09 Jan 2025

Wellness in Winter – Staying Active and Healthy in the New Year in San Diego

By mkellogg

Although many of us resolve to be healthy in the New Year, staying active during the winter months isn’t as easy to do when you live in colder climates that have harsh winters and few sunny days. That’s why San Diego is the perfect winter escape and is just what you need to beat the wintertime blues!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to make plans to spend some time in the California sunshine this winter and take advantage of all the exciting San Diego winter activities we have to offer! Since we are fortunate to have near-perfect weather that is sunny and 70 degrees most days, there are so many wonderful San Diego winter activities to keep you active and healthy this season. The Dana puts you right in the middle of a plethora of activities and amenities for the perfect winter escape. Here are some of the best San Diego winter activities, located near your room or suite right here on Mission Bay!

Bayside Dining at Firefly Eatery & Bar (Onsite)

Fuel your wellness journey this winter with fresh, local cuisine, and a dose of sunshine at Firefly Eatery & Bar, located onsite here at The Dana on Mission Bay. Dine al fresco on our waterfront patio, where you can soak up Vitamin D while enjoying delicious dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients. Pair your meal with a refreshing mocktail, local craft beer, or curated wine as you take in breathtaking views of our Bayside Pool, private marina, and Mission Bay. Firefly is your go-to spot for a healthy and vibrant dining experience in San Diego this winter!

Get Outside and Get Active (Onsite)

At The Dana on Mission Bay, winter doesn’t mean staying indoors—San Diego's sunshine invites you to explore the great outdoors all year long! Start your adventure by biking around Mission Bay, soaking in the crisp coastal air and snapping photos of the stunning waterfront scenery. Ready to hit the water? Adventure Water Sports, conveniently located onsite, has you covered with an array of rentals. From wave runners and ski boats to kayaks and paddleboards, there's no better way to spend a day outdoors. Whether you’re chasing thrills or enjoying a peaceful paddle, your ultimate bay adventure awaits!

Fitness February by Discover Mission Bay (Onsite & Various Locations)

Plan your vacation to San Diego this winter and join our friends at Discover Mission Bay for an exciting month dedicated to fitness and wellness all across the neighborhood, including special events right here at our hotel. Immerse yourself in a new fitness experience, or enjoy your favorite mind, body, and spirit activities. With free events that are open to all levels of experience, you can enjoy fitness activities during your San Diego winter escape. More details are coming your way soon!

Visit a San Diego Farmer’s Market (Various Locations)

With over 5,100 farms in the San Diego area, the city is a top producer of tomatoes, avocados, flowers, citrus, mushrooms, poultry, eggs, and strawberries. This means guests and locals can find an amazing local farmer’s market within minutes of the best San Diego hotel, The Dana. From the Coronado Certified Farmers Market and the Little Italy Mercato Certified Farmers Market to the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and Pacific Beach Certified Farmers Market, you’ll definitely have your pick of the crop at these popular San Diego Farmer's Markets.

Cheers to Dry January (Various Locations)

Dry January is the perfect time to explore San Diego’s delicious mocktail scene! Stop by Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach for the tropical Ed’s No Rum Runner, or head to Kindred in South Park for their refreshing Miracle Cure, a zesty mix of pineapple, coconut, and Thai basil. For something truly unique, visit Mothership and try the floral and tangy Tracking Device with coconut and hibiscus. These wellness-friendly sips make staying dry in San Diego delicious and fun!

Wellness Experience at MCASD (6.5 Miles From Hotel)

Located in La Jolla, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego hosts the 2025 Wellness Experience and allows guests to embark on a transformative journey of wellness with stunning views of the ocean. Enjoy a variety of unique wellness practices with a backdrop of coastal views, art, and nature. Enjoy a peaceful environment with relaxing views and enlightening experiences you won’t want to miss during your winter wellness vacation to San Diego.

Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla (7.4 Miles From Hotel)

The Trilogy Sanctuary was designed to provide a place that nurtures balance and inspires people to lead healthy lives in harmony with themselves and with nature. Trilogy Sanctuary offers a peaceful space that encourages connection in the heart of La Jolla for yoga (including aerial yoga!), vegan cuisine, and spiritual healing. From the rooftop aerial yoga studio to the vegan cafe that offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Trilogy is a great place to stay active and healthy this winter in San Diego.

Are You Ready to Plan Your San Diego Winter Wellness Retreat at The Dana on Mission Bay?

The Dana on Mission Bay is the place to be this winter to keep all of your health-minded resolutions in check. Not only will you relax and unwind at one of the best hotels in San Diego, but the prime location puts you near all the best San Diego winter activities. Our guests here at The Dana will experience stunning rooms and suites in a bayside setting in three-story buildings with beautiful views of the marina and beyond. It’s the perfect place to stay to soak up all the California sun and take part in all the best things to do in San Diego. Make plans today for your winter wellness escape to San Diego!

two people rollerskating on the waterfront

06 Dec 2024

Interview With a Local Business: Adventure Water Sports

By builtbygcommerce

Ask any local: there’s no better way to enjoy San Diego’s status as a seaside getaway than to get out on the water. Thankfully, we have a fantastic resource right on-site that can help our visitors do exactly that! The Dana has partnered with Adventure Water Sports to offer our guests a simple and affordable way to avail themselves of a wide variety of equipment intended to help them discover the joys of waterborne fun. We recently had a chat with Amy McCoy the co-owner (along with her husband Jim) of AWS about the history of their enterprise, as well as information on how guests can best hit the bay, and enjoy their day. Here’s what Amy had to say.

Q: How did adventure water sports come to be?

A: Jim worked at a local water sports company throughout college, then approached Campland on the Bay in 1996 about operating their personal watercraft rentals. Adventure Water Sports was born! A few years later, we acquired the Dana Hotel location.

Q: What’s the most interesting or unique thing you’ve seen out on the water on mission bay?

A: Stunt motorcycle rider Robbie Maddison has ridden his specially equipped motorcycle across Mission Bay, which set a world record! We were lucky to be front row filming from one of our boats. It was quite the exciting event.

Q: What’s your most popular rental item? What’s your own personal favorite?

(Photo: @adventurewatersportssd)
A: Everyone loves riding the personal watercraft, which are commonly referred to as “Jet Skis” or “WaveRunners”. We enjoy boating — either a slow cruise on a pontoon boat, or taking kids tubing behind a ski boat.

Q: Do you offer any suggestions for groups?

A: We work with groups and companies quite often. Adventure Water Sports is happy to create packages with non-motorized equipment like paddle boards and kayaks, so group members can take out equipment like paddleboards and pontoon boats. Some even go “full boat” on motorized gear like the personal watercraft!

Q: What items do you recommend guests bring when renting a pontoon boat for the day?

(Photo: @adventurewatersportssd)
A: It all starts with having a responsible driver. But passengers are also welcome to enjoy snacks and any type of beverages on board. You can never go wrong with a great charcuterie board and champagne!

Q: Many people travel and plan their itineraries on their own. Is it safe for travelers to rent a kayak and plan an outing on their own? Where can they take the kayaks when renting?

A: Absolutely! What’s nice about Mission Bay is that you don’t need a tour guide. So you can explore it at your own pace! Our awesome team can also provide some insight on special spots — like good places to see the seals, or where to kayak to find secluded sandy beach areas on the bay.

Q: Which of your rental(s) would you recommend to a family looking to spend a fun day on Mission Bay?

A: We are the only boat rental on Mission Bay that permits tubing behind our boats, so that’s a favorite for families. If someone is looking for something a little more leisurely paced, taking our tandem kayaks to visit the seals is also fun.

Q: What day of the week do you recommend for boat rentals or watersports most?

A: Monday through Thursday are the most relaxed days on the bay. Saturdays are the most active. So if you want to avoid the crowds, the midweek days are always a good option. Mornings are always great, as well.

Q: Is fall a good time to get out on the water in Mission Bay?

A: It’s THE BEST! Autumn is what we call a “shoulder season” — so the summer crowds have tapered off, and the “snowbird” winter travelers have yet to arrive. Plus, the weather is still amazing, since summer always lasts just a little longer here. To have the bay nearly to yourself is always an awesome time!

Q: Do you offer any back-to-school specials or anything special for The Dana guests?

A: Right now, we have a Back to School Special, offering 30 minutes free with a one-hour personal watercraft rental during the weekday! Dana guests can also make use of a voucher that’s good for a one-hour complimentary bicycle rental per room.

Q: Do you have any other tips you’d like The Dana’s guests to be aware of?

A: We’re always happy to help Dana guests play on Mission Bay just steps from your hotel room! Whether you’re interested in a paddleboard session, a kayaking tour, a relaxed pontoon cruise or full speed fun on a personal watercraft or ski boat; we have what it takes to make your visit the most memorable it can be!

01 Sep 2023

San Diego’s Best Seasonal Souvenir Snaps

By builtbygcommerce

San Diego is a beautiful place to visit at all times of the year, but there’s something extra-special about the yuletide season. The nights are longer, the weather is milder, and everyone you meet is filled with even more good cheer than usual. Even though we’re not surrounded by snow, there are still plenty of ways to capture the holiday spirit here in town. Check out our list of the most festive San Diego holiday photo ops to look forward to this season.

Holiday Lights Displays

(Photo: @sandiegoholidaylights)
Jack Frost may not be nipping at your nose here in Southern California, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to decorate for the holidays! There are countless locations all across town where you can snap festive displays of seasonal cheer. From downtown to east county, theme parks to green spaces, up the coast to down the bay, there’s no end of spots to get merry and bright. Here are some of the most popular.

Seasonal Speakeasy Stops

(Photo: @falseidoltiki)
San Diego’s surreptitious sipping spots are a blast to visit whenever you find yourself in town, but the holidays are a particularly good time to hunt them down. Not only are many offering special seasonal drink menus, but their already photogenic environments are decked out in festive finery that makes for even sweeter snaps. Not sure where to start? Check out this list of area pubs with a penchant for getting festive at the holidays.

Ice Skating Rinks

(Photo: @laurenashleymedia)
Although beautiful beaches and warm sunshine may be the first images that spring to mind when you think about San Diego, our fair city has a surprisingly active ice skating scene during the holiday season. So if you’re interested in taking some skating snaps surrounded by palm trees (for a uniquely tropical holiday IG shot your East Coast followers won’t have), head out to the rinks at Skating by the Sea in Coronado, Viejas Casino, Poway Community Park, San Diego Ice Arena, or the Ice Rink at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Belmont Park (1.1 Miles)

(Photo: @belmontparksd)
San Diego’s favorite boardwalk theme park always goes all-out with holiday cheer. Every holiday, Belmont is filled with activities, midway games, and other fun distractions that can easily fill a day’s worth of sun-filled fun. Don’t miss the tiki mini-golf, climbing wall, roller coasters, or sky ropes course! Of course, the extra festive décor during the holidays always makes for some family-friendly photos. Surfin’ Santa always comes by for photos, and the carousel will be decked out in festive finery. So stop in, have fun, and grab some shots! And speaking of shots, if your seasonal plans include a little holiday spirit of the distilled variety, be sure to stop by the nearby Beach House Tequila + Taqueria for a little sippable warmth.
Belmont Park: B3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Beach House Tequila + Taqueria: 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

Liberty Station (3.9 Miles)

(Photo: @libertystation)
Liberty Station is a place where locals and visitors can convene to meet, shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment. It’s really a “town square” of sorts for the city, drawing millions of visitors every year. And it truly comes alive during the holidays. Liberty Station’s “Salute the Season” celebration offers visitors a wide range of events and occasions where they can mix and mingle and grab some yuletide snapshots — including the annual tree lighting, arrival of Santa, menorah ceremony, and much more.
2820 Historic Decatur Rd. San Diego, CA 92106

Seaport Village (7.2 Miles)

(Photo: @seaport_village)
The oceanfront enclave of Seaport Village has everything you need for your holidays, with special events, gifts, the much-anticipated return of Surfin’ Santa, and more. Visitors always enjoy crossing names off of their holiday shopping lists as they stroll the Village’s sunny, open-air thoroughfares. Specialty shops offer seasonal items ideally-suited for home décor and gifts. Plus, Seaport Village is a great place to sit with a meal or beverage, and check out the Mission Bay Parade of Lights!
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Greetings From San Diego” Mural (8.3 Miles)

(Photo: @d.c._realestate)
This incredibly photogenic backdrop in North Park quickly became just as much of a San Diego landmark as LA’s hillside “Hollywood” sign or the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign in Sin City. There’s just no better spot to snap a “wish you were here” pic than right here. And after you grab your shot, there’s plenty to do in the area, too — starting with stopping in at next door’s Belching Beaver Brewery for a few pints of local holiday cheer.
4225 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier (10.7 Miles)

(Photo: @thescrippspier)
You simply can’t leave town without securing a pic at one of the most iconic spots in San Diego: just beneath Scripps Pier. This famous landmark has been one of the city’s most popular photo settings for years, featured on postcards, holiday cards, in engagement and wedding photos, and countless other stunning snaps. If you’d like to grab a few for yourself, the short drive to charming nearby La Jolla is worth the trip.
8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA

Torrey Pines Reserve (18 Miles)

Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego
Torrey Pines Reserve is one of San Diego’s most visually stunning outdoor spaces. Ancient sandstone features sweep elegantly across the terrain here, adjacent to truly spectacular views of the Pacific. If hiking’s your thing, While here, don’t miss getting a shot of the most notable feature of this striking area — the reserve is one of the only places on Earth where you can see the Torrey Pine, one of the rarest trees in existence.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Start Your Seasonal Snaps Tour at the Dana

(Photo: @danamissionbay)
Ready to plan your seasonal sojourn to sunny San Diego? The Dana on Mission Bay is the perfect way to stay! We’re not only centrally located right on beautiful Mission Bay, but we’ve also got exceptional accommodations, thoughtful amenities, festive décor, and exclusive offers sure to fill you with good cheer. Reserve your holiday getaway today!

Wellness in Winter – Staying Active and Healthy in the New Year in San Diego

Bayside Dining at Firefly Eatery & Bar (Onsite)

Get Outside and Get Active (Onsite)

Fitness February by Discover Mission Bay (Onsite & Various Locations)

Visit a San Diego Farmer’s Market (Various Locations)

Cheers to Dry January (Various Locations)

Wellness Experience at MCASD (6.5 Miles From Hotel)

Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla (7.4 Miles From Hotel)

Are You Ready to Plan Your San Diego Winter Wellness Retreat at The Dana on Mission Bay?

Interview With a Local Business: Adventure Water Sports

Q: How did adventure water sports come to be?

Q: What’s the most interesting or unique thing you’ve seen out on the water on mission bay?

Q: What’s your most popular rental item? What’s your own personal favorite?

Q: Do you offer any suggestions for groups?

Q: What items do you recommend guests bring when renting a pontoon boat for the day?

Q: Many people travel and plan their itineraries on their own. Is it safe for travelers to rent a kayak and plan an outing on their own? Where can they take the kayaks when renting?

Q: Which of your rental(s) would you recommend to a family looking to spend a fun day on Mission Bay?

Q: What day of the week do you recommend for boat rentals or watersports most?

Q: Is fall a good time to get out on the water in Mission Bay?

Q: Do you offer any back-to-school specials or anything special for The Dana guests?

Q: Do you have any other tips you’d like The Dana’s guests to be aware of?

San Diego’s Best Seasonal Souvenir Snaps

Holiday Lights Displays

Seasonal Speakeasy Stops

Ice Skating Rinks

Belmont Park (1.1 Miles)

Liberty Station (3.9 Miles)

Seaport Village (7.2 Miles)

Greetings From San Diego” Mural (8.3 Miles)

Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier (10.7 Miles)

Torrey Pines Reserve (18 Miles)

Start Your Seasonal Snaps Tour at the Dana

Wellness in Winter – Staying Active and Healthy in the New Year in San Diego

10 New Restaurants That Made Waves in San Diego in 2024

Festive Family Fun: Holiday Happenings in San Diego