Showing posts with label Hotel del Coronado. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hotel del Coronado. Show all posts

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Par for the Course

With perfect weather and gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder San Diego boasts over 90 beautiful gold courses and Gold Digest minted our town one of “the top 50 golf destinations in the world!”  San Diego has even hosted a U.S. Open, at legendary golf course Torrey Pines, and the United States Golf Association announced that the US Open will return to Torrey Pines in 2021.  The best part about golfing in San Diego, is that you can enjoy the sport no matter what level you play.    



We’ve already mentioned Tiki Town Adventure Golf at Belmont Park, however, if you’re looking for miniature golf in the area, this really is The place to go.  Golfers of all ages can navigate an indoor and outdoor course that takes them on an island adventure complete with tiki idols, lost temples, and an erupting volcano.  A round of 18 holes will set you back $8, and they are open until 8:00 p.m. during the week and 10:00 p.m. on the weekend.  Check out their Website for specifics and coupons.




Boomers! San Diego is where to go if you are looking for a classic miniature golf course along with a few more family-friendly attractions thrown in for a whole day’s worth of fun.  Test your skill against windmill hazards and water obstacles for $10 a game (kids ages 5 and under are free).  This place is chalk full of fun, complete with kid-friendly carnival rides and a game room.  You can also take a spin on the high-speed Go Karts or for warmer weather test out the Bumper Boats, which come with their own water cannon.



It’s no wonder that Mission Bay Golf Course is a favorite spot for locals and visitors; you can’t beat their location (46 acres right on the bay) or their prices (prices range from $10 to $29).   This course has many claims to fame (this is where Tiger Woods won a Junior World title), but their most note-worthy is this is the only golf course in San Diego with night lighting and LED Glow balls.  Test your hand at night golf for $10 during the week and $12 on the weekend.  If you don’t have time for an entire 18-hole game, then rent a large bucket of golf balls for $10 and set up at the practice range.   With a friendly staff and a par 58 executive course, the Mission Bay Golf Course is always a win.



The Coronado Golf Course mixes old school charm and killer views of San Diego bay.  This waterfront course has a flat topography and winds around the quaint neighborhood and past Hotel del Coronado.  Considering how famous this course is, the $35 fee for weekday play and $40 fee for weekends, are very reasonable.  Tee times can be hard to come by unless you book your tee time in advance HERE or you can show up early for the daily lottery at the starter booth.  For those who want to perfect their stroke, you can book an individual golf lesson with one of the six golf pros at the Course, individual lessons start at $60 for a half hour.  

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a hundred times, San Diego has it all.  Where else in the world can you golf by the sea, close to an urban downtown setting, in the desert or in the mountains?  Our courses are spread through out the entire county, but of course we’re partial to the courses close to Mission Bay.  Whether you’re an old pro or a complete beginner, we think a golf retreat is the perfect way to wind down the summer.  

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Peddling Around the City


San Diego was named the 13th “Healthiest City in America,” and considering there are nearly 20,000 cities in the US, that’s quite an accomplishment.  In honor of getting outdoors and being healthy, we’ve mapped out some great “two – wheel” adventures for you.  Beach cruisers and perfect weather are always a winning combination, and San Diego was made for biking.   



Of course we’re partial to the 27 miles of bike trails in Mission Bay.  The beauty of cycling here is that the calm bay waters and quiet sidewalks aren’t filled with crowds of pedestrians.  Then, on the Pacific Ocean side the bustling boardwalk of Belmont Park, has some of the best people-watching in the city.   This is car-free, relaxing fun with quintessential Californian views.  The paved bike paths are great for families as these lanes connect to Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Ocean Beach; so, there’s great sightseeing as well. 
If you’re taking a morning or lunchtime ride and need a snack, check out the Swell Café (open from 7:00am to 4:00pm) for artisan in-house roasted coffees, fresh smoothies and healthy food.  A few blocks down is the Olive Café (open from 7:00am to 5:00 pm), which serves breakfast all-day, hearty sandwiches, and wraps. 



For those who want a beautiful, leisurely ride with a bit of history thrown in, check out the Silver Strand on the Coronado Peninsula.  This easy, 10-mile ride is not too crowded, parallels the beach and has a front and center view of the historic Hotel del Coronado.  This ride is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cyclist-friendly routes in California, but in our opinion it IS the most beautiful.  The trail is a narrow piece of land between the beach and San Diego Bay with stunning views no matter where you look.
Café 1134 at the north end of the trail is a great place to stop to grab some food or a cold drink.  This is a cozy spot, beloved by locals, that isn’t too pricey and offers delicious salads,  paninis, and friendly service. 



For those who are fans of all things cultural and resplendent architecture, then check out the bike trails in Balboa Park.  Ride along the wide streets with a corridor of trees that provide permanent shade, then, park your bike to explore some of the intricately planned gardens.  This enormous park (1,200 acres!), with 17 museums and a world famous zoo, could easily be both a bike ride and a day trip (and it’s only a 10 minute drive from Mission Bay).  A majority of the park’s streets are closed to cars so you can bike and enjoy the diverse architecture at a slow, safe pace.

Located on the west side of the park, Evolution Fast Food has a great vegan burger menu that’s so delicious, even meat-eaters will be a fan.  Plus, they have refreshing juices and smoothies, the perfect thirst quenchers for a day of biking. 


It’s easy to see why San Diego would be voted one of the most salubrious cities in America, especially with so many outdoor activities available.  Spend an hour or a day cycling through the many bike trails that wind through lovely San Diego neighborhoods.  Stay local and bike Mission Bay, venture out to the lovely Coronado Peninsula or explore the grand Balboa Park, anywhere you chose to go will be gratifying and memorable, so bring your camera.