Price
Hotels are a very common and popular form of travel lodging. They provide easy access to locations such as beaches or major metropolitan areas. Because hotels are so prevalent, most people overlook researching available vacation rentals. Next time you are planning a vacation, specifically around the Fourth of July, compare the price of a hotel against that of a vacation rental. During July, rates for both begin to rise and you might find more value booking a vacation rental.
According to STR Global’s research, the average daily rate to book a hotel room in San Diego during the middle of July 2013, was around $197.46. Multiply that average rate over the course of a seven-day vacation and the room could cost as much as $1,382.22.
If you are willing to spend that much money on a hotel room, why not consider a vacation rental? After all, does anyone look forward towards staying in a constricted one, maybe two, room unit when you can enjoy a luxurious home?
Space/Location
While you probably will not be hanging around inside much during your summer vacation, that does not mean that you can’t take advantage of the space a vacation rental may provide. The average hotel room is only 325 square feet. Compare that versus the expansive 1,850 square feet an average vacation rental measures and the choice seems rather obvious.
Additionally, check to see how close prospective hotels are to your desired destination. Are you planning on enjoying the tranquility of a beach, the majestic sights from a mountain top or the excitement of a metropolitan city center? A vacation rental might place you closer to your preferred destination than sharing a building with hundreds of tourists.
Amenities
Finally, as if you weren’t paying enough for your airfare and hotel; what about additional amenities? Will you need your clothes laundered? Don’t forget about dry cleaning. What about WiFi, cable television and movies? Also, overlooking the bill for parking and/or valet is rather common and can be expensive. Perhaps most importantly, a family’s dining options. The average price for one person to eat three meals per day on vacation is $30. All those costs can add up rather quickly, and you might not have factored them into your budget.
In contrast, most vacation homes have a washer and dryer in the property. Furthermore, a local dry cleaner is likely less expensive than a hotel’s. Most vacation rentals include WiFi, have cable television and a DVD/Blu-Ray player. Lastly, having your own kitchen, cooking utensils and refrigerator/freezer can save bundles of money you would otherwise be spending at a restaurant.
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Mexican food is a staple in the local San Diegan diet. The easiest, and quickest way to satisfy an urge for local Mexican food is by dining at a taco shop. Each shop has their own specialties. From chile relleno, arne asada, fish tacos and al pastor to the legendary California burrito. No choice is a bad one, but we will help you pinpoint which shop to visit in the area for each type of meal.
There are literally hundreds, probably thousands of taco shops located in San Diego county. This article will focus on those located near Mission Beach, mainly so those of you coming on vacation can check out a few of them (or all of them!). Each of these shops are around 5-10 miles from Mission Beach and should be visited as many times as possible.
Taco Surf
4657 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
A favorite Pacific Beach establishment, you can literally customize any item on the menu and make your own burritos. They also have a delicious surf and turf burrito, a personal favorite in the adobada burrito, amazing carnitas, good fish tacos and awesome hot salsa. Also, don’t miss out on the breakfast burritos or the taco happy hour.
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
703 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109
If you are in the mood for seafood, and you should be if you are visiting San Diego, make sure to try Oscar’s. There are two separate locations in Pacific Beach, that’s how good the food is. Highlights include the delightful spicy shrimp taco or burrito, the fish stew, ceviche and the fresh catch menu. Also, make sure to try the grilled octopus if available!
MXN
2303 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Although MXN is a chain around San Diego county, it serves some of the best burritos in the area. The adobada is phenomenal, the carne asada chips or fries are awesome, they have good rolled tacos, but best of all is their salsa bar. They have around six different types of salsa, hot carrots and roasted jalapenos.
Lucha Libre
1810 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
One of San Diego’s finest taco shops, Lucha Libre combines ambiance with amazing food. The shop is decorated to celebrate the luchadores (wrestlers) in Mexico and adds quite a bit of flair to the location. Gormet burritos may sound odd, but they live up to the hype. Don’t leave without someone trying the surfin’ California burrito (shrimp and steak with french fries). Other favorites are the mole burrito, the TJ hot dog (bacon wrapped) and the enchiladas. They also have one of the best salsa bars in the city.
La Playa
3973 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
This is the closest taco shop to the Mission Beach area, and should be visited if you don’t have the means for further transportation. We haven’t mentioned the classic California burrito much, mainly because it is available at every shop and each one makes them differently. However, La Playa has some amazing carne asada and with that comes a very good Cali burrito (carne asada, french fires, sour creme, salsa). Additionally, they also have the elusive al pastor burrito (marinated pork and pineapple).
San Diego County Fair
June 5 – July 5
Hosted outside the beautiful Del Mar Racetrack, the San Diego County Fair is a staple of summer fun in the area and absolutely one of the top June events in San Diego. There are rides, games, shopping, events and even popular concerts featuring local and popular artists. Food also is a feature of the fair, with more than 100 food booths. There are many fair classics as well as other interesting or outrageous creations such as beef sundaes, fried Twinkies, and apple fries.
The Toast of the Coast Wine Competition & Festival
June 13
Wine lovers from all over the West Coast journey to this festival held on the San Diego Fairgrounds. Featuring more than 110 of the best wines from California, 80 wineries located all over the state present their wine for tasting at this event. Additionally, there are gourmet culinary tents and booths scattered around the event, plus a ticket also grants you access to the fair.
Taste of Little Italy
June 17
One of San Diego’s best food neighborhoods, Little Italy is home to multiple amazing restaurants. Purchase a pass from their website and cruise the streets, stopping by to taste some of the best food the city has to offer. Beginning at 5pm and ending a 9pm, this event is one you do not want to miss. There are multiple routes offered starting with a single route, priced at $30 and the full route, priced at $45.
La Jolla Festival of the Arts
June 20 and 21
This amazing two day festival will be held at UC San Diego’s Warren Field. The event consists of nearly 200 award-winning artist booths, live music and amazing food. Your support of the La Jolla Festival of the Arts directly benefits San Diegans with disabilities through sports and recreation programs. Give back to our community by celebrating art, entertainment, cuisine and culture.
The 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival
June 27
Come join nearly 65,000 people in Ocean Beach for their annual street fair and chili cook-off. The event will showcase local bands, a plethora of food stands, art projects, local merchandise stands, beer garden and delectable chili to taste. The chili competition will feature more than two-dozen tastings from amateur entrants competing for the titles of Hottest Chili, Judges’ Award and Grand Prize: People’s Choice Award.
San Diego is home to an abundance of beautiful attractions, restaurants and views. Many of these are well known, such as the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and the sea lions at the La Jolla Cove. However, there are plenty more San Diego experiences that are well known locally, but might not be to those visiting on vacation.
These five stunning locations are sure to create lasting images of your time spent in sunny San Diego. Should you have enough time, we recommend attempting to visit all five. From beautiful sunsets to breathtaking mountain scenery, here are San Diego’s five best kept secret locations.
Shell Beach Tide Pools
Those interested in seeing marine life up close, without having to dive in the water, definitely need to stop by Shell Beach and explore the tide pools. This area is a bit tricky to climb down into, but at low tide you can enjoy the hundreds of small tide pools. Most are full of small fish, snails and other small marine life. Additionally, you can catch a glimpse of the sea lions in the area.
The San Diego Bay is a popular attraction for boats, jet skis and outdoor events. One attraction that might go unnoticed to those not familiar with the area is the two-story Victorian-style paddle wheeler that cruises the bay at night. For only six dollars you can tour the Mission Bay area while listening to live music and having a few cocktails.
Julian
San Diego is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the entire nation; however there can be a lack of seasons. If you are visiting and would like a taste of home, especially in the fall, head ninety minutes north into Julian. Located in the Cuyamaca Mountains, this is the perfect spot to go for a hike, take a horse and carriage ride and enjoy the famous local pies, baked daily.
Sunset Cliffs
Undoubtedly one of the premier San Diego experiences and a great location to watch a sunset, the Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma/Ocean Beach provides a remarkable view to end the day. The cliffs sit above the Pacific Ocean, right over some of the best surf spots in the county. There are even a few locations to climb down onto the rocks below and watch the surf crash into the cliffs.
Prado in Balboa Park
The Prado in Balboa Park is truly spectacular. One of the top destinations in the city for weddings, the Spanish architecture is remarkable. There are street performers, gardens a reflecting pond and places to grab lunch and dinner. Additionally, enjoy some the local museums while you are there.
Everyone loves burgers, but when you are on vacation in San Diego where should you and your family stop by for a taste of home? These next five restaurants serve our favorite burgers in all of San Diego. Get your taste buds ready because you’ll be salivating after reading this.
5. In-N-Out
Unless you reside on the west coast, it is unlikely you have had the pleasure of tasting these “fast food” burgers. While it is a chain restaurant, they serve delicious burgers cooked to order. Opt for the double-double, which comes with two grilled patties, american cheese and special sauce. Dont forget to order them animal style!
This burger joint features all sorts of different patties. Although they have the traditional ground beef, they also have kangaroo, antelope, venison, wild boar and many other types as well. However, you can never go wrong with the Texas burger. A third or two-third-pound beef patty with crisp bacon, cheddar cheese and their secret barbecue sauce.
Do you love ground beef? Do you love bacon? Have you ever had a burger that is half beef and half bacon? You will when you come here. Order the 50/50 burger and enjoy it with pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayo, avocado and a sunny-side-up egg on a brioche bun. Dont forget a bib.
This local pub in Crown Point has been around since 1977, and for good reason. The menu is simple. Hamburgers and fries. Kick back, enjoy a beer and order a half or third-pound burger with or without cheese. The burger is juicy, well seasoned and delectable. Dont forget cash, as they do not accept cards. When you make a burger this good, you make the rules.
Finally, the best of the best: Hodad’s. This tiny burger joint opened in Ocean Beach back in 1969, but has since expanded and even has a restaurant inside Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. Beer, onion rings, fries and milk shakes make this oceanside restaurant irresistible. However, people line up outside all day and night for the bacon cheese burger. Nobody sears a burger quite like Hodad’s, and that is why they top our list.
The 2015 San Diego Rock’n’Roll Marathon is one of the city’s best events of the year, supports a great cause and allows visitors another chance to vacation in sunny San Diego. There are on average 20,000 runners total and 100,000 spectators.
Established in 1998, the race has since raised over $100 million for various charities. This year the race will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The entire event will be held from May 29-31, with the 5k being held on Saturday, May 30, while the 2-person half marathon rely, half marathon and marathon being held on Sunday, May 31.
The 5k course is a bit different than the others. It begins on 6th Avenue and Palm Street and ends on Balboa Drive @ Olive Street. The other three races begin on 6th and Quince at Balboa Park and end at PETCO Park, the home of the San Diego Padres.
Additionally, each race has bands playing near the entrance and at the finish line. The marathon also boasts a post-race concert.
While attending the race, you and your family or friends can stay at one of Mission Sands’ luxurious properties in Mission Beach. All of our properties are a 10-15 minute drive from downtown or the race entrance.
Do you love sportfishing? Are you interested in learning more about the sport or looking for something interesting to do this spring? Mission Sands highly suggests venturing down to the sportfishing landings in Point Loma, for the official start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season.
There are multiple events such as seminars to improve your angling skills, children’s fishing adventures, catch, prep and cook demos, casting contests, boat rides around the bay and plenty of great food to enjoy.
Additionally, attendees will be able to tour multiple boats, including a U.S. Coast Guard Special Purpose Craft, Harbor Police Fire Boat, Vessel Assist and Sea Tow towboats, plus smaller fishing kayaks.
Finally, there will be a main stage with live music and raffles. Raffles will be held at noon, 2:30 and 4:15. Prizes include fishing trips, tickets to local attractions, tackle and more.
The event will be held Sunday, April 19, from 9 am until 5 pm. Admission is free. Be sure to stop by the beautiful Point Loma landings and enjoy the event.
Interested in taking a vacation in San Diego this September? The inaugural KAABOO Music Festival could be the perfect event to attend while staying in one of our beautiful vacation rentals.
The festival also incorporates comedy, artwork, food, wine, craft beer and cocktails, among many other experiences. Beginning Friday, September 18 and ending Sunday, September 20, this festival is the perfect fall vacation. Taking place at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, there could not be a better location for this event with any more perfect scenery.
Weekend passes are already on sale for $259. Most of Mission Sands’ vacation rentals are located in Mission Beach, about 10 miles from the fairgrounds. Additionally, there are plenty of options for public transportation to and from the event near Mission Beach.
Mission Beach’s Belmont Park, is one of the area’s premier attractions for those staying with Mission Sands. Having been open since 1925, the park is home to multiple restaurants, bars, shops and rides. However, the main draw is the Giant Dipper Rollercoaster.
The 2,600 foot wooden track runs with two 18-passenger trains along the beautiful beach. Because the park and coaster were so popular and historic, the Giant Dipper was recognized as a National Historic Landmark on July 4, 1990.
Additionally, Belmont Park is home to a giant swimming pool (under construction), two wave riding areas, climbing walls, athletic club, laser tag, an arcade and more.
Looking for a cold beer on the beach, ice cream or lunch/dinner? Take a look at the restaurants the park has to offer. Cannonball, the largest oceanfront rooftop sushi bar in San Diego is perfect for dinner, while North Shore Café is known for breakfast.
Finally, the park is the perfect place for birthday parties, private events and even cabanas to enjoy a romantic sunset.
Looking to pair a sunny vacation along with great locally brewed beer? San Diego, often refereed to as the the “Craft Beer Capital of America,” would be the perfect choice.
Spanning 70 miles of coast line and over 100 licensed breweries, San Diego is home to some of the best beer in the country. Karl Strauss, which opened in 1989, is likely the most familiar name. However, there are plenty of other great breweries such as AleSmith Brewing Co., Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits, Pizza Port and St. Archer Brewing Co.
In fact, 11 different San Diego breweries took home medals from the 2014 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado.
Interested in touring multiple breweries at once? There are plenty of public and private tours available throughout the city.
Additionally, there are multiple festivals through out the course of the year, such as the San Diego Festival of Beer, San Diego Beer Week and the San Diego International Beer Festival, which is the largest beer festival on the West Coast.
If you are unable to schedule a trip during one of the city’s many beer festivals, be sure to check out some of the popular breweries below.