About Town: San Diego
By Ceri Mobley, PGATOUR.com Associate Site Producer
We might already have the 2008 season of the PGA TOUR established now we're in the fourth week, but the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines sees the emergence of our golfing superstars after a brief winter hibernation. Yes, this week; we have Tiger, and we have Phil -- back in action. That makes for a pretty exciting golf tournament.
Since we have the momentum going on the course, let's not lose it off. Sure, we set up camp only two-and-a-half hours up the road last week in Palm Desert, but don't even think about taking a peek at that activity sheet. We have a whole new plan for San Diego, Calif.
If you don't know that coastal, southern California is a high-ticket area, then I fear there are many things you don't know. Finding good hotel options that don't completely break the bank was a challenge, but let's face it; we can't all live the Hollywood life (despite our proximity to it this week).
SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE:
La Jolla luxury: Torrey Pines Golf Course, host of the Buick Invitational is a stone's throw to the Pacific Ocean, but, in case you have bad aim, that stone might also hit any one of the multiple five-star resort hotels in the area. Picking one gem out of an open treasure box might take some time, so make it easy on yourself and go for convenient comfort. The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla boasts five stars and oh, about a 30-second walk to the tournament. Awesome views of the ocean and the course will have you torn over which way to gaze. The hotel's amenities include a spa, golf (of course) and the wide expanse of cliff-top California countryside.
Prepare to pay: If you think that staying at the course during the week of the tournament will be pricy -- ding, ding, ding, you're right. However, try to remember that you're not just paying for the location; you are also paying for a spectacular hotel in a picture-perfect setting with all the bells and whistles you could want. A visit to the Lodge at Torrey Pines will set you back between $375 and $630 a night. Remember, if all you want to see is the golf, then you won't need a rental car, or gas money for that matter, if you choose to book here.
Rock 'n roll rooms: Even if San Diego's natural beauty and climate sets it apart from the glitz and glamour of its neighbor to the north, you can't deny that you might just want a little taste of the tacky while you're here. If that sounds about right, then make your reservations at the four-star Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. This American favorite offers a fun, entertaining stay in the city's trendy Gas Lamp District, and it will only take you 20 minutes to get to the course in time to see Tiger tee off. This hotel has all the trappings of a classy place but with the funky, young atmosphere of the Hard Rock Café.
Prepare to pay: A considerable amount cheaper than the Lodge at Torrey Pines and in a bustling area to keep you occupied, the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is a great choice for those of you who want to silently observe on the course and then loosen up for some party time when play has ended. After all, someone has to celebrate all those awesome shots. You'll pay around $280-$360 a night to sleep, or not, at the Hard Rock.
Your own sand castle - or condo: Sure, hotels line the coast of California like Sunday-red shirts line the walls of Tiger's closet, but that doesn't make it your only choice. Just as we often see Tiger in ensembles other than the black and red - despite the outfit's fame - there are awesome beach views up for grabs that don't come with a maid you have to tip every day. At this time of year, renting a condo or a house on one of San Diego's many beaches is a steal. California's off season provides the perfect getaway opportunity at the perfect price, and, really, it might be winter, but it's a whole lot warmer here than the majority of the country. Rent a vacation home, and you have the comfort of your own place, a kitchen to do your own cooking and a much-less crowded beach to take that winter stroll.
Prepare to pay: Vacation rentals, 90 percent of the time, require a one-week stay, although sometimes in the off season, you can talk your way into paying by the day. Of course, what you pay depends heavily on the size of the beachfront property, its location and its level of extravagance. However, in January, you can snag a beachfront condo that sleeps seven for as little as $1,000 for the week -- that works out to less than $145 per person for an entire seven days. Most beachfront hotels in the area charge more than $145 a night. I am seriously considering ending this article right here and packing my suitcase.
Well, what kind of guide would I be if I did that? I suppose I can give you a few places to find sustenance and entertainment before I call all my friends and talk them into running away with me for a week.
SOMEWHERE TO SNACK:
Day one: Now you're on the California coast, you have to adapt to the West-coast way. Kick off those clunky shoes and throw on a pair of aviators. Buy some Volcom t-shirts and a hemp necklace. Dye your hair blonde if you want to. Or, just settle in for a good meal at the Pacific Beach Bar and Grill. Walking distance from Crystal Pier and with a huge patio-dining area, the PB Bar and Grill offers an excellent way to get a taste of California. The menu goes on for days, so if you get a little overwhelmed trying to make your decision, try the Irish Nachos -- made with slices of potato instead of tortilla chips -- and the satay chicken or steak kebabs.
Day two: Well, you should have seen this coming. If I like Mexican in any old state, of course it's going to be on the menu in southern California. Head to Old Town San Diego and sit down for some dinner and drinks at the Old Town Mexican Café. They have happy hour (times four) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. We're talking $3 margaritas, so make sure you have a safe ride back to your accommodations for the week. Spacious, festive and with a fully-stocked bar, at Old Town Mexican Café, you'll feel like you've died and gone to Mexico. Eat up on enchiladas, burritos, tacos and tostadas until you feel sick, and then wash it all down with a tequila-based cocktail.
Day three: You think California, and you think sun, sand and surfers, but don't forget about the fancy food. Known for creative and healthful menus, California cuisine not only delights the taste buds but the eyes, too. After your third day at the course, head into downtown San Diego and try the dishes at Chive. A sleek and trendy restaurant, Chive serves food from all over the world with California style. In keeping with most contemporary eateries of today, the portions are small, so don't be afraid to order more than one plate per diner. While we might all gripe that you don't get much food for what you pay at these kinds of places, remember that your waistline could be thanking you later. Try the seared dayboat scallop, the seared lamb loin and the ginger mushroom ravioli for a platter that covers three food groups as well as pleases the senses.
Day four: For those of you who don't mind a little relaxation with a beverage once the meal has left the table, Moondoggies Bar and Grill simply has to be on your to-eat list while you're here. Happy hour seven nights a week, an outdoor patio, live entertainment and a stocked menu make Moondoggies one of the coolest places in San Diego to grab a bite. You can even catch a recap of the weekend's exciting tournament on one of the many TVs hanging from the walls. Go casual with a tuna melt and fries or take on an entrée with the lemon pepper shrimp pasta. Finish things off with Moondoggies' ice cream nachos. Yes, you read that right: Cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, vanilla and chocolate ice creams, caramel, hot fudge, whipped cream and peanuts -- can you say "I just gained five pounds and I don't even care?"
SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT:
Day one: A trip to San Diego could never be complete without a visit to the zoo, which is why that happens to be on the top of our list. The world-famous San Diego Zoo has an excellent reputation because of its lush re-creations of wild habitats and, of course, its stars -- the animals themselves. Plus, here, you won't have to worry quite as much about a tiger attack. Whether you have a thing for polar bears, big cats, monkeys, birds, rhinos, or giraffes, the San Diego Zoo has you covered. And if animals don't do it for you, then make sure to peruse the gardens and plant life. I think we all have a soft spot for something in the animal kingdom though, right? If you can't decide whether you want to pay the zoo a visit, then spend some time on the Web site looking at the live cams -- you'll most likely make up your mind pretty quickly.
Day two: Old Town San Diego doesn't just contain the fabulous Mexican Café I mentioned earlier, so if you do make that restaurant a stop on your list, then try to find some time to explore the area. Old Town San Diego lays claim to the birthplace of California. Established in 1769 by Spanish settler and missionary Father Junipero Serra, Old Town San Diego was the seed that grew into the California we know today. Filled with historic sites and buildings as well as tons of restaurants, local shops and art galleries, you can easily spend a few hours strolling around this preserved part of California's past and probably drop quite a few dollars, too. Easy to get to and close to most of the San Diego area attractions, Old Town beckons for a sample of Cali culture.
Day three: I apologize if you've had enough of the animal kingdom for now, but you really can't visit San Diego without stopping in to see Shamu. Sea World only has three locations in America, and San Diego is one of them. For the Sea World skeptics out there, the park is more than killer whales and dolphins. Not only can you watch shows "Free Willy" style, you can observe and learn about marine life from sharks and manatees to penguins and tropical fish. You can attend workshops that allow you to participate and interact with sea life, and if giant aquariums don't get you excited, then go on one of the five rides offered at the park. It's a chance to be a kid again (or bring your kids) and remember what lies beneath that beautiful Pacific Ocean view that you'll enjoy every morning out on the golf course.
Day four: We've talked about the California lifestyle so much so far that you've probably heard enough, but talking isn't seeing. The boardwalk in Mission Beach, San Diego, provides one of the best places I can think of to do some serious people watching. Oh sure, you can partake in the jogging and the skateboarding and the bicycling, but don't deny the pleasure that can come from taking a seat and wasting away the day just looking at everything around you. You'll certainly see some characters on that boardwalk as well as action on the beach, even in the winter. San Diego's sweet year-round climate means life doesn't have to stop when the sun sets earlier and the vacation rental homes drop dramatically in price. If you get hungry or, somehow, bored, restaurants and shops line the boardwalk, which by the way, stretches the entire length of the beach. The best part about Mission Beach, though (or almost any beach in the area), comes when the sun goes down. Campfires are allowed year-round as long as you keep the fire in a container and only burn wood, charcoal or paper. So grab a coat and a blanket and set up shop on the beach for a fireside evening complete with stories and s'mores. Watch the sunset over the ocean, kick back and think about what an awesome weekend you've had in San Diego.
STICKING AROUND?
California frequently finds itself atop the list of most-visited places for a reason. Whether you like an active vacation or you prefer to catch up on sleep with spectacular views in between your shuteye, this West-coast beauty can fulfill your holiday hopes. So if you arranged for some time around the tournament to do some more exploring, don't miss these tourism musts.
Pacific Coast Highway: Otherwise known as Route 1, this 500+ mile stretch of highway follows the rocky coast all the way to San Francisco, and plenty of people make the entire trip. But if you don't have time to spend days taking in the scenery, then plan out a short stretch to drive (making sure to allow for many stops along the way). Like the Hana Highway in Maui, this drive cannot be enjoyed quickly. An easy trip from San Diego? Take the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles. The drive, without stops, lasts about two-and-half hours, so you can definitely make a nice day out of it without feeling like you'll never reach your destination. One thing to be certain of before you put the rubber to the road -- make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card because you will take more pictures than you probably did all weekend.
Hollywood: Well this activity grows out of the first one. If you make the drive I suggested up Route 1, then this will be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Since you're driving to L.A., you might as well take in the sights. Like I need to tell you what those are? Go for a stroll on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and snap some shots next to your favorite stars. Drool over the haute-couture stores on Rodeo Drive. Visit Grauman's Chinese Theater. Pose for a traditional photo with the Hollywood sign in the backdrop. The list goes on. But for the crème de la crème, plant yourself in an outdoor café and scan the streets for famous people. And remember, where there's paparazzi smoke, there will more than likely be Britney Spears fire.
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