Family Friendly Restaurants near Balboa Park

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin

Downtown San Diego is known for its upscale restaurants, nightlife and panoramic city views. Many people who visit the bustling downtown district expect to see little greenery. However, in the heart of downtown San Diego lies Balboa Park, a unique 1,200 acre complex with museums, picnic areas, botanical gardens and miles of walking paths.

If you are planning a trip to San Diego, do not miss out on seeing this breathtaking outdoor venue. For families, Balboa Park is also home to world renowned San Diego Zoo. To experience both during your trip, there are discounted packages available that include entry into the Balboa Park museums and the zoo.

After a fun day of sight-seeing, stop and relax at one of the many family friendly restaurants near Balboa Park including:

Sculpture Court Café: With its European vibe and great menu selection, the Sculpture Court Café is a must visit eatery. With its children’s menu, inexpensive pricing and fun environment, the S.C. Café is the ideal family restaurant.
The Deli Llama: Great name, great food, great experience; the Deli Llama is the place to go for a family fun get-together. This sandwich shop features customizable sandwiches and paninis, along with friendly service and a cozy interior.
Station Tavern & Burgers – Located nearby in the neighborhood of South Park, Station Tavern & Burgers is a modern family restaurant. Families enjoy the restaurant’s large patio with play area for kids and casual picnic table seating.

The best time of year to visit the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park is during the spring and summer months. However, these are also the busiest months of the season, attracting vacationers and tourists from around the world. If you are planning a visit during the months of May through August, be sure to reserve your hotel room in advance to take advantage of lower rates.

The Pacific Inn hotel is located in downtown San Diego, within two miles of the San Diego Airport. We are the preferred option for downtown San Diego hotels offering clean and spacious rooms and great low rates year round. For more information about rates and availability, please contact a reservation manager at 1-800-571-2933.

Best Little Italy San Diego Restaurants

Posted on April 2, 2013 by admin

San Diego is a cultural hub bustling with activity. One of the top ethnic communities in San Diego is the Little Italy district which lies in the heart of the downtown district. For visitors and vacationers, there are many hotels close to Little Italy San Diego where one can stay while exploring all the wonder this neighborhood has to offer.

One of the most notable aspects of Little Italy is the authentic restaurants that line the streets. From Tuscany to the shores of the pacific, guests are able to enjoy Italian fare from various areas and well known Italian districts. Known for their decedent appeal, savory plate and generous servings, you cannot go wrong with a meal at one of the many Little Italy San Diego restaurants. Some popular restaurants in Little Italy include:

Monello: Traditional Italian street food at its finest. Monello serves up delicious and authentic meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays and enjoy a savory Farmer’s Market Brunch, locally sourced from the Little Italy San Diego Mercado.
Petrini’s: At Petrini’s, food is more than a necessity, it is a way of life. This family restaurant is irresistible and always begs for seconds. With its outdoor dining and pet-friendly atmosphere, Petrini’s is a knockout.
Pappalecco: Dare to adventure into the heart of Italy? At Pappalecco, one is given the chance to travel the streets of Italy after just one bite. The mission of this restaurants is to use the highest quality products to create food that allows you to experience all areas of Italy. Fall in love with more than just the food and step through the doors of Pappalecco.

If you are looking to explore more than American culture during your Southern California vacation, there is no better place to visit than San Diego’s Little Italy district. Come experience Little Italy San Diego restaurants, music, atmosphere and excitement today.

Book your stay at the Pacific Inn and enjoy some of the best rates for hotels in Downtown San Diego. From your room or suite, you are within walking distance to the enchanting neighborhood of Little Italy and are also in close proximity to the San Diego Airport, the Convention Center and the popular Gaslamp District. Whether in town for business or pleasure, reserve a room at the Pacific Inn and make the most of your stay in San Diego. For upcoming rates and availability contact a Reservation Manager at 1-800-571-2933.

Fun Things To Do in La Jolla, CA

Posted on January 22, 2013 by admin

Lo Jolla is a seaside resort community in Southern California offering an endless list of entertainment and activities for visitors. From beautiful beaches to all inclusive resorts and spas, La Jolla is an ideal destination that offers a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of downtown living. For visitors staying at the Pacific Inn in Downtown San Diego, a trip to La Jolla offers a refreshing and relaxing escape from the eccentric district, and is located only fifteen minutes away.

La Jolla is home to more than ten beaches that offer the perfect spot for swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers. Some of the most popular beach destinations include La Jolla Cove, Black’s Beach and Windansea Beach. The calm waters of La Jolla Cove are great for visitors who want to experience the water as locals with surfing lessons, while Black’s Beach offers rocky tide pools to explore. For a more romantic beach spot, Windansea is known for its great view and breathtaking scenery.

Visitors in search of an educational experience and are interested in the marine life of the area can visit the Birch Aquarium. Guests are invited to interact with hands-on exhibits that showcase the aquariums cutting edge research discoveries. Children and adults alike can view stunning varieties of colorful, Pacific marine life featured in more than 60 habitats.

La Jolla is also home to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a state park along the coast that gives visitors the chance to observe a myriad of seabirds and wildlife. Visitors can walk its miles of trails or experience guided nature walks. The park also boasts a small museum and along the southern edge, sits two 18-hole golf courses. Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, visiting golfers are in for a beautiful and unique game of golf.

Last, but not least is the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. Located in the heart of La Jolla, the museum is a rare cultural institution that offers a depth and accessibility of resources found nowhere else in San Diego. For guests staying at one of the hotels in downtown San Diego because of its close proximity to renowned museums, a trip to the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library is definitely recommended. From live music performances including jazz bands and violinists to live readings from popular and well known authors, the music and arts library offers guests an unparalleled cultural experience.

The downtown area of La Jolla is also a great place to spend the day, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the water and shores. There are many restaurants highlighting cuisines from around the world as well as a unique shopping district that features thrift stores, consignment stores and antique shops.

At the Marina Inn, guests are staying at one of the premier hotels near San Diego beaches. Our hotel is located within fifteen minutes of the La Jolla beach community and offers spacious rooms and unbeatable rates for a downtown San Diego hotel. Call us at 1-800-571-2933 and speak with a Reservation Manager or use or convenient online reservation tool and reserve a room at the Marina Inn today.

Ways to Travel around Downtown San Diego

Posted on November 21, 2012 by admin

The downtown district of San Diego is rich in history and provides visitors with non-stop entertainment. An excellent place for travelers and vacationers, the area contains numerous shops, fine dining restaurants, museums, and more. From family friendly activities during the day to live entertainment in the evenings, the versatile area has something for everyone.

Most importantly, the layout of the downtown district provides vacationers with easy access to the city and surrounding areas without the need to rent a car. If you are staying at a downtown San Diego hotel, there are plenty of transportation options that will bring you to the city’s popular sites and attractions.

Taxis are the most common way to get around downtown San Diego. With most taxi companies operating twenty four hours a day, there is always a convenient and economical way to explore the city. Other popular areas to visit include Seaport Village, Little Italy and the Gaslamp District. Each historic neighborhood has its own charming atmosphere, providing vacationers with a unique experience.

Bike taxis are another way to travel the city. As you sit back and relax, bike taxis provide a fun way to reach your destination and take in the excitement of downtown San Diego. Many bike taxi drivers are knowledgeable about the area and can also provide a tour and recommendations of activities and sites to see.

For individuals who are looking to explore the beaches of San Diego, there are also plenty of options that depart from the ports of downtown San Diego. Coronado, named the number one beach in America, is definitely a destination travelers must visit. The sparking sands and beautiful views are easily accessible from the downtown San Diego Harbor by ferries or water taxis. The flexible ferry schedule and continual water taxi trips make traveling to Coronado without a car simple and convenient.

Whether you are in town for business or leisure, the Marina Inn will help make your travels convenient and comfortable. Our downtown location makes us the ideal choice for travelers looking for hotels near the San Diego Convention Center, the airport and other popular San Diego attractions. Enjoy our affordable rates and spacious accommodations and make your trip to San Diego one to remember.