No matter where I go, I’m always happy to return to San Diego – there is no place like home. And there is no place better than San Diego for a celebration-staycation. September in San Diego is locals Summer. After Labor Day the crowds thin, kids are back in school, and there are fewer tourists, but the weather is still beautiful. Warm, sunny days, and comfortable evenings will beckon you outside. 

The beaches are bustling with families and surfers, mostly locals trying to cool off and escape their non-air conditioned homes. And the lifeguards are still busy. Veterans make it all look so easy, but novices make rookie mistakes – as everyone tries to navigate the tides, the waves, the sea creatures and others.  I’m inclined to stay on the sand, except for quick dips in the water.

Friday night was a sunset double date to Cannonball in Mission Beach. It’s a great spot for tourists and locals, with awesome service and a not-too-cheesy beach scene.  We scored a prime table, with a perfect view, and shared the mussels, soy beans, pork ribs, and sashimi wrap.

Saturday started with a beach day in PB, then we headed downtown to the Bayfront Hilton to checkout the Aquazul Spa. The spa is nice, clean, and comfortable. The hotel pool… Is a party for adults with a full bar, poolside waitresses and music. It’s also a playground for kids with a kiddie pool and slide. We’ve been here twice, same story both times (this is a tourist & convention-heavy area, regardless of the previously mentioned post-holiday lull). This is not the pool for peace or quiet, so seek your retreat inside the spa.

Dinner was supposed to be at Coasterra. Huge place, just opened, beautiful building with a view to match. We thought it was a seafood place (our fault, not theirs). Turns out it is Mexican. Not the menu or the service we expected for a celebratory dinner, so we went with plan B…

Dinner happened at Juniper & Ivy – what a happy accident! Service was great, menu was creative and adventurous. Cocktails were unique, seasonal and delicious. We shared 5 (or 6 plates?). A few standouts… the yellowtail tostadas, pork belly toast, and the beef tartare topped with eggs cooked to perfection. Menu items change regularly, which means we have good reason to keep going back.

Sunday ended with a sunset beach walk in Bird Rock (La Jolla), then dinner at La Jolla Tap & Grill*. Also new, only a couple of months old.  The refresh (vs. full remodel), is a nice update for the area.  Seems like a good spot for sports and a casual, comfortable, good meal.  Shared the cheese plate and a salad. 

There was plenty of R&R mixed in, a little bit of work, the perfect amount of fun, beach time, and good food.  All in all, it was a great staycation weekend in San Diego! Beach. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

2019 update – La Jolla Tap & Grill closed