How About a San Diego Daycation?

Every city has fun things to do, whether it’s places that are must-sees or spots that are not as frequented by tourists or residents alike. Adventures that can last as short as a couple of hours to an entire day. Sometimes we just need a break, so instead of doing a Staycation for a weekend… try a Daycation to rejuvenate your soul, spark some romance, or simply laugh and play with the family.

As San Diego is a well-known vacation destination, it also means so there are endless options for a daycation. Here are some San Diego daycation ideas that will be popular for one person, a group of girlfriends, or the whole family.

Five Favorite San Diego Day Trips

Book a Gondola Cruise in Coronado

Yes, transport yourself to Italy for 55 minutes, then go to your favorite Italian restaurant for dinner. Romantic, fun, and affordable. The Gondola Company, located in the Coronado Cays, allows you to indulge in all the magic and tradition of an authentic Venetian Gondola ride only not through the canals of Venice, rather through the picturesque canals of the Coronado Cays complete with a Gondoliere donned with the iconic striped shirt, black pants, and a straw hat with a colored ribbon.

To book your cruise visit Gondola Company or @thegondolacompany on Instagram.

Indulge in a Spa Day in La Costa

I live in La Jolla and my life, shopping, and experiences are usually focused around San Diego’s central coastal communities. A while back, I needed a quiet, rejuvenating day after a busy summer. I decided I needed a spa day that felt more like a getaway. I wanted to go “away” for a day. So, I booked a massage at the Omni Resort and Spa in La Costa. Just 40 minutes from where I live but I felt like I was transported to the South of Spain. The Spa at the Omni is located in a separate building away from the main happenings at the resort and conference area.

The minute you walk in you feel like you’re in Malaga, Spain. The gracious Spanish influenced architecture, the serene flower adorned grounds, the quiet meditative design of the gardens around the pool and outdoor hot tub area complete with salt water outdoor showers and organic driven menu at the restaurant was exactly what I needed to cure an aching back, relax and get clarity and focus, and remind myself that a daycation in San Diego can be transforming.

To book your spa day at Omni La Costa Resort or @omnilacosta on Instagram.

Have a San Diego Daycation Pool Party

Feeling like a dip in a pool? Kids need to get the wiggles out? How about a day at a pool! Here are two great options depending on the type of vibe you want.

For a more sophisticated, retro-styled experience that blends 1940s glamour with modern comfort a day pass at thenorth of North Park and south of Mission Valley-located Lafayette Hotel serves up a relaxing pool day where time melts away. Surrounded by palm trees, lounge chairs, a poolside bar, and cabanas, this daycation makes you feel like a movie star for a day.

Looking for a more family-friendly setting? Get a day pass at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley, right off the 8 Highway. With a mid-century design vibe, put on your swimsuit and sunblock and spend a day or an afternoon on the pool deck where you can relax, play, and soak up some sun. The Town and Country offers three pools and the "Twister", a 4-story waterslide. Plus, there are private cabanas, daybeds, fire pits, plenty of comfortable lounge chairs, and a delicious poolside menu.

To book your pool day: The LaFayette or @thelafayette on Instagram, or Town and Country Resort or @towncountrysd on Instagram.

Visit Ilan-Lael in Julian

Tour James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios about an hour from downtown San Diego, near Julian, California. Internationally known for his distinctive work during his life, James explored concepts in organic architecture and design that were a unique expression of San Diego.

Thousands of visitors have made the pilgrimage to experience the flowing shapes of Ilan-Lael’s buildings, constructed of stones pulled up from his property, wood milled in Julian, and adobe fired in Escondido and Tecate. Colorful mosaic designs flow across walls and floors like the stream that crosses the property. Stained-glass windows amplify sunlight, washing walls and floors with rainbows of dancing color. Door handles and cabinet drawer pulls of metal and manzanita burls invite a lingering touch.

Walk winding paths and gardens as you explore the famous Hubbell family home and studios. Experience the world-renowned “Boys’ House” where sunlight pours through stained glass and rivers of mosaic wind throughout. Enjoy an engaging art and nature experience, during a docent-led tour that covers the art and architecture of founder and artist James Hubbell amidst the surrounding unspoiled natural beauty of the Santa Ysabel landscape. Then stop for lunch and visit many of the unique nearby shops that are community business partners.

(Note: As their website states, “docent-led tours are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:00AM.” Also note that tours are $90 per person and booking can take place up to 2 months prior to a visit.)

Details at Ilan-Lael Foundation or @ilanlael on Instagram.

Head to Rustic Ridge Vineyards in Jamul

Just an hour east of the coast and nestled on a hillside with mountain and ocean views in Jamul, Rustic Ridge is a great place to enjoy a date-night, girls’ night out, birthday party or just enjoying a quiet evening by a firepit sipping a glass of wine while being hugged by nature’s serenity.

Details visit Rustic Ridge Vineyards or @rusticridgevineyards on Instagram.

Whether you’re a bit burnt out from work, simply need a day to relax, or are looking for some time to get away from the usual schedule, the solution is to take a Daycation!