Need a little break from the cold? Why not head to sunny San Diego? This SoCal city is located less than 30 miles from Mexico’s border and has more than 70 miles of gorgeous coastline. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries as you head into the holiday season.
Where to Stay
Modern Living: The Keating. The Keating has 35 guestrooms, known as stanzas, and all are fully equipped with a “sinful bedding experience”: goose down duvets, featherbeds, plush pillows, and Frette linens. You won’t want to get out of bed, but if you have to, check out the Sip and Crave Bar, stocked with chocolate, olives, and martini mix (the best hotel minibar ever!), or brew a fresh cup using the Italian coffeemaker in each room. Stanzas from $350. 432 F Street, San Diego; 619.814.5700; www.thekeating.com
Urban Resort: The Hilton Harbor Island. If you’re torn between resort dwelling and being close to the action, the Hilton Harbor’s your place. The rooms are luxurious (most with stunning views), but it doesn’t stop there. The hotel has a bar with a view of the harbor, a rooftop pool and hot tub, and a great location close to shopping, eating, and the beach. Rooms from $249. 1960 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego; 619.291.6700; www.hilton.com
Budget Beauty: La Pensione. La Pensione is affordable and charming! This white stucco palace is in the heart of Little Italy, and minutes from the trendy Gaslamp District. Rooms from $90 a night. 606 West Date Street, San Diego; 619.236.8000; www.lapensionehotel.com
Where to Eat
Big Brunch: Hash House a Go Go. The portions here are so big that you should bring your appetite and still be prepared to leave with a doggie bag. Their scrambles (eggs with add-ins like veggies or cheese), hashes, and flapjacks are all sumptuous, but who can resist the O’Hare of the Dog: a 24-ounce Budweiser and a side of bacon? Definitely not for the faint of heart. 3628 Fifth Avenue, San Diego; 619.298.4646; www.hashhouseagogo.com
San Diego Style: The Linkery. This restaurant is all the rage among San Diego foodies. It’s a neighborhood joint serving fresh, local food such as grilled, wild caught sea bass from the Pacific side of Baja with forked potatoes, melted leeks, and fresh tomato-olive coulis. Throw in local wines from the Guadalupe Valley in Mexico and you have a one-of-a-kind winning meal. 3382 30th Street, San Diego; 619.255.8778; www.thelinkery.com
Taco Time: El Agave Tequileria. The best Mexican in San Diego is a topic of heated debate. Our advice: Head to El Agave Tequileria for a menu done right. Start with a shot or a margarita made with one of the 850 tequilas the restaurant stocks from Mexico and Latin America. Next, try their signature dish, Filete Agave: beef filet stuffed with goat cheese and drizzled with dark tequila sauce. Olé! 2304 San Diego Avenue, Old Town, San Diego; 619.220.0692; www.elagave.com
Where to Drink
Stylish Sips: Lei Lounge. Located in the trendy Hillcrest neighborhood, this lounge has an outdoor deck, is open until 2 a.m., and provides private cabanas. But it’s the drinks that will win you over. How do you choose between a Guava Berry Colada (rum, white crème de cocoa, guava puree, and pineapple juice) and a Chinese Cosmo (vodka, triple sec, lime, cranberry, and lychee juice)? We say go for both. 4622 Park Boulevard, San Diego; 619.813.2272; www.leilounge.com
Local Brew: Liar’s Club. For SoCal’s finest local and microbrewed beer, head to this joint that also features great hamburgers and a killer jukebox. Friday night is Local Beer Night—all San Diego drafts are only $2.50 a pint. The bar’s close proximity to the beach also makes this a great late-afternoon stop. 3844 Mission Boulevard, San Diego; 858.488.2340; www.liarsclub.com
Where to Shop
Ciao Bella!: Sorella. Sorella is a dream: a sophisticated boutique located in the equally charming shopping district of Little Italy. Make your vacation splurges here on darling dresses by Anna Sui, cozy tees by Mon Petite Oiseau, and sassy jeans. P.S. They stock lingerie, too…just in case. 619 West Fir Street, San Diego; 619.232.9322; www.sorellaboutique.com
Get Your Kicks: Mint. Mint is a futuristic shoe store that stocks the hottest in urban shoes. Everything is super-affordable, so stock up—get the metro trainers you’ve been dreaming of and toss in the silly turquoise stilettos, too. You’re on vacation, after all. 525 University Avenue, San Diego; 619.291.6468
Where to Chill
Beach Baby: Beaches in San Diego are beautiful and all have their own distinct atmosphere: Ocean Beach is known for a hippie feel, Pacific Beach for frat boys, Mission Beach for people-watching, and North County beaches for their beauty and relative quiet. Visit www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com to schedule your sunbathing.
Historic Jewel: Coronado Island and the Hotel Del Coronado. Get to Coronado via the San Diego/Coronado Bridge, or take a scenic boat ride right from San Diego Harbor for only $4! Once there, enjoy the charm of this upscale beach town lined with beautiful historic homes and spectacular beaches. The true jewel is the Hotel Del (you’ll recognize it from old black-and-white movies like Some Like It Hot), a formal, glamorous hotel that brings back memories of a more sophisticated way of life. 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado; 800.hoteldel; www.hoteldel.com
Urban Oasis: Balboa Park. This large urban and cultural park boasts acres of grass and gardens, 15 museums, performing-arts arenas, and the famed San Diego Zoo. You can pack a picnic and spend all day, or pick and choose your favorite parts. Don’t miss the glorious walk over the Cabrillo Bridge past the stunning El Prado building and the museums with their beautiful old-world Mexican architecture. www.balboapark.com
