Landon Poore
News Writer
Travel
When is the last time you made the trip out to “America’s finest city?” Well, odds are it has been too long. San Diego, California is the eighth largest city in the U.S., but arguably the most intriguing due to its mild climates, long-standing U.S. Navy association, extensive beaches, cultural diversity and, let us not forget, the birthplace of California. San Diego offers history, prestige, innovation, excitement, entertainment, a fascinating cityscape and some of the world’s most alluring oceanic views. So, are you ready to make a visit to the West Coast and reinvent yourself with what it feels like to make a real vacation? Let us get started!
Lodging
The places to stay in San Diego ranges from the finest hotels and resorts to a more friendly price ideal, depending on the vacationer’s budget and preference. Three of the absolute nicest hotels include the Pantai Inn, which is deemed the most popular romantic hotel located in La Jolla; The Grand Del Mar, which gifts vacationers the third night free; and La Valencia hotel, which offers one of the more scenic and luxurious views in all of Sand Diego and the surrounding area. The most popular resort is the Paradise Point Resort & Spa located in Mission Bay Park, which offers an exquisite panoramic view of the water. Mid-range budgeted hotels include La Jolla Cove Suites and Ocean Beach hotel. The former surrounds the ocean in a semi-circular pattern and keeps other vacationers from drifting into your part of the beach. The latter offers incredibly balcony views of the ocean and those enjoying the beach, as well. For those who care more about other things like entertainment, culture and food, cheaper hotels remain very promising. These hotels include: Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Suites at SDSU, Travelodge La Jolla Beach and Sommerset Suites hotel. All of these remain top choices for lodging in the San Diego area. For those traveling through air, the average cost runs round $350 one way and $660 round trip on Expedia.
Dining
If seafood is your thing and San Diego’s beaches just put you in the mood for some scrumptious seafood, you are in luck. Top preferences include: Trucluck’s located in La Jolla and UTC, Chart House at Coastal, and Blue Point near Downtown. Italian lovers revel about the Baci Ristorante located n Mission Valley and Clairemont, Toast Enoteca & Cusina in Downtown, along with Trattoria Ponte Vecchio in North County Coastal. The steakhouses in San Diego are in the upper echelon of steaks in all of America. These restaurants include—Donovan’s of La Jolla in La Jolla, Donovan’s Downtown in Downtown, and Island Prime in Point Loma and Ocean Beach. And, of course, we cannot forget about wine and desserts! The top wine establishments are the aforementioned Truluck’s, Bertrand at Mister A in Downtown, Mille Fleurs (top French restaurant) on North County Island, and Donovan’s of La Jolla. For the sweet tooth extravagant, you must check out: Extraordinary Desserts in Little Italy, Chocolat near East Village, Ghiradelli Chocolate Fountain and Chocolate Shop also near East Village and Lappert’s Ice Cream & Coffee Lounge off of Escondido Fwy near Lake Mirimar.
Activities and Entertainment
The ravishing abundance of things to do in San Diego is nearly unfathomable. As you may guess, anything involving the water will be the top choices for vacationers. Some of these things are: Biking and Kayaking, Whale Watching, Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure, riding along the swift Patriot Jet Boat, and, as always, laying out on the beach with the marvelous sun’s rays is always a must. For those looking to catch a break from the sun and/or heat, San Diego’s Theaters and Concerts are always enjoyable. Theaters include: Spreckles Theater, Balboa Theater, Old Globe Theater among others. Check out concert lists whenever you decide to travel as there are sure to be plenty to choose from. A variety of casinos are also located in and around San Diego. These include: Viejas Casino, Valley View Casino, and Casino Pauma are the top selections. For the sports gurus, if you make your way out in the Spring/Summer time do not miss out on a Padres game. With new additions to bolster their lineup and rotation, you are sure to be lucky enough to catch an entertaining and victorious game leaving you feeling elated. For collegiate fans, SDSU is sure to offer promising athletic events going against teams in the American Athletic Conference. And, we cannot leave out the Chargers if you travel in the Fall.