Planning Your San Diego Winter Vacation
November is here. Chilly weather is starting to settle in across most of the country. And — let’s face it — we’re all a little stir crazy from all the distancing and quarantining.
Thankfully, warm-weather getaways are still on the table. Perhaps not surprisingly, we think escaping to San Diego for a sunny stretch might just be the best way to beat those winter “blahs.”
So when you decide to take a trek to “America’s Finest City,” here are some things to bear in mind during the planning process.
COVID-19 Preparedness
First things first: As much as we all wish it weren’t, COVID-19 is still an unfortunate fact of life for now. That said, California is slowing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus better than many regions of the country thanks to conscientious safety measures. Masks are mandated and must be worn in all public areas. Restaurants, bars, and other indoor spaces are under careful watch and are required to follow safety guidelines. And while sometimes those change rapidly, it’s still advised to take safety precautions. Wear a mask. Carry hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face or surfaces. Help slow the spread. And if you have any questions regarding the requirements of any business, attraction, event, or space you plan to visit, it’s never a bad idea to call ahead first to see what’s happening. Stop by the State of California’s COVID-19 information page to learn more about how the state is working to combat the virus.
Plan Your Itinerary
Before you leave, you’ll want to be sure to take a look at what you might like to do in and around San Diego. In addition to its natural beauty and the vast ocean views, the city has lots of incredible attractions, theme parks, museums and parks. So take a sneak peek at what you might like to see and be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly. With its abundant green space, extensive museum campuses, and serene vibe, Balboa Park is a popular destination for visitors. So is the lively Gaslamp Quarter. Of course, the perennial family favorite SeaWorld San Diego is always a crowd-pleasing stop. And the San Diego Zoo is consistently recognized as one of the best in the country. But whatever you’d like to do is up to you!
Pack Light
To say that winter (as most folks know it) doesn’t really happen in San Diego would be an understatement. Our average year-round temperature hovers at about 75°F. In the months where most of the country is fighting snow and ice, we rarely drop below the mid-to-high 60°s. So you won’t need those wool socks or heavy jackets. The temperatures do dip a bit once one of our famous sunsets slips below the Pacific, so you may want to pack a light sweatshirt or sweater. But apart from that, shorts and t-shirts are sort of the general rule around here. All the better to soak up that famous San Diego sunshine!
Dine Deliciously
Foodies are absolutely spoiled for choice in San Diego. Thanks to our melting-pot culture and mild coastal climate, we’ve earned a reputation for being a gourmet playground. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll absolutely find excellent examples of it here. So you’ll definitely want to plan your food tour ahead of time in order to ensure you’ll be able to try all your favorites — or something completely new. Standouts include pan-Asian cuisine, spectacular seafood, pier-to-plate sushi, and prime steaks everywhere you look. Of course, thanks to being so close to the border, you’re simply not going to find better Mexican food anywhere in the country. The fish tacos and burritos in particular are nothing short of legendary.
Getting Around
San Diego is a fairly walkable city, especially downtown. That said, this is California, and we do like to spread out a little. If you plan to stick pretty close to “home,” most people make use of ride-sharing or the excellent mass transit system we have available. If you are tempted to get out and explore you’ll want to see gorgeous Sunset Cliffs, check out the quaint and charming village of La Jolla, visit Torrey Pines National Park, or even just take a drive up the beach on the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway. No matter where you go, there’s always something to see and do.
Exceptional Accommodations
It goes without saying that you’ll need a fantastic place to serve as your base for exploration during your trip — a comfortable home-away-from-home with exceptionally appointed guest rooms, casual luxury, and superb amenities. Pacific Terrace is a beautiful beachfront hotel infused with quality, comfort, superior service, and excellent proximity to everything you’ll want to see. While here, you’ll enjoy our relaxing poolside patio, inspired decor, and the lovely sea breeze from your private balcony or patio. Check out our special offers, book your getaway, and let us help make your San Diego winter escape one to remember!