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Arizona plates have already taken over San Diego highways, which means only one thing – it’s the unofficial start to summer.

But this summer will be different than the rest as quite possibly the most highly anticipated hotel in America is set for a soft opening May 15th, followed by the official blue-ribbon cutting the following days.

A whopping $1.3 billion was spent to bring not only the largest hotel on the West Coast, but the first-ever resort to Chula Vista, a lesser-known city sandwiched between San Diego and the Mexico border, and one of the last remaining swaths of untouched land in Southern California for a secluded, paradisal escape.

As many vacationers seek out ritzy stays in Coronado and Del Mar and family-friendly fun in San Diego’s Mission Beach, it’s actually Chula Vista that’s destined to be California’s new summer vacation hotspot with the grand opening of Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center.

Chula Vista? Where?

Most often, San Diego tourists stay central in and around Balboa Park or venture west to nearby beaches or north to small beach towns or Legoland in Carlsbad, but few tourists even consider Chula Vista unless they’re passing through to have a wild night in Tijuana just across the border.

South Bay, as it’s known, hasn’t been a particular draw to outsiders unless they’ve seen a viral taco stand on TikTok, experienced a classic drive-in theater, or wanted to see the famous “wall”.

Chula Vista boasts a beautiful bay with lush green parks and a vibrant marina, but no proper beaches. Imperial Beach, the southernmost beach in the U.S., is more known for its hazardous conditions due to sewage run-off from Mexico rather than how its postcard boardwalk and the only other South Bay beach, Silver Strand, is a state-run beach with entry fees, and even so, there’s nothing the state can do to temper bacteria from spreading north.

As such, the South Bay didn’t have much of a selling point until this month. In fact, the most notable selling point before the Gaylord’s soon-to-be grand opening is Seven Mile Casino, a couple of blocks away, which gets its name from the 7-mile drive to downtown San Diego.

So, the Gaylord is actually one of the most convenient resorts to San Diego vacationers despite being in a different city.

“This is Chula Vista’s decade. We will have billions of dollars invested in the Chula Vista Bayfront over the next several years […] and we’ll be doing a substantial upgrade on dining, designing, and amenities that the city has never had before.

– Chula Vista Mayor, John McCann

The Gaylord Pacific: A Destination Unto Itself

According to San Diego Magazine, the Gaylord Pacific is set to debut 12 restaurants. Unfortunately, it’s not all-inclusive, but guests will have an array of options from the dry-aged experts at Old Hickory Steakhouse with sweeping bay views, sushi to-go at Taiyo so you snack poolside or fuel up for a sunny day spent floating the lazy river, and even Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom, boasting a 75-foot tv screen to watch the big game in peace away from noisy kiddos.

Gaylord has something for everyone, but it’s definitely family-friendly, with its 4+ acre water park featuring slides, a wave pool, and a massive water playground.

Not that you would ever want to leave the resort grounds, just last month, Sweetwater Park reopened to the public with miles of pedestrian walkways and bikeways lining the scenic bayside — the perfect place to take in the sunset if you don’t care to make the 20 minute drive to San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs.

The Gaylord offers a wide range of accommodations, from standard rooms with mountain, marina, or Pacific views to 89 spacious suites, including the posh Presidential Suite with an ocean-view balcony worth the sky-high price alone.

Grand opening weekend rates are as low as $350 per night, while mid-summer rates are in the $500s.

What Else To Do In Chula Vista

As a resident of Chula Vista, I have to say I love living here! Out of all the places I’ve lived in San Diego County, this city is my favorite.

Rather than follow the tourists who flood the Gaslamp Quarter, check out Chula Vista’s Third Avenue District, a pint-sized drag of breweries, dive bars, cafes, food trucks, taco shops, and my favorite restaurant in the city, Lime in the Coconut.

Eating in Chula Vista is a loophole for your tastebuds to enjoy authentic flavors of Baja without needing a passport. There are numerous hole-in-the-wall taco stands serving Tijuana-style tacos and mulas like famous Tacos El Gordo, or you can compare Jalisco flavors to Baja’s with newly-opened El Pastor Del Rica, owned by champion boxer Canelo Alvarez.

But Chula Vista isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a highly underrated place to explore the outdoors. The further East you go, the more you’ll want to come back to the coast to cool off during the summer months.

One of my favorite local secrets is Mountain Hawk Park in the Eastlake neighborhood of Chula Vista.

It boasts panoramic Otay Lake views backdropped by the staggering Otay Mountain range.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 21 hours ago

Sunny San Diego. Well, most of the time…

“America’s Finest City” isn’t immune to occasional rain showers and a couple of months of gray skies. Vacationers are often disappointed by “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” as locals have dubbed them.

Besides checking the weather forecast, there are 4 exciting new things every traveler needs to know when visiting San Diego in 2025.

First, you might want to double-check the airport you’re flying into.

Second, before booking your stay, there’s a pair of lavish new ‘firsts’ hitting San Diego shores.

Lastly, crossing into Mexico is about to get a whole lot easier. You can bypass the ‘busiest border in the world’ without stepping foot in neighboring Tijuana – and no, it’s not locals’ favorite travel loophole, the Cross Border Xpress.

So, without further ado, here are 4 exciting things travelers should know when visiting San Diego in 2025:

1) American Airlines Now Flies To Carlsbad

San Diego is often categorized into 4 quadrants: North County, Central, East County and South Bay.

As such, sometimes visitors miss out on North County’s delights, given the headache-inducing traffic through a cluster of pristine beach towns.

Well, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore, especially since Carlsbad, in particular, should be a destination city in its own right.

McClellan-Palomar Airport is reopening for commercial traffic, where American Airlines is betting big on Carlsbad’s potential with the first and only flight (for now) set to launch February 13th from Phoenix.

Located less than half an hour from Orange County and roughly 40 minutes from San Diego’s main attractions, Carlsbad can be used as a gateway to other cool spots or your base as it’s home to beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and LEGOLAND, a popular spot for families who don’t want to deal with all that comes with giggly oversized rodents of Anaheim.

Travel Tip: American Airlines now also flies nonstop to Tijuana, the city’s only U.S.-based airline.

2) Avoid LEGOLAND Crowds! San Diego’s First Adults-Only Resort

On second thought, if you’re not traveling with the kiddos in tow and prefer to avoid the under-18 bunch altogether, there’s exciting news just for you.

A few miles down I-5 lies the coastal paradise of Encinitas, home to numerous celebrities hiding out from Hollywood (smart move!), a close-knit surfers community, and multiple stunning beaches such as one of my favorites, Moonlight Beach.

What you may not know is Encinitas is home to Alila Marea Beach Resort, which is transforming into San Diego’s sole adults-only resort.

As such, could there be a better re-opening date than Valentine’s Day? Just don’t come back home with a bun in the oven…

Kinda defeats the purpose, no?

3) A New Era of Tourism With Chula Vista’s Inaugural Resort

Chula Vista is typically way off tourists’ radar and more often seen as one of the best San Diego County cities to score cheap(er) rent.

Heck, that’s what got me to move here! Honestly, Chula Vista has been a pleasant surprise with scenic mountain-view parks, an underrated downtown, and endless Tijuana-style taco shops without having to step across the border.

Soon, Chula Vista will be casting San Diego’s often-overlooked South Bay in the spotlight with the grand opening of the city’s first-ever resort, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, boasting 1,600 rooms and 12 restaurants and bars.

Gaylord scored prime real estate as this area is the last frontier of San Diego’s untouched shores along Chula Vista’s San Diego Bay, with epic coastal views facing west over popular vacation spot Coronado.

According to local news source NBC 7, there will be a soft opening in mid-May, followed by an official grand opening in July.

4) Skip The Border! New Direct Ferry Into Mexico’s “Napa”

I go to Tijuana every month. Despite having a SENTRI card, crossing the border can still be a grind, which is often a deterrent for fellow Californians and tourists alike who want to see what Northern Baja is all about.

Plus, Tijuana has a sketchy reputation. Not everyone wants to take that chance. The neighboring town of Tecate (yes, that Tecate you might have in your fridge) is widely considered much safer, serving as a gateway into Mexico’s gorgeous Valle de Guadalupe, commonly dubbed Mexico’s “Napa”.

Stretching from Tecate to Ensenada is the Ruta del Vino, a scenic wine route passing numerous vineyards, luxe resorts, and bucket-list Airbnbs.

While most Americans start their wine adventures in Tecate, a new direct ferry capable of carrying up to 330 passengers from San Diego is set to change that.

Slated to launch in May (if necessary tests go according to plan in April), the Azteca Ferry will give travelers the ultimate loophole to bypass the hectic border, which often has 3-hour wait times at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Tickets are not sale as of yet, but last we reported prices were expected in the $100 range. However, there is a schedule posted on Azteca Ferries’ website:

Travel tip: If you complete the whole Ensenada – Tecate wine route, I can’t recommend 4-star Santuario Diegueño enough to rest up and enjoy sensational eats at on-site restaurant, Asao.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 2 weeks ago

Southern California has quite literally had a hellacious week as out-of-control fires have ravaged Los Angeles.

While there are certainly a lot of question marks about what went wrong and how better to handle future disasters, over-regulations and bureaucratic nonsense are no strangers to the “Golden State,” no matter which side of the fence you stand politically.

We first announced last summer San Diego’s alternate airport was reopening their doors to the public after previously failed ventures, but it turns out we jumped the gun…slightly.

Being a 10-year San Diego resident, I should’ve known better before reporting such news, as anything fresh, new, and exciting within California’s borders often comes with contingencies.

As such, it’s now a new year and San Diego County just got around to approving commercial flights to San Diego’s new alternative airport – and no, it’s not locals’ favorite Tijuana loophole. That’s old news.

American Airlines Is Coming To Carlsbad

When we first revealed the surprising news that Carlsbad’s McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) was reopening doors to the public, many of you chimed in with mixed feelings.

It begs the question, one, if it’s necessary, and two, will it be a game-changer?

If you’re unaware, Carlsbad is a very family-friendly, soccer-mom beach town sandwiched roughly 40 minutes north of San Diego proper and just 25 minutes from Orange County.

In recent years, local businessman Ted Vallas had lofty dreams for California Pacific Airlines to anchor CLD with regional flights to such places as Vegas and Oakland, but flying out of Carlsbad on a no-name carrier never caught on.

Having launched a year or two before the pandemic, chances are this grand venture would’ve ceased operations anyway.

Nowadays, CLD only serves Advanced Air seasonally to Mammoth Lakes and JSX, a public charter making a name for itself on social media as a new, trendy concept.

As you see, CLD has long missed out on major players. That will soon change in February when American Airlines enters the chat, a historic first for SoCal and even more so for Carlsbad.

Is Flying To/From Carlsbad Worth It?

Perhaps others disagree, but I’ve seen hyping up Carlsbad and San Diego’s other cluster of northern beach towns for years as go-to destinations in their own right.

Carlsbad has more than enough to make your base with high-end resorts like one of my favorites, Park Hyatt Aviara, and more kiddo-friendly LEGOLAND for those who have never felt the pain of stepping on a Lego and who think Disneyland is a bit too overwhelming.

Not to mention the small-town charm of Carlsbad Village, teeming with popular local eats, swim trunk-appropriate bars, and even more resorts along Southern California’s famous shores.

So, will people fly directly here, or is it worth dealing with San Diego International Airport’s ongoing construction headaches?

Well, the ladder won’t go on forever, and America has only committed to dipping its toe in the water with one route to Phoenix launching on February 13.

Plus, Orange County is home to John Wayne Airport (SNA) with many more flights, so you’re not exactly finding a loophole by flying into Carlsbad.

What Are The Benefits?

It all boils down to what you want to do. If you’re the type who wants a taste of city life and to check off San Diego’s bucket list attractions like the world-famous zoo, maybe fly to San Diego.

If you want to check out San Diego’s quintessential beach towns with fewer tourists and more of a local feel, Carlsbad is your best bet to visit not only Carlsbad itself but also local gems like Solana Beach and Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

There’s one type of traveler who will benefit the most – both California and Arizona road trippers.

Each state hates seeing each other’s license plates across state lines, and it’s fair to say driving each way across the desert becomes monotonous.

More flights to the San Diego region and Arizona’s sole metropolis makes weekend getaways more efficient, plus more connectivity to one of American’s main hubs since San Diego isn’t as connected as LA.

For example, flying through Phoenix was a life-saver for me on Thanksgiving Day after my flight was canceled.

With no other options to turn to, there was one flight left with a layover in Phoenix, ultimately connecting me to my final destination.

Albeit, this was American’s other new nonstop route to Phoenix out of Tijuana, but the same premise applies.

I would have much rather flown out of Carlsbad to avoid the hassle of customs, so if anything, Carlsbad serves as a great lifeline for last-minute schedule changes.

Regardless, time will tell if Carlsbad becomes a new hotspot. History says no, but CLD has never had a cornerstone of American Airlines’ magnitude.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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San Diego continues on a record-breaking tear as one of the best vacation destinations in America.

Why wouldn’t it be?

Those with the West Coast on the brain resort to ‘America’s Finest City’ for their vacation needs over the controversies of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Boasting gorgeous beach towns from Coronado to Oceanside, San Diego County is teeming with paradisal escapes, but even the city itself can be overlooked in favor of the world-famous San Diego Zoo, a tourist hotspot, Mission Beach, and wild nights out in the Gaslamp District.

Truth is, you don’t have to spend boring nights in tourists’ number one mistake, Hotel Circle, or overpay for beachside stays to have an unforgettable time in SoCal’s shining star.

If there’s one knock on San Diego, it’s the fact this city doesn’t seem to know what a proper island is, often naming scenic peninsulas as ‘islands’, such as aforementioned Coronado, as well as local favorites, Shelter Island and Harbor Island.

The latter is mere steps from under-construction San Diego International Airport and home to a resort-style retreat with more posh amenities than a typical ‘airport hotel’.

Offering unmatched views of San Diego’s vibrant skyline and the calm, gleaming waters of the San Diego Bay, there’s no doubt the newly renovated Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is the perfect anchor for your next vacation.

Plus, you can watch planes land from your balcony without losing any sleep!

There Couldn’t Be A Better Base To Explore San Diego

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina has 2 towers on their surprisingly expansive grounds. I say this because you could easily swap “hotel” for “resort” in their name, especially with the current $60 food & beverage credit at Rumorosa, their Baja-inspired restaurant.

If you’re an avid San Diego vacationer and haven’t stayed here, you’ve been missing out. Located directly across from San Diego International Airport, these resort-style digs beat out all the hotels in the vicinity, including where my girlfriend works (shh! don’t tell her!).

From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. There was even a surprise of sinfully delicious macarons delivered to my spacious suite as a kind welcome gift.

If you’re new to Travel Off Path, you know we’re all about ‘no fluff’. So, when I say this was the most comfortable room I’ve stayed in recent memory, I mean it!

To put that in perspective, I just got back from a 6-country Euro-trip and stayed at multiple 4-star hotels and 5-star resorts.

Here, I was assigned a renovated King Suite on the 10th floor with sweeping skyline views and peripheral glimpses of the calm San Diego Bay – not to mention the surprisingly quiet airport, given the location.

Oh, wait. That was just the living room balcony. The bedroom balcony had even better views of the bay and a soothing, salty breeze as well.

Overlooking the cityscape, you’ll gain an appreciation for your prime location. Whether it’s simply a stopover, a weekend getaway, or a full-fledged vacation, you’re in the right place.

A 5-minute drive puts you in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Little Italy. While it’s certainly not Rome, your tastebuds won’t know that while chowing down at Mona Lisa.

Little Italy is a sub-section of downtown, also home to the always buzzing Gaslamp Quarter with over 200 bars and restaurants.

Equally easy to reach, but in the opposite direction is Point Loma, one of my favorite districts, where you can discover all the delights of Liberty Station, former Naval housing converted into trendy restaurants, breweries, and even a 9-hole golf course fun for the whole fam.

But just outside the Sheraton is Harbor Island (ahem, peninsula), offering quite possibly the best city views of San Diego along with 2 renowned restaurants at each end, Tom Yam’s Lighthouse and Coasterra.

Oh, and last but not least, Balboa Park, home to a plethora of awesome museums, hiking trails, and the ever-so-famous San Diego Zoo, plus the closest beach, Ocean Beach, are both only an 11-minute drive.

A Taste Of Baja & Waterfront Brews

Any time you visit a Mexican restaurant, there are 2 things to test its authenticity. Order Tajin-rimmed Margaritas followed by guac, amirite?

If that’s a no-go, you’re in the wrong place. Thankfully, Sheraton’s Rumorosa passed the test before we ordered entrees, and our experience was leveled up from there.

Next up, we had to put ‘Baja’ to the test, so you know we ordered the Local Baja Ceviche (also on the Happy Hour menu,) and it was just as good as anywhere south of the border – and I visit Tijuana a lot!

We went slightly off-kilter for entrees by ordering Braised Beef Short Rib. It was still cooked to perfection, just not quite exuding ‘Baja’ vibes.

That being said, the best place to kick back and relax was newly opened Brewery X, offering a wide selection of craft beers and a great waterfront patio overlooking the adjacent marina, where you can enjoy nice strolls, book a jet ski, or indulge in ‘Sunset S’mores‘.

Just know the hard seltzers have a high alcohol content and sneak up on you! A couple of Shhh Wheat drafts and Huckleberry seltzers, tasty Dirty Fries were a great way to watch football with our friendly beertender.

If beers were slightly cheaper than the standard $10 pours, as a San Diegan, Brewery X would be my new go-to spot to watch my beloved Dallas Cowboys lose again…and again…and again.

It’s truly a great atmosphere whether you’re a hotel guest or not.

Note: There’s also Sunglow Cabana Bar accompanying the pool, but we were told it was closed during our stay.

Airport Convenience

To be frank, San Diego’s airport is a bit of a fustercluck right now. If you time it right, you won’t be bothered by the constant construction projects, but that’s never a guarantee.

In fact, I wrote an article earlier this year highlighting the ongoing headaches. While it has seemed to improve, the final product isn’t close to the finish line.

The next phase is a partial opening of Terminal 1 in Summer 2025, but the entirety isn’t expected to be complete until an undisclosed 2028 date.

This just adds one more reason (as if you needed one) to stay at Sheraton, where you could literally walk to your flight if you wanted to, but taking their free shuttle from 4:45 AM – 12:00 AM is a wiser decision.

As a local who passes by the airport frequently, I know traffic hasn’t been as bad as it was in early 2024. However, as a precaution, just know when it’s bad it’s realllyyyyy baaadddd.

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 3 months ago

San Diego hasn’t been all it’s cracked up to be in 2024.

Locals and tourists alike become mesmerized by the sheer beauty of ‘America’s Finest City’, but that’s only because they can’t see the bacteria permeating through many of the beaches in the area, including some flocked by tourists.

Beach closures have been constant, stretching from the Tijuana border, the vacation hotspot of Coronado, to San Diego’s own beautiful shores.

Factor in the hassle of airport construction and unenforced homelessness laws, and I’m happy to report a bright spot in San Diego rather than rip the city a new one.

The good news is that San Diego is much larger than given credit for, so there’s more than meets the eye in terms of the negative aspects.

Oftentimes, nearby LA casts such a large shadow that it may seem to shrink the rest of Southern California like a Rick Moranis movie.

Located in ‘North County’ as locals say, Carlsbad is truly one of San Diego County’s best kept secrets despite being home to more than 100,000 people, but the secret is coming out with a newly opened airport.

I recently perused the delightful Carlsbad Villages district; expect minimal homeless encampments, clean, pristine beaches, and perhaps the most enjoyable resort minutes away from the heart of town.

5-star Park Hyatt Aviara is the perfect blissful retreat away from the rush of San Diego’s tourist season.

Relax and recharge absorbing some of the region’s most scenic landscapes and treat yourself to a world-class spa, immaculate award-winning restaurants, or 18 holes on golf legend Arnold Palmer’s only SoCal course.

San Diego’s Most Luxurious Hideaway

Take ‘hideaway’ literally. I’ve lived in San Diego for 10 years and never knew such a lavish resort existed in Carlsbad.

While it’s certainly not alone in terms of luxurious stays in this underrated beach city, Aviara stands out the most now that I know how great it is to stay here.

Formerly a Four Seasons property, the hotel was hit hard during the dark days of Covid and, like many of us did, they seized the opportunity to reset, and man, did they succeed!

While the aesthetic still appears Four Seasons-esque, adding some new and improved touches made this resort even more of a draw, like the expanded courtyard, one of the prettiest aspects of Aviara.

Perhaps this is why celebrities have Aviara pinned as their top San Diego resort, such as Janet Jackson and Tony Hawk, the latter of which just happened to be here when I visited.

It’s easy to see why the rich and famous come here for some R & R. The resort oozes exclusivity being tucked away on a long winding driveway nowhere near the hustle and bustle, even for Carlsbad’s generally laid-back vibes.

I’m not ashamed to say I’m a no-name travel writer, but even I had to keep my ego in check with how important all the friendly staff made me feel, which isn’t something you can say for every resort.

I felt like the center of attention all around from the front desk check-in, valet drivers, to the exquisite restaurants’ wait staff.

Not to mention being chauffeured around site to site in a brand new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, a far cry from other resorts’ typical beaten-down vans.

There are only 6 Park Hyatts in America, but Aviara knocks this one out of the park providing a blissful luxurious escape, no better place to feel unbothered in this slice of SoCal paradise.

A Family-Friendly Resort With Adults’ Sanity In Mind

Anyone who has splurged on vacation knows one of the best and worst parts of resorts is loud booger-pickin’ kids running rampant when you’re just trying to relax.

Best being it’s great for parents, worst being they’re not your children.

Park Hyatt Aviara is the best of both worlds, which makes sense due to Carlsbad’s family-friendly allure boasting LEGOLAND, the popular Carlsbad Premium Outlets and sunny spacious beaches.

Whether you’re activating Vacation Mode or Staycation Mode, adults won’t lose their minds from screaming kids running wild as Aviara has all the bases covered, including being a pet-friendly resort with fun events like Paws at the Park.

But families can have a blast together too. Despite being a golfer’s dream destination, you don’t even have to step outside to hit the links with the Topgolf Swing Suite indoors – super fun for all ages and a lot cheaper than playing 18 holes.

Featuring two grand pools on-site, one is catered for families, while the other is a picture-perfect oasis for 18-and-uppers.

The family pool, as we’ll call it, is a kiddo’s dream come true. The pool itself is massive, but the big prize is the neighboring mini-waterpark with a pair of fun slides crashing into a separate pool.

And yes, a lifeguard is on duty so you can turn off ‘Mom and Dad mode’ and enjoy a cocktail.

The kids were having the time of their lives, which was my cue as a 34-year-old childless man to walk a short distance to the adults-only pool—the highlight of my stay.

I’ve been to numerous resorts and some pools can be a disappointment, but not this one. My one small gripe would be the ‘18+’ rule wasn’t entirely enforced.

Overall, sitting poolside with a pitcher (yes, a pitcher!) of margs overlooking vast rolling hills and picturesque lagoons couldn’t be better.

Better yet, there’s a secret jacuzzi for even more privacy and was rarely used by anyone else.

It truly felt as if I reserved it for my own personal use for stargazing over the Batiquitos Lagoon, essentially forgetting my spacious King Room was equipped with its own hot tub.

Renting private cabanas was also an option. Since the pool was relatively crowd-free, I didn’t see a purpose, especially since rates are not clear-cut, changing daily.

Ember And Rye Is Back And Better Than Ever!

Backed by celebrity chef and all-around good guy, Richard Blais, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, Ember & Rye is my new go-to splurge for date nights.

‘Staycation’ or not, a 45-minute drive from my apartment is worth every drop of California’s overpriced fuel.

Recently revamped after an unfortunate fire accident, this ‘steakhouse of sorts’ is back, better than ever, and all sorts of incredible from the award-winning wine list to melt-in-your-mouth steak.

Better yet, the menu hits every price point up to the sinful A5 Japanese Wagyu, which…no words…it doesn’t get any better.

I could write a separate article on how this should be the most hyped restaurant in SoCal. Richard, hit me up!

Although, if you’re more into ‘sorts’, the Veal Chop with green blueberry capers (yep! you read that right!) was phenomenal.

Ember and Rye is not alone, however. Don’t skip out on Ponto Lago, rounding out Aviara’s dynamic culinary duo.

Most conveniently located to your room, this impeccable restaurant highly touted by Forbes Travel Guide served up a mean ‘Baja’ brunch available on Sundays.

Tip: when dining at Ember & Rye, ask for patio seating. The amazing views rival Aviara’s adults-only pool and as summer nights cool down, they offer cozy fire pits.

Aviara’s Mind, Body, & Soul: 50 Minutes Of Pure Serenity

If you’re the type who loves to pamper themselves at lavish resorts, perhaps you’re aware of the Miraval brand.

Park Hyatt Aviara is home to the only Miraval spa in California, Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara.

Full disclosure: be prepared to fork over a pretty penny. The prices were quite shocking.

After scouring the menu up and down and enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne, I chose to book something I’ve enjoyed in the past, but am by no means an expert, so bear with me…

I am new to the sound bath game, but my Sacred Sounds Himalayan Bowl Massage guided by aromatherapy, breathwork, and vibrational sound therapy was eye-opening and just what I needed to calm my mind as a ‘work-a-holic’.

Accompanied by a full-body massage, my physical ailments melted away by minute 50. The Himalayan sound bowl evoked a sense of calm, only intensifying my desire to dive deeper into the spiritual realm of this trendy meditative service.

Aviara does offer a 24/7 fitness center as well with various classes, such as yoga. It may seem like a small touch, but the fact they offer cold towelettes post-workout was another level of bliss.

Tip: Ask for Kerri at Miraval. She did an incredible job as my massage therapist making sure I was comfortable and at ease the whole service.

_{Travel Off Path was a guest of Park Hyatt Aviara, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.}

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 2 months ago

San Diego is known for having that quintessential SoCal vibe we’ve all seen in the movies.

While ‘America’s Finest City’ is just that – a fine city – there are ample scenic beach towns dotting the seemingly endless coastline filled with your typical dude-bro surfers and skateboarders.

But don’t fret! You can easily escape the ‘bruh’ this and ‘bruh’ that and hand signals with their pinky and thumb extended.

There are more ways to hang loose than catching waves and grinding handrails.

Most tourists set their sights for San Diego’s prime beachside real estate, but those who do are actually doing themselves a disservice by missing out on a slice of Mediterranean paradise away from the all-but-guaranteed packed beaches. (Although, crowds tend to dwindle down in fall)

Perhaps you’ve heard of Del Mar, a ritzy little beach town roughly 20 minutes from San Diego proper where celeb sightings are common and the average home costs $2.725 million – yes, that’s not a typo.

The average traveler’s beach home dreams may come to a screeching halt here, but splurging on a well-deserved vacation should never be out of the question.

Nestled inland amongst rolling hills and vast canyons lies the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, a lavish 5-star hotel oozing Mediterranean vibes, where adults can blissfully recharge by day, and indulge in Southern California’s only 3-star Michelin restaurant by night.

As a recent guest, I can’t recommend staying here enough. And if you must go to the beach, Del Mar’s pristine beaches are less than 15 minutes away.

No Passport Needed: Let The Mediterranean Come To You

Upon arriving, you’re glued to Fairmont Grand’s pure elegance as if every throw pillow, every cocktail glass, and every glistening chandelier are meticulously placed to exude class and luxury at every turn.

Fairmont Grand describes themselves on their website as a ‘Mediterranean estate’, which is certainly an understatement feeling more reminiscent of San Diego’s version of the Alhambra.

I walked the entire grounds multiple times, and while not classified as a “resort” per se, many aspects feel like one.

Home to multiple pools, a globally renowned golf course, and world-class 5-star spa honored by Forbes, this is the ultimate place to unwind all without even feeling like you’re in San Diego; at least how it’s often portrayed.

I booked a King Room overlooking the adults-only pool (more to come on that!) and was delighted to see how spacious it was. Even 5-star hotels can skimp on breathing room from time to time, but not here!

The bathroom alone felt bigger than my whole apartment and the gold-accented European-style soaking tub was the icing on the cake.

Not to mention, the mattress was truly heavenly, the complimentary coffee better than Starbucks, and the secluded balcony was surprisingly peaceful for a poolside room.

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to the cap the day than enjoying the cool evening breeze on the patio while catching up on reading and writing articles for you on their speedy wifi (you’re welcome!).

A Family-Friendly Hotel With A Private Haven For Adults

Remember in Dumb and Dumber when Lloyd attempted to make the ‘most annoying sound in the world’?

Well, for some of us, it’s whatever Jim Carrey’s dissonant vocal cords blurted out, and for others, like me, it’s the sound of screaming children…or my ex’s weird TikToks, but that’s a different story…

Kids can be a lot of fun and deserve a vacation like anyone else, but adults-only pools are a whole other level of peace, amirite?

Fairmont Grand Del Mar boasts 4 heated pools, but the 1 adults-only pool is free of kids running rampant and miserable parents realizing they need another vacation while on vacation.

Plus, the service was top notch from setting up my cushy lounge chair, offering complimentary sunscreen, to serving an ice cold Mexican cerveza poolside.

Accompanied by an equally blissful secluded hot tub, the adults-only pool lived up to the name. I’ve been to other hotels where staff turn a blind eye to obviously obnoxious teenagers invading my quiet zone, but this was truly an adults-only haven.

Although, most impressive was how spotlessly clean the entire hotel was – a rarity for a kid-friendly and pet-friendly stay.

If the grown-ups need a safe space for the kiddos, check out the Explorer’s Club.

Whether You Rest Your Head Here Or Not, You Must Eat Here!

San Diego is one of the best foodie destinations in America, but dining at Fairmount Grand levels up your tastebuds.

Home to Addison, Southern California’s only 3-star Michelin restaurant, along with Amaya, a fabulous restaurant where Paris meets SoCal, you can’t go wrong.

Although, Addison’s twilight views are arguably as grand as their menus. Diner be warned, though, Addison is so sought-after you will need book a reservation well in advance, which can be done here on OpenTable.

The nearest open availability I could find is over a month away for a late 9pm dinner, for example.

Amaya, however, is not at all a bad alternative, where I had an incredible dinner to remember from savory appetizers like the Burgandy Escargot Vol Au Vent to locally sourced wine for dessert – yeah, you read that right.

The star of the show was the ‘Chef’s Special’, not even listed on the already impressive menu. So impressive in fact, the waiter had to make 4 trips before we decided what we wanted to order.

The imported Dover Sole was divine and cooked to perfection, so special thanks to our friendly, knowledgeable server, Ignacio, for the recommendation!

My girlfriend and I couldn’t stop raving about how amazing our meal was as we strolled through the beautiful grounds with a post-meal glass of wine in hand.

Their wine selection was extensive and so well incorporated with their impeccable cuisine that we opted for another round over dessert since Amaya allows guests to take wine to-go.

See? ‘Adulting’ really is another level here!

Tip: if ordering the Steak Tartare, ask for the ‘parmesan espuma’ on the side for the perfect bite paired with quite possibly the best bread I’ve ever had!

Horsing Around: Fairmont‘s Fun Activities

Fairmont Grand is a popular golf getaway, but there’s far more to do than hit the links. However, if you’re not avid golfer and would like to learn, clinics are offered for only $50 on Friday and Saturday.

After pigging out at Amaya, a Monday morning yoga sesh was out of the question for me, so I opted for a pool day.

On Tuesday, though, I made a visit the hotel’s very own Equestrian Center, which if you know anything about Del Mar, should be no surprise.

Del Mar is the ‘Kentucky Derby’ of San Diego, home to the very popular Del Mar Racetrack.

Fairmont Grand offers Equestrian Trail Rides, Pony Rides, along with the chance to ‘Feed the Horses‘ on Tuesdays; some of which are retired racehorses. Needless to say, they’re absolutely gorgeous animals!

Behind the Equestrian Center is a trailhead of hiking trails along the golf course, winding through open canyons for some terrific views of the surrounding scenery – the perfect way to start your day with a complimentary cup of coffee from your room, and best of all, hiking is free!

For a full calendar of events, check out Fairmont Grand’s Event Calendar.

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of Fairmont Grand Del Mar, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.