ResorTime Travelers » San Diego

Nightlife hot spots near San Diego vacation rentals

ResorTime News — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:00:38 +0000

Not only is the weather warm in San Diego, but the clubs, bars and lounges sizzle on any given night. Whether travelers are in search of the perfect music venue, a luxurious lounge or a casual spot to hang out with friends, San Diego has a destination for everyone.

Rock the Casbah
The famed nightclub, The Casbah, has been open since 1989. In its beginning years, it hosted bands such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and the Lemonheads to a crowd of 75 people. In 1994, the club moved down the road in order to accommodate about three times the size of its original crowd. Vacationers who book timeshare rentals in San Diego can see bands like Weezer, Vampire Weekend and The Arcade Fire tear up the stage at the popular California venue.

Top of the Hyatt
The swanky hotel cocktail lounge invites guests to steal a view of San Diego’s seaside from a 40-story vantage point with its floor-to-ceiling windows. The ideal choice for a romantic date, guests can watch the sunset while sipping on cocktails and enjoying casual conversation.

The Field
An Irish restaurant cannot get much more authentic than San Diego’s The Field. The owners shipped the boisterous pub piece by piece from Ireland and relocated it in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Those who book vacation rentals nearby can choose a traditional beverage from one of the city’s largest selections of single malt and blended whiskey.

Visit San Diego for a great vacation with activities for everyone.

Taste the flavors of San Diego at Karl Strauss Brewer

ResorTime News — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:23:17 +0000

Beer lovers booking a timeshare rental in the sunny city of San Diego can keep this address ingrained in their minds – 5985 Santa Fe Street – and San Diego’s best beer will only be a quick walk away.

The Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s private beers have been named the city’s best for six years in a row. Brewing over 30 different varieties, including six core, a host of specialty, and some seasonal beers, founders Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner have come a long way since the 1980s. When they opened their doors in 1989, they were welcoming San Diego to its first brewpub in over 50 years.

From ales to porters, lagers to IPAs, the Karl Strauss Brewers have made loads of eclectic beers popular over the years. For March vacation renters, the special release will be their Scotch Ale, while those who choose a vacation rental in April can try a taste of the funky Conquistador Doppelbock.

Book a San Diego condo rental at the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort or the Sofia Hotel to find the Karl Strauss Brewery a leisurely walk away.

Top vacation rentals to book for travelers and their pups

ResorTime News — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:29:29 +0000

The time has come for the traveler to pack his belongings and set off to his getaway destination. Only one thing is holding him back from closing the front door behind him: his pet golden retriever, sitting in the foyer and wagging his tail.

To avoid this sad scenario and let the furry friend join the fun, make sure to book a vacation rental at a resort that welcomes pets. Choosing an area with vast space for the dog to roam free and get a healthy amount of exercise can also result in a fun trip for all.

As modern and sophisticated as the hotel may appear, The Sofia Hotel in San Diego houses an array of pet-friendly rooms that are sure to please all. The city’s abundance of dog parks will keep puppies of all sizes happy. Book a vacation rental at Sofia Hotel and stay minutes away from Dog Beach, the only 24-hour beach for dogs in the city.

Located on the banks of Tonto Creek, the historic Kohl’s Ranch Lodge in Payson, Arizona, was made famous by western novelist Zane Grey. Surrounded by streams and the world’s largest Ponderosa Pine forest, pet owners and their pups won’t have enough time in the day to explore all of the outdoors and hike the forest trails.

Next time you stay at your favorite vacation resort, you don’t need to leave your pet behind.

Become a “Surf Diva” or dude at surf school in La Jolla

ResorTime News — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:32:16 +0000

Families staying in vacation rentals in La Jolla this spring can bring their young adventurous girls to Surf Diva, a surfing school for girls of all ages. Twin sisters Izzy and Coco Tihanyi began the school 15 years ago to combine their passion for surfing and educating others about ocean preservation, and have since expanded the school into various locations including Costa Rica and Australia.

Because of the growing popularity of the surf school, the Tihanyi twins have expanded their services to not only aspiring surfer divas but dudes as well. The newer “Guys on the Side” surf training service offers the same private and group lessons, and some co-ed group lessons are available for those interested.The school offers private or group lessons, week or weekend-long clinics, as well as bachelorette party lessons and team building lessons for business professionals. The school advises potential students to prepare their bodies for surfing by swimming, practicing yoga and doing push-ups and sit-ups. Also beneficial prior to surfing is training on a skateboard, because of its similarities in stance and balancing technique.

With over 50 talented male and female instructors at the school, your kids are bound to receive thorough training and care from their surf teacher while riding their very first waves.

Balboa Park – Museum Rich San Diego

Guest Writer — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:48:23 +0000

Balboa Park in San Diego is scenically beautiful with sculpted gardens, floral landscapes, and fountains. Visitors to this peaceful setting can go in every direction within the park and find numerous museums and cultural activities. With 17 separate museums there is no shortage of things to see and absorb.

Balboa Park Museum Highlights

Timken Museum of Art

1500 El Prado

San Diego, CA 92101

(619-293-5548)

Housing the Putnam Foundation Collection of European old master paintings, American paintings, and Russian icons, the Timken is home to artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, Fragonard, Bierstadt, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Admission is always free.

San Diego Museum of Man

1350 El Prado – Balboa Park

San Diego, CA 92101

(619-239-2001)

Setting underneath the 200-foot California Tower, Museum of Man is San Diego’s only museum dedicated to anthropology. Dating back almost a century, the Spanish colonial-style building was originally constructed for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. The Museum of Man creates and displays dynamic and educational anthropological exhibits about people and places throughout the Americas and the world.

WorldBeat Cultural Center

2100 Park Boulevard

San Diego, CA 92101

(619-230-1190)

Dedicated to promoting and presenting African, African-American, and other indigenous cultures of the world through art, music, dance, education, and technology, the WorldBeat Cultural Center is housed in a colorfully painted former water tower. Drum and dance classes are offered year round and George Washington Carver is memorialized in the WorldBeat’s unique organic herb, fruit and vegetable garden.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

1649 El Prado

San Diego, CA 92101

(619-696-0199)

This is the world’s largest operating model railroad museum with enormous scale and model layouts. Historic Southwest railroads are depicted including a Toy Train Gallery with an interactive Lionel layout for kids with state-of-the-art theater lighting. For anyone visiting San Diego with little ones, the Model Railroad Museum should be near the top of your list to see.

Mingei International Museum

1439 El Prado

San Diego, CA 92101

(619-239-0003)

With dynamic exhibits of contemporary and historic folk art, crafts, and design, the Mingei is dedicated to the art of people from all eras and cultures. Extensive collections include Mexico, India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Africa, Pre-Columbian, the Middle East, and the USA.

San Diego Automotive Museum

2080 Pan American Plaza

San Diego, CA 92101

(619-231-2886)

Kids are definitely welcome in the Automotive Museum with special classes catering specifically to them. With the Museum’s participation in the San Diego Unified School District’s Balboa Park program, fifth grade students spend an entire week in the park visiting many of the cultural intuitions. It’s educational and fun at the same time! Besides showcasing many unusual automobiles the Museum offers historical and cultural perspective on how the car has changed society.

These few highlights are some, but not all that you will find when you check out Balboa Park Museums. Centro Cultural de la Raza, Marston House, Museum of Photographic Arts, Reuben H Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Art Institute, San Diego Hall of Champions San Diego History Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, Veterans Museum & Memorial Center, and the San Diego Museum of Art, are also visit-worthy centers for the whole family. Call (619-293-0003) for details. When visiting, there are numerous San Diego vacation rentals for a wonderful getaway.

Kids Explore for Free During the Month of October at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park

Guest Writer — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:25:51 +0000

The Famous San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park have always been a great place for children to learn and explore. In particular, the Zoo has always understood the educational value in teaching children all about different exotic animals. So it is no wonder that the Zoo and Wild Animal Park offers free child admission during the month of October. The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park are both open from 9am-5pm, 7 days a week, giving the traveler ample time to join in on the fun.

As well as having free admission, there are plenty of activities that occur throughout the week to partake in:

San Diego Wild Animal Park

Feed a Giraffe: On Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-1, children can hand feed Masai Giraffes for $5. Tickets are available starting at 11am at the Jungle Office until all 100 spots have been filled.

Dr. Zoolittle Navigates Nature Tricks: This incredible show is a perfect opportunity for children to learn about the “magic” of surviving in the wild. Dr. Zoolittle performs on Saturdays and Sundays at Noon and 2pm at the Clark Theater.

Macaw Flight: Be enthralled by the flight of Macaws every morning at 9am. Children will be captivated by these beautiful red birds in free flight, flaunting the beauty and mystic of the wild.

Camp Critters Show: Located at the Wegeforth Bowl, at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, this high-energy demonstration showcases Camp-Counselor-in-Training Shirley Perkins and her sidekick, Harry the sea lion, in their quest to become full-fledged counselors at Camp Critters. A fun and exciting show for adults and children alike.

Would you like more information? Feel free to call the zoo at 619.231.1515 or the Wild Animal Park at 760.747.8702.

Top 5 Turkey Trots this Thanksgiving!

Guest Writer — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:58:18 +0000

Don’t want to feel guilty consuming all the calories that Thanksgiving brings? Then participate in one of the many Turkey Trots happening this Thanksgiving! Check out which Trot best fits your vacation:

Oceanside, CA: November 24, Info call (760) 434-5255

Experience breathtaking views, as you run along the beach. Looking for a place to stay near the race? Try the Southern California Beach Club.

Sedona, AZ: November 25, Info call (928) 202-6434

View beautiful rock formations while working off those calories. Need a place to stay, try the Bell Rock Inn.

San Diego, CA: November 24, Info call (619) 446-2100

The largest Turkey Trot San Diego has to offer, experience the downtown area and the historic Balboa park while burning off those unwanted calories. Looking for a place to stay for the race? Try the Coronado Beach Resort

Anaheim, CA: November 24, Info call (714) 779-7803

Experience Orange County’s finest during this Turkey Trot. The race will take runners on a adventure through the lovely city of Anaheim. Get a good rest the night before at the Lemon Tree Hotel.

San Francisco, CA: November 24, Info call (415) 595- 6934

Experience the many wounder of San Francisco as you run through the various districts. Need a place to stay for the race? Try the Wyndham Canterbury at San Francisco

Check out some of the other Thanksgiving Deals

Celebrate fall at the annual Carlsbad Oktoberfest

ResorTime News — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:19:51 +0000

Enjoy a variety of activities at Carlsbad Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a traditional German celebration that is held each year in Munich. The event typically lasts between 16 and 18 days beginning in September and continuing into the middle part of the month of October. This fantastic festival is one of the most famous events in Germany and usually attracts more than 5 million visitors from across the world.

Although many individuals may not be able to participate in this year’s Oktoberfest in Munich, they can still have a fantastic time celebrating German culture and the autumn season right here in the U.S. On October 1, travelers who have invested in vacation condo rentals in Carlsbad, California, will have the opportunity to attend the area’s most-loved fall celebration, the Carlsbad Oktoberfest.

This particular West Coast Oktoberfest is put on each year by The Carlsbad Rotary. The event is currently in its 29th season, all of which have reportedly been a huge success among locals and tourists alike.

Individuals who plan to attend this year’s Carlsbad Oktoberfest may be excited to hear how many fun activities and events are planned during the the one-day festival. For instance, there will be live music playing for the duration of the fest, an obstacle course set up in the afternoon and a magician scheduled to visit at 2 p.m. Children will also be able to get their faces painted and enjoy performances by clowns while their parents enjoy the festival’s samples of beer and German food.

Just like in Germany, traditional cuisine will be a major part of this event. According to The Carlsbad Rotary’s website, an authentic German meal will be served at Oktoberfest, complete with delicious bakery treats and cold, frothy beer.

Girlfriend Getaways – Staycations

ResorTime News — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:23:24 +0000

a girlfriends’ getaway stays local by guest traveling diva wendy lemlin

Coronado Beach Resort

A Girlfriends’ Getaway Stays Local
By Wendy Lemlin

Sometimes you just need a break. Not a long vacation, but certainly more of a change of scenery than a “staycation”. Get away from the phone, get away from the computer, and get away from all the little chores around the house that nag to be done. In fact, get away from the kids and significant other, if applicable. We’re talking abdication of responsibility, here. Maybe take off with a friend or two and go somewhere that’s relaxing, but fun at the same time. You don’t even need to travel far, distance-wise, to be amazed at how a change of environment makes for a change in temperament.

If, like me, you’re lucky enough to live somewhere that other people vacation TO (in my case, San Diego, CA), planning a close-to-home girlfriends’ getaway is fraught with possibilities.

Me & Faith enjoying a glass of wine in our condo at the Coronado Beach Resort

My friend Faith and I recently indulged ourselves with a gal-pal gallivant. Although just minutes from home, our escape provided much needed revitalization, without the stress of travel arrangements and navigating unfamiliar territory.

To really feel like you’re stepping out of your everyday life, there’s nothing like a stay at a resort to put you in that “I’m-on-vacation” state of mind. Lounge around a pool, have a spa treatment (or two or three), play some tennis (or golf or whatever sport relaxes you), walk on the beach, dine at an elegant on-site restaurant, shop the boutiques, work out at the fitness center—-all at your fingertips. Comfortable, roomy accommodations with pillowtop beds and space to lounge around comfortably are also a prerequisite.

Faith & Me enjoying the view from the roof deck of the Coronado Beach Resort

We booked our girlfriend getaway through ResorTime.com, a company that specializes in renting out accommodations at timeshare resorts. Personally, I love the idea of staying in a condo-type lodging—for a rate that is usually much less than a generic hotel room, the units have more space, usually with a separate living room, creating a homey feeling, and a kitchen or kitchenette (which helps in saving the cost of eating every meal out, and makes a dinner splurge at an incredible restaurant all the more do-able).

In the seaside resort town of Coronado, just on the other side of San Diego Bay from my home in downtown San Diego, and literally a 15 minute drive away, Faith and I enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing stay at the Coronado Beach Resort. Located in the heart of the town, the resort is within easy walking distance to wide sandy beaches, a myriad of restaurants, countless boutiques, and a biking/walking trail that stretches for over 15 miles.

Our 2 bedroom, 1 ½ bath condo came equipped with kitchenette (where we promptly stored our wine, cheese, and chocolate —which as everyone knows, is essential for a successful girlfriend’s getaway!), as well as a living room with flat screen TV, VCR, and music system, where we could veg out while enjoying said wine and goodies.

Me at the Coronado Ferry Landing

We started our getaway with a bike ride (the resort provides bikes and beach towels) around the “island”. Coronado actually sits at the end of a long peninsula, but everyone refers to it as an island, and that actually enhances its resort-y feel. Unlike much of hilly San Diego, Coronado is flat and is a perfect venue for biking or blading, both around the town, and along the bike path that wends along both the eastern, Bay side, and the western, ocean side, continuing south along the 8 or so miles of the “Silver Strand”, the narrow strip of land that connects Coronado to Imperial Beach and the mainland. About half way down the strand sits the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, with whom the Coronado Beach Resort shares a reciprocal arrangement for use of its amenities. Faith and I stopped in to lounge by the heated pool and enjoy lunch at the resort’s Market Café, made even more yummy by the 30% discount we received as guests of Coronado Beach Resort.

Faith enjoying the incredible views at Candela’s on the Bay

Returning to our rooms, we had time to uncork the wine and and relax, before heading to dinner at Candela’s On the Bay, a Mexican/French fusion restaurant with ahh-inspiring views of the San Diego skyline, from its location at the Coronado ferry landing. My strawberry basil martini whispered “vacation” with every sip, as we began our meal by sharing a melt in the mouth appetizer of fresh seared scallops sautéed with Portobello mushrooms, onions, cilantro and jalapeno peppers in a white wine sauce. To cleanse the palate, we next went with a watercress salad with pears, bleu cheese and pistachios in a mango vinaigrette. My entrée of Camarones Cabo de Puertas tingled every taste bud, with jumbo shrimp flambéed in tequila served over a sashimi filet of ahi tuna with a dollop of avocado and drizzled with tamarindo sauce. Faith’s Manajar Vallarta was equally delicious—sea bass baked and served in a delightful grape cream sauce, with mashed potatoes, Portobello mushrooms and sautéed veggies. Although we thought we were too stuffed for dessert, we manged to make short work of the rich caramel crepes that the manager suggested we try.

Seared Scallops and Portobello Mushrooms at Candela’s on the Bay

As we took a short stroll along the harborfront in an effort to walk off some of the zillion delicious calories we had just happily consumed, a fireworks display across the Bay in San Diego marked the end of a very perfect day, and we contentedly returned to our condo for another glass of wine and some good old fashioned girl-talk.

The following day we made use of the resort’s gym and spent time enjoying the fantastic ocean view from the rooftop lounge area, from which we could ogle both Mexico (only about 15 miles away) and coastal San Diego. Then, always a prerequisite for a girlfriend’s getaway, it was time for shopping in Coronado’s boutiques, followed by a visit to the Coronado Historical Society’s museum where we had the pleasure of speaking with a descendant of one of Coronado’s oldest families. Our final activity entailed a stroll along the beautiful beaches, where the sand sparkles with flecks of fool’s gold and Mexico’s own Islas de los Coronados sit several miles offshore. And then it was time to make the easy 15 minute drive home, thoroughly relaxed and reinvigorated, by our getaway that was as much a state of mind as a change of locale.

If you go:

Rent a timeshare condo at over 300 locations through ResorTime.com 877-867-6506

Coronado Beach Resort Beach Resort & Hotel 1415 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA

Candela’s On The Bay 1201 First St. #115, Coronado candelas-coronado.com 619-435-4900

***

wendy lemlin has lived in all four corners of the country, including several places in between, but has enjoyed calling san diego home since 2004. a well-published writer, copywriter and photographer, she has enjoyed immersing herself in everything her new home has to offer, including a surprising amount of zydeco dancing. whether traveling to the far-flung parts of the globe, or the near-flung corners of her own backyard, wendy is constantly seeking out, and writing about, new experiences, often in the company of her favorite companion, sophie the wander-dog. for her part, sophie can’t believe that she actually gets to live someplace with so many dog parks, yappy hours and dog beaches! she might even learn to dance one of these days. learn more about wendy at her website: www.wendylemlin.com.

California Beach Vacation

ResorTime.com — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:30:12 +0000

Isn’t it Time for Your Annual Family Beach Vacation in California?

Southern California has some of the best weather in the world all year long. It’s time you got out to enjoy it – why not do it in style at the beach? In fact, why not go all out and try out a Beach Resort vacation condo? Sound good? It may be a lot less expensive to stay in a beach timeshare rental than you could have ever imagined. But first, let’s pick a good beach, as California has lots of them, many of them quite famous indeed.

Well, first you’ll want to avoid the Paparazzi and the best way to do that is to find a family vacation rental location where those persnickety photographers won’t poison that pristine pacific paradise that California beaches are known for! What you need is perhaps a beach vacation rental upgrade this year. For instance you could consider the popular Southern California Beach Club or the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort. Maybe you want to try the world famous Coronado Beach for your family vacation this year – when was the last time you got away for a while, the whole family?

The Coronado Beach Resort is not too far from the famous US Navy Seal Training Camp. And once over the bridge, San Diego is filled with great restaurants and downtown attractions too. I like hanging out at Java Jones Coffee shops, and then taking a walk down by the marinas. San Diego Sea World is also a favorite. Back on Coronado Island you might like the Hotel Del Coronado’s famous Sunday Brunch, it’s magnificent, although the Coronado Beach Resort has everything you need right there if you just want to enjoy life without a care in the world and relax?

The Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort is completely affordable and let me tell you they’ve done a first class job in downtown Carlsbad, the shopping district is fantastic, sit outside for brunch, have a cocktail, soak in the fresh air and do a little shopping with all the money you are saving this year. Finding the perfect beach timeshare rental or beach vacation rental, might be a lot easier than you think.

The Southern California Beach Club and I know you are salivating just thinking about the name, well, lucky for you it lives up to that reputation, and then some. Watching that Sunset on the beach in Oceanside, CA is truly spectacular, and your family will never forget this year’s vacation get-away. I like to walk into town and thank the US Marines for their services, and grab a giant bad of onion rings at the popular restaurant. Oceanside is a cool place and the Southern California Beach Club is the coolest place in town.

Perhaps, a beach timeshare rental is in your near future, best of all you can book your reservation online. Why not treat you and your family to a first class beach resort vacation this year? Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll look really good doing it! No wonder everyone loves California, life really is a beach.