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My FAB 5 Things to do in San Diego
If you haven’t visited San Diego, California then I highly recommend you add the city to your bucket list. Why? It’s blissful! There’s something for everyone, but I’m going to share 5 of the most fabulous things I experienced during my trip this past September.
Waterfront Hotel
It’s the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for me! Seriously, you don’t have to leave the property because it’s what I call a one-stop vacation spot. Ask for a room with a view to see the beautiful sights of the city and San Diego Bay. Swim in the hotel’s resort-style pools, then grab a Peach Paloma from the outdoor bar (if you like tequila). It’s delicious!
I fell in love with the hotel’s 24-hour gym, mainly because of the Peloton bikes. Yep, I’m a member and a huge fan. Now you can also go for a run or stroll right behind the hotel along the marina and San Diego Bay. Be sure to have some cash or credit on you to stop in the entertainment complex for coffee and more. I’ll tell you about it so keep reading
Resort Fees, I Mean Perks!
Yeah, I know – why is a hotel’s resort fees one of my Fab 5’s?! Simply put, I received more bang for my buck. Well at least at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, their daily $35 resort fee comes with perks. For example, wine tasting, one-hour bike rental, $15 resort credit, one-hour water activity, a fitness class, and more. All are DAILY complimentary benefits for hotel guests. Worth the $35 resort fee, right? If you’re not convinced, a one-hour bike rental would have cost me $20-25 if I had to pay, but I didn’t. I’m just saying!
Opulent Dinner Near La Jolla
For a taste of luxury, literally! Hop in an Uber (like I did) and head about 30 minutes north to Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe. The resort is very secluded, so you won’t see the beauty of the property at night. Now when you arrive to the front entrance of Veladora restaurant, it’s breathtaking. You will walk down a long, well-lit pathway to the hostess like you’re on a red carpet. What gives this restaurant so much elegance is its Mediterranean flare. There’s indoor and outdoor sitting, but I highly recommend gathering around one of the fire pits with your party first, enjoy some vino, and relish in the exquisiteness of the atmosphere. Did I mention Travel + Leisure ranks Rancho Valencia has one of the top U.S. resorts this year? Yup, its number 4! I was able to taste the luxuriousness in just the scallops and amazing red wine (I forgot the name of it, so sorry). I most definitely want to go back to get the full experience of the ritzy resort.
Vibe on the Bay
Remember that complimentary bike rental I took advantage of thanks to Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina? Well, I rode a short distance to Seaport Village which is a waterfront entertainment complex in downtown San Diego. The views of the San Diego Bay are spectacular! There are plenty of places to eat and shop. You might even catch some Live music depending on the day you visit. Now because of all the dining options, I decided by eeny, meeny, miny, moe – and selected Mike Hess Brewing/Quiero Tacos. Some of the best tacos I’ve EVER had! I ate not one, not two, but three Camaron Enchilado tacos. The grilled shrimp, crunchy cheese flour tortilla along with other delicious ingredients, all just melted in my mouth. I washed it down with a flight of 5 beers. Are you surprised? Don’t be! I love a nice cold lager. My favorite 3 of the 5 Mike Hess brews were Steel Beach, Claritas Kolsch, and Komboocha.
Nightlife Vibes
I really didn’t get a chance to do much during this trip in San Diego, but I couldn’t miss Gaslamp Quarter. It’s a vibe! There are several lounges, clubs, and restaurants in the district. I’ve strolled Gaslamp a few times in the past, but this visit was different. Even during the pandemic, businesses have figured out how to maintain the energy in the area. A few streets were blocked off for restaurants to provide covered, heated, outdoor seating in the street. Now if you want to know one of the best cocktails I had in San Diego. It was a Fifth Avenue at Lou & Mickey's. Absolutely divine! The recipe includes: Vodka, lemon juice, muddled strawberry, and basil. Cheers to your first or next trip to ‘America’s Finest City’ better known as San Diego!
