The luau was completely sold-out, and for good reason. The setting was directly on the beach in Shelter Island, and the weather was gorgeous. My husband and I were greeted with leis and escorted to our tables, where we had a direct view of the water, the stage, and were in close proximity to the buffet table. After grabbing some Mai Tai’s, we were set. I was happy to have left my grass skirt at home, as I would have been the only one besides the dancers wearing one.

The sunset over the water was gorgeous, and truly added to the tropical atmosphere. The Hawaiian band was the perfect touch to the evening, and we were able to enjoy a dinner show of music and Polynesian dances while chowing down on our food. No one made me eat the luau pig or judged my plate of delicious salad, sticky rice, Hawaiian rolls, coconut creme brulee, and additional macadamia nut cookies. Hey, I was there to tell you about my experience, and I needed to experience two desserts.

The Kona Kai summer luaus will continue on Friday evenings on July 17, 24, 31, and August 14. It’s a great idea for a date or a night out with friends and family, and if you’re there for a special occasion they announce it on stage. So if you’re looking to score points with your in-laws in town celebrating their anniversary, I’d suggest you make reservations for the next luau ASAP.

Tags: beach, hotels, kona kai, luau, shelter island

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This past weekend was one of the best weather weekends we’ve had in a while!  I really enjoyed my weekly beach volleyball games at Ocean Beach, but decided Sunday afternoon that my dose of beach on Saturday was just not enough for the weekend.

With 70 miles of beaches in San Diego, there are a lot of choices when you “think beach” around here.  When I want a nice view and a fun walk, I usually choose the La Jolla Shores beach.  LJS has a nice, long walkable beach.  All the way from the foot of the Marine Room Restaurant, past the Scripps pier and, depending on the tide levels, further down along the cliffs.

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Tags: beach, hotels, la jolla, outdoors, photography

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Did you know San Diego Bay has 34 miles of scenic coastline dotted with restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, parks and marinas?  That’s a whole lotta waterfront fun, right downtown. 

What’s even more amazing?  This urban playground is serving up the savings this summer!

These “This is a Good Day” deals include:

• up to 30% off room rates (based upon availability and restrictions) at the 15 San Diego Bay hotels
• more than 100 entrees under $18 at participating San Diego Bay restaurants
• free admission for kids under age 12 with paid adult admission for San Diego Bay attractions like the USS Midway Museum, Hornblower Cruises and Events, San Diego Harbor Excursion and the Maritime Museum of San Diego
• other special offers like a VIP Shopping Pass at Seaport Village and a two-for-one night stay for boaters at Sun Harbor Marina in America’s Cup Harbor.

So, this summer, get out there and make it a great day on San Diego Bay!

Tags: deals, dining, downtown, free, hotels, san diego bay, Shopping, summer

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They’re calling it a “playcation.”  From Memorial Day through Labor Day, downtown’s Hotel Solamar will be offering lots of fun freebies and silly summer cocktails.  My faves:

• Try your luck at check-in by hula-hooping for 20 seconds or playing rock, paper, scissors with the desk clerk to win a free room upgrade (based on availability).  (How cool is this?)
• On Sunday afternoons, hit up the hotel’s rooftop pool deck and bar and challenge friends (or, even better, random strangers) to play Wii, Foosball or Ping Pong.
• Four-legged friends are welcome and cocktails (like the “Pincher Colada” and “Chihuahua-rita”) are on special during weekday happy hours at the poolside bar.

You can also use rate code “SUMMER” to book a Summer Playground package (prices start at $169/night, based on availability) that includes a $25 food and beverage credit, free in-room movie and popcorn.

Tags: Hotel Solamar, hotels, packages, summer

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Fido-friendly beaches, parks, hotels, restaurants and more.  For your jet setting four-legged friends, San Diego is a perfect vacation destination. 

Don’t believe me?  Listen to the experts!

Earlier this week, the website DogFriendly.com (a resource for pet travel since for more than a decade) published their annual list of the top ten dog-friendly destinations in the U.S.  based on the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, transportation, beaches, parks, attractions, stores, dining and things to do with your dog.

Tags: beach, dining, dog, hotels, in the news

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