The last in our local weekend getaways series, this month we explore Downtown San Diego, a vibrant city experiencing steady urban renewal with myriad points of interest including Horton Plaza, the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, the East Village, Seaport Village, and more, along with top-notch hotels and restaurants. So pack your weekender and enjoy a mini vacation in America’s Finest City.
Friday:
There’s certainly no shortage of options when it comes to where to stay. Tried and true staples include The Westgate Hotel, The US Grant, W San Diego, The Manchester Grand Hyatt, and the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, to name but a few. And there’s a bevy of new offerings worth checking into as well.
Sè San Diego, a new 23-story premier hotel, offers luxury amenities including the world-class Sé Spa, a rooftop pool and deck, recording studio, private screening room, and more. The hotel’s 184 rooms boast custom-made linens, leather furniture, Jerusalem bone limestone finishes, Brazilian walnut flooring, and Sapelli woods. Consider the “Did Somebody Sé Arts & Culture” package, which includes overnight accommodations in a sleek Cityside guestroom, $200 credit in Suite & Tender Restaurant with guaranteed dinner reservations (turn to page 36 for more information about the restaurant), transfers to and from the cultural event of your choice downtown, and more.
Located just one block from Petco Park, Hotel Indigo is S.D.’s first sustainably-built, LEED-certified hotel. The 210-room property features a rooftop terrace bar with a reflection pool, fire pits, lounge seating, and panoramic views of the city skyline and ballpark. Also, the hotel is perfect for a weekend away with your favorite four-legged friend, as it doesn’t charge additional fees for Fido.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hard Rock Hotel S.D.’s Pinktober philanthropic efforts will raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Throughout the month, a portion of the proceeds from guestrooms outfitted with signature pink sheets, as well as from Maryjane’s Pomegranate Milkshakes and Rock Spa’s Pomegranate Body Scrubs, will go towards BCRF. On October 2, the hotel’s lobby-level 207 bar will host a Pink Party fundraiser. Don your hottest pink attire to walk the pink carpet, and enjoy the sounds of DJ Vice.
The new Hilton San Diego Bayfront offers sweeping views of the city, San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. Its Vela Restaurant explores global coastal cuisines, innovative wine programs, and contemporary interpretations of culinary classics.
Downtown comes alive with cultural offerings at night. Consider dining at your hotel restaurant to save time before heading to your chosen performance.
Broadway San Diego’s performances at Civic Theatre offer The Lion King (October 13 through November 8) and The Ten Tenors Holiday Program (December 8-13).
Under the direction of music director Jahja Ling, San Diego Symphony’s Friday night concerts include A Season Opener with Dvorak & Handel: A Jacobs’ Masterworks Concert (October 2), All Shostakovich: A Jacobs’ Masterworks Concert (October 16), and Mozart’s Requiem: A Jacobs’ Masterworks Concert (October 30).
Although San Diego Opera’s performances don’t begin until January 30, 2010, they’ll be worth the wait — the 45th international season is themed “Season of Desire,” with productions including Puccini’s La boheme, Verdi’s Nabucco, Romeo and Juliet, and La traviata.
If you opt to spend your Friday night at Anthology, take full advantage of everything this superb supper club has to offer. Executive chef Eric Bauer’s fresh culinary approach boasts a menu that highlights the simplicity and authenticity of the region’s finest offerings. Friday night performances include Floyd-Fx and Sirak Baloyan y Su Sonora Antillana (October 2), Shawn Colvin (October 9), Second City (October 16), and a CD release party for Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers (October 23).
If wining, dining, then dancing is more your speed, the Quarter Kitchen at Ivy Hotel’s Dine + Dance promotion includes a three-course $55 prix-fixe menu with selections including Steamed Mussels SoCal Style, Spicy Blackened Hamachi, and more, as well as complimentary entrance into Envy Nightclub and Ivy Rooftop.
Saturday:
There’s so much to do downtown that you’ll have to plan your Saturday wisely. Here are a few of the many attractions worth considering:
The USS Midway Museum offers more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 25 restored aircraft and three flight simulators. A self-guided audio tour, narrated by Midway sailors, brings the carrier’s history to life.
Home of the San Diego Padres, Petco Park is architecturally beautiful and offers state-of-the-art amenities to suit every taste. The season is about to end, and the weekend of October 2-4 features a home game each day, so purchase tickets now.
Or consider Balboa Park’s Reuben H. Fleet Science Center or the world famous San Diego Zoo with its new 7.5-acre Elephant Odyssey exhibit. If marine life is more your thing, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, taking place on weekends throughout the month, invites children to come in costume and enjoy Sesame Street performances, colorful characters, a special sea lion and otter show, and trick-or-treating.
For a splash of spookiness, visit the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundations’ First Annual Dreaded Davis House. Take a tour to learn fun facts about the oldest surviving structure downtown and discover that some of Halloween’s characters may have arrived early.
For the fashionista, expand your shopping horizons with Chic Fashion Tours led by Diana and George Cavagnaro. They’ll guide you to out-of-the way boutiques, introduce you to established and emerging designers, and show you where to find one-of-a-kind gems. Merchants often provide Champagne and nibbles along with store discounts and giveaways. Wind up your tour with lunch, tea, or wine tasting. It’s shopping with a personal touch.
After a day of exploration, a rewarding dinner is on the menu. A surefire bet for an unparalleled mix of delectable cuisine and breathtaking views is the ever-popular Bertrand at Mister A’s (featured on this month’s cover as well as on page 32). For authentic Spanish cuisine, consider Café Sevilla, which offers The Art of Flamenco Dinner Show featuring live Flamenco music and dancing with a delicious three-course meal (reservations are a must). Newbies also worth sampling include El Vitral, offering high-end Mexican cuisine and approximately 200 tequilas; and Alchemy in South Park, which was just voted Best New American in 10News.com’s A-List poll. Be sure to try their Local Avocado & Sweet Corn Salad. Apres dinner, consider the visually intriguing Vin De Syrah, which boasts amazing cheeses, desserts, wine, and spirits in an other-worldly setting.
Sunday:
Golf enthusiasts should rise early and head to Coronado Golf Course, which offers dramatic views of the bridge, the bay, and Hotel Del Coronado. Tee times should be made at least two days in advance.
A plethora of family-fun options also abound. Closed through October 10, The New Children’s Museum will reopen October 11, featuring Animal Art, exploring the powerful relationship between humans and animals. Also on October 11, Little Italy’s Festa celebrates Italian culture (for details see page 22). With its 14 acres of unique shops and waterfront dining, Seaport Village offers face painters, artists, jugglers, and magicians. Sunday afternoons feature a live band from 12-4pm.
Why not end your weekend with romance and relaxation? Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers the Voga Voyage, a unique couples spa experience enjoyed while cruising in an authentic 33-foot Venetian gondola equipped with two professional massage beds. After departing from the resort’s private marina, duos enjoy complimentary Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, and a relaxing 40-minute massage amid cool sea breezes and the gentle rocking of the gondola on the waterways of the Coronado Cays. There’s no better way to recharge your batteries. MIA STEFANKO
Hotels: The Westgate Hotel (619/238-1818, www.westgatehotel.com) The US Grant (619/232-3121, www.usgrant.net) W San Diego (619/398-3100, www.whotels.com/sandiego) The Manchester Grand Hyatt (619/232-1234, www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com) San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina (619/234-1500, www.marriott.com) Se San Diego (619/515-3000, www.sesandiego.com) Hotel Indigo (888/444-0401, www.hotelindigo.com) Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (619/702-3000, www.hardrockhotelsd.com) Hilton San Diego Bayfront (619/564-3333, www.hilton.com/sandiegobayfront) Dinner/Nightlife Options: Anthology (619/595-0300, www.anthologysd.com) Quarter Kitchen (619/814-2000, www.quarterkitchen.com) Bertrand At Mister A’s (619/239-1377, www.bertrandatmisteras.com) Café Sevilla (619/233-5979, www.cafesevilla.com) El Vitral (619/236-9420, www.elvitralrestaurant.com) Alchemy (619/255-0616, www.alchemysandiego.com) Vin De Syrah (619/234-4166, www.syrahwineparlor.com) Culture: Broadway San Diego (619/564-3000, www.broadwaysd.com) San Diego Symphony (619/235-0800, www.sandiegosymphony.com) San Diego Opera (619/533-7000, www.sdopera.com) Anthology (619/595-0300, www.anthologysd.com) Leisure Time: USS Midway Museum (619/544-9600, www.midway.org) Petco Park (619/795-5000, www.mlb.com) Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (619/238-1233, www.rhfleet.org) SeaWorld (619/226-3900, www.seaworld.com) First Annual Dreaded Davis House (619/233-4692, www.gaslampquarter.org) Seaport Village (619/235-4014, www.seaportvillage.com) Coronado Golf Course (619/435-3121, www.golfcoronado.com) The New Children’s Museum (619/233-8792, www.thinkplaycreate.org) Little Italy Festa! (619/233-3898, www.littleitalysd.com) Voga Voyage at Loews Coronado Bay Resort (619/424-4000, www.loewshotels.com) Shopping: Horton Plaza (619/239-8180, www.westfield.com/hortonplaza) Chic Shopping Tours (619/239-4287, www.chicfashiontours.com) The Gaslamp Quarter (619/233-4692, www.gaslampquarter.org) Seaport Village (619/235-4014, www.seaportvillage.com)
