Posts By: Barry Berndes

Comfort Inn Gaslamp: Stay in the Heart of Downtown

For the bargain-minded traveler, you can’t go wrong with the Comfort Inn Gaslamp (22) at 660 G St. (from $99). It’s less than a block from the Gaslamp Quarter. Their rooms include microwave ovens, refrigerators, coffeemakers and cable TV. Other services include free 24-hour business center, wireless Internet, limited off-street parking at ($15) per night… Read more »

Best Western Inn and Suites in Encinitas Offers Picturesque Hilltop Ocean Views & Nice Beds

Mention this review for a discount! Overlooking picturesque Moonlight Beach and beyond, Best Western Inn and Suites (1) features 94 rooms with large private balconies, 29 suites with kitchenettes, many with ocean views. This hilltop location has a conference room and inside cabana, which makes the perfect wedding venue, especially with Japanese Restaurant, Tomiko, being… Read more »

Oceanside Harbor and Marina is Home to 950 Yachts, Great Restaurants & Fun Things to Do

This is the only marina and boat harbor in North County and it’s home to over 950 yachts and boats. While it is a small harbor, there are plenty of fun things to do here. Making up this one-of-a-kind harbor setting is a small Cape Cod-style fishing village, complete with a lighthouse. The village is… Read more »

La Jolla Offers a Wonderful Staycation Getaway to La Jolla Shores Hotel at Scenic La Jolla Shores

Highlighted with oceanfront views of the surf splashing onto the beach. Plus they have open-air walkways and comfortable accommodations. The La Jolla Shores Hotel is one of the select few hotels in San Diego situated directly on the beach. This beachfront hotel in La Jolla, California creates vacation memories that last a lifetime.

Rodeway Inn & Suites is Centrally Located Near Camp Pendleton, the Welcome Center & Beaches

There are 80 ocean and harbor view rooms ($65–$185). They are freeway close and also across the street from the California Welcome Center. Nonsmoking rooms are available as well as meeting rooms. A complimentary continental breakfast is featured each morning! Amenities include A/C, cable TV, HBO, a pool, free highspeed Internet, hair dryers, irons with… Read more »

Doubletree Hotel Downtown Features Breathtaking Views of San Diego’s Beautiful Harbor

The Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown is a newly renovated hotel featuring 333 guest rooms, suites and town homes with balconies that overlook downtown and the harbor. They also have two ballrooms for special events and meetings that can accommodate up to 200 people. They have superb catering and tasteful extras that make them top… Read more »

Days Inn Oceanside Near Camp Pendleton Features Ocean View Rooms & Comfortable Suites

There are 80 rooms ($75–$145) and some have ocean views. A free continental breakfast is offered each morning. It’s the closest motel to Camp Pendleton’s main gate. It’s also only eight minutes from LEGOLAND California and four miles to Mission San Luis Rey! The comfortable suites feature high-speed wireless Internet, refrigerators and microwaves, as well… Read more »

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport at Liberty Station is a mile from the Airport on San Diego Bay

The waterfront Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport Hotel (8) at Liberty Station is nestled along the water and located just minutes from all of the major San Diego Attractions including SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, San Diego Harbor Tours, the Maritime Musuem, historic Old Town San Diego, Coronado, the historic Gaslamp district… Read more »

La Quinta Inn Oceanside Offers 30% off Bay & Ocean View Rooms and is Freeway Close to Attractions

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 »

Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fields Feature 50 Acres of Ranunculus Flowers March 1 through May 12

Carlsbad Flowers

Take yourself out of the ordinary and spend a few hours in one of nature’s wonders – our Fields of Dreams, our Fields of Color. A place where kids can run and adults can linger – 50 acres of extraordinary color in bloom on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with a special nursery, garden,… Read more »

The Spa at Rancho Valencia: A Wonderful Place to Relax, Renew and Return Again and Again

The Spa at Rancho Valencia is one of the finest facilities of its kind in the greater San Diego area. It features 10 treatment rooms, each with its own private garden, outdoor shower and soaking tub. Luxurious treatments range from massages and facials to reflexology and skin care. Amenities include a signature Vichy Room, Watsu… Read more »

Sushiya at Liberty Station Has Delicious Sushi Rolls, Sake & Other Great Japanese Favorites

At first glance you can tell that Sushiya Japanese Restaurant (18) is a fun place to go for the best-tasting sushi in Liberty Station. The decor has an inviting beach feel with surfboards mounted on the walls, three big-screen TVs and a lit up sushi bar. Their extensive menu of hot and cold specials, cut… Read more »

San Diego Botanic Garden Is North County’s World-Renowned Botanical Garden Attraction

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 »

Homewood Suites is a Hotel That’s Like Home

At Homewood Suites by Hilton, you’ll enjoy their spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, along with amenities to help you feel at home. 120 suites, each with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining table, work desk, sofa, complimentary high-speed internet access, cable TV and complimentary HBO. Complimentary Suite Start hot breakfast served daily. Complimentary light meal and… Read more »

Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery in Temecula

Carol’s Restaurant at Bailey Winery in Temecula is an excellent place to eat when touring the Temeculca Wineries. In fact, this fine restaurant is ideally located in one of the most recommended wineries. Entrees includesalads, fresh fish, steak and pasra dishes. You can indoor or on a delightful patio overlooking the vinewards. If you dine… Read more »

Casa de Pico Mexican Restaurant in Grossmont Center, La Mesa Is an East County Favorite

Celebrating their 40th anniversary, Casa de Pico Mexican Restaurant is home to their world-famous bird-bath sized margaritas. It is undoubtedly the most colorful and enjoyable Mexican restaurants in San Diego County. They were previously located in Old Town’s Bazaar del Mundo for 35 years. Now, by popular demand, it has been relocated to La Mesa…. Read more »

Ocean View Dining at Chart House Restaurant

The Chart House Restaurant (30), for more than 60 years has represented the best of the best when it comes to spectacular settings be it at the ocean or in a forest. Here it is a breathtaking seashore view of waves crashing on the beach while you dine. Their floor to ceiling windows and inspiring… Read more »

Casa Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Old Town San Diego Has Won Many Awards for best Mexican Restaurant

Casa Guadalajara

  Casa Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (31) has won the Gold Medallion Award for the Best Mexican Dinner House, many times 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… Read more »

Casa de Reyes Mexican Restaurant is Famous For Their Big Refreshing Frosty Cadillac Margaritas

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Old Town San San Diego State Historic Park. Located in a lush garden setting on a patio, the atmosphere is warm and festive and the food is delicious. At night you’ll dine under the stars. An added plus is that it also features live Mexican music while you… Read more »

La Valencia is a landmark hotel that typifies everything that is special about La Jolla

A visit to La Jolla wouldn’t be complete without discovering La Valencia Hotel. It has been a La Jolla landmark since 1926. With its Spanish architecture and tradition, La Valencia was a hide away for movie stars Greta Garbo, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks during an era when the trip from Hollywood to La Jolla… Read more »

Motel 6 Oceanside Offers 10% Off, a Free Room Upgrade and is Near Oceanside Pier & Beaches

This 106 room motel ($49.99–$89.99) is within four blocks of the Oceanside Pier, beach and harbor. They now have extended stay vacations suites available. Nearby attractions are Camp Pendleton, Legoland, Old Mission San Luis Rey and the California Surf Museum. This affordable, centrally located motel offers all the amenities you are looking for to have… Read more »

Lamplighter is San Diego's Award-Winning Karaoke Bar in the Heart of Mission Hills

\ You’ll definitely have fun at this award-winning karaoke bar. Their awards say it all: “Best Karaoke/Song Selection” by Karaoke Star magazine; “Best Karaoke” by AOL City Guide, City’s Best 2005; and “Best Karaoke Bar” by San Diego Reader and SanDiegan.com recommends it as well! This Karaoke Bar is consistently the favorite spot for San Diegans… Read more »

NOW CLOSED Albie’s Beef Inn was a Local Favorite

Albie’s Beef Inn (20), which has been in business for over 50 years, is well known and highly recommended for its popular piano bar and delicious aged steaks and fresh seafood. A loyal following of San Diegans of all ages dine here often. Ask to be seated in the cocktail lounge piano bar in a… Read more »

Border Station Parking at the Border offers secure parking on the U.S. side and round trip TJ Shuttle

border station parking San Diego things to do

Visiting Mexico? For the best and safest place to park your car, go to Border Station Parking #(1) on the map at 4570 Camino de la Plaza (619-428-9477). To get there take the last exit before crossing the border from the freeway. The signs are clearly marked on the freeway announcing U.S. Last Exit Parking…. Read more »

Cafe Coyote Serves Award Winning Mexican Food

Cafe Coyote at 2461 San Diego Ave in Old Town *619-291-4695) is one of the best San Diego Restaurants in San Diego, and is an award winner to prove it.. In fact, it’s been selected as the top Mexican Restaurant in San Diego by the San Diego Restaurant Association for 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and… Read more »

Birch Aquarium in La Jolla is a Family Fun Attraction Featuring Over 3,000 Colorful Fish

Birch Aquarium (22) is the public outreach center for world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where visitors of all ages can explore more than 3,000 colorful fish and invertebrates as well as cutting-edge ocean- and earth-science research. This is a must-see attraction, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla. The aquarium boasts more… Read more »

Cheap Rentals for the Best Beach Gear Rentals

Cheap Rentals, 3689 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach (858-488-9070) [cheap-rentals.com]. Open daily. They offer a FREE surfing lesson with every surfboard rental. And a 15 percent discount with a military I.D. You’ll find lots of bike paths along the ocean and bay sides of Mission Beach. So yeah, the best place to rent bikes, boards, SUPs… Read more »

Al’s Cafe Serving Breakfast & Lunch

Since Al’s opened in 1991, it has been a local favorite. And yes Al, who spent many years in Hawaii, adds a touch of Hawaii to each meal and will likely be on hand to greet you! If it’s breakfast you want, he’ll probably recommend one of 10 types of eggs Benedict or their famous… Read more »

The Mission Restaurants are touted by Zagat and USA Today as One of Top Breakfast Spots in U.S.

The Mission Restaurant was selected as one of the top 25 breakfast spots in the country by USA Today and Zagat. The Mission restaurant is where diners go to eat simple, healthy, great-tasting food they won’t feel guilty about. Breakfast is their specialty, so you won’t go wrong by ordering their blueberry cornmeal pancakes that are… Read more »