two women standing in front of their business
01 Mar 2023

Top Women-Owned Businesses in San Diego

By Pacific Terrace Hotel

One of San Diego’s biggest strengths has always been our diversity. Not only are we a cultural melting pot, but California’s outlook on progressive egalitarianism has always made ours an attractive state from social and business perspectives. And since we celebrate both International Women’s Day on March 8th, and Women’s History Month all month long, there’s no time like the present to shine a hard-earned and well-deserved spotlight on some of our favorite women-owned businesses in San Diego.

Azucar Bakery (2.1 miles)

baked goods

(Photo: @iloveazucar)

San Diego’s favorite Cuban bakery offers a seriously scrumptious menu of both year-round and seasonal favorites, including the can’t-miss guava-and-cream-cheese pastries that are the stuff of local legend. Owner and Operator Vivian Hernandez-Jackson brings a deft touch to everything from the cinnamon syrup-soaked Carrot Cake to the buttery-as-they-are-satisfying Pastelitos de Carne that has everyone lining up at lunchtime. Azucar also offers a full coffee menu to warm you up on those brisk mornings.

4820 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

Cucina Urbana (9.5 miles)

(Photo: @cucinarestaurants)

The mission of this Banker’s Hill bistro is to combine traditional Italian cookery with a distinctly fresh, SoCal approach. It’s a passion project for longtime San Diego culinary titan Tracy Borkum, and she’s taken it to the level of mastery. When you go, expect eye-rollingly delectable continental dishes served fresh and family-style, in a rustic-chic setting complete with al fresco options in the Italian tradition. Cucina Urbana also has one of the best on-site wine shops of any restaurant in the city, so grab a bottle or two to go.

505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101

Café 222 (10.4 miles)

A woman in an apron behind the counter of a bakery

(Photo: @terrylgavre)

The story of Café 222 is one that could only happen in California. Founder Terryl Gavre initially funded both her move to San Diego and the opening of this beloved eatery via the proceeds from selling a screenplay — one based on a story about opening a restaurant! In the years since, her menu has proven to be just as delicious as her cinematic chops. So much so that she and her restaurant have been featured in Gourmet Magazine, and on the Food Network. When you go, make sure not to pass up the waffles.

222 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

You & Yours Distilling (11 miles)

a woman pouring drinks from a cocktail shaker

(Photo: @youandyourssd)

Spirited spirits are the name of the game at this East Village staple. No matter what your preferred potable — gin, vodka, to-go canned cocktails — You & Yours has your back. Founder and head distiller Laura Johnson decided on her career path after touring a distillery at just 18, and began crafting her own signature beverages not long afterward. Today, she maintains a successful tasting room, retail sales operation, and supply chain for countless local bars and restaurants who are proud to serve her bottled art.

You & Yours Distilling Co., 1495 G St, San Diego, CA 92101

Poor House Brewing (11.3 miles)

a woman holding a glass of beer, standing in front of brewing tanks

(Photo: @aylon)

Beer and the brewing thereof is an art with which San Diego — the “Craft Beer Capital of America” — is very familiar. But few brewhouses pour it up quite like Poor House. Founder Alanna Scheer and her star beermeisters at Poor House do it all, from light and refreshing blondes to hearty, substantial stouts and everything in between. She and her crew celebrated Poor House’s 10th anniversary last year, and they’re only picking up steam. Fans of Poor House can also find their beers flowing from drafts all over town.

4494 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

Communal Coffee (13 miles)

a coffee shop with outdoor seating

(Photo: @communalcoffee)

Communal is first and foremost an artisanal coffee shop, but aficionados know it’s so much more. Visitors can also discover fragrant, fresh-cut flowers, a light-bites café, a sophisticated co-work space, and even an on-site wine club. Founder and owner Jen Byard has always made it a point to curate an environment she’d want to frequent herself — warm, inviting, and friendly; a space for creativity and convergence. The formula was an immediate success, allowing her to expand to multiple locations.

2335 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Celebrate Women in Business With Pacific Terrace

Sandra Kauffman and a glass Pacific Terrace sign

Pacific Terrace is proud to support all of San Diego’s women entrepreneurs! So it’s no coincidence that our own on-site management team is led by some fierce femme powerhouses. Women like General Manager Sandra Kauffman help us make our guest stays special each, and every day. When you’re ready to join us on your next getaway, we’d love to welcome you. Take a look at our special offers, select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you, and we’ll see you soon!

a couple drinking champagne on a boat
01 Apr 2022

Best Dinner Cruises in San Diego

By Pacific Terrace Hotel

It’s no secret that “America’s Finest City” has some spectacular beaches. Our proximity to the Pacific means we’ve come up with nearly endless ways to enjoy the water. So if you’re looking to indulge in one of the most popular, many local boating companies offer decadent dinner cruises in San Diego. Imagine sipping a cocktail and sampling some gourmet dining while the sun sets over the waves, and you’re getting the idea.

Read on for some excellent options for a classic dinner cruise, and set sail.

Flagship Cruises & Events

a couple dining on a boat

(Photo: @flagshipsd)

Flagship Cruises is a San Diego institution, having first offered local ferry service from San Diego’s earliest ports in 1885. In the century-plus since, the company has chartered countless pleasure cruises, sightseeing tours and more. Their nightly dinner cruises are always memorable experiences. Passengers enjoy scenic views, craft cocktails, an elegant ambience and delectable dishes featuring fresh seafood and other local ingredients.

990 North Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Hornblower City Cruises

friends toasting with champagne on a boat

(Photo: @cityexperiences)

These leisurely yacht cruises offer passengers a multi-course experience, prepared right on-board. Service is always top-notch, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, Wi-Fi and entertainment from a private table, and there are always a variety of awe-inspiring sights from the dining deck. Dinner cruises depart nightly, although if you’re in the mood for a daytime trek, brunch cruises are also available by reservation.

1800 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Sail JADA

a platter full of baked goods

(Photo: @sailjada)

The JADA is a storied wooden racing yacht that was built in 1938 to be the fastest boat of its day. And fast it was, winning several speed trials during its active years of competition. Rumor has it that the ship’s race days came to a close after it was purchased by actor Marlon Brando sometime in the early 1970s. Today, the JADA is one of San Diego’s preëminent sailing charters, offering elegant dinner cruises to the adventuresome.

8971 Capcano Rd, San Diego, CA 92126

Cruise San Diego

a couple drinking champagne on a boat

(Photo: @cruise_sd)

Cruise San Diego offers a variety of chartered events on the yacht Ohana — a vessel built for the famed Wrigley family in 1960. In addition to making themselves available for leisurely treks and sightseeing tours, Cruise San Diego also books private dinner cruises above the craft. If you’re just in the mood to sip a cocktail and socialize, the on-board Mahalo Bar also offers regular sunset Booze Cruises on a regular schedule here.

1617 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109

The Gondola Company

view from a gondola

(Photo: @thegondolacompany)

Craving a decidedly European experience? The Gondola Company offers a classically continental experience; one akin to floating through the canals of Venice. Each intimate excursion can accommodate up to six passengers as your gondolier navigates the waterways of the Coronado Cays. Although a full meal service isn’t offered, guests are welcome to bring light bites to accompany the wine and truffles that will be served.

503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C Coronado, California 92118

Book Your Stay at Pacific Terrace

Pacific Terrace Hotel is the ideal place for you to call home during your maritime adventure in San Diego. We offer guests plush accommodations, a host of amazing amenities, and we’re located just steps from the water, so you’re never far from your point of departure. Take a look at our Special Offers page, book your stay and discover your escape!