which is pretty to see in the shore break. It’s a big beach, should the teens and tweens want to break from the family to walk along the shoreline for shelling and even some winter tide pooling. You can learn to surf here, too.

Silver Strand State Beach in front of Loews Coronado Bay Resort is also a quintessential SoCal beach with lots of space on the sand and in the water to enjoy. Loews at the Strand (seasonal) offers beach rentals (free for hotel guests). Coronado Surfing Academy provides surfing lessons here. Enjoy fishing, swimming, shelling, surfing, camping, and all sorts of beach activities here.

La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions

This age group probably won’t do much beachgoing in this area, they do like walking between the La Jolla sea lions and seals. The sea lions hang out at La Jolla Cove and the seals are just down the way at Children’s Pool Beach.

Teens will love taking photos of our pinnipeds. You can stay on the boardwalk and usually manage to snap a selfie with them in the background. (Resist the temptation to get close to these wild animals.)

Popular Amusement Parks

Teens and tweens can have a great time at any of San Diego’s amusement parks and theme parks, but these are favorites. While all of these places are open, rides currently are not.

Belmont Park

Our seaside amusement park is home to a historic roller coaster (which might be a tame ride by some teen standards), a variety of hair raising rides, carnival games, a zip line, mini-golf, giant ice cream cones, Dole Whip, and more ways to spend a half-day. The beach is a few steps away so it’s easy for them to run back and forth from the sand to the attractions.

If rides are on the agenda, buy a wristband or check Groupon for one as a la carte tickets add up quickly. The Go San Diego pass also includes an Attractions Pass to Belmont Park San Diego.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego has upped its ride offerings with three, soon to be four, roller coasters that older kids love. The Electric Eel is currently the city’s tallest and fastest roller coaster featuring looping twists, an inverted heartline roll, and 60 mph speed. Tidal Twister is a dueling roller coaster that recently opened and you can look forward to California’s first floorless dive coaster called Emperor, slated to open at the theme park in 2021.

Tweens and teenagers will also love the Shipwreck Rapids water ride with its waterfall finale and the Journey to Atlantis roller coaster/water ride and DeepSEE VR: Orca 360 (pictured above) for ages 13 and older. And, of course, there are the usual animal shows, festive foods, chances to learn about wildlife conservation, and other must-see attractions.

SKIP THE LINES
Quick Queue passes enable guests to enjoy shorter lines. Usually, the best way to buy discount SeaWorld San Diego tickets is through their website but if you are if you’re visiting multiple attractions consider the Go San Diego pass.

(SeaWorld San Diego owns Aquatica San Diego, a water park that you may see on other lists. This park did not open for the 2020 season and is supposed to transition to a Sesame Street Place theme park, which caters mostly to younger kids. However, since this has been a strange year, I am not sure what the future will hold.)

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

While all ages love the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, teens particularly enjoy these two safaris.

Flightline Safari is a zip line up to 130 feet in the air while spying rhinos, giraffes, and more along the way. It’s two zip lines, a 1-hour adventure in total, and you can rent a helmet camera should you want to record the trip.

Participants climb, balance, swing, and walk through the trees on the Jungle Ropes Safari while wearing a harness to cross tightropes, rope bridges, and other challenging (yet fun) obstacles. Choose between three trails of varying difficulty and, of course, you’ll see animals along the way.

Be sure to look at the calendar of events during your dates. Other fun activities include Breakfast with Kangaroos and Roar and Snore Safari (spend the night!).

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San Diego Zoo

No visit to San Diego is complete without a stop at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Spend a day or half-day viewing favorite animals, enjoying the Skyfari Tram ride, or taking advantage of upgraded experiences (some are for ages 12 and older) like Keeper for a Day. There is also no need to pay full price as you can use my ticket discount.

ACCESS MY EXCLUSIVE SAN DIEGO ZOO DISCOUNT
I have unpublished deeper savings on tickets through my partnership with aRes Travel, an authorized San Diego Zoo ticket seller. Request the details by email or text SDZOO* to buy online now. I believe it’s the lowest price you’ll find!

*By texting SDZOO to 1-833-490-0799 you agree to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this agreement isn’t a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 msg/mo. Reply STOP to cancel. Read my full privacy policy.

San Diego Museums for Teens and Tweens

This age group’s advantage is that they may have a deeper understanding of history or appreciation for art based on what they’re learning at school. San Diego’s military history is one thing, but the city is also regarded as California’s birthplace, so there’s lots to learn while having fun.

USS Midway Museum

All ages should plan a visit to the USS Midway Museum if time permits. It was one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers of the 20th century, serving from 1945 through the Cold War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and other events up to 1992.

It’s now a museum docked at the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego. The audio tour (free with admission) is narrated by 70 sailors who served onboard and leads visitors through the galley, sleeping quarters, mailroom, engine room, and more throughout the aircraft carrier. Grab discounted tickets.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Next door to the USS Midway Museum, you’ll see the Star of India ship which signals the entrance to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. These restored and replica ships are great for Instagram. You can also climb into a restored Cold War submarine. Grab discounted tickets.

Balboa Park Museums

Take the teens and tweens to Balboa Park for the day but be sure to have a Go San Diego pass or Balboa Park Explorer Pass to save money on museums. They aren’t huge, which means you WILL see more than one.

Any Balboa Park museum will do, but these pique the interest of teens:

Museum of Photographic Arts: Perfect for those interested in filmmaking or photography.
Fleet Science Center: All ages love hands-on science exhibits and IMAX movies.
Museum of Us: Go to this anthropology museum to learn about cannibals, mummies, the origins of race and racism, the Kumeyaay native Californians, and more.

While you’re in Balboa Park you can take advantage of the hiking trails and places to eat.

San Diego Tours and Sightseeing for Teens

Sightseeing is far from dull in San Diego if you know which tours to book.

Patriot Jet Boat

As rock music blares, ride at speeds of up to 50 mph past military ships, along the downtown skyline, and under the iconic Coronado Bridge on the Patriot Jet Boat.

You will get wet on this 30-minute thrill ride, but teens will love it. It departs from the Embarcadero near many downtown San Diego hotels. Patriot Jet Boat operates daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and then weekends only through the rest of the year. Reserve your time in advance.

Speed Boat Adventures

This boat tour involves driving your own 16-foot mini speed boat in the San Diego Bay, narrated by a guide in a boat ahead of you.

There is quite a bit to learn on the bay including San Diego’s military history, tidbits about wildlife, and even the discovery of California at Cabrillo National Monument.

Drivers must be 16 years old with an adult in the boat, or 18 years old to drive alone. Reserve your time and boat in advance.

San Diego Fly Rides

Take an electric bike tour with San Diego Fly Rides (or, rent your own). You’ll still pedal, but these bikes take riders with ease up hills and on longer rides while you enjoy and learn about the San Diego coastline.

Favorite rides include the SoCal Rivera bike tour and, teens may particularly like the Cali Dreamin’ bike tour of both La Jolla and Pacific Beach.

Other Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Teens and Tweens

The best of the rest to put on your San Diego family travel bucket list.

Padres Game or PETCO Park Tour

If it’s baseball season and you’re in San Diego with teens or tweens, head to a Padres game. PETCO Park is conveniently located in downtown San Diego near some of the city’s best shopping and restaurants. The park itself also houses smaller outlets of popular restaurants like Blue Water Seafood, Pizza Port, Lucha Libre, and many more.

If the Padres aren’t playing, you can still take one of the daily guided, behind-the-scenes PETCO Park tours.

La Jolla Zip Zoom

It’s a day trip, but San Diego County is home to California’s longest zip line. The La Jolla Zip Zoom is located in Pauma Valley, about 90 minutes from downtown San Diego.

It’s four courses ranging from 300 to 2700 feet in length. You’ll reach speeds of up to 55 mph, and since it’s a side-by-side zip line, you can experience it together. Must be 48″ tall and 65-250 lbs.

Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego doesn’t seem like a place for teenagers and tweens, but I can tell you that the whole family will enjoy a few hours spent here capped off with some Mexican food. In fact, if you choose one of the restaurants adjacent to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, it’s easy to let older kids walk around on their own to browse shops for souvenir trinkets and maybe even check out some of the free museums (perhaps while you leisurely sip a margarita).

Fun San Diego Instagram Spots

For the teenagers and tweens who love Instagram, turn to San Diego’s street art and drool-worthy desserts. These suggestions are near tourist spots.

La Jolla has a couple of murals that are accessible at street level. Take a look at the map of current projects. (Favorite Color at 7596 Eads Avenue, La Jolla is popular.)

North Park’s Pigment store is a place both parents and teens may like. Take a photo inside and against the colorful exterior living plant wall. The “Greetings from San Diego” mural also awaits in North Park.

When it comes to desserts, check out these San Diego Instagram spots:

@donutbar (Downtown)
@holymatchaa (North Park)
@hammondsicecream (Sports Arena & University Heights — ice cream flights!)
@bobabarsd (Kearny Mesa)

Where to Go Shopping with Teens in San Diego

Here’s where our local tweens and teenagers like to go shopping.

Westfield UTC Mall

Our newly-renovated Westfield UTC mall near La Jolla is a neat lifestyle complex that the whole family will love. Stores the like include H&M, Zumiez, Vans, Lululemon, Lush, Sephora, and many others. Other stores range from Nordstrom to Hermes to Geppetto’s Toys so the whole family will love it.

Pacific Beach

The other popular shopping spot is on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach. It’s eclectic and you might see some smoke shops and bars but there are second-hand shops to browse for cool finds, cheaper accessory shops, places for desserts (like Mr. Frosty), Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, Vans, and more.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

We have a handful of San Diego outlet malls, but since many families choose to stay in Carlsbad hotels I’ll mention Carlsbad Premium Outlets. You can find deals on Nike, Kate Spade, Puma, Tory Burch, Volcom, and more.

Where to Stay in San Diego with Teenagers

And of the San Diego hotels that I work with will be fine for teenagers and teens. However, this group tends to like to stay in San Diego beachfront hotels where there are things to do within walking distance. My top picks include the below.

Pacific Terrace Hotel: Located on the Pacific Beach boardwalk and near teen-centric shopping.
La Jolla Shores Hotel or La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club: Both are located on La Jolla Shores Beach and within walking distance to a handful of shops and restaurants in the La Jolla Shores business district. This beach is a great place to learn how to surf or SUP.
Hotel del Coronado: Teenagers and tweens love this full-service resort, the beach, the new Main Pool, and walking around Coronado shops on Orange Avenue.
South Mission Beach vacation rentals: This part of Mission Beach is more family-centric with easy access to sand volleyball courts, Belmont Park, a gorgeous beach, and Mission Bay water sports.

For more details see my list of top San Diego family hotels and resorts.

What are your favorite things to do in San Diego with teens and tweens?

San Diego in November: Weather, Events, Things to Do, & Insider Tips

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:17:05 GMT

November in San Diego marks the beginning of our (slightly) rainy season, but many people choose to visit during this time for many reasons that I’ll get into below. We are also a top-rated Thanksgiving break destination.

This month by month series aims to help you decide when the best time to visit San Diego is for you. For residents, I add in tidbits about what’s happening around town. If you make bookings using the links below, I may be compensated.

Me walking the dog in Pacific Beach on a November morning.

San Diego November Weather

San Diego weather in November consists of cloudy mornings that usually become sunny during the afternoon. You’ll need a jacket toward the late afternoon, especially in the shade.

The Santa Ana heat waves that grace San Diego in October have disappeared, and the air overall is cooler. Thanks to the time change, the days are also shorter. And it will rain at some point.

Our Microclimates

In November, San Diego weather for you to pay attention to depends on which of our four microclimates you’ll be visiting. The temperature changes between the coastal regions, inland valleys, mountains, and the desert become more drastic during this month.

Most tourists are still visiting our coastal regions because that’s where most San Diego attractions and San Diego resorts are.

It’s Less Sunny in November

Late afternoon at La Jolla Cove (notice the person on the bench in a sweatshirt)

The days after Halloween are still typically sunny, but as the month progresses out come the sweaters. The sun might still be shining but crisp air means that you’ll see people wearing shorts while others are bundled up and wearing UGG boots.

Here are the San Diego November weather stats:

Average temperature (high/low): 69°F/54°F
Rainfall: 1 inch
Days of rain: 4
Days of sunshine: 75%
Daylight: 10.5 hours
Ocean temperature (high/low): 63.9°F/61.8°F

If you plan to visit San Diego in November, try to come during the first couple of weeks. The odds of capturing sunny beach days are higher during this timeframe but certainly not impossible for the rest of the month. There will be days of partial sun and some cloud cover and a couple of rainy days.

What the Beach Is Like

Most locals have shifted to using San Diego beaches for walks, running, water sports, and sunset watching. Not many of us are recreationally sunbathing or swimming in the ocean, but there are always a few exceptions.

Visiting families tend to ask whether they can go to the beach in November. Yes, but you may not enjoy the stereotypical Southern California beach day just because the weather is cooler.

Rest assured that plenty of tourists who are coming from colder climates are sunbathing and swimming. To them, it’s delightful. Kids will probably plow right into the water. Just bring a sweatshirt and sweat pants for after as wet bathing suits and hair in crisper weather make you colder after swimming. You’ll go, but you may not stay as long as you would in, say August.

Even though the weather has cooled down, you should still coat your entire body in sunscreen. You can still definitely get sunburned in November in San Diego.

Ocean Tips

The ocean temperature has dropped by several degrees which means you should plan on wearing a wetsuit.

The best way to enjoy the ocean in November is through water sports including snorkeling tours and surfing lessons. I would definitely plan to rent a wetsuit for either activity. You don’t need one for kayak tours, however, just wear athletic pants and a jacket.

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Advice for Booking Hotels in November

San Diego hotel rates are at off-peak levels, except during Thanksgiving week. This means if you’re looking for a getaway, most of November provides excellent value. And, right now, there are quite a few incentives floating around for mid-week stays.

Some beach valet services (shuttles to the beach, chair set-up at the beach, etc.) may pause in November and restart for Thanksgiving week.

The vast majority of hotel swimming pools are heated year-round. And, most jacuzzis are now operational per county regulations. Capacities for swimming pool areas are limited, but this shouldn’t be an issue in November (outside of Thanksgiving week).

Many hotels begin their holiday festivities the week of Thanksgiving. While, sadly, Hotel del Coronado will not be having their seaside ice skating rink in 2020, they’ll be offering special dining and a Winter Wonderland on the Windsor Lawn.

San Diego November Events

San Diego events in November typically focus on food and drink in addition to gearing up for the holiday season.

San Diego Beer Week

The annual San Diego Beer Week is happening between November 6-15. Events throughout the county showcase our 150+ independent craft breweries. And, there are even opportunities this year to join in on the fun from home. Check the calendar.

San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells

Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo starts at the end of November. Dates are currently set (but subject to change) for November 27-29, December 4-6, 11-13, 18-23, 25-Jan. 3. The celebration includes lighted displays, seasonal food, live animal presentations, holiday decor, and more.

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SeaWorld San Diego Red, White, & Blue Salute / Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld San Diego is now open five days a week (more during holidays) as an accredited zoo. Through November 15, Active Duty and former military personnel and up to three direct dependents may enjoy one complimentary admission through the park’s Waves of Honor program.

Refer to my post about buying cheap SeaWorld San Diego tickets. Reservations are required.

Fleet Week San Diego

Fleet Week San Diego celebrates the men and women in the military. This year, events have been modified to include ways to participate from home, such as a virtual art show, virtual STEM Day, and more. You can catch the boat parade on November 11 at 10 a.m., which can be viewed from the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego.

Thanksgiving — Eat Dinner Out or Grab a Chef Meal for Home

If you’re among the many who are wondering if a high-effort, multi-course Thanksgiving meal makes sense for just your immediate family, you can go out to one of the many San Diego restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner. Many of the same restaurants in that link are also offering chef-prepared meals that you can pick up to eat at home or in your vacation rental. These include:

Pendry San Diego
Hotel del Coronado
Rancho Bernardo
Rancho Valencia

Things to Do in San Diego in November

Things to do in San Diego in November that are worth considering include tide pooling and the beginning of our holiday activities. The first few weeks of the month are also excellent times to sightsee and visit San Diego theme parks because the crowds that came for Kids Free October are gone.

Go Tide Pooling

A La Jolla tide pool in November

November begins tide pooling season in San Diego because one of our twice-daily low tides happens during daylight hours. The best times to go are during minus tides. To find out when these occur, you can check the online tide charts.

Refer to my list of best tide pools in San Diego to find out where to go. A few of the best spots are actually tide pools in La Jolla. The easiest place in my seaside community to view tide pools during a low tide is along the La Jolla seal trail to hit a few popular spots like La Jolla Cove and Shell Beach.

Remember to practice good etiquette. Touch, but don’t take. Even a pretty shell could be a sea creature’s habitat. You should be able to see plenty of sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and small fish.

Peep Fall Colors

While San Diego seasons sometimes feel like they’re all blending, a great thing to do in San Diego in November is to head over to the Japanese Friendship Garden. Some maple tree leaves turn color into pretty reds and oranges, but there are also a couple of exhibits to check out.

The first is the Maneki Neko, or lucky cat, collection on display through the month’s end. You may have seen these before as they’re part of the Mingei Museum’s collection but always fun for kids to see, too.

Watch an Outdoor Movie on the Bay

Book dinner and a movie with Hornblower on the top deck of their biggest yacht — Inspiration. The latest schedule is as follows:

Thursday, 11/5/20 –Jurassic Park
Sunday, 11/8/20 – Frozen 2
Friday, 11/13/20 – Casablanca
Sunday, 11/15/20 – Raiders of the Lost Ark
Thursday, 11/19/20 – The Blind Side
Sunday, 11/22/20 – Black Panther (Back by popular demand!)
Sunday, 11/29/20 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Thursday, 12/3/20 – Elf
Sunday, 12/6/20 – Polar Express
Thursday 12/10/20 – Scrooged
Thursday, 12/17/20 – The Grinch
Tuesday, 12/22/20 – A Wonderful Life
Wednesday, 12/23/20 – Christmas Story
Sunday, 12/27/20 – Sleepless in Seattle

Drive the New Belmont Park Go Kart Track

Support your favorite beachfront amusement park who put in a neat outdoor Go-Kart track with health and safety measures in place. Through November 14, Belmont Park will also continue their Harvest Walk event on Saturdays, complete with pie-eating contests!

Take a Wellness-Centric Staycation (or Vacation)

It’s also a great time for residents to consider wellness-centric resorts like Rancho Valencia, where there are tons of fitness activities. Or recharge batteries at Golden Door, one of the best destination spas in the world. I have benefits at both places that you’ll want to take advantage of!

What to Wear in San Diego in November

Your San Diego packing list for November will involve more pants and sweaters than you would need in October. It’s long sleeves weather. Right now, it’s November and raining. I’m wearing a sweater and boots, but my husband is in a T-shirt and shorts. You’ll see a mix of both outfits around town.

Here’s what to put in your suitcase:

Face coverings — required everywhere you’re not 6′ away from someone
Portable umbrella
Bathing suit and warmer cover-up
Rashguard or UV shirt for sun protection and warmth
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Flip flops for the beach and pool
Shorts for beachgoing
T-Shirts (short-sleeved for exercise and beachgoing, but mostly long-sleeved otherwise)
Pants or jeans
Sweater or jacket for evenings
Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
Casual dress or collared shirt and nice jeans (only if you plan to dine in one of our nicer restaurants )
Sweaters and sweatshirts
Wetsuit, if you have one (otherwise they’re easy to rent)

You probably do not need a full-blown raincoat. Many San Diegans don’t even own one. I like to have a jacket that can double as a raincoat or get a little wet when I don’t feel like busting out an umbrella.

See also: Fall Things to Do in San Diego

Lifestyle: What Residents Are Up To

We locals start firing up our car seat warmers and bringing out the UGG boots, but it’s really not that cold.

Restaurant patios that have spanned into the streets still welcome diners. It’s important to remember to support these businesses who will likely see reduced numbers because of shorter days and local tendencies to stay homebound when temperatures drop. It’s a weird time, for sure.

If you live here, please share your thoughts about San Diego in November!

Weather and temperature sources: seatemperature.org, currentresults.com, NOAA

La Jolla Mom

16 Best Cheap Hotels In San Diego County You’ll Love

Prices for Cheap Hotels in San Diego Vary by Location

Downtown and Gaslamp San Diego Budget Hotels

1. The Sofia Hotel

2. Homewood Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayside

3. Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside

Homewood Suites

Hilton Garden Inn

4. Porto Vista Hotel & Suites

Airport/Shelter Island/Point Loma Budget Hotels

5. Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel and Marina

6. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station

7. The Pearl Hotel San Diego

Beach & Neighboring Areas Budget Hotels

8. La Jolla Cove Suites

9. Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach Hotel

North Park/Old Town/Mission Valley Budget Hotels

10. Town and Country Resort

11. Kings Inn San Diego

12. Hotel Iris

13. Old Town Inn

14. The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

Coronado Budget Hotels

15. La Avenida Inn

16. Crown City Inn

Save More Money with Vacation Packages

12 Best Hotels Near LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad

1. LEGOLAND Hotel

2. LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

3. Four Seasons Residences Club Aviara, North San Diego (Top Pick)

4. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

5. Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort (Top Pick for Beach)

6. Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

7. West Inn & Suites

8. Grand Pacific Palisades

9. The Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotels in San Diego that Allow Dogs and Other Pets

1. Hotel del Coronado

2. Loews Coronado Bay Resort

3. Kimpton Hotel Palomar

4. Manchester Grand Hyatt

5. Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter

6. Hilton San Diego Bayfront

7. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

8. San Diego Mission Bay Resort

9. Empress Hotel

10. La Valencia Hotel La Jolla

11. Estancia La Jolla

12. Park Hyatt Aviara

13. Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego

14. West Inn and Suites

Tips for Booking Dog-Friendly Hotels

San Diego in January: Weather, Events, Things to Do, & Insider Tips

San Diego January Weather

Our Microclimates

Blue Skies in Winter

Can You Go to the Beach in January?

Ocean Tips

Advice for Booking Hotels in January

Or, Start a New Year by Rejuvenating at Our Destination Spas

San Diego January Events

Farmers Insurance Open

Jurassic Quest at Del Mar Fairgrounds

Things to Do in San Diego in January Now

Go Tide Pooling

Visit San Diego Botanic Garden

Visit an Outdoor Shopping Area & Malls

Go Gray Whale Watching

Take Your Dog on an Adventure

Order Take-Out

What to Wear in San Diego in January

Lifestyle: What Residents Are Up To

How to Buy Discount Discovery Cove Tickets

Discovery Cove Tickets: Gate Prices & Available Direct Discounts

Admission Prices

What to Know About Multi Park Tickets (Important)

Reservations, Health, and Safety

What’s Included in Your Discovery Cove Ticket

Helpful Amenities