Ponte Family Estate Winery & Ponte Vineyard Inn 35053 Rancho California Rd., Temecula (951-694-8855) [Pontewinery.com] Open weekdays 11 a.m.– 6 p.m. & till 5:30 p.n\m. om the weekends. Wine tastings includes 6 tastings $30 per person The impressive Ponte Family Estate Winery with its award winning outdoor vineyard view restaurant and top 10 ranked Ponte… Read more »
Escondido Location 13455 San Pasqual Rd. | Escondido, CA 92025 Call: 760.738.6500 x 22, Toll Free: 1.800.868.WINE (9463) Southern California’s Award Winning Winery with Wine Bar in Julian Orfila Vineyards & Winery (3) at 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido (760-738-6500) is undoubtedly the best winery in San Diego County. It’s also the oldest active winery… Read more »
The fascinating floating museum at the Embarcadero consists of six historic ships and two submarines: the Star of India, which is the oldest active sailing ship in the world, the steam ferry Berkeley, the steam yacht Medea, the San Diego Harbor Pilot, also an actual Soviet-era diesel B-39 submarine and the deepest-diving submarine ever, a… Read more »
Old Town Mexican Cafe and Cantina, 2489 San Diego Ave., Old Town (619-297-4330) [oldtownmexcafe.com]. Open Sun.–Thurs., 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 7 a.m.–midnight ($8–$15). Happy hour Mon.–Fri., 3 p.m.–7 p.m. and 10 p.m. till closing. Bar is open daily till 1 a.m. And their popular Taco Tuesdays run all day long. This year is their 36th… Read more »
Phuong Trang Vietnamese Restaurant, 4170 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa (858-565-6750) [phoungtrangrestaurant.com]. Open daily serving lunch and dinner. Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ($3.95–$14.95) with family dinner combination for two–10 people from ($18.95–$129.95). While it is great to dine at this restaurant on your own or as a couple, many guests… Read more »
Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites is ideally located on Shelter Island, San Diego’s own Hawaiian Isle. This tropical resort-style San Diego hotel, framed by America’s Cup Harbor and the San Diego Bay, offers breathtaking views of the hotel’s private marina and downtown San Diego. Their tranquil setting is just minutes from the airport and… Read more »
Soon after Juan Bandini built his thatch-roofed adobe family home, 1827–29, it became the social center of San Diego. Bandini himself was often seen waltzing gracefully and elegantly across the parlor floor. In 1869, after Bandini’s death, stage master Albert Seeley purchased Bandini’s home and converted it into his family home and a hotel. When… Read more »
Bali Hai has been a San Diego favorite for seafood fine dining since 1954. They are well-known for their delicious seafood, steaks and polynesian cuisine served with a breathtaking view of San Diego Bay. If you want to impress your out-of-town guests, bring them here. Entrées to rave about are their Chicken of the Gods,… Read more »
If you’re looking for a special place for your wedding, this is the place. The owners have an extensive background in the restaurant business, which is a big plus. The cost for wine tasting is ($3), which includes a complimentary souvenir wine glass. Shadow Mountain is an ideal grape-growing location with an elevation of 3,500 feet, and it’s blessed with Pacific Ocean breezes and cool, dry nights.
This family owned and operated restaurant has been a San Diegan classic for over 25 years, with a strong local following, and a favorite of many dignitaries, pro-athletes and notable figures visiting San Diego from Latin America that were in search of the best authentic Caribbean food. For the best seating, ask for table 7. An evening meal at Andrés is a delicious experience.
Humphreys Restaurant on Shelter Island is the award winner of the 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 San Diego Restaurant Association’s Gold Medallion Award for Best Live Music Venue/Restaurant. And when it comes to Sunday brunch, Humphreys bay-front restaurant is as good as it gets. Humphreys features an unparalleled presentation against the backdrop of beautiful yachts moored… Read more »
The theme of this impressive restaurant is France during World War I, and you’re in the headquarters of the 94th Aero Squadron along with Eddie Rickenbacker. Entrées include fresh fish, prime rib, lamb, Australian lobster and aged Midwestern beef. The combination filet mignon and crab-stuffed shrimp is wonderful. Their desserts are superb! Reservations are recommended… Read more »
USS Midway Museum at the Navy Pier in San Diego Bay, 910 N. Harbor Dr., downtown (619-544-9600) [midway.org]. USS MIDWAY IS A HISTORIC MUSEUM Experience the magic aboard one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in U.S. Naval history, the USS Midway. It’s a must-see San Diego attraction. The tour lasts 3–4 hours and is included with… Read more »
This impressive four story, 125 room hotel ($149–$329) has all the amenities that make Residence Inn so appealing to business travelers as well as vacationers. A big plus are its fully-equipped kitchen amenities, which include a microwave oven in every room, dishwasher, refrigerator and more. Complimentary breakfast buffets are offered every morning and they have… Read more »
There are 41 rooms ($109–$159). It’s located across the street from the California Welcome Center Oceanside. All rooms are nonsmoking and feature free highspeed Internet, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, cable, microwaves, hair dryers and mini-fridges. Special group rates are available and pets are welcome. It’s also freeway close to LEGOLAND California, historic Mission San Luis… Read more »
The San Diego Botanic Garden is a place of year-round beauty. Explore four miles of garden trails, enjoy restful vistas, flowering trees, majestic palms, and the nation’s largest bamboo collection. Thanks to our mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive here. Our diverse topography provides a variety of microclimates giving the visitor a… Read more »
Casa Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (31) won the Gold Medallion Award in 2010 for the Best Mexican Dinner House, and for good reason. For great San Diego Restaurants, it’s at the top of the list. It’s an excellent Mexican restaurant, which is popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. Ask for a seat on one of their… Read more »
San Diego Air and Space Museum (619-234-8291) [sandiegoairandspace.org] is in the historic Ford Building in Balboa Park. This impressive museum displays famous aircrafts, engines, spacecraft and aviation artifacts from the dawn of aviation through the space age. The museum’s blockbuster exhibit is “Be The Astronaut”. You’ll have to pay an extra ($5) to see… Read more »
A visit to Balboa Park would not be complete without visiting the 37 working artist studios managed by over 250 local artists and see and speak to many of these artists while they create their works of art that are all offered for sale. This unique venue is showcased in The Spanish Village Art Center… Read more »
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is the best oceanfront hotel in San Diego and is located in historical Point Loma, California. They are one of only a few San Diego hotels truly located on the Pacific Ocean, just steps away from Ocean Beach. The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is truly one of the only San… Read more »
