For years, people have known about New York City’s different neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and personality, but it may surprise visitors to San Diego that the beachside city also comprises more than 100 vibrant and distinct neighborhoods. Downtown alone is home to eight distinct neighborhoods, and (like New York) it includes an East Village.
Once an empty warehouse district, the revitalization of San Diego’s East Village was ignited in 2004 with the opening of PETCO Park, the San Diego Padres’ baseball stadium. Today, visitors can enjoy fashionable restaurants and cafes, rooftop bars, adorable boutiques and a variety of hip hotels. One of my favorite places to stay in the East Village is the Hotel Indigo, San Diego’s first LEED Certified hotel with a sleek, boutique vibe at prices that will make even the most budget-savvy traveler happy.
In addition to their 24-hour “Phi”tness Studio, rooftop terrace with a reflection pool and fire pits, Hotel Indigo is known for their pet-friendly policy, making them a perfect fit for one of the country’s most pet-friendly cities. The ultimate time to check-in at the Hotel Indigo is when the Padres are playing at neighboring PETCO Park. If you’re a baseball fan, you don’t even need a ticket to enjoy the game. Pull up at chair at the hotel’s rooftop lounge, where you’ll have a first class view right into the ballpark.
For foodies, the East Village offers up some spectacular eats. Start the day with a buttery croissant and cup of spiced hot chocolate at Cafe Chloe, a quaint bistro that brings the seductive charm and spectacular cuisine of a Parisian cafe to downtown.
For lunch or dinner, Neighborhood can’t be beat. As the name suggests, San Diego locals frequent this burger joint that is anything but typical. Their burgers, smothered with toppings like béarnaise sauce or tomato confit, are too good for ketchup, which is strictly forbidden here. After dinner, push through a hidden door at Neighborhood to sneak into San Diego’s secret speakeasy, Noble Experiment. This pint-sized bar has a big reputation for unique specialty cocktails crafted to the utmost standards by the city’s most beloved bartenders.
Is the allure of the East Village calling to you? Leave a comment below to enter to win a one-night stay at the Hotel Indigo! A winner will be chosen at random from the commenters on Monday, June 4 at 10:00 am, so don’t miss your chance to take in this vibrant neighborhood first-hand. The Entry Period is Over.