Our staff knows just where to go!
Getting off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems is one of the wonders of travel. But how do you find those special places? Ask a local. Hotel Solamar helps you make the most of your San Diego stay by sharing our staff's favorite picks and insider tips.
We asked our intrepid staff: If you had only two days in San Diego, what would you do? Take a peek, have some fun and Live Like a Local.
Eat
Chef Christian Graves - Local for 5 years
Executive Chef
• Aside from Jsix Restaurant of course, I love to sneak out to Neighborhood Restaurant. They have a fantastic beer selection and the fennel fries are mouth watering.
• Another late night spot is called Raku up on 5th and Robinson. This is where you will find myself and many other chefs from around town hanging out after service eating, talking, and laughing. Small plate Japanese bar food is the way to any chef’s heart.
Drink
Eric Manning - Local for 10 years
Director of Sales & Marketing
• You need to try Tipsy Crow. It’s a great bar with three floors, all with a separate vibe (The Nest, The Main, and The Underground).
• Just a few short miles out of downtown is the Tractor Room (Hillcrest) with an award winning collection of mixed drinks! AND, if you get hungry….you must try the Mac n Cheese and Cornbread.
Wellness
Kyle Mann - Local for 5 years
Sales Manager
• Take a stroll down Sunset Cliffs—a hidden jewel on the coast of San Diego that isn’t jammed packed with bars and restaurants. The best sunsets in town, hence the name...
• Go for a bike ride. Along San Diego’s harbor is a bike lane exclusive to bikers and runners. It’s a safe and delightful way to see dynamic views of the harbor, peninsula, Coronado and the skyline.
Retail Therapy
Lauren Lathrop - Local for lifetime
Jsix Manager
• Villa Moda- Only 1 ½ blocks from Hotel Solamar, Villa Moda carries awesome contemporary fashions from t-shirts and jeans to cocktail dresses and formal wear.
• Frock You- Head uptown to an adorable independent vintage boutique that stocks fashions from the 1880s to the 1980s! They have an extensive collection of vintage handbags and accessories.
Play
Lauren Adams - Local for 7 years
Sales Manager
• Golf at Torrey Pines. There may not be a more scenic course in Southern California. A straight shot up the coast to La Jolla. Local tip, don’t go right on The North Course#8, unless you bring your surfboard.
• Mission Beach Boardwalk. No better place to people watch, grab a local bite to eat and take in some San Diego sun. Wavehouse, San Diego, is the largest man-made wave in North America. A true taste of the surf lifestyle.
One of a Kind
Stefan Lammert - Local for 11 years
Path Finder
• In Balboa Park you can enjoy sunny San Diego in a beautiful park and get entertained for free. My favorites are the cactus garden (free of charge), and the International Cottages.
• At the Embarcadero Promenade you can enjoy the waterfront, eat in nice restaurants and get entertained. Seaport Village was designed by Disneyland’s architects. There are many interesting ships to see.
