Cool Ways To Beat the Heat in San Diego
San Diego is famous for its warm weather and abundant sunshine — and September and October can be some of the hottest months of the year here. So whether you’re visiting during our warmer season, or you’re from a neighboring state, and looking to escape the current heat waves with a cool coastal getaway, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy. No need to keep yourself locked indoors with the AC on! Looking for tips to beat the summer San Diego heat? Here’s our rundown of the coolest ways to cool down and enjoy the waterfront summer vacation you deserve at The Dana.
Hit the Beach
There might be no better place to go on a hot, sunny day than the beach. Thankfully, San Diego is home to some of the best shorelines in the country! From world-famous surf spots to dog-friendly beaches to popular stretches of sand lined with boardwalks, bars, and boutiques, there’s a beach for everybody. And if you’re looking to get active, you even have fun options like Jetpacking, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and parasailing available in the area!
Discover Mission Bay
Coastal beaches certainly get a lot of love, but San Diego is also home to beautiful bays that deserve just as much attention. The Dana’s home of Mission Bay in particular is the perfect place to enjoy gorgeous views and spectacular water sports. Adventure Water Sports (located at The Dana) is your one-stop shop for all kinds of water-sports rentals, including boats, jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, aqua bikes, and more. Cool off, get some exercise, and explore San Diego on the water.
Chill Out at SeaWorld
(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)
SeaWorld San Diego is known around the world for its impressive animal exhibits, spectacular shows, and interactive educational programs. One of the best parts about the park? It’s almost all outdoors, meaning this is a great place to enjoy a beautiful day in San Diego. If the mercury climbs, just take a ride on Shipwreck Rapids — as long as you don’t mind getting a little wet! Then, feel the wind in your hair on their new Arctic Rescue Roller Coaster — the fastest and longest straddle coaster on the West Coast! You can even cool your heels inside a recreation of an Arctic environment at the park’s Penguin Encounter. Best of all, if you’re staying with us at The Dana, then you’ll be within walking distance of the park, and we offer a shuttle as well!
500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (1 mile away)
Beach House Tequila & Taqueria
If you want to combine your beach trip with some excellent drinks, dining and day parties, then the famous (and nearby!) Beach House is the place for you. Located less than a mile away on the Mission Beach boardwalk (and adjacent to Belmont Park), this neighborhood hot spot features outdoor tiki bars, fire pits, and cabanas — making it the perfect place for relaxing day and at night. Delicious food, tropical drinks, live music, and DJ sets are all on the menu here.
3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109 (1.1 miles away)
Summer Ice Skating at UTC Ice
When it really is just too hot to be outdoors, then a trip to UTC Ice is the perfect respite. This indoor ice-skating rink is located inside the beautiful Westfield UTC Shopping Center, and is sure to keep you cool. You can bring your own skates, or avail yourself of the on-site rentals available. You’ll forget all about the heat as you glide gracefully across the glassy-smooth surface of one of the best-maintained rinks in the country.
4545 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 (9.9 miles away)
Visit Waterfront Parks…
If you want to explore another beautiful bay, a visit to Waterfront Park on San Diego Bay should be on your “to-do” list. This gorgeous green space is located right on the Embarcadero, within easy walking distance of Little Italy and the Gaslamp District. You’ll find large grassy areas, interactive fountains, themed garden rooms, jungle gyms, and serene picnic areas. Not only does this park offer panoramic views of San Diego Bay, but it also plays host to some of the biggest music & food festivals in town, as well as a “summer in the park“ movie series. If you’re looking for a nice spot to spend the day with the family, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park is also a great choice. This 500-acre park is great for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Pack a picnic basket and get ready for a pleasant day in the great outdoors.
1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 (6.5 miles away)
3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA 91902 (21 miles away)
…And Theme Parks
(Photo: @sesameplaceca)
San Diego is widely known as the place to find the world’s best theme parks! In addition to the aforementioned SeaWorld San Diego, here is also where you’ll discover Sesame Place — a delightful destination for all ages featuring all the charm of Sesame Street. Visitors will discover rides, shows, amazing food, a daily parade, pictures with the characters, and even a picture-perfect reproduction of Sesame Street itself. If you’re looking for a great day out a little closer to our hotel, San Diego visitors should also consider a stop at Belmont Park. Belmont is a classic beachfront boardwalk-style park that’s home to fun, food, games and rides, including the famous Giant Dipper Coaster, one of the west coast’s most famous thrills.
Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (1.1 miles away)
Sesame Place, 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911 (22 miles away)
Stay Cool With Summer Sips and Dive-In Movies at The Dana
If you’re staying with us at The Dana on Mission Bay, you’ve already made the “cool” choice! Our breezy bayside hotel features two sparkling pools perfect for splashing around and lounging the day away. We also host Dive-In Movie Nights every day at 7pm, where we screen family-friendly flicks that you can enjoy right from our Tropical Pool. Still need more reason to reserve? Then check out our summer activities page, and learn more about our Saturday popsicle social hour, wine tastings, and the summer food and cocktail specials at Firefly Eatery and Bar.
When you’re ready to plan, take a look at our Special Offers page, and choose the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you.