Readers’ Choice Best of Travel 2013

Readers’ Choice Best of Travel 2013

Best Local Hotel: The Grand Del Mar
Ranch & Coast readers are not alone in picking The Grand Del Mar as the area’s best. Travel Advisor ranks the property #1 of the area’s 270 hotels, Yelp scores are five-star, and every independent travel reviewer has been smitten with this magnificent property. From the dramatic Spanish revival architecture to the championship golf and award-winning dining, The Grand Del Mar is an area treasure. 858.314.2000, thegranddelmar.com

Best Destination Hotel: Hotel Del Coronado
Over the years, Coronado has evolved from summer cottages and Navy housing to one of the area’s most desirable neighborhoods and visitor destinations. For the last 125 years, the red turrets that top the dramatic Victorian-inspired Hotel Del have drawn travelers, celebrities, and heads of state to this beachfront property. So when family or friends visit, the Del is easily at the top of the list. 619.435.6611, hoteldel.com

Best Destination Spa: The Spa at La Costa
Most fine resorts have a spa facility on property, but La Costa Resort & Spa is the place our readers choose as the area’s finest. Spa magazine agrees, naming La Costa their number one pick in the United States. From the welcoming courtyard to the newly remodeled coed and separate lounges, reflexology path, waterfalls, and myriad luxurious spa treatments, it’s easy to see the wisdom of this perennial choice. 800.854.5000, lacosta.com

Favorite U.S. Destination: Hawaii
When a U.S. vacation calls, the warm, tropical breezes and relaxed lifestyle of Hawaii beckon. Activities on the islands range from golf on one of Maui’s challenging courses to horseback adventures on Molokai, touring the amazing volcanoes on the Big Island, or just relaxing on the sandy beaches of Oahu.

Favorite Foreign Destination: Italy
The waterways of Venice. The museums of Florence. Espresso and fresh-baked goods in any of Italy’s piazze. When our readers travel abroad, their first choice is Italy with its friendly people, wonderful wine and cuisine, dramatic landscape, and a history that goes back to the roots of civilization.

Travel Destinations On Your Bucket List: Africa
A continent of startling contrasts, Africa is the destination at the top of many bucket lists. You won’t find air conditioned tourist trails or theme parks, but you will discover a landscape and natural history that’s unique and amazing. Fall asleep to the sounds of lions roaring or witness hundreds of flamingos soar aloft from a remote lake – that’s the essence of Africa.

Best Local Air Charter: Schubach Aviation
Henry Schubach’s love of flying and treating customers with exceptional care and an unrivaled safety record created the foundation for San Diego’s largest corporate aircraft fleet. Based in Palomar with facilities and service at Lindberg Field, Schubach offers a wide range of aircraft choices from light to long-range jets, and charter rates to match budgets. It’s a combination that has won our Best of San Diego poll for eight years in a row. 760.929.0307, schubachaviation.com

Best Local Car Dealership: Hoehn Carlsbad
Ranch & Coast readers love their cars, indulging in the best from around the world. And for 38 years, the Hoehn family has established San Diego area’s benchmark for automotive sales and service. Germany’s Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche, England’s Jaguar and Land Rover, Japan’s Infiniti, Acura and Honda along with Cadillac, Buick and GMC from our shores give car buyers a wealth of choices. 888.799.1145, hoehnmotors.com BRIAN DOUGLAS

For more of San Diego’s Best Of 2013:
Arts & Culture
Beauty
Dining
Family
Fashion
Health
Home & Garden
Leisure
Personalities
Pets
Best Restaurants 2013
Editors’ Picks – Best Restaurants 2013