A view of the San Diego Sunset from Pacific Coast Grill.
Written by: Nikki Pepper; Images by: Colin Glaum & Michaela Guzy; Edited by: Michaela Guzy.
San Diego, California, boasts one of the most idyllic climates in the United States (on average has a 146 sunny days and 117 partly cloudy days a year), clearly making it a top beach destination, but it’s close to perfect weather also lends itself nicely to everything from golf, hiking and meals with a sunset view. Here are a few of our most savored local meals, favorite city design hotel and urban getaways, a variety of outdoor activities from architectural tours to hiking in a nature preserve.
EAT: Cardiff, Del Mar & Little Italy
The Nigiri Trio at Pacific Coast Grill.
Pacific Coast Grill,
Cardiff– This restaurant is literally on the beach…as in the waves are just feet away. If the sea breeze and proximity to the freshest of seafood doesn’t intrigue you, time your visit for evening cocktails to toast the sunset. Pacific Coast Grill posts the exact time of sunset on their website everyday so you know the opportune time to order a glass from their extensive California wine list. Our favorite dish? The Nigiri Trio: wild salmon with mango habonero sauce, hamachi with jalapeño ponzu and blackened ahi with pinapple ponzu.
Las Olas, Cardiff- Serving laid-back, authentic Mexican since 1981. Las Olas has a full menu of all your authentic Mexican favorites – tacos, chimichangas, and burritos. Tuesday is all day “happy hour” so stop by for $20 pitchers of margaritas and fish tacos.
Roberto’s,
Del Mar– Originally opened as a tortilla factory in 1964. Roberto’s was founded by a couple who quickly started getting requests for more than just tortillas. Hence, the 10 cent “poor men” burritos that became an instant best seller. Today Roberto’s is still the go-to and affordable local taco shop. Mexican kept simple. Roberto’s can be found in three other states (Arizona, Nevada and Florida) and are still family owned and operated.
The bar at Craft & Commerce.
Craft & Commerce,
Little Italy– Brunch choices have a southern flare. We may have been on the west coast, but the biscuits & gravy with chicken & waffles give southerners a run for their recipe! Highly recommend trying one of C&C’s unique mixed cocktails, the Eastern Prospector or Mexican Fire-Drill (a tequila drink with jalapeño and smoked salt) were some of our favorites. C&C also serves lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Queenstown Public House, Little Italy- This New Zealand inspired menu serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch; open on Sundays-Thursdays until 11pm and until midnight on Fridays & Saturdays. We had a long wait for brunch so bring your newspaper to flip through or your favorite tablet device. The fresh squeezed juices are delicious, which make their mimosas even better. The Kiwi Breakfast is fresh, with heirloom tomatoes and arugula, with a touch of vegamite as New Zealanders do down under. They are best known for their take on the burger, according to
Thrillist, their Bare Lil Lamb burger is not to be missed. Make note that no hard liquor is served, only beer, wine and champers.
OTPYM Founder, Michaela Guzy enjoying a break from the east coast heat with Molly McCormac at Craft & Commerce.
STAY: Urban Retreat, City Design & a Family Getaway
A view from Amaya, Grand Del Mar’s American restaurant with Mediterranean influences by Executive Chef Camron Wood and an award-winning wine cellar.
Grand Del Mar– Was our favorite pick for the resort-getaway-within-a-city feel. A
Preferred Hotel, Grand Del Mar is the definition of luxury with a 5-star spa, 18-hole golf course and
equestrian center. The resort is just a 25-minute drive from downtown San Diego, but the hustle and bustle couldn’t feel farther away. Be sure to take advantage of the Grand Del Mar’s wide array of
activities, many complimentary. Think sandcastle building classes with a professional artist or kayaking the seven caves of
La Jolla— the two-hour adventure exposes you to the local ecology, from the sea caves to sea lions ($50 per person or $90 for a double kayak). Just make sure to book activities in advance.
Guzy trying to avoid the sand traps while golfing at Grand Del Mar. The course is exclusively for resort guests and villa owners. Green fees range from $230 to $270 depending on day of week and time of year.
Andaz by Hyatt,
Gaslamp Quarter– A modern, boutique hotel situated among the dining and nightlife scene in the historic Gaslamp Quarter and has easy access to the San Diego Zoo and beaches. Don’t miss the rooftop for cocktails or the nightlife scene. Dine at Katsuya, a sushi restaurant by Chef
Katsuya Uechi and customize a tasting from the ever-rotating 88 wines featured at the Andaz Wine Bar. The high-tech self-serve delivery system can pour just a taste or half and full glass options– just walk up to the bottle of your choice with glass in hand!
Where the night starts and ends: Rooftop600, Andaz’s San Diego spot for VIP DJs and cocktails. Photo Credit: Andaz.
Welk Resort– Welk Resort San Diego is all about water: 8 swimming pools, 2 waterslides, and a splash zone. Check out Dive-in Family Movie Night, which yes, is exactly what it sounds like: watching a movie on a big screen while floating in the pool. The home-style villa accommodations with kitchens and living space are ideal for family vacations. The Canyon Grille is fit for a California-style meal. If you’re feeling like eating in your villa, The Marketplace is stocked with snacks and beverages, like your morning coffee plus the little things you forgot at home like sunscreen. The resort also offers grocery delivery service from The Marketplace.
While it is family-friendly, Welk has an adults-only pool too. Photo Credit: Welk Resorts.
PLAY: Outdoor Activities
Hiking in the preserve offers views of the local flora and fauna, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
Torrey Pines– Located 20 minutes from downtown, between La Jolla and Del Mar, the natural reserve is the place in San Diego to explore the great California outdoors and do some hiking. If you venture onto the steep bluffs, you can witness the yearly whale migration every winter and plenty of dolphins year round. If hiking seems a bit too daunting, you can take a guided nature walk. If you
call ahead and let the park staff know you are coming, the informative walk can be tailored to your interests. Complimentary tours for individuals are offered on weekends at 10am and 2pm. Just don’t plan on a picnic; no food or drink is allowed in an effort to preserve the land.
Black’s Beach,
LaJolla– Yes, we include beach spots often, but we promise this one is different. Let’s just say long picturesque walks on the beach just got a bit more exciting; at Black’s Beach bikinis and boardshorts are optional, (being San Diego’s only nude option). Black’s Beach is no secret to the surfing community– the waves go off here! Surfers flock in droves for the giant swells.
The Panda Trek at the San Diego Zoo.
San Diego Zoo,
Balboa Park– With 100 acres of animal life, we recommend at least a half of day to get acquainted with the zoo. The double decker bus tour gives visitors a 360 degree view of all the exhibits, including the
Honey Badger! The Skyfari tram gives an aerial view of the zoo and surrounding Balboa Park, which is the largest urban park in the country, even larger than
New York City‘s
Central Park. Animal zones include Asia, Africa, and the Arctic. Our favorites: “Panda Canyon” and the new popular Koalas of the “Outback” exhibit –
Koalafornia Dreamin’ – which is open until 9pm through September 2, 2013.
The zoo’s
Global Wildlife Conservatory does research benefiting endangered animals. The GWC is responsible for a significant part of the growth in the
Giant Panda population, along with other species the conservatory focuses effects on.
Koalafornia Exhibit at the San Diego Zoo.
Hey, hey, hey, how about a midweek visit to the San Diego Zoo for humpday?
Salk Institute, La Jolla- As many times as OTPYM has been to San Diego, we just learned about this architectural gem. Salk is a research institute founded by
Dr. Jonas Salk, inventor of the polio vaccine. Aside from the work the institute produces, the institute’s design itself is worth taking a tour. Free tours are offered five days a week, 8:30am to 4pm. Call
Salk Tours to make a reservation.
Abbey & Steve Hoard, San Diego based architects and contributors to OTPYM, took their wedding photos at the Salk Institute overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
