San Diego, CA is one of our favorite cities. And looking at these photos will let you know why!

The beautiful San Diego Marina

Lounge at the historic Hotel Del Coronado

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The Best Hotels in San Diego

Spend the day at Sea World

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Sea World Photo Tour

Take a ride on a pedicab

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The Perfect San Diego Hotel

Watch the Padres at Petco Park

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Discover the Best San Diego Neighborhoods

Light up the town in the Gaslamp Quarter

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San Diego Nightlife’s Unique Options

A stroll through Balboa Park Museums

Read This:

Top 5 Offbeat Things to Do in San Diego

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

The annual Comic Book convention kicks off today in beautiful Downtown San Diego, CA.

Celebrities, freaks, geeks, and their parents all invade Downtown San Diego, CA for a fun-filled weekend of comics, movies, and more. For the latest breaking news, tune in to the Comic Con Twitter account.

Here’s what you’ll need this weekend in Comic Con San Diego.

A place to stay

Comic Con is taking place at the convention center located directly in the heart of Downtown San Diego. So here are some amazing Downtown San Diego Hotels all located within walking distance.

Or if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, try the Hacienda Hotel in Old Town
which has a small town Spanish charm.

Tasty restaurants and exciting nightlife

The Gaslamp Quarter is full of awesome places to eat and exciting nightlife options. Here is a guide to keep to
San Diego Nightlife to keep your weekend packed and fun-filled.

Non-comic related activities

Let’s face it… not everyone wants to talk comics 24/7. Luckily, there are several other options and attractions available for the whole family to enjoy!

• What to do in San Diego
• Mt. Soledad
• Sea World Photos
• Legoland

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Summer is finally here.

And in San Diego, that means the dreaded June Gloom has moved on.

The days are now long and beautiful. With warm temperatures and gentle ocean breezes, the atmosphere is “just right”.

Picture your San Diego Summer trip with these 3 steps.

1. The perfect hotel

The Hacienda Hotel

Located just north of Downtown, the Hacienda Hotel in Old Town will transport you to a small resort town. You can stroll along the shops and restaurants, or try an authentic Margarita at the Acapulco Restaurant and Cantina in the Hacienda.

Each room perfectly blends old-town charm with modern, contemporary amenities. They have handcrafted Santa Fe furnishings, complete with private balcony or shared courtyard settings, and the latest in technology.

The Hacienda Hotel in Old Town is also the perfect starting point to many popular San Diego attractions. It’s just a few minutes drive from both the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. It’s is 3 blocks from the San Diego Transit Trolley Station, so you can take the 10 minute ride downtown to visit the historic Gaslamp District or root for the local Padres at Petco Park.

2. Unique animals

SeaWorld

3. Awesome nightlife

Vin de Syrah

Vin de Syrah is a quaint wine bar located under the Melting Pot off 5th Avenue between E St. and Broadway. They have your favorite popular and unique wine, craft beers and cocktails. If you’re hungry, they also serve tapas and small plates that are the perfect compliment. You can also get bottle service and enjoy the DJ’s from a nice booth above the main floor.

Top of the Hyatt

At the Top of the Hyatt, there’s a dark, luxurious lounge that’s perfect for a date or romantic setting. The views are spectacular, stretching from the bay, to Coronado Island, and the city landscape in between.

They also have small plates and desert options if you’d like something more than just a drink. The Top of the Hyatt is a relaxing place with great views and low lights.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

By recommendation of San Diego Native Rick Calvert we decided on Brigantines in Del Mar for lunch.

Image courtesy of wmrice

Rick strongly suggested the fish tacos and we all blindly followed his direction. I must say, he did not let us down.

I’m no fish taco expert. I have had many different varieties on this road trip and these were by far, the best.

It’s not just about the tacos, the views from the deck are awesome.

All Photos By: Nick Laborde

About the author: Nick Labordes obsession is building More Better Industries where he helps creative types bridge the gap between making an impact and making money. Nick also blogs at locationless.com where he writes about living life, his location independence goal and the occasional bad joke.

Being on a road trip is really hard work.

I mean, it’s a non-stop schedule of checking out new places, seeing the sights, going out to eat, moving in and out of hotels, trading in different rental cars, kicking butt with Foursquare check-ins, vlogging all the fun stuff, and of course, lots and LOTS of driving.

So I thought it would be a good idea if we got out of our roadie rut by exerting some energy through Yoga.  I have been a big fan since my good friend Alison taught me how to practice.  And since she is from San Diego, I thought I would reach out to the place where she took her instructor training and get the Fox Road Trip Team into a class.

Prana Yoga Studio is a Vinyasa Flow Yoga studio in La Jolla, the icing community on the cake city of San Diego, California.  In addition to many levels and types of classes, Prana offers two levels of Yoga Teacher Training taught by Gerhard Gessner, Founder and Director of the business.

As it turned out, the Power Vinyasa class fit our schedule perfectly!

We showed up 15 minutes early, excited to get our stretch on, and were greeted by a lovely receptionist who we thought for sure was our teacher.  ”You’ll be practicing with Ingrid today.” she corrected.

Ingrid — that sounds like a whip-your-butt-into-shape type of name.  Foreshadowing?  I think so.

We were very grateful for the array of yoga supplies that Prana had to offer for borrow.  Mats, blocks, straps, you name it.  Great for travelers who don’t have room in their suitcase for a yoga mat.

After finding our preferred spots in the studio (in the back row, close to a wall), Ingrid walked in.  She noticed us in our Fox Road Trip tees and her eyes lit up.  ”I’ve heard about you and I’m so glad to meet you!”  She was so sweet, expressing genuine interest in our trip and what level of yoga we felt we were at on a personal level.

How bad could this be? I thought, especially since Ali had taught me much of what she learned at this very same studio.

Just when I thought we were special, Ingrid looked around the room for more participants who were not her regulars.  She was just as excited and engaged when chatting with other noobs in the class.  You could tell how seriously she took each students experience level and current injuries so she could accommodate through her instruction.  I was impressed, for sure.

Ingrid got started and I quickly realized a few things:

1. I hadn’t practiced in more than 6 months and forgotten most of the Yogi language.
2. This was not an instructional class where you can visually follow the instructor’s lead, as she is mostly moving around the room watching and making corrections.
3. They call it Power Vinyasa for a reason.
4. When I’m perspiring from areas I’ve never seen perspire before, I can’t recall my right from left.

As difficult as I make it sound, I knew we were learning from the best.  San Diegan Yogis know what they’re doing, especially at Prana Studio.  While strenuous and difficult, the instruction from Ingrid was great for working your body to its fullest potential of flexibility and strength – which of course requires consistency and practice.

All four of us really busted our rears to finish.  I’m most impressed with Nick who had NEVER practiced yoga and had to learn a lot, extremely fast.  Even though it was one of our more challenging adventures, we were all really happy we went.  We even had a nice amount of energy throughout the rest of day, which came in handy for the drive to Phoenix later in the day.  Click here to check out a little video coverage from our visit.

If you live in or visit San Diego, do yourself a favor and visit Prana Yoga Studio.  Your body will thank you for it.

Nick, Lauren, and I post-Yoga (once again... obviously) posing in "Tree" with the lovely Ingrid

About the Author: Amy Schmittauer is currently on a road trip sponsored by Fox Rent A Car.  She is a freelance social media consultant, blogger, and copywriter from Columbus, Ohio.  Her true passion lies with video production and vlogging, originating from the influence of the many inspiring personalities of Youtube. You can find her videos at Savvy Sexy Social for advice on implementing social media for your business, and on Schmittastic for personal experiences and all the footage from the#FoxRoadTrip.

About the Author: Amy Schmittauer is currently on a road trip sponsored by Fox Rent A Car.  She is a freelance social media consultant, blogger, and copywriter from Columbus, Ohio.  Her true passion lies with video production and vlogging, originating from the influence of the many inspiring personalities of Youtube. You can find her videos at Savvy Sexy Social for advice on implementing social media for your business, and on Schmittastic for personal experiences and all the footage from the #FoxRoadTrip.

OK, so you’ve been expecting the sanitized version of events – you know, the “gee we’re all having such a freakin’ great time” experience.

You’re not getting it.

No, today, I’m dishing out the cold, hard truth:

I wish I had never come on this road trip.

I mean. What the hell was I thinking? Three weeks in a car with three total strangers, leaving my wife and son on the other side of the world, living out of a suitcase.

No. I didn’t think this through.

It would be OK if the guys in the car were better company, but they’re not.

Here’s the skinny:

Lauren Rains

Don’t believe the “nice girl next door” image. This girl can cuss. In fact, I don’t think there’s a five minute break between one expletive-ridden tirade and the next.

I’m no prude. I like to think I can curse and swear like the rest of them. But this girl is HIGHLY offensive. I don’t even know half the words that come out of her mouth.

And she’s RUDE. You should see how she treats the servers. Just the other day she emptied a whole plate of spaghetti and meatballs over some poor dude’s head, just because he asked her if she needed any more water.

“DON’T F***ING INTERRUPT ME WHEN I’M TALKING,” she screamed, before punching him in the nuts for good measure.

I’m terrified of her.

Nick Laborde

Eighty percent of Nick’s luggage is made up of various weapons. He made us pull over in the middle of the Arizona desert so that he could “shoot me some darn critters.”

We sat by the side of the car, Rains cussing to high heavens for the entire two hour stretch, before Laborde came back, drunk on whiskey and covered in blood.

“Did you get anything?” I asked.

“I can’t say I did,” he replied, enigmatically.

He spent the next three hours on the phone to somebody called “Clyde”, talking in whispers.

Amy Schmittauer

Amy is the worst of the lot.

She refuses to speak. She hasn’t yet said a single word to anybody.

The only time you hear her speak is when she fires up her video camera.

The minute the camera is off, she doesn’t open her mouth again. She recently scribbled a note to us, in her own blood, that said “I hate you all.”

Other than that note, she’s communicated only by eyebrow signals. Whenever we try to put anything up to the vote, Amy turns up the volume on the ghettoblaster that she carries everywhere on her shoulder (mainly Britney), sighs audibly and raises her eyebrow.

I haven’t worked it out yet, but I think it’s left eyebrow for yes and right eyebrow for no.

Me, I spend my days hiding in the room. When we’re in the car I sit in the trunk. I’m terrified and perplexed.

I want to go home.

***

Matthew Kimberley is the author of How To Get A Grip. Please send help. You can follow his experience of the Road Trip over at Matt Is In …

I feel really lucky to be a little bit familiar with the great city of San Diego from previous visits with family and friends.  So while we are stopping here for the #FoxRoadTrip, I made sure to let my blogger friends know that we absolutely had to stop at one of my favorite places in the world: Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial.

If you follow the winding La Jolla roads up very high to the Soledad Cross, once you arrive your breath will be instantly taken.   This mountain in the sky gives you a 360-degree view of beautiful San Diego and the never-ending Pacific Ocean.  There is a huge cross in the center of the hill which is encircled by walls and walls of granite plaques dedicated to honoring veteran service members of our country.  It’s an overwhelming feeling — the appreciation of the sacrifice made by our soldiers along with the magnificent ocean view.

Although it was quite a chilly and foggy day while we visited, it was still such a gorgeous sight – especially for a Midwestern girl like myself.  I can never get enough mountainous terrain.  I especially love to people-watch those who come to visit the memorial.  Usually tourists pointing and shooting everything they see with their digital cameras, but there are also residents of La Jolla.  Runners, bike-riders, and regular visitors.  It makes me smile because if I ever lived so close to such gorgeous scenery, I would like to think that I wouldn’t take it for granted and instead try to visit often enough to appreciate it.

If you are in San Diego, be sure you make a stop at Mount Soledad.  Photos are worth taking, but mental pictures are the only way to do it any justice.

Mt. Soledad Mission Statement: To enhance and preserve the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial honoring veterans who have served our country and to educate the general public about service to our country and the sacrifices that veterans make to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. (source)

About the Author: Amy Schmittauer is currently on a road trip sponsored by Fox Rent A Car.  She is a freelance social media consultant, blogger, and copywriter from Columbus, Ohio.  Her true passion lies with video production and vlogging, originating from the influence of the many inspiring personalities of Youtube. You can find her videos at Savvy Sexy Social for advice on implementing social media for your business, and on Schmittastic for personal experiences and all the footage from the #FoxRoadTrip.

About the Author: Amy Schmittauer is currently on a road trip sponsored by Fox Rent A Car.  She is a freelance social media consultant, blogger, and copywriter from Columbus, Ohio.  Her true passion lies with video production and vlogging, originating from the influence of the many inspiring personalities of Youtube. You can find her videos at Savvy Sexy Social for advice on implementing social media for your business, and on Schmittastic for personal experiences and all the footage from the #FoxRoadTrip.

This post on the Top 5 Offbeat things to do in San Diego, CA, originally appeared on GotSaga.com.

San Diego, CA is like a hidden gem among larger, more popular cities. Located along Southern California’s coastline, San Diego County has some of the most unique places you’ll ever see – all within a short drive. Here are the top 5 offbeat things to do in San Diego.

1. Julian – Home of the Apple Pie

Julian, located in San Diego County, is an old gold mining town. It kept the charm of the old days and surrounds you with a friendly atmosphere over the year. It is quite touristy, and parking can be hard on weekends, but it still is a great weekend getaway destination. You can discover the town of Julian California on a day trip or plan a whole weekend there. Just the scenic drive up there is worth it! The town itself is beautiful and full of little boutiques, antique shops and galleries, with crafts, fun souvenirs and diverse items. Fall is great time to visit because of the colors and the crisp air. Summer is gorgeous as well, and winter you might be lucky and enjoy some snow time, which is always a lot of fun, especially when you are from warmer climates. Julian is a great escape to the “mountains” without driving too far from the coast.

2. Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino

California is a state of many wonders including picturesque beaches, convenient skiing, vibrant cities and lovely wine country. However beyond all that, it’s also home to some of the nicest casino resorts. In a 1987 United States Supreme Court ruling, Native American tribes were given the opportunity to operate casinos. There are now 58 Indian Casinos in California.
Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino has long been known as the best Vegas-like California casino. A beautiful drive from San Diego, CA, you’ll enjoy top notch gaming, 8 impressive dining options (including the Ranch House Buffet), and upscale rooms. They also have a great Day spa and golf course to complete the perfect trip. Barona also is a leader in Casino technology, including thumbprint access! They have a 310,000 sq. ft. casino, which has every gaming option you can think of!

3. Nature and Sport Activities

You can easily enjoy the nature and get a bit of exercise for free during your visit of San Diego. There are various hikes all around town. Mission Trails Regional Park has many great hiking trails which are all fun, interesting and with beautiful views.

Cowles Mountain: As part of the Mission Trail Regional Park, this is a perfect hike for every one. Not to hard, not to steep, this hike can fit the need of various levels hikers; just take more time to get to the top if you need to. It gives you a really nice view of San Diego County. Parking at the bottom is free.

Torrey Pine State Reserve: is another great spot for hiking in San Diego. Just north of La Jolla, you can find different trails. There is a parking fee to enter the Reserve. However, depending on the hike you choose, you can find free parking around it.
If you don’t want to hike, you can also just ride your bike along the bay or take your roller skates and enjoy the ocean breath while cruising along the beach!
Fly fishing lessons: But there is more than just hiking in San Diego. Have you ever done fly fishing? Me neither. But to get a first taste, the San Diego Fly Fisher Club offers free lessons every Sunday morning at 9 am. Don’t worry about equipment, they will provide it free of charge, but you have to be there a bit earlier.

4. Ocean Beach – the Hippie Neighborhood

Ocean Beach (or OB) is that cute little neighborhood where everyone is friendly and super nice. On the main street, Newport Ave, you can find a bunch of antique shops, clothing stores and bars and restaurants. Walk on the Pier and check out surfers waiting for that perfect wave, and enjoy the view of San Diego. If you have a dog, this is your new favorite spot! OB is well known for its dog beach. They too, get to enjoy a few waves and sandy paws. Once you get hungry, you have to try Hodads, they serve the best burgers in town, and the ambiance is just worth it! If you’re in for some Mexican food, Nico’s makes the best California Burritos.

5. Balboa Park and its Museums

More than just a beautiful park , Balboa Park is the cultural and artistic spot in San Diego. In the park you can find 17 museums, from the San Diego Museum of Art, to the Train Museum, to the Museum of Man… a variety for all ages and tastes. The kids favorite is usually the Science Museum, where they can play touch and interact while learning. Read all about the Balboa Park Museums here. The Japanese Garden offers you a different experience, discover the Bonsai exhibit, and put your zen mood on! Balboa Park is also the address for the Old Globe Theater (which offers open air Shakespeare’s plays during the summer) and the StarLight Theater. You can also enjoy the Rose garden there and sit by the fountain to refresh and rest a bit.

If you are looking for the more typical museum, the Balboa Park Museums of course include Art Museums: the Art exhibition place in Balboa Park should be your destination. You can discover folk art and contemporary art at Mingei International Museum. If you liked this museum, you will most likely also enjoy the San Diego Art Institute: Museum of Living Artists where local artists come exhibit their work. The San Diego Museum of Art, on the contrary is dedicated to the masters of the 19th and 20th century, from all around the world. You can end your tour with the Museum of Photographic Arts, dedicated exclusively to the history/evolution of photography, and photographic arts (obviously!).

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.