A Solo Vacation at San Diego’s TOWER23
One of the many perks of living in SoCal is getting to visit all the different beach cities up and down the coast. From Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara to San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, each community has its own unique charm and is only a drive away.
I recently was looking for a reset and decided to take a solo mini vacay down to Pacific Beach in San Diego (about an hour-and-a-half drive from Laguna) to check out TOWER23, located just steps from the sand.
With its clean and modern design, high-end amenities, and playful vibe, TOWER23 was the perfect balance between laid back and luxury, and I felt at home as soon as I checked in.
Just south of La Jolla and north of the Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific Beach (“PB” as locals call it) is a central location in San Diego and is nearby to the airport, Balboa Park, and esteemed universities like UCSD and Point Loma Nazarene. A popular place for tourists, college students, and locals alike, parking in PB can be quite difficult (which was not on my agenda for my relaxing weekend away), so taking advantage of the hotel’s valet is a must.
After I checked in and soaked up the ocean view from my private balcony I cashed in the hotel’s “Welcome Cocktail” coupon for a Chili Mango Margarita at the oceanfront bar in their in-house restaurant, JRDN, located on an indoor / outdoor patio just steps off the boardwalk. Their cocktails (and mocktails) were delicious and their seafood is award-winning. (If you’re a fish person the Lobster Risotto or Grilled Hamachi Collar are our top picks, or, if you prefer your food from the land, the 16oz Prime Rib Eye Steak or the Braised Short Rib are popular options.)
JRDN has a laid back vibe, roomy patio, and just enough space heaters to keep you warm in the event you want to stay till dark (which I highly recommend because it’s one of thee most prime sunset views in San Diego). After watching the sun disappear over the water don’t forget to cap your evening with dessert — the Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding can do no wrong.
Since I was on a serious mission to chill, each evening I took advantage of the hotel’s beach cruisers and cruised the entire boardwalk all the way down to Mission Beach, picking out my favorite oceanfront homes, stopping by to browse the street vendors’ colorful goods, and nodding hello to my fellow bikers, skaters, and the occasional surfer crossing the boardwalk barefoot and wet, a permanent smile painted on their face after a quintessential evening “surf sesh.”
Ah, the good life!
In the mornings I would wake up early, lace up my sneakers, and run the same boardwalk, enjoying the fresh morning air and peaceful vibe. After my run I’d head back to the hotel, shower, and order room service for breakfast while I sat on my balcony and watched the waves crash.
The days went by quickly, whether they were spent lounging at the private pool, on the beach set up with the hotel’s complementary beach kit (chairs, towels, and an umbrella), or roaming around exploring PB’s vibrant beach life.
Spending time solo was the exact reset that I needed, and something I can’t recommend enough… although TOWER23 is a pretty perfect place for a family or friend vacay as well.
Guess I’ll just have to come back with the crew next time!
Lindsay DeLong is the Editor-in-Chief of Laguna Beach Living and the Founder of the City Living Network. A brand strategist and web designer, she specializes in building brands from the ground up, establishing online identity, and living out her glory days in San Diego. Reach out to her at lindsay@lagunabeachliving.com or on her personal site, iLikeLindsay.com.