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San Diego continues to break records as one of the top vacation destinations in America.
Why wouldn’t that be the case?
Those with the West Coast on their minds are turning to ‘America’s Finest City’ for their vacation needs due to the controversies surrounding San Francisco and Los Angeles.
San Diego County, with beautiful beach towns from Coronado to Oceanside, is teeming with paradise escapes, but even the city itself can be overlooked in favor of the world-famous San Diego Zoo, a tourist hotspot, Mission Beach and wild nights out in the Gaslamp district.
The truth is, you don’t have to spend boring nights at tourists’ biggest mistake, Hotel Circle, or pay too much for a beach stay to have an unforgettable time in SoCal’s shining star.
If there’s one knock on San Diego, it’s the fact that this city doesn’t seem to know what a real island is, often referring to scenic peninsulas as “islands,” like the aforementioned Coronado, as well as local favorites, Shelter Island and Harbor Island. .
The latter is just a stone’s throw away under construction San Diego International Airport and home to a resort-style retreat with more luxurious amenities than a typical “airport hotel.”
With unparalleled views of San Diego’s vibrant skyline and the calm, gleaming waters of San Diego Bay, there’s no doubt the recently renovated Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is the perfect anchor for your next vacation.
Plus, you can watch planes land from your balcony without losing any sleep!
There couldn’t be a better base to explore San Diego
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina has 2 towers on their surprisingly extensive grounds. I say this because you could easily swap “hotel” for “resort” in their name, especially with today’s $60 food and drinks credit at Rumorosa, their Baja-inspired restaurant.
If you’re an avid San Diego vacationer and haven’t stayed here, you’re missing out. Located directly across from San Diego International Airport, these resort-style digs beat all the hotels in the area, including where my girlfriend works (shh! Don’t tell her!).
From the moment you walk in you are treated like family. I even had a surprise of sinfully delicious macarons delivered to my spacious suite as a friendly welcome gift.
If you’re new to Travel Off Path, you know we’re all about ‘no fluff’. So when I say this was the most comfortable room I’ve stayed in in recent memory, I mean it!
To put that into perspective, I just got back from a six-country Euro trip and stayed in multiple four-star hotels and five-star resorts.
I was assigned one here renovated King suite on the 10th floor with sweeping skyline views and glimpses of tranquil San Diego Bay – not to mention the surprisingly quiet airport, considering its location.
Oh, wait. That was just the balcony in the living room. The bedroom balcony had an even better view of the bay and also a soothing salty breeze.
With views of the cityscape you will gain appreciation for your prime location. Whether it’s a stopover, a weekend getaway or a full-fledged holiday, you’ve come to the right place.
With a 5 minute drive you are in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Little Italy. While it’s certainly not Rome, your taste buds won’t know that while they’re munching Mona Lisa.
Little Italy is a sub-area of the city center, where there is always a vibrant atmosphere Gaslamp quarters with more than 200 bars and restaurants.
Just as easy to reach, but in the opposite direction is Point Loma, one of my favorite neighborhoods, where you can discover all the delights of nature. Freedom stationformer naval homes converted into trendy restaurants, breweries and even a 9-hole golf course, fun for the whole family.
But just outside the Sheraton is Harbor Island (ahem, peninsula), which offers perhaps San Diego’s best city views, along with two renowned restaurants at each end. Tom Yam Lighthouse And Coasterra.
Oh, and last but not least: Balboa Park, home to a plethora of great museums, hiking trails, and the ever-so-famous San Diego Zoo, plus the closest beach, Ocean Beach, are both just an 11-minute drive away.
A taste of Baja & Waterfront Brews
Every time you visit a Mexican restaurant, there are two things that can test its authenticity. Order Tajin-rimmed Margaritas followed by guac, amirite?
If that doesn’t work, you’re in the wrong place. Thank goodness, Sheraton’s Rumors passed the test before ordering entrees, and our experience took it to the next level from there.
Next we had to put ‘Baja’ to the test, so you know we ordered the Local Baja Ceviche (also on the Happy Hour menu) and it was as good as anywhere south of the border – and I visit Tijuana often!
We went a little out of line for the entrees by ordering braised beef short rib. It was still cooked to perfection, but didn’t really give off that ‘Baja’ vibe.
That said, the best place to sit back and relax has recently opened Brewerywith a wide selection of craft beers and a great terrace on the water overlooking the adjacent marina, where you can take a lovely walk, book a jet ski or enjoy ‘Sunset S’mores‘.
Just know that the hard seltzers have a high alcohol content and will sneak up on you! A few Shhh Wheat draft and Huckleberry seltzers, delicious Dirty fries were a great way to watch football with our friendly beer man.
If beer were a little cheaper than the standard $10 pours, as a San Diegan, Brewery
It’s a really great atmosphere, whether you’re a hotel guest or not.
Remark: There is also Sunglow Cabana Bar at the pool but we were told it was closed during our stay.
Airport convenience
Honestly, San Diego airport is a bit of a hassle right now. If you time it right, you won’t have to deal with the constant construction projects, but that’s never a guarantee.
In fact, I wrote an article earlier this year highlighting persistent headaches. Although things seemed to be improving, the final product is still not close to the finish line.
The next phase is a partial opening of Terminal 1 in summer 2025, but it is not expected to be completed until an undisclosed date in 2028.
This adds another reason (as if you needed one) to stay at Sheraton, where you could literally walk to your flight if you wanted to, but their free shuttle service from 4:45 am – 12:00 am is a wiser decision.
As a resident who regularly passes by the airport, I know that traffic hasn’t been as bad as it was in early 2024. However, as a precaution, know that when it’s bad, it’s really baaadddd.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
