How to Enjoy Weekdays in San Diego
In much of the country, summer has drawn to a close. And for many, September is the beginning of cooler weather, changing leaves, and shorter days. But we’re going to let you in on a little secret: September in San Diego kicks off what we call our unofficial “second summer”. It’s just one of the many things that makes “America’s Finest City” such a great place to visit. Looking to plan the perfect escape with warm summer temperatures, less-crowded beaches and more affordable prices? You may want to consider a midweek escape to Mission Bay. Here’s a sample itinerary for how to enjoy a great weekday stay at the Dana in San Diego.
Morning
If you’re like most, You’ll want to start your day with a breakfast worth getting out of bed for. Thankfully, The Dana has you covered. With our Bay & Breakfast package, you can enjoy a delicious morning meal each day of your stay, either by dropping by to visit us at Firefly Eatery & Bar (which offers a bountiful breakfast buffet 7 days a week), or from the comfort of your room. If you’re raring to get up and at ‘em, and want to grab breakfast in the neighborhood? Our colleagues at Humphreys Half Moon Inn have put together a handy guide to some of San Diego’s best breakfast spots. Either way, your morning starts with a delicious dish, and maybe even a side of bay views.
After breakfast, why not swing by famous Balboa Park? At 1,200 lush acres, it’s one of the largest urban green spaces in the country. It’s also brimming with amazing museums, including the San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, and the San Diego Art Institute. Of course, the world-famous San Diego Zoo is also located inside Balboa, and it’s worth a visit any day of the year. The park is also home to lots of public art. Alternatively, you can check out our recent blog on the best outdoor activities in San Diego, and experience some of the most fun in the sun you can have in “America’s Finest City.”
(Photo: @sandiegozoo)
Mid-Day
Lunchtime in San Diego is another opportunity to explore the city’s famous food scene. And if you’re hungry, we can’t recommend our city’s famous Mexican food culture highly enough. Our proximity to the border means that we have some of the most mouthwatering tacos you’ll find stateside. And if you’re looking for a great place to start, check out the “Best Tacos in San Diego” blog from our sister property Best Western Plus Island Palms. Pick a spot, any spot — it’s impossible to go wrong. We’re big fans of the tacos from our neighbors Sandbar Sports Bar and Grill, just a short jaunt away. Dig into your lunch while you listen to the waves lap the shore.
(Photo: @sandbarsandiego)
Once you’ve got those taco cravings satiated, it’s time to experience San Diego’s amazing beaches. With over 70 miles of coastline, the city has a stretch of beach to fit every lifestyle. Whether you check out the upbeat party vibe of Pacific Beach, the playful seals and serene tide pools of La Jolla Cove, or the shopping and surfing at Ocean Beach, there’s no shortage of waves, sun and sand to discover. Take a look at this handy San Diego Beach Guide from our colleagues at Humphreys Half Moon Inn to get started.
Evening
We’re convinced there’s no better place in the world to enjoy a little oceanfront dining than San Diego. There’s something about watching the sun slip below the horizon while savoring some locally-caught seafood that retains a perennial appeal. We recommend stopping into George’s at the Cove, checking out the rooftop deck at Cannonball, drinking in breathtaking views of the skyline and bay at Island Prime and C-Level Lounge, or joining us for a chef-driven menu of hand-crafted local favorites and craft cocktails around a firepit at our own Firefly Eatery and Bar.
(Photo: @danamissionbay)
After that, it’s time to counteract some of the day’s caloric consumption, and hop over to the city’s original nightlife district to burn off a little steam. The Gaslamp Quarter is where San Diego goes to see and be seen. That’s thanks to its “something for everyone” mix of bars, nightclubs and who-knows-what. Can’t-miss stops include checking out the magnificent Moscow Mules and boot-scooting atmosphere at Double Deuce, hoisting a craft pint at Nason’s Beer Hall, or getting an eyeful of — well, everything at Altitude Sky Lounge. And if you’re looking for a bit of a secret sip, then you’ll want to take a look at one of the hush-hush hangouts in San Diego’s burgeoning speakeasy scene. Rumor has it, you can get a sneak peek by checking out our undercover overview here.
(Photo: @altitudeskylounge)
At The Dana, we love where we live. We have a feeling you will, too — even if all you have is a day to explore. When you’re ready to plan your visit, Check out our Special Offers page to select your favorite San Diego travel deal, and we’ll see you soon!