San Diego Surf

The Easter Day Earthquake in 2010 brought some surprise and shaking, but the hotels in San Diego report in that there are absolutely no problems. If you are planning a vacation to the area, don’t change your plans. Come on down!

While the epicenter of the earthquake appeared to be across the U.S. border in the Baja California near Mexicali, the earth shook all the way to Santa Monica in Los Angeles, and in the Arizona desert.

San Diego is California’s top beach vacation destination, and with good reason! There are more hotels with bays and beach views than any other city in California. San Diego was made for vacations–literally! much of Mission Bay was artificially built and constructed for pleasure water sports and family fun.

If you are planning a trip to San Diego, the region features many golf courses, great surfing, a super public transportation system, and the hotels are amazing. Many are new around the Gaslamp Quarter.

So do GO have fun. San Diego is welcoming you with open arms..and it is definitely open!

Hilton Hotel San Diego sailboats

Hilton San Diego Resort

Shown in the photo above are sailboats guests can rent. Are you looking for something to do in San Diego? The kid-friendly Mission Bay not only include a resort hotel that’s custom made for kids (Hilton Resort), but daytime activities such as the green park with lots of playground fun for youngsters. Families love to come on weekends and sit on the grassy hills that provide vantage points to watch your kids–and the bay where there’s ample recreation. Most any day you will notice  people exercising along the walk / jog / bike path. There are great restrooms, too. Mission Bay is a manmade oceanfront aquatic park with miles of sandy beaches, bike paths and playgrounds.

Just down the road is SeaWorld, well worth half a day t a full day’s entertainment. Shows, water rides, shopping, dining and simply watching are some of the more popular diversions perfect for all ages. For kid-themed vacations, you definitely won’t want to miss Legoland for the youngsters, or San Dieogo Zoo. Along with the exciting zoo and small train ride that circles on a track outside the park, be sure to check out Wild Animal Park.

• Legoland Tickets (buy one day, get one day free limited offer)

• Sea World Tickets

• San Diego Zoo

• Old Town Trolley

  - I recommend this one. The staff are are always nice.

Outdoor sports include surfing, bicycling if you rent a bike or bring your own and ride along the beach paths at Pacific Beach. Within the city limits is Torrey Pines State Reserve, with high bluffs overlooking the Pacific. The Glider Port is a launch pad based on those bluffs. Beginners can take the training course and get the breeze beneath their wings in a tandem ride provided on your first trip out.

Of course, the numero uno sports activities in San Diego are game watching. There are two ball parks hosting San Diego’s baseball and football teams. You can stay at the Hard Rock Hotel or over at the towering Hilton on the Bay and walk on over to Petco Park.

San Diego is a city on the run. There’s so much to see and do, you really can’t get board. From taking a guided tour cruise on the water, a city cruise on the Old Town Trolley, or exploring on foot, now’s a great time to get your feet wet, both figuratively speaking and in real time.

Seaworld San Diego

We sell tickets to SeaWorld San Diego

for those seeking a seaside experience with a days’ worth of entertainment where you can count on year-round fun in the sun. Always reinventing itself and keeping it happy for locals and tourists, you can’t have a bad day when you’re watching the massive giants of the sea such as whales in huge tanks providing insider views of their huge eyes, bodies, and slick, dark colored skin.

Dolphin encounter is quite popular as a special ticketed item that allows guests to get up close and personal with the creatures, some of the friendliest in the sea.

SeaWorld has long been San Diego’s top attraction second only to its beaches. In addition to tons of exhibits, there are new and exciting shows that change quite often. Add to the shows, some thrill rides with nautical themes, plus a sky needle that takes you around the park, providing 360 degree views.

If you are looking for a family outing, you won’t find a more family friendly amusement, except maybe Legoland in Carlsbad.

Crystal Pier San Diego

San Diego’s Crystal Pier is located at Pacific Beach. It is a wooden pier with some cute little cottages located on it. They are rented by a private company and are normally booked far in advance of a stay. You’re not missing a thing when you find out you can stay at hotels with ocean views overlooking the Crystal Pier and Pacific Beach.  Available for your visit is a handful of hotels at Pacific Beach known for its surfing, beach fun, and eclectic beach restaurants.

Sports are big here, as well. Surfing, swimming, beach, running, jogging, walking kite flying, and  sand castle building are a few strenuous to easy activities to get your body moving. As beaches go, Pacific Beach is surrounded by Mission Beach to the south, and La Jolla beaches to the north.  There are some volleyball courts to play a game, and the little souvenir shops sells paddle ball sets, Frisbees, and other balls and toys for games.

Hotels near the Crystal Pier include Diamond Head.

One of our favorite shopping malls in downtown San Diego is Horton Plaza. Westfield Horton Plaza is an open-air, five-level retail destination encompassing 6½ city blocks, renowned for its postmodern architecture and views of the San Diego skyline.

The vibrant mall design with the unique decor and splashes of color from famed architect Jon Jerdes makes for a fun shopping and dining experience. Several levels of outdoor shops are connected by escalators and stairs the public accesses. For the full line up of stores and services, check them out: westfield.com/hortonplaza

As part of a multi-stage, evolutionary revitalization, Continue Reading

Belmont Park Theme Park Passes

Location: Belmont Park, 3190 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109. Cost: Approx.

Do you need to find something to do when visiting San Diego? We can offer the solutions to your search for fun with a day of entertainment at Belmont Park. When visiting San Diego, one of the neatest places to check out is a theme park on a beach. Belmont Park and the historic Plunge Pool were built nearly a decade ago to entertain families in a beach setting. Thrill rides such as a roller coaster, and a kids zone with tamer rides for tots make this an enjoyable theme park for all ages. Overlooking the famed Mission Beach, there are a couple hotels that you can book a room in and walk over to Belmont Park just over a mile distance and close by is the fabulous Bahia. Continue Reading

Pacific Beach is San Diego’s pleasure beach and one of the best spots to book a hotel. An eclectic mix of surfers, shoppers, tourists conventioneers, and day-trippers all clamor for the flavor of “PB”. As you wander its boardwalk you can smell burgers, steaks and fish form grills and restaurants along the strand cooking their flavorful dishes with ocean view settings that make dining pure pleasure.

Along this beach boardwalk is Diamond Head in at Pacific Beach. Many rooms are view rooms and best of all, from any room you need only step out your hotel door and onto the sand practically. Watch surfers who find love this spot, go eat, or take a walk. Head down to Belmont Park and have yourself a fun time with kids, or without.

While we love the Catamaran and the Blue Sea Lodge, both nearby, Diamond Head Inn offers affordable vacations and a great location that provides a winning combo for all seeking a getaway on the sand. The hotel overlooks Pacific Beach and the unique Crystal Pier.

When you go: Bring beach towels, sunblock and some walking shoes. There are lots of great neighborhood shops to explore around Pacific Beach.

Diamond Head Inn Prices

Best Western Island Palms Hotel

Budget hotels aren’t necessarily cheap accommodations as you’ll discover when you check into a room at the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Marina. Two beautiful swimming pools near the bay, a lobby filled with tropical streams and plants, and nicely decorated rooms, many with bay views, are just the start of this excellent “budget” hotel experience.

Do you like beach bonfires? Head on out the door and have your very own bonfire experience in nearby firepits? Meetings, weddings, and other special events are easily hosted in what really doesn’t look like a Best Western hotel. While San Diego great region has over 25 Best Western hotels, this one sets the standard for excellence.

Location on Shelter Island in San Diego, this finger-like island features several hotels and restaurants lining the waterfront. With water views and a harbor with boats and yachts, you are surrounded by bays and the look and feel of a luxury resort. If you’re looking to save a few dollars over more expensive accommodations, this Best Western is on the high end of budget in terms of room rates. But once you see it, you’ll think it’s great.

San Diego Zoo

Zoo Admission Prices

San Diego, Calif.–San Diego Zoo features many exciting exhibits. We sell theme park tickets to SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park. In addtion to the very popular Giant Panda section of the zoo, the polar bears are especially fun to watch, and generally much more lively than the panda bears. The polar bears love diving into the water and swimming. They love sitting on big rock perches in the San Diego sunshine, and they like to chomp on huge bones.

When you go on vacation in San Diego, Continue Reading

Some of the best views of San Diego are from hotels. Here are some favorites: The Poseidon Restaurant in Del Mar. Blending the ambiance of the beach scene with a relaxed and informal dining atmosphere. Casual attire is de rigueur for the bronzed clientele who make the restaurant’s unique beachfront deck a favorite spot for an alfresco lunch or Sunday brunch. Ph: (858) 755 9345

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
2 – Il Fornaio – Coronado
Coronado
This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch.

Ph: (619) 437-6395

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View

3 – Bertrand at Mister A’s

Downtown / Gaslamp

This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch.

Ph: (619) 239-1377

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View

4 – Peohe’s – Coronado Waterfront Restaurant

Coronado

Nestled on the water’s edge in the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace, Peohe’s offers breathtaking views of the downtown skyline & San Diego Bay, not to mention an exceptional menu & warm hospitality. Specializing in fresh tropical seafood dishes influenced by Pacific Rim flavors, Peohe’s also boasts a superb sushi bar featuring innovative rolls & new wave sushi creations.

Al fresco dining is also available on the patio or in the charming dockside courtyard. Travel to Peohe’s via car over the scenic Coronado Bay Bridge, take a ferry or water taxi or moor your own vessel at the public dock.

Ph: (619) 437-4474

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View

5 – Tom Hams Lighthouse

Downtown / Gaslamp

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was built in 1971 by a man who was not afraid to put his name on his product. Rooted in warm welcomes & excellent food, Tom Ham made his life long dream a reality. Along with being a pillar for excellent service, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is the only restaurant in The United States to have a US Coast Guard operated & maintained Lighthouse attached to it. You can locate us on any modern nautical map as Beacon # 9. Featuring fresh fish flown in daily, a $2 happy hour Monday through Friday & award winning Sunday Champagne Brunch, we are a must when it comes to the San Diego food scene.

Ph: (619) 291-9110

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View

6 – Island Prime

Downtown / Gaslamp

Chef Deborah Scott’s Island Prime highlights her innovative and eclectic style, which will only be enhanced by the spectacular panoramic view and attentive Southern hospitality. Overlooking beautiful San Diego harbor.

C-Level, our bistro style restaurant, is open for lunch daily beginning at 11:30am and stays open through dinner. C-Level offers a beautiful outdoor, heated patio overlooking the San Diego skyline.

Ph: (619) 236-1299 x209

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View

7 – The Marine Room

La Jolla / Golden Triangle

Opened in 1941, the multi-awarding winning Marine Room Restaurant continues a tradition of excellence along the shores of La Jolla. Join Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine, Ron Oliver on a culinary journey as you indulge in global cuisine rooted in the French classics. With the ocean tide just inches from your window it is more than great dining it is an experience not to be missed.

Ph: (858) 964-1977

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View

8 – George’s Ocean Terrace

La Jolla / Golden Triangle

George’s Ocean Terrace Bistro features the creative cuisine of chef/proprietor Trey Foshee, winner of Food and Wine Magazine’s “Top Ten Chefs” award. Consistently named in San Diego Magazine’s Reader’s poll as the city’s best outdoor dining, the bistro overlooks the spectacular La Jolla Cove and northern coastline.

Ph: (858) 454-4244

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View

9 – Crab Catcher

La Jolla / Golden Triangle

La Jolla’s premier seafood restaurant, consistently #1 with locals and visitors, enjoys a spectacular ocean view and patio dining. The freshest of seafood and shellfish our specialty; the exciting flavors of California and the Pacific Rim our inspiration.

Ph: (858) 454-9587

http://www.sdro.com/crabcatcher/

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -
Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View –           Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View -

Top ten Restaurants in San Diego with a Scenic View

10 – Top of the Market

Downtown / Gaslamp

Top of the Market offers an extensive variety of fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with a sophisticated twist. Views of San Diego Bay, Coronado and Point Loma make Top of the Market the ideal location to dine when in San Diego