14 Mar 2025

San Diego's Upcoming Spring Happenings

By builtbygcommerce

There is so much to see and do in San Diego this spring that you just might want to book a getaway at the Pacific Terrace Hotel and stay for a while! From popular San Diego activities like visiting the beautiful Carlsbad Flower Fields to exciting San Diego events like the popular Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, our beautiful seaside city is definitely the place to be this spring!

Your room or suite at the Pacific Terrace Hotel is the perfect place to begin your spring fling in San Diego! Choose from a variety of oceanfront guestrooms at the best hotel in San Diego for a spring getaway you won’t soon forget! Plus, you’ll be in the perfect spot to take part in the best San Diego activities this season. Here are a few of the most popular San Diego events and activities for your spring visit.

Spring San Diego Events and Activities to Enjoy Near the Pacific Terrace Hotel

SeaWorld Seven Seas Festival (3.9 Miles From Hotel)

@seaworldsandiego

(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)

Happening March 7 – April 27

One of the most popular San Diego events, SeaWorld Seven Seas is a delicious food festival that lets you sip and sample your way around the world! Try unique flavors and recipes from different cultures while tasting a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and wines. This foodie and family-friendly San Diego event offers live entertainment, and over 150 food and beverage offerings.

Balboa Park Cherry Blossom Festival (11.5 Miles from Hotel)

Happening March 13 – March 16

The popular Cherry Blossom Festival is held each spring at the Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park. Get out and enjoy the amazing San Diego weather with a variety of attractions, including live performances, a special children's area, delicious cultural foods, and, of course, the beautiful blossoming trees in the cherry blossom grove. It’s one of the best San Diego activities and is the perfect way to welcome spring.

Pacific Beach Leprechaun Run (0.4 Miles From Hotel)

Photo: @runcoachkrun

Happening March 15

If you’re looking for spring San Diego activities to get the blood pumping, join the fun at the 7th Annual San Diego Leprechaun Run 5K & Kids 1 Mile. Run along the streets of downtown Pacific Beach, then finish with a fun St. Patrick’s Day party. Plenty of fun for the whole family!

Carlsbad Flower Fields (26.6 Miles From Hotel)

Happening March 21 - May 11

For over 60 years, locals and visitors have enjoyed visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields during the spring. The famous San Diego flower fields are one of the most popular San Diego activities and are a great place for the whole family. There are plenty of activities and fun things to do on the sprawling 55-acre property, including a flower maze, tractor wagon ride, Carlsbad Mining Company, and more!

Padres Season/Opening Day (12.2 Miles From Hotel)

Happening March 27

Join the fun as the San Diego Padres begin their regular season of baseball! You do not want to miss the season opener at Petco Park where they will host the Atlanta Braves on March 27. Family fun at the ballpark! Get your tickets here.

Belmont Park Turns 100 & Belmont in Bloom (2.1 Miles From Hotel)

(Photo: @kari_niehuus)

Happening April 5 – June 1

Be sure to check out Belmont in Bloom, one of the most popular San Diego activities in the spring. This vibrant festival celebrates the beauty of spring at the beach and wows guests with colorful floral arrangements, vibrant sculptures, live entertainment, and a variety of fun San Diego activities. You may also want to consider a summer visit to San Diego, as Belmont Park celebrates its 100th year starting on July 4th. Make plans to visit the popular park this summer for a ride on the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and take part in the exciting San Diego events planned for this special celebration!

Uncorked Wine Festival (10.7 Miles From Hotel)

pouring wine

Happening April 12

Uncorked is a popular San Diego event that is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. Held at The Embarcadero, this party in the park on Saturday, April 12th offers over 150 wines & champagnes from around the world. Enjoy lawn games, favorite local food trucks, and a DJ playing the best music. Bring your friends, grab a picnic blanket, and get "Uncorked" at this popular spring wine festival in San Diego. 

San Diego Museum of Art Presents ‘Art Alive’ (10.4 Miles From Hotel)

Happening April 24 – April 27

Enjoy four fun-filled days of San Diego activities this spring as we celebrate Art Alive, featuring colorful floral interpretations, the Premiere Dinner, and the popular Bloom Bash event. This is a yearly fundraiser that supports The San Diego Museum of Art and its various exhibits and programs. This year’s event spotlights architecture inspired by Lord Norman Foster and his renowned studio, Foster + Partners.

Gator by the Bay (7.8 Miles From Hotel)

gatorbythebay
Photo: @gatorbythebay)

Happening May 8 – May 11

One of the most popular San Diego events, Gator by the Bay was voted 'San Diego’s Best Festival' and is always a great way to spend a weekend in sunny SoCal. The Louisiana-themed festival is held the second weekend in May each year and features four days of live music and Louisiana-style food. Enjoy over 100 special performances on 6 stages, plenty of dance floors, southern food from Louisiana, and family fun for everyone. 

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival (10.7 Miles From Hotel)

Photo: @michellicakes

Happening May 16 – May 18

The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is a great San Diego event that offers a diverse lineup of your favorite and new artists of all genres, including rock, hip-hop, indie rock, reggae, rap, EDM, adult alternative, and country. So much to see and do at this 3-day event in San Diego. Festival-goers enjoy harbor cruises, an EDM dance club, bar and dinner parties, games, private lounges, and more.

Are You Ready for a Spring Getaway to San Diego?

Pack your bags and get ready for spring in San Diego! With near-perfect weather, amazing waterfront accommodations, and the best San Diego events and activities, you’re sure to have the best spring ever at our Four Diamond, beachfront accommodations in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood.

14 Mar 2025

San Diego Bites By The Beach

By builtbygcommerce

When it comes to dining out in San Diego, there are so many amazing restaurants to choose from – and luckily, many have a water view! Whether you are looking for a beach brunch for a bite before a day on the water, a light lunch after soaking up some rays, or elegant waterfront dining in San Diego for dinner, you’re in for a treat at one of our amazing San Diego restaurants on the water. Here are some of the best beachfront restaurants San Diego has to offer for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a water view, all within steps from your room here at Pacific Terrace Hotel!

Pacific Beach Eats

Terrace Café (Onsite at the Pacific Terrace Hotel)

Our Pacific Terrace Hotel guests can enjoy delicious options for seaside dishes at our recently upgraded onsite Terrace Café where you can enjoy classic American dishes, along with Southern California coastal cuisine. From hand-made salsa and fresh tortilla chips by the pool to a delicious beachside breakfast of Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and a premium espresso drink, the Terrace Café onsite at the Pacific Terrace Hotel offers waterfront dining in San Diego right at your hotel!

Kono’s Café (0.3 Miles from Hotel) 

Konos
(Photo: @coastalclicker)

This funky little surf dive is a local favorite and one of the most popular beachfront restaurants San Diego has to offer! Kono’s is family-owned and has been serving breakfast all day for almost 35 years. Stop in for delicious food served with a smile at this popular Pacific Beach waterfront restaurant.

Hideaway (0.3 Miles from Hotel)

(Photo: @hideawaypacificbeach)

Conveniently located at the base of the historic Crystal Pier, Hideaway Pacific Beach has an old-school beach vibe and pays tribute to the timeless charm of the San Diego beach culture of surfing, skating, music, and the laid-back beach lifestyle. Enjoy the pizza bar or a cool salad at this funky beachfront restaurant and bar in Pacific Beach.

Pacific Beach AleHouse (0.6 Miles from Hotel)

The perfect place for craft brews and beach views, Pacific Beach AleHouse is just steps from the water with an amazing Sky Deck! The fun sports bar atmosphere is a great place to grab a beer and burger, wings, or flatbread. Handcrafted cocktails and craft beers along with endless beach views makes this the perfect spot on Pacific Beach.

Waterbar (0.6 Miles from Hotel)

(Photo: @waterbarsd)

Located alongside the waterfront in Pacific Beach, Waterbar has unbeatable views, innovative libations, and live entertainment, making it one of the best San Diego restaurants on the water for dinner. Enjoy fresh seafood, craft cocktails, local microbrews, a diverse wine list, and intimate ocean-side tables at this waterfront jewel.

Bites Along the Boardwalk - Mission Beach/Belmont Park Area

The Mission (1.1 Miles from Hotel)

The Mission offers simple, healthy, and tasty food that is fun! Look for a creative presentation as you dine on fresh salads, sandwiches, French toast, and more at this urban Mission Beach bistro on the water.

Molly’s (2.0 Miles from Hotel)

(Photo: @mollysmissionbeach)

Molly's is a great place for waterfront dining in San Diego. Nestled in the heart of Mission Beach, this fun restaurant offers two outdoor patios with made-from-scratch pastries and in-house roasted coffee. It’s the perfect brunch and lunch experience at Mission Beach with everything from waffles to shakshuka!

Draft (2.2 Miles from Hotel)

Located at Belmont Park, you will find some of San Diego’s best craft beers on tap at Draft. Relax on the sun-soaked patio watching the game on the 31-foot screen, order your favorite craft brew, and enjoy the American-inspired menu at one of the most fun beachfront restaurants in San Diego.

Cannonball (2.2 Miles from Hotel) 

(Photo: @cannonballsd)

If sushi is your thing, you’ll enjoy waterfront dining in San Diego at Cannonball. Treat yourself to refreshing craft cocktails, fresh sushi, and unforgettable California cuisine at Cannonball at Belmont Park. Impressive water views from the rooftop terrace offer an unforgettable experience at Cannonball.

Beach House Tequila + Taqueria (2.3 Miles from Hotel)

One of the most unique San Diego restaurants on the water is Beach House Tequila + Taqueria, a weekend-only restaurant and bar at Belmont Park. Enjoy tiki bars and fire pits while you sip on your favorite tequila drink, eat delicious tacos, and enjoy the perfect sunset.

La Jolla Cove Cuisine

Cove House (4.1 Miles from Hotel)

Considered to be THE place for brunch by locals, Cove House offers waterfront dining in San Diego with brunch, lunch, happy hour, and even a once-a-month dinner series by the water. Fresh, local ingredients and delicious food, including eggs Benedict, tacos, salads, and more.

Duke’s La Jolla (4.2 Miles from Hotel)

Named for the father of surfing, native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s overlooks La Jolla Cove and serves a delicious twist on traditional island cuisine. Feel the spirit of aloha at Dukes and enjoy a casual experience at one of the most popular beachfront restaurants San Diego has to offer.

Georges at the Cove (4.2 Miles from Hotel)

(Photo: @georgesatthecove)

George’s at the Cove offers some of the best waterfront dining in San Diego! This La Jolla favorite has the best views in town with large glass windows that overlook the Pacific Ocean. The amazing views and award-winning culinary team equals the perfect romantic dinner or lively night out with friends.

The Marine Room (4.8 Miles from Hotel)

Known around town as one of the area’s most iconic dining experiences, The Marine Room serves seafood and seasonal dishes with an amazing up-close waterfront view! The Marine Room's unique beachfront setting is wildly popular, and their High Tide Dinners are a true culinary icon in San Diego. A dining experience you won’t soon forget!

Beach Bites for Kiddos

Baked Bear (0.3 Miles from Hotel)

Ice cream sandwich

Custom ice cream sandwiches? YES PLEASE! The Baked Bear is the coolest place on the beach for kids (and big kids) of all ages! Choose from over a dozen cookie and ice cream flavors to build your perfect sweet treat — then grab one and stroll down to the sand!

Pizza Port (2.0 Miles from Hotel)

Family of three eating pizza

Kids are always up for a slice of pizza, so Pizza Port makes perfect sense for a quick and delicious lunch at the beach in San Diego. One of the most popular beachfront restaurants San Diego kids enjoy, Pizza Port also serves salads, wings, and other kid-friendly food, and a cold brew for mom and dad, too!

Parakeet Cafe (3.3 Miles from Hotel)

parakeet cafe
(Photo: @captain_taylor_morgan)

Health-conscious diners and picky eaters love Parakeet Café in La Jolla for their healthy options and fresh, delicious locally sourced ingredients from local farms. Kids go cuckoo for the Parakeet Cafe and parents love their choices that range from keto and vegan to paleo and gluten-free. There is truly something for everyone at Parakeet Café…including a waterfront view.

Stay at the Best Beachfront Hotel in San Diego - Pacific Terrace Hotel

How does a day at the beach in San Diego with amazing food and drinks sound? We thought you’d say that! So, what are you waiting for? Book your waterfront room or suite at the Pacific Terrace Hotel in beautiful Pacific Beach today and spend your SoCal beach vacation dining at the best waterfront restaurants in San Diego. 

a bartender making cocktails
19 Jul 2024

Our Favorite San Diego Speakeasies & Secret Bars

By mkellogg

There’s something so mysteriously intriguing about speakeasies that we all seem to find them very tempting and oh-so hard to resist. Popular during the years of Prohibition, these secret, underground bars came to fruition when it was illegal to sell and import alcoholic beverages. Today’s speakeasies in San Diego offer guests a unique way to spend an evening with a variety of intoxicating spirits, intimate dinners, and spectacular décor to create a definite mood of mystery and intrigue.

Guests of the Pacific Terrace Hotel will find a variety of secret spots that are home to some of the best speakeasies in San Diego that are conveniently located near your oceanfront suite on Pacific Beach. Get ready for an experience you won’t soon forget as you decide for yourself which is the best speakeasy in San Diego. Savvy guests know that you need to do your homework to get into these secret bars in San Diego, though. Be sure to find the secret password for some of these intriguing bars and lounges and also keep your eye out for the often disguised entrances to enjoy the fun!

Best Speakeasies in San Diego

Captain’s Quarters (0.6 Miles to Hotel)

The newest speakeasy in Pacific Beach, Captain’s Quarters, offers a moody, nautical-themed bar that is modeled after an old sailing ship, with authentic portholes and panoramic ocean views included! The gin-inspired handcrafted cocktails are sure to please, as will the menu of shareables that includes caviar-topped smoked salmon poppers and grilled prawns. Make a reservation to ensure entry to this secret bar San Diego locals love to visit.

a dimly lit bar with luxurious decor

The Grass Skirt (0.6 Miles to Hotel)

If you’re clever enough to find the entrance through the refrigerator door, you’ll be greeted by a foggy tunnel made from lava rock that takes you to an ironic tropical-themed bar! Grab a booth or fire pit table and order a boat drink that includes all of your favorite tropical libations or a gigantic, spiked punch bowl to share with friends. Nosh on a delicious Asian-inspired menu that includes treats like bao and poke bowls. Reservations are suggested for an evening at The Grass Skirt since this is one of the best secret spots in San Diego.

friends sharing a large group cocktail with paper umbrellas and long straws

(Photo: @thegrassskirtsd)

The Honey Pot (4.3 Miles to Hotel)

Tucked behind a hidden door inside the popular Beeside Balcony Restaurant, The Honey Pot is San Diego’s newest speakeasy. This La Jolla secret bar is an elegant throw-back to the roaring 20s with a menu designed from the era. Enjoy tasty appetizers with unique ingredients as you listen to live jazz and sip creative cocktails. But…you will need a password to enter this hidden bar in San Diego, so check out their Instagram page to enter!

Toasting with cocktails

Raised by Wolves (9.3 Miles to Hotel)

This popular speakeasy in San Diego is hidden behind a bottle shop at an outdoor mall! The award-winning speakeasy in San Diego offers an intimate atmosphere with a dark and brooding décor we are definitely here for. Enjoy an evening of handcrafted cocktails from the bar’s exquisite reserve list of rare spirits while relaxing on a velvet chair under the intoxicating emerald glass dome.

champagne on ice

(Photo: @raisedbywolvesspirits)

False Idol (10.0 Miles to Hotel)

A secret door at Craft & Commerce serves as the entrance to one of the most fun, Polynesian tiki experiences you won’t soon forget in San Diego. Relax among the tropical décor that even includes a volcano and indoor waterfall to get the tropical vibe started! Get your tiki-bar on with their rum-based bar options that range from a classic MaiTai to flaming sharable cocktails in festive tiki bowls. And don’t forget to take a piece of your San Diego vacation home with you when you purchase a tiki souvenir glass from False Idol.

colorful cocktails on a bar

Noble Experiment (11.0 Miles to Hotel)

This secret bar in San Diego is one of the best hidden! Located in The Neighborhood restaurant, down a hallway of mirrors that leads to a wall made of kegs, this mysterious speakeasy in San Diego offers a mood for those in a mood. Decorated with a unique collection of gold skulls and classic art, the barely lit bar is in the business of serving exactly what you want. In fact, there is no menu, so choose your drink that will be handcrafted by the theme-oriented staff. You’ll need a reservation for this speakeasy San Diego local enjoy.

a long, narrow bar in a moody themed speakeasy

Mothership (12.8 Miles to Hotel)

This secret bar in San Diego offers guests an eclectic space odyssey theme and an unexpected, extensive menu of frozen concoctions and other tropical drinks. The combination of exotic flavors extends to their vegan dinner menu, where you can order amazing dishes with a variety of infused flavors. If the Mothership and space are on your radar, you’ll love this unique speakeasy in SoCAL during your stay at the Pacific Terrace Hotel in San Diego.

a pink martini with a fruit garnish

(Photo: @lilnikkibee)

Are You Ready to Discover the Secret Bars and Mysterious Speakeasies in San Diego?

The Pacific Terrace Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a weekend of exploring the best hidden bars in San Diego. Enjoy luxurious oceanfront accommodations at our Pacific Beach resort, which is located close to the best speakeasies in San Diego. Enjoy exciting resort-like amenities during the day, including our beachfront pool, hot tub, massage and therapy treatments, or a bike ride on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. Then, when the sun goes down, get ready to visit the best hidden bars in San Diego for a night on the town at the best speakeasy in SoCal. Reserve your oceanfront suite or guestroom now and plan your adventure to discover these secret bars in San Diego.