You don’t need to pull out your passport to treat yourself to a luxurious getaway. Instead, head to sunny San Diego, a city that pampers its visitors with superb service at every turn. With five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and world-class arts and entertainment, San Diego offers endless ways to indulge. Here are 10 of our favorite ways to experience the luxe side of America’s Finest City.
Sail the bay on your own private charter with San Diego Sailing Tours for a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere on land. Captain Kyle Corbett and his professional team deliver first-class service on their fleet of vintage vessels, each of which has been lovingly restored. Enjoy a blissful afternoon on the bay with the sun on your face or book a moonlight sail to see the cityscape glow.
Stay in the luxe accommodations of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, a Mediterranean-inspired resort with unrivaled five-diamond service set within the idyllic Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. For a more coastal vibe, book a suite at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla where you can sip champagne on your private balcony overlooking the ocean.
Dine at Animae, a glam Pan-Asian steakhouse, located in San Diego’s Marina District and decked in luxe velvet and gold accents. Executive Chef Tara Monsod serves up flavor-packed fusion in dishes like the signature wagyu, chili octopus, tuna kinilaw, and matcha crepe cake. Or head to Addison, San Diego’s only three-star Michelin restaurant at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Chef and Director William Bradley uses regional ingredients and global inspiration to craft innovative and artful dishes for an unforgettable 10-course tasting menu, one of a handful of chef’s table experiences in the city.
Sip cocktails on the rooftop terrace of Mister A’s, a fine dining restaurant with a top-notch mixology team. Enjoy creative concoctions like Smoke & Mirrors, a blend of mezcal, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, tobacco bitters, and smoked hoja santa. Come for the drinks, stay for the 180-degree views of downtown San Diego and front row seat to planes flying into town.
Shop everything from designer flagships to local boardshops at Westfield UTC. With over 160 stores to peruse, a putting green and a movie theater, this outdoor shopping center is the perfect place to soak up the San Diego sun while stocking up on luxury must-haves. Whether your vice is shiny baubles or lavish garments, you definitely won’t want to leave here empty-handed.
See extraordinary expressions of human creativity at the Mingei International Museum set in Balboa Park. Dedicated to understanding mingei—a Japanese word that means art of the people—the museum’s permanent collection of 25,000 objects from 141 countries spans folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world.
Pamper yourself with a relaxing treatment at one of San Diego’s world-class spas. Set within lush gardens, the spa at Estancia La Jolla offers revitalizing botanical treatments like kelp-infused masks and poppy seed body scrubs. SpaTerre at Kona Kai on Shelter Island is a zen oasis for rejuvenation set amid lush tropical gardens. Try the Himalayan salt stone massage for deep relaxation.
Explore the beaches, bays and landmarks of San Diego from the sky with Corporate Helicopters. For a truly unique sight-seeing experience, glide along the city’s famous coast and attractions on the Surf and Turf tour, or take it up a notch with the Winery Lunch Flight, where you’ll fly along the coastline to Temecula wine country for an afternoon of tastings.
Enjoy an outdoor concert at the iconic Rady Shell at Jacobs Park perched on the waterfront. The amphitheater comes alive with regular performances by everyone from the biggest pop stars to the San Diego Symphony. Thanks to San Diego’s unmatched weather, you can take in the surrounding scenery while jamming out to your favorite artists no matter the season.
Bask in the sun on some of the best beaches in the country. San Diego boasts more than 70 miles of coastline, meaning plenty of sandy stretches to relax and unwind. Go for a swim at one of Del Mar’s more secluded beaches, or watch the sunset from the white sands of La Jolla Cove.
Plan your luxury escape to San Diego now at sandiego.org/luxury.
Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.
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