View of the bay in San Diego from the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Photo courtesy of the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego
On Dec. 30, two of my favorite things will be joining forces: my Arizona Wildcats and the city of San Diego. My Wildcat football team will be playing in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl against Nebraska.
I still do a double take when I see the Pac 10 standings this year, and see Arizona in second place, just under Oregon. But it’s real. It happened. The Arizona football team finished second place in the Pac 10.
So, for all you folks of the Arizona or Nebraska persuasion headed to San Diego for the bowl game, I thought I’d post a few of my favorite spots in one of my favorite cities to eat, grab a drink, or hang out. I lived in San Diego for about a year and half, splitting time between Chula Vista (practically in Mexico but very close to downtown) and Vista (north San Diego County).
I included how far these places are from Qualcomm Stadium, where the Holiday Bowl will be played. Most are 10 miles away or less. If you hit any of these while you visit San Diego, you won’t go wrong.
Top of the Hyatt- Distance from Qualcomm Stadium: 8.6 miles-If you’re downtown, head to the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and go to the very tippy top of the hotel to reach this bar. You aren’t going to find cheap drinks here, but it’s well worth the romantic vibe and the breathtaking views of San Diego. It claims to be the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast, some 40 stories high. So sip a cool cocktail (I recommend the chocolate martini!), take in the view, and you'll start to contemplate moving plans to San Diego.
View from the Top of the Hyatt
Photo courtesy of the
Photo courtesy of the
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Extraordinary Desserts- Distance from Qualcomm: 1430 Union Street location, 7.85 miles; 2929 Fifth Ave. location, 6.3 miles- There are two locations, so you have no excuses. Go. Now. This, to me, is one of the best places to end a romantic evening, or any evening really. What better way to end your night than with an incredible dessert and a delicious latte? I miss a lot about living in San Diego, but this is near the top of my list.
The Prado- Distance from Qualcomm: 7.1 miles- This restaurant at Balboa Park (even if you don’t go to The Prado, visit Balboa Park for any museum you would want to see. It’s right where the world famous San Diego Zoo is too) is in my “special occasion” range but you won't be disappointed. I had one of the best steaks of my life there. Balboa Park at night, lit up during the holidays, is awesome too.
Basic- Distance from Qualcomm: 8 miles- This pizza doesn't look like anything out of the ordinary, but it's addicting. It is located downtown in a cool, old brick building and has a great urban vibe to it. Basic is a great place when you just want to grab some pizza and drinks with your friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Photos of Basic courtesy of Basic
The Living Room- Distance from Qualcomm: La Jolla location, 14.3 miles- If you’d like a place where you can order coffee, tea or wine in a cool coffee shop, and chase it with a walk on the beach, this is the spot for you. There are several Living Room locations, but the one I love is in swanky La Jolla, and within walking distance of a lot of upscale shopping too. You know, if you are into that sort of thing.
Pannikin Coffee and Tea- Distance from Qualcomm: Encinitas location, 25 miles- There are several locations, but the one in Encinitas off Highway 101 is my favorite. The building’s original use was as a train depot. While you are in San Diego, please, PLEASE drive Highway 101. It runs you through several beach towns, and Encinitas has a funky vibe to it that's worth checking out. It will make your life better. And while you’re doing it, stop in at Pannikin and get some good coffee and a freshly-baked pastry. It’s the right thing to do.
Little Italy- Distance from Qualcomm: 8.5 miles- There are several good spots here so it's tough to just recommend just one, but there are several good Italian restaurants, and it’s right near downtown.
Old Town- Distance from Qualcomm: about 7 miles- Hit this area for some good Mexican food and also some cool shops. You can also check out some of earliest history of San Diego.
Las Olas- Distance from Qualcomm: Cardiff by the Sea location, 21.4 miles- a hole-in-the-wall Mexican place right across from the ocean off Highway 101 in Cardiff by the Sea (which has to win an award for one of the most pretentious sounding city names ever, but it is actually). They added a second location in Carlsbad, further north on the 101. Good Mexican food with an ocean view. It's the Southern California way of life.
Mission- Distance from Qualcomm: Mission Blvd. location, 10.8 miles- I still have dreams about the French toast here. All the pancakes and French toast dishes come with fruit, and when it comes out to your table, the entire world seems right. There are a couple of locations around San Diego, and both are pretty busy and weekend brunch/lunch. But, the French toast is worth the wait.
Enjoy San Diego!
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