Fun Times in San Diego: Exploring Campland and Beyond

Fun Times in San Diego

Whether you are headed to San Diego on business or for fun, there's always something interesting happening and of course great music, spas and food.

While hotel rooms can be pricey, especially if you are going to conventions like Comic Con, a unique place to stay is Campland, a lovely rv and camping resort in Mission Bay which features a plethora of family friendly activities and has been around for 50 years!

CamplandPhoto bySusan Hornik

"I like the history of Campland, and all of the stories I hear from multi-generation families," enthused general manager Jim Unger. "Campland represents a happy place for so many!"

For those who don’t have an RV, but want the experience of staying in it, you can rent one and have it delivered to your site at Campland, noted Unger.

"Campland works with several suppliers and can assist campers with contact information. Other campers rent an RV close to their hometown, and drive to us."

Campland staffPhoto bySusan Hornik

Campland also has an excellent planned activities program, expertly led by their Recreation & Entertainment Manager, Serena. "This feature makes Campland extra special for families and kids, especially. Elements include all kinds of sports, crafts, and entertainment. We also have high energy bands performing on our concert level stage, every weekend during the summer months."

Niko Lovell, Campland's amazing musician and bartender, will sometimes sing at the Cantina too. "Campland is the perfect environment for lighthearted fun and entertainment!" said Lowell, who also sings jazz and swing with a big band (Big Time Operator). "We perform every second Tuesday at Tio Leo's on Napa St. You can also find us playing summer concerts around town!"

"Of course, our guests love him!" Unger quipped.

As the veteran general manager loves the water-- so often Unger can be found at Campland's marina, or out on his kayak with a friend. "There are beautiful, protected waters around Campland, near a bird sanctuary, a sandy beach, and a freshwater creek to explore too."

Campland marina for water activitiesPhoto bySusan Hornik

If you don't feel like cooking in your rv or in your tent, there's a great restaurant on premises.

"The Cantina menu is decidedly fresh Mexican, with some Americana standards," said Unger. "The fresh Mexican recipes are originals, created by our Cook, Arcelia. Tortillas are made by a small authentic family shop, and are incorporated into recipes prepared with fresh vegetables and quality meats. Also, The Campland Burger is the best in town!"

Bartender at Campland cantinaPhoto bySusan Hornik

If you want to eat closer to the convention center, there are other great places to eat, like Tajima, who make tasty ramen bowls. Their newly expanded East Village location, less than a ten minute walk from the Convention Center festivities, is the perfect spot to gather with friends and business associates.

Tajima’s ramen offerings reflect authentic Japanese techniques with modern twists. For the recent Comic Con convention, they featured their famous Naruto Ramen special, made with Tajima’s signature Tonkotsu pork broth, thin noodles, Narutomaki, pork chashu,½ ramen egg, corn, baby bok choy, green onions and sesame seeds.

The InterContinental San Diego has a great rooftop restaurant called Vistal, which has an array of delicious food and a fantastic view of the ocean. Order their scallops and rockfish ceviche for dinner and a drink from their newly revamped menu and watch the sunset!

A fantastic drink at Vistal RestaurantPhoto bySusan Hornik

"Here at Vistal, we highlight sustainable seafood and have recently won some accolades," noted Jerry Skakun, Beverage Operations Manager. "We also work really closely with our vendors to support local when ever we can and strive to present the best products available for our guests."

Vistal rooftop restaurantPhoto bySusan Hornik

One of the nicest spots to waterfront shop is Seaport Village, which has 54 one of a kind shops, 13 casual dining eateries, 4 fine dining restaurants, and is near all the hotels.

A great designer who has an outdoor jewelry and clothing booth there is Denise Avalla, who owns Downtown Jewelry Bar.

"I have always been intrigued with healing stones and the mystery that encompasses them," she acknowledged. "For 17+ years I have handcrafted, and created unique designs to display my passion. From there, I started to create dresses, with the same intent of sharing my creative outlet, and style to share."

Jewelry and clothing designer DenisePhoto bySusan Hornik

This year, Avalla won an amazing opportunity as one of the vendors in the space lottery through the port of San Diego. "With this great location of foot traffic, plenty of people can witness my work while enjoying the many attractions the Seaport Village has to offer," she said.

Lovely dresses by DenisePhoto bySusan Hornik

While you are in the downtown area, Jessica Caruso, the fitness and wellness manager for Aqua Vie, San Diego’s urban health and wellness oasis, welcomes visitors to stop by.

Fantastic rooftop pool at AquaviePhoto bySusan Hornik

"At 40,000 square feet, we have something for every experience-- whether that be a relaxing massage or body treatment with our expert spa providers, sweating it out in our top-of-the-line gym, or lounging by the rooftop pool with full dining and bar services. Our luxury locker rooms will leave you feeling refreshed after a steam or sauna session, right in time to hit happy hour at the Westgate Hotel which we are located in!”

AquaviePhoto bySusan Hornik

Heading up the coast, Carlsbad has beautiful beaches and many fun places to visit. Joe Campbell, general partner at Ruby's Carlsbad, would love tourists to visit his family friendly venue before they drive to the ocean.

Photo bySusan Hornik

"Ruby's is the perfect spot for families and couples because we have an upbeat environment and a large selection of food. There is plenty of entertainment and activity for kids, while still maintaining a welcoming environment for a meeting or a fun date."

Photo bySusan Hornik

Campbell's favorite dish is the apple pecan salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. "Also, the classic burger is always a crowd pleaser, and I also often recommend the albacore melt."

Photo bySusan Hornik