If you need help creating an itinerary for an unforgettable winter escape to San Diego, Bluewater Vacation Homes has you covered. We provide luxury vacation rentals throughout the San Diego area, and we’re happy to offer our local expertise to help you plan your vacation. Read on to find out about the thrilling activities you can enjoy on your winter trip to San Diego.

Enjoy a Sunset Stroll on the Beach

While it might be a bit chilly for a swim during your winter vacation, San Deigo’s beaches still offer a picturesque setting to enjoy. We particularly recommend visiting the beach around sunset. While San Diego’s sunsets are gorgeous year-round, in the winter months, sunsets get more vibrant, creating an even more beautiful display. Be sure to bring your camera because you’ll want to capture a photo of these unbelievable hues of orange and pink.

San Diego Whale Watching

The gray whale is one of the largest creatures on Earth, and you can see them up close and personal when you go whale watching in San Diego. From December through April, thousands of gray whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja, Mexico, passing through San Diego along the way. Go on a guided whale watching tour or try your luck watching from the shore; either way, you don’t want to miss your chance at seeing these gentle giants.

Visit San Diego Zoo

San Diego is perhaps most famous for the San Diego Zoo, one of the biggest and most renowned zoos in the world. Taking up 100 acres of Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo houses over 4,000 animals, including rare species you likely won’t encounter anywhere else. No matter your age, you’re sure to have an amazing time when visiting the San Diego Zoo.

Go Aboard the USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway was the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century and housed over 200,000 soldiers. Today, you go aboard and learn all about its rich history with the USS Midway Museum. From fascinating exhibits to intriguing activities like flight simulators, the USS Midway Museum has something for every age and interest.

Explore Gaslamp Quarter

Known as the heart of downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter is a National Historic District that’s a hotspot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Browse the district’s shops, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, dance the night away at a nightclub, or enjoy laughs at the comedy club. There’s certainly no shortage of exciting things to do when visiting Gaslamp Quarter, so explore and be prepared for a good time.

Winter Lodging in San Diego

You can enjoy all of these winter activities and more when you stay in one of our vacation rentals in San Diego. With pet-friendly rentals, waterfront homes, vacation homes with private pools, and more, our collection of San Diego rentals has something for every traveler. To book your stay with us, please check availability online or call us at 800-243-3588.

The post 5 Activities to Enjoy on Your Winter Getaway to San Diego appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

If you’re planning on spending New Year’s Eve in San Diego, let Bluewater Vacation Homes be your guide for the night. In addition to helping you out with luxury accommodations in San Diego, we’re also happy to put our local knowledge to work to ensure you have the best New Year’s possible. Without further ado, here’s our guide on the best things to do and where to go in San Diego for New Year’s Eve.

Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve

Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve is perhaps the largest New Year’s celebration in the city. This New Year’s Eve bash takes place at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront and offers an all-inclusive party experience. Enjoy food, drinks, live music from bands and DJs, and a special New Year’s Eve countdown hosted by a celebrity. If you’re looking for a place to dance, party, and get a little wild, this could be the perfect place to ring in the new year in San Diego.

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve in San Diego

If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve fun for the whole family, head to Legoland for a Kids’ New Year’s Eve event. Countdown and watch the Lego block drop, and prepare to be dazzled by a brilliant fireworks display. Best of all, the event is catered toward kids, so the festivities begin early, so you can celebrate the new year without staying up until midnight. 

NYE Beach Party

Celebrate the new year at the beach! NYE Beach Party is a New Year’s Eve event at Catamaran Resort in Pacific Beach. This all-inclusive beach party includes live music, hors d’oeuvres, and four rooms of entertainment. VIPs will also get access to an exciting VIP party boat. 

San Diego New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl

Get your drink on and hop around some of San Diego’s most happening bars at the New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl. Tickets provide access to more than 10 San Diego New Year’s Eve parties, a welcome shot at select bars, and exclusive drink specials. If you want to explore a wide variety of atmospheres this New Year’s Eve, the San Diego New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl could be the perfect choice for your celebration. 

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Get out on the water and celebrate New Year’s Eve with a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise of San Diego Bay from Flagship Cruises & Events. During this four-hour cruise, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, fabulous views of the San Diego skyline, drinks, dancing, and good times. Set sail and ring in the New Year on an unforgettable cruising experience. 

San Diego Vacation Rentals Worth Celebrating

After celebrating the New Year in San Diego, return to your luxury vacation rental from Bluewater Vacation Homes and keep the good times rolling or hit the hay after a long night out. Our luxury rentals in San Diego offer stunning ocean views, private pools, and a myriad of other top-notch amenities. To book your stay with us, please check availability online or give us a call at 800-243-3588. 

The post New Year’s Eve in San Diego: What to Do & Where to Go appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

There are lots of fun, pet-friendly things to do in San Diego, from discovering the many beautiful beaches that line its coast to satisfying your curiosity and hunger at top eateries. You and your pet can also soak up the laid-back vibes that San Diego exudes in spades. The possibilities are endless, and it is almost impossible to go through it all, so we have put together the best pet-friendly activities for you here in San Diego.

Enjoy a Pet-Friendly Walk on the Beach in San Diego 

What better way to spend quality time with your pet than a memorable day under the sun? This outing can be the perfect opportunity for you to bond with your cute buddy over fun activities like playing catch, splashing around in the water, or even building a sandcastle for your pet to ruin. Whatever pet-friendly San Diego beach game you might pick, ensure you have the most amazing experience. For more dog rules at San Diego beaches, please visit the San Diego Parks and Recreation website.

Tasty Cuisine at a Pet-Friendly Restaurant in San Diego 

San Diego is, without a doubt, a culinary haven. However, Fido doesn’t need to be left out when you go out to eat; there are multiple world-renowned pet-friendly restaurants in the area ready to deliver a mouth-watering delicacy for your enjoyment. Some of our favorite pet-friendly restaurants in San Diego include:

• Union Kitchen & Tap
• Carnitas’ Snack Shack
• The Crack Shack
• Station Tavern
• Old Town Mexican Cafe

Visit Pet-Friendly Parks and Sites in San Diego 

San Diego city is rich not only in the bashful sunlit landscape but also history, and one of the many fun ways to spend quality time with your pet in San Diego will be visits to pet-friendly parks. With well-paved paths, beautiful scenery, and comfortable temperatures, your walk through San Diego’s parks will be something you and your four-legged friend equally enjoy. 

Pet-Friendly Lodging in San Diego

These are only a few luxuries you can enjoy with your pet while in San Diego. It is impossible to all of the pet-friendly things to do in San Diego in one day, so you need an equally pet-friendly and luxurious lodge for your pet and you to enjoy. 

Bluewater Vacation Homes has you covered with extravagant vacation home rentals in San Diego that are pet-friendly. We would love to host you and your furry family member for a memorable San Diego getaway. Please book online or call 858-605-1497 for more information.

The post The Best Pet-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

Four of the Best Parks in San Diego

San Diego’s collection of parks rivals any other city in the U.S. From world-famous mega parks bustling with activities and people to hidden gems with a laidback atmosphere, here’s a look at four of the best parks in San Diego.

Balboa Park

Known as the cultural heart of San Diego, Balboa Park is undoubtedly San Diego’s most famous park. With 1,200 square acres, there’s a lot to explore, including the San Diego Zoo, botanical gardens, fountains, theater, restaurants, and an abundance of outdoor recreation from golf to hiking and everything in between. While Balboa Park certainly offers a unique take on what a park should be, with so much to see and do, it is definitely among San Diego’s top parks. 

Waterfront Park

One of San Diego’s newest parks, Waterfront Park offers visitors an opportunity to cool off. Waterfront Park is one of the best parks in San Diego, particularly for families with children, due to the park’s large interactive splash fountain and children’s play zone with plenty of playground equipment. After splashing around, unwind with a picnic lunch; Waterfront Park has several picnic areas. 

Heritage County Park

If you’re looking for a San Diego park where you can explore the city’s history, head to Heritage County Park. Often overlooked, Heritage County Park features restored Victorian homes built in the 1880s and 1890s. The park is also home to the city’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and relaxing vibes that this park provides. 

Shoreline Park

Shoreline Park has a little bit of everything: walking paths, picnic areas, food, art displays, a bayside promenade, and a fishing pier. Whether you simply want to gander at the beautiful public art or go fishing off the pier, there’s something for everyone at Shoreline Park. It also offers a great view of San Diego Bay and the city’s skyline. 

Make Your Next Trip to San Diego Luxurious

These are just a few of the best parks in San Diego; you’ll love exploring them on your vacation. If you want to elevate your stay with luxury accommodations, Bluewater Vacation Homes has you covered; our San Diego rentals are upscale with incredible amenities. From coastal vacation homes to San Diego rentals with pools, our selection of premier vacation rentals has something for everyone. Please book online or call 858-605-1497.

The post Explore the Best Parks in San Diego appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

At Bluewater Vacation Homes, we believe everyone should take in the grandness of a blue whale. As area experts, we know all about whale watching in San Diego; continue reading to give yourself the best chance of seeing a blue whale.

When Do Whales Pass By San Diego?

From mid-June through September, blue whales swim through the waters off of San Diego, feeding off of the coast. This timeframe is when you will have a chance to view these incredible creatures on a whale watching excursion.

Is a Whale Watching Tour Necessary?

You would have to get extremely lucky to spot blue whales off the coast of San Diego on land. Blue whales typically spend their time in the region further out in the ocean, so you’ll need to be on a boat to increase the odds of seeing them. A San Diego whale watching tour will give you the best chance to see these majestic creatures.

The Best Blue Whale Watching Tours in San Diego

There is a wide variety of seasonal whale watching tours in the San Diego area. We have a couple of whale watching tour companies we like to recommend to our guests.

• Hornblower Tours & Events: Hornblower offers whale and dolphin watching tours all year long. In the summer is when you can expect to see blue whales. Their onboard staff will narrate the entire tour, giving you more insight into these giants.
• Legacy Whale Watch: Set sail on the Legacy, an 80-foot tour boat with plenty of windows throughout and outdoor seating on the bow and upper deck. Like Hornblower, they offer whale watching tours almost all year.

The best part of going on a whale watching tour in San Diego is that even if you don’t see a blue whale, you have a good chance of seeing other whale species, like minke or finn. You’ll almost surely spot other fascinating wildlife, like dolphins, sea lions, marine birds, and more.

What to Bring on Your San Diego Whale Watching Tour

Come prepared for your San Diego whale watching tour. We recommend bringing a camera to capture action shots of any whales you encounter during your tour. If you have a zoom lens, this is the perfect opportunity to put it to use. We also suggest packing sunglasses and sunscreen because it can be quite sunny. You might want to bring a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, or jacket because the weather can get a little brisk further out into the Pacific. 

Enjoy a Getaway to San Diego in Luxury

After enjoying a day out on the water, hopefully spotting blue whales, return to your San Diego vacation home rental from Bluewater Vacation Homes. Our luxurious vacation rentals are the perfect home base for any San Diego vacation. We would love to host you on your unforgettable trip; please book online or call 858-605-1497 for more information.

The post A Guide to Blue Whale Watching in San Diego appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

Visiting San Diego During Labor Day: What to Know

There’s never a bad time to visit San Diego, but the weather is delightful around Labor Day. Usually, you’ll experience plenty of sunny skies and high temperatures in the mid-70s, perfect for any type of outdoor activity. 

You should also be aware of San Diego’s Labor Day events. Several bar and club crawls are happening over the weekend for those wanting to get their drink on. For a more family-friendly option, there’s the Nightime Zoo event at San Diego Zoo, where the doors stay open later than normal, and guests can enjoy live music.

Things to Do in San Diego During Labor Day Weekend

The beach is a good bet if you want to be active during your Labor Day trip to San Diego. With 70 miles of coast, there are plenty of beaches to explore. If you wish to swim, enjoy watersports, go for a scenic beach walk, or catch some sun, you’ll have plenty of options.

For a more unique experience, we recommend whale watching. You can find blue whales off the San Diego coast during September. Seeing these amazing creatures, the largest on Earth, is an incredible sight. Take a whale watching tour for the best chance to see these breathtaking giants. 

Fans of craft beer, spirits, and wine will enjoy sampling the area’s delicious beverages. San Diego is home to over 150 breweries, and there are several nearby wineries and vineyards, as well as distilleries. Whether you want to take a tour or set out on your own, you’ll have plenty of places to check out and delicious beverages to drink. 

Foodies aren’t left out either; San Diego has a mouthwatering food scene waiting for you when you work up an appetite. From family-friendly eateries to romantic restaurants, there’s an abundance of delicious food to discover when you visit San Diego. 

Of course, there are also the city’s famous attractions to explore. The San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, and Balboa Park are just a few examples, but there’s so much more to explore beyond these renowned spots. 

Labor Day Weekend Lodging in San Diego

Bluewater Vacation Homes is here to provide you with luxury vacation rentals for your Labor Day trip to San Diego. Our lavish vacation homes feature exceptional amenities, such as private pools and relaxing spas. You can relax in luxury when you stay at one of our rentals in San Diego, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, or Del Mar. Please book online or call 858-605-1497 for more information.

The post Enjoy an End of Summer Trip to San Diego this Labor Day appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

What does dad really want? Quality family time. One of the best ways to deliver that is with a special Father’s Day trip. At Bluewater Vacation Homes, we know a Father’s Day getaway to San Diego is a gift that dad will cherish forever. 

4 Reasons Dad Will Love a Father’s Day Getaway to San Diego

If you’re wondering why San Diego is the ideal destination for an unforgettable Father’s Day trip, we have you covered. Let’s go over four reasons why San Diego is a dream destination for a Father’s Day getaway.

Fantastic Food & Craft Beverages

Regardless of whether dad would consider himself to be a foodie, there’s no doubt he enjoys some good grub. In San Diego, dad will have seemingly endless food options. From five-star steak dinners to fast-casual vegan meals and everything in between, San Diego’s enormous variety of excellent restaurants ensures dad will get the Father’s Day feast of his dreams.

If dad is a craft beer enthusiast, the San Diego area has plenty of tasty brews to excite his palate. San Diego has an extensive list of brewery tours available, and dad will enjoy sampling the finest craft beers from award-winning brewers. 

Beautiful Beaches

Who doesn’t love a beach getaway? The San Diego area is home to some of the finest beaches in the country. Whether dad wants to swim, snorkel, surf, or simply relax, there’s no better place than the beaches of San Diego. Want to stay close to the beach? Bluewater Vacation Homes offers luxury lodging just a short walk from the beach to give dad the ultimate beach vacation. 

Endless Activities & Attractions

No matter dad’s interests, there’s plenty to keep him busy in San Diego. San Diego’s most famous attractions include the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, and Balboa Park, but there’s so much more to explore beyond these renowned spots. 

Is dad into sports? There are plenty of great tennis, soccer, and swimming facilities in the area, not to mention fantastic golf courses. If he’s more a museum guy, San Diego is rich with fascinating museums, ranging from art to history and everything in between. Tailoring your Father’s Day trip to include all of your dad’s favorite things is easy in San Diego. 

Quality Family Time

San Diego is full of things dad loves, but best of all, he’ll get to make new memories with the family. If you need a place to stay during your Father’s Day trip to San Deigo, consider Bluewater Vacation Homes. Our selection of luxury vacation rentals in San Diego will make your Father’s Day getaway a little extra special. Please book online or call 858-605-1497 for more information.

The post Celebrate Father’s Day with a Trip to San Diego appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

San Diego Ice Cream Shops: A List of Our Favorites

We have you covered whether you’re looking for ice cream in San Diego, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, or La Jolla. Warning: don’t read on an empty stomach, or you’re sure to start craving a sweet treat. 

Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream

There’s an abundance of ice cream shops in downtown San Diego, but Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream makes a strong case for being the best. They offer a wide variety of homemade ice cream flavors, producing tasty and creamy combinations. Can’t decide on one flavor? They offer ice cream flights, allowing you to try multiple flavors. In addition to serving up ice cream in cones and bowls, they also offer malts, shakes, and sundaes. 

Bobboi Natural Gelato

To make it clear, we know that gelato isn’t ice cream, but Bobboi Natural Gelato is so good that it deserves a spot on our list of favorites. Bobboi serves up both traditional and unconventional gelato flavors made locally. The head chef, Monica Maccioni, even studied at a gelato school in Italy, so you can count on getting authentic, refreshing gelato when you visit Bobboi. You can find Bobboi gelato shops in La Jolla and Little Italy.

Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co.

Ice cream at the beach is a combination that you must try, and you can experience that at Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co. Stop in and grab an ice cream cone, bowl, milkshake, or sundae on your way to the beach; it’s just a short distance away. They offer seasonal flavors, many of which are collaborations with other local companies such as Julian Pie Company and AleSmith Brewing to concoct unique yet magnificent tastes.

Dreyer’s Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a place dishing out massive scoops of ice cream, look no further than Dreyer’s Ice Cream in Mission Beach. Here, the portions are ginormous, which can cause a bit of a mess, but the taste is phenomenal. In addition to ice cream, they offer an assortment of other refreshing treats like shaved ice. Conveniently. Dreyer’s is located near Belmont Park, allowing you to enjoy an ice cream on your way to some of the area’s biggest attractions. 

Cool Off with a Luxury San Diego Vacation Rental

If a trip to one of San Deigo’s best ice cream shops hasn’t chilled you enough, return to your vacation rental from Bluewater Vacation Homes to cool off after a busy day exploring the city. We offer San Diego vacation rentals with pools; taking a dip is a fantastic way to cool off on a hot summer day. To book your rental, please check availability online or call us at 858-0605-1497.

The post The 4 Best Ice Cream Shops in San Diego appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

There are several amazing brewery tours in San Diego that will peel back the curtain on some of the city’s best breweries and get you up close and personal with delicious beer. The team at Bluewater Vacation Homes is happy to get you started with recommendations of our favorite brewery tours in San Diego. 

Brewery Tours of San Diego

Whether you’re looking for a public or private tour, Brewery Tours of San Diego has you covered. On private tours, groups of up to 23 can tour up to four breweries, and they’ll let your group pick where you want to visit. Guests receive round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable host, a guided brewery tour, beer tastings at each brewery, and a souvenir glass. 

On a public tour, you can choose between five different routes, all of which feature a unique combination of three San Diego breweries. The public tours include transportation, beer tastings, a meal or snack, and a souvenir glass. Conveniently, these tours run seven days a week.

Scavengers San Diego Beer & Adventure Tours

If you want to check out San Diego’s breweries in style, Scavengers San Diego Beer & Adventure Tours’ vintage pinzgauer could be what you seek. The pinzgauer is a Swiss safari vehicle with six wheels, seating for up to 12, with an open-air design. Passerbys will look on in envy as you sip delicious brews from one brewery to the next in this unique vehicle. 

They offer two brewery tours, one in downtown San Diego and another in Carlsbad. The downtown San Diego brewery tour is three and a half hours, features transportation to three breweries, craft beer to drink on the road, pints or three to four craft beer tasters at each stop, one production tour, a souvenir glass, and a knowledgable guide. 

Let the Good Times Roll at a Luxury San Diego Vacation Rental

The fun doesn’t have to stop after your fun day touring San Diego’s best breweries; you can relax and share the day’s stories at your luxury vacation rental from Bluewater Vacation Homes. We have vacation rentals for every type of trip, including waterfront, pet-friendly, and Airbnb rentals with pools. To book your stay with us, please check availability online or call us at 800-243-3588.

The post Get Your Drink On at the Best San Diego Brewery Tours appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.

The team at Bluewater Vacation Homes would love to guide you through planning a great spring break in San Diego. Continue reading for tips and tricks on making your next spring vacation one to remember. 

What to Do on Spring Break in San Diego

No matter your interests, you’ll find something fun to do in sunny San Diego. One of the most popular activities for spring breakers is hitting the beach. San Diego is home to a diverse collection of gorgeous beaches. Whether you want to catch a wave, go on a snorkeling adventure, or simply soak up the sun, there’s a beach perfect for you. Some of our recommendations include: 

• La Jolla Cove: An ideal beach for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. 
• Coronado Beach: Popular beach in Coronado that’s great for families and has lifeguards on duty.
• Torrey Pines State Beach: A scenic state park where popular activities include swimming, surfing, and fishing. 

If you’re interested in art and history, the San Diego area is home to top-notch museums. Travel back in time and walk in the footsteps of Midway sailors at the USS Midway Museum. Explore one of the world’s greatest collections of historic ships, including ten vessels you can hop aboard at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Finally, the Museum of Contemporary San Diego features breathtaking works of art from local and international artists to admire. 

Where to Stay During Spring Break in San Diego

Bluewater Vacation Homes would love to host your next spring break in San Diego. We have an unbeatable collection of vacation home rentals in the San Diego area that are perfect for any vacation. Whether you’re looking for a luxury vacation home, a pet-friendly rental, or a rental near the beach, we have you covered. To book your stay with us, please check availability online or give us a call at 800-243-3588.

The post Plan an Unforgettable Spring Break in Sunny San Diego appeared first on Bluewater Vacation Homes.