01 Mar 2026

Spring in San Diego: Events, Blooms & Bay Views

By The Dana

Warm sunny days and lots of fun-filled events for the season make San Diego a great place to be this spring! The Dana on Mission Bay is the perfect place to stay to be close to all the best beaches and events that happen this spring season. We welcome adventurers, spring breakers, and families who want to have some fun in the sun in America's Finest City.

Don't forget to bring your favorite furry friend along with your swimsuit on your spring getaway, because The Dana on Mission Bay is the best pet-friendly hotel in San Diego and is prepared for their arrival with their very own Welcome Kit. Your pet will enjoy their vacation in San Diego as much as you, with the nearby waterfront paths on Mission Bay, spacious areas around the property to chase a ball, and their spot at dinner outside at our onsite Firefly Eatery & Bar.

Check into your Water’s Edge or Marina Cove guestroom or suite, and prepare to celebrate spring with these San Diego events and activities near Mission Bay!

Popular Things To Do in San Diego This Spring

Seven Seas Festival at SeaWorld (1.0 Mile from Hotel)

The Dana on Mission Bay is the closest hotel to SeaWorld San Diego and offers shuttle service, as well as two tickets to the park, with our Special SeaWorld Package! SeaWorld San Diego is the place to be this spring with the Seven Seas Food Festival. This popular San Diego festival happens each February through April and is the perfect combination of music and food. And new for this year is a special menu crafted by Executive Chef Zuric Ramirez, and an exciting concert line-up at the Bayside Amphitheater with concerts from Fitz and the Tantrums, The Band Perry, Walker Hayes, and Phillip Phillips.

Belmont in Bloom (1.2 Miles from Hotel)

Belmont in Bloom with little girl — Photo: @kari_niehuus

Visit Belmont Park this spring to experience the popular Belmont in Bloom festival. This exciting annual spring event features vibrant floral sculptures, plenty of photo-ops, live entertainment, and delicious themed food and beverages. While in the area visiting Belmont in Bloom, be sure to catch dinner and drinks at nearby Cannonball, a popular oceanfront sushi restaurant that is known for great food with an ocean view.

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo in Old Town (4.0 Miles from Hotel)

A San Diego tradition, Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is a popular event in nearby Old Town and is the largest celebration in San Diego for the holiday. Perfectly situated in Old Town near downtown San Diego, Fiesta Cinco de Mayo offers a festival that spans six blocks with cultural and traditional entertainment on two stages, delicious local food, and plenty of family fun.

Gator by the Bay (4.7 Miles from Hotel)

Held each May in San Diego at Spanish Landing Park, Gator by the Bay is the largest Louisiana-themed music festival this side of New Orleans. It’s always a good time at this popular cultural festival that is held each year around Mother’s Day Weekend in San Diego. The family-friendly event features over 100 musical acts and seven event stages, Southern cuisine featuring lots of crawfish, dancing, and more. This popular event brings the spirit of Louisiana to SoCal and is one of the most popular spring events in San Diego.

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival (6.0 Miles from Hotel)

Enjoy a diverse lineup with new breakout artists and your long-time favorites at the Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival in San Diego. This popular music event caters to all genres, including rock, hip-hop, indie rock, reggae, rap, EDM, adult alternative, and country. This is a great spring experience in San Diego with so much to see and do at this 3-day event with festival activities like harbor cruises, an EDM dance club, bar and dinner parties, games, private lounges, and more.

Whale Watching in Point Loma (6.3 Miles from Hotel)

Experience a thrilling whale-watching adventure this spring in San Diego at the cliffs at Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, a great place to catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures. High above the ocean, the old Point Loma lighthouse offers the best view for whale-watchers to see the graceful sea animals migrating south. Whale watching in San Diego is the perfect way to spend a spring day in San Diego during your stay at The Dana on Mission Bay.

Cherry Blossom Festival at Balboa Park (8.4 Miles from Hotel)

Celebrated each year in March, the popular Cherry Blossom Festival is the highlight of spring at Balboa Park. Held at the Japanese Friendship Garden, you will enjoy the amazing San Diego weather with a variety of attractions including live performances, a special children's area, delicious cultural foods, a sake garden, and, of course, the beautiful blossoming trees in the cherry blossom grove. It’s one of the best San Diego activities and is the perfect way to welcome spring.

See Spring Flowers in Bloom (29.0 Miles from Hotel)

little girl standing at the Carlsbad Flower Fields — Photo: @the_flower_fields

Plan a visit to see the Carlsbad Flower Fields, a 55-acre San Diego landmark farm that blooms each spring and decorates the area at Carlsbad Ranch. From March to May each year, there are so many beautiful blooms and blossoms as far as you can see! A popular spot for guests and locals for over 60 years, you will love spending a spring day at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

Save On Your Spring Stay at The Dana on Mission Bay with Our New Offers

Aerial View Overlooking Mission Bay- Facing W

Are you ready to plan the spring vacation in San Diego you’ve been dreaming of? Act now to take advantage of our NEW special offers that are perfect for spring stays at The Dana, including our Adventure Around the Bay and Belmont Park Package, when you book your San Diego vacation.

Plan your spring escape to San Diego today to see the flowers in bloom, enjoy the warm sunny days, and explore the popular attractions and seasonal events in Southern California.

01 Jan 2026

What’s New in San Diego: Exciting 2026 Openings on the Horizon

By The Dana

A new year is the perfect excuse to explore something new, and in San Diego, there’s always something fresh and exciting just around the corner. From aesthetic coffee shops and modern fitness studios to bold new restaurants and even a next-level mini golf experience, America's Finest City continues to evolve in the best ways. We love discovering these new openings and sharing our favorite finds with guests here at The Dana on Mission Bay.

Here are some of the most delicious, interesting, and unique new spots to check out in San Diego — plus why they’re worth adding to your itinerary during your stay.

Coming Soon to San Diego:

CherryFish (3.6 Miles from Hotel)

Photo: @danimes_delights

Just a few minutes from the Dana on Mission Bay, CherryFish is for sushi lovers who are looking for a dining adventure. This newcomer to the San Diego restaurant scene brings a fresh new look at sushi with a menu that blends Japanese culinary flavors with a bold energy restaurant that offers a relaxing and immersive dining experience. Come for the unique sushi rolls like the Stuffed Shrooms Roll and stay for the Chicken Katsu Flatbread. Reviews are also recommending the creative combos for those who want to try sushi but aren’t quite sure where to begin! Grab a Sake Grenade or Satsuma Mandarin handcrafted cocktail for a refreshing beverage and plan your next visit ASAP.

Carlo (5.2 Miles from Hotel)

a red cocktail on a barrel in a low lit room

This Mission Hills speakeasy invites you into a myth that is secretly tucked away from sight behind Cardellino. The moody 32-seat speakeasy offers an opulent cocktail lounge with a little bit of ancient drama for fun. All decked out in gold accents with moody lighting and a mesmerizing ceiling of sculptural florals, this new San Diego business is a seduction and an alluring experience that’s a split between “The Fates” and “The Legends,” with creative signature cocktails along with the elevated favorite classics. The Carlo experience has been described as theatrical and sensual, making it something you won’t soon forget and will definitely want to experience again.

Sugarfish (5.8 Miles from Hotel)

San Diego’s sushi scene is about to get even more delicious with the arrival of Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa — the acclaimed Los Angeles–based sushi restaurant known for its fresh, high-quality seafood and approachable omakase experience. Slated to open in spring 2026 in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood at 2100 Kettner Boulevard, this will be Sugarfish’s first San Diego location outside of its existing restaurants in LA, Orange County, and New York City.

Dora (10.6 Miles from Hotel)

Inspired by family, this new restaurant in La Jolla offers coastal Italian cuisine including grilled octopus, handmade gnocchi stuffed with pork sausage and the best ever margherita pizza! You’ll also enjoy the chilled wines and delicious dishes to share all with the perfect Italian flair you’re craving! From a favorite family place to gather to a great place for a romantic date, Dora is the talk of the town and a must-try in San Diego.

Puttshack (6.5 Miles from Hotel)

Photo: @breastcancer_chingona

Mission Valley is stepping up to the tee with the new Puttshack coming to the area in 2026. Enjoy some golf competitions, world-class dining, and plenty of high-energy fun vibes. Puttshack promises to be one of the new popular hangouts in San Diego, and locals are excited for the business to open! Compete, kick back, or just come to eat at this exciting new San Diego location.

YogaSix Chula Vista (16 Miles from Hotel)

If you’re ready for a full sensory yoga experience in San Diego that is truly accessible to all, check out the new YogaSix in Chula Vista. Their classes are created to help you focus on producing specific benefits including agility, strength, balance, flexibility, and balance. YogaSix classes are popular with a variety of ages and activity levels, and they have several locations in the San Diego area, including the new studio in Chula Vista.

Crack Shack Pacific Beach (20 Miles from Hotel)

If fried chicken is your thing, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the San Diego Crack Shack in Pacific Beach. This Coop is the newest location for this popular local restaurant and fans are super excited! The new Crack Shack location in San Diego offers a family-friendly restaurant that even has a fun sandpit for the kids. It also offers 28 taps of the best San Diego craft beers, and it’s close to the beach, spouts an open air dining room, and gives off a true SoCal vibe folks love to enjoy.

San Diego’s Newest Openings:

In addition to these amazing new businesses in San Diego for 2026, we’d like to spotlight some of San Diego’s newest openings near The Dana that locals are raving about and guests may want to try during their stay at our Mission Bay hotel.

12 HRS Matcha (3.3 Miles from Hotel)

Located in Pacific Beach, this new drink and dessert shop offers delicious matcha along with freshly crafted delights. You can tell they are delicious because there is always a line at their Garnet Ave location in San Diego. Serving up Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha with a peaceful attitude of love and gratitude, we are feeling positive vibes from this new San Diego business.

The Barista Botanist (3.7 Miles from Hotel)

Photo: @blushtan_sandiego

This new locally owned shop is an all-day organic café that serves a great variety of healthy favorites including everything from coffee and smoothies to bowls and sourdough pizzas! It’s all prepared with organic, seed oil-free, whole ingredients and that's why the Barista Botanist has become a favorite of locals looking for healthier resolutions in the new year.

Black Rock Coffee (3.9 Miles from Hotel)

This new coffee shop in Pacific Beach is making waves with its variety of beverages that range from seasonal favorites to Matcha and Fuel Energy options. The company was founded to connect with the community and build a connection over a great cup of coffee, which is definitely happening at the new San Diego location on a daily basis, because they are packed!
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Are You Ready to Try Something New in San Diego? The Dana on Mission Bay is a Great Place to Start

As a guest of The Dana on Mission Bay, you will be close to all the new and exciting openings in San Diego in 2026! From delicious restaurants to yoga and mini-golf, it’s going to be so much fun. Book your stay at The Dana today and plan an amazing stay at our Mission Beach hotel so you can be one of the first to experience some of these incredible new businesses in the San Diego area.

01 Dec 2025

Best Spots to Watch a San Diego Sunset

By The Dana

As the sun sets on 2025, it is time to pick the perfect spot to reminisce about the old year and welcome the new one. There is truly no better place to watch the sun set over the ocean than beautiful San Diego this winter. If you have not had the privilege of seeing a winter sunset in Southern California, now is the time to treat yourself to this amazing view!

It's almost like we planned the colorful winter sunsets just for our guests at the Dana on Mission Bay! With brilliant bay front views, our San Diego hotel is the perfect place to watch the sunset every night this winter. Not only can you get beautiful sunset, bay, and marina views from your suite as well as different points around the hotel, but Sunset Point Park is located onsite and is utterly spectacular, and a great place for photos!

Here are some of the best places to see the beautiful coastal landscapes and colorful, painted skies in San Diego for a spectacular light show you won’t want to miss during your vacation in Southern California.

Sunset Point Park (Onsite at Hotel)

Sunset over the bay with palm trees in the forground

Conveniently located on Mission Bay right next to your room or suite here at The Dana, Sunset Point Park offers a sandy shoreline that is perfect for watching nightly winter sunsets. This coastal park was given this name for a reason, so prepare to be wowed! Get cozy and enjoy the sunset with an evening bonfire at the onsite fire pits at the park, or pack a light dinner and drinks for a romantic evening by the water with one of the best views in San Diego. Enjoy the perfect evening under the sun… then dine under the stars this winter right here at Firefly Eatery & Bar.

Sunset Cliffs (2.2 Miles from Hotel)

The narrow 1.5-mile stretch of bluffs along the west coast of Point Loma is known as Sunset Cliffs, and it is the perfect spot to watch a sunset in San Diego. These iconic cliffs do get packed, so get there early to beat the crowd and take the path along the top of the cliffs to the stairs to walk down to the beach. Visitors will be greeted with an amazing sunset and beautiful coastal views with great photo ops for your San Diego vacation.

Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach (2.9 Miles from Hotel)

Popular for watching sunsets in San Diego, Crystal Beach Pier offers a laid-back and peaceful beach vibe along with unobstructed sunset views. The old, historic wooden pier in Pacific Beach is great for photos, sunset views, and it’s never crowded, making it the perfect place to watch the sun set in San Diego with your favorite person.

Windansea Beach (5.7 Miles from Hotel)

Catch a sunset at unforgettable Windansea Beach this winter for unmatched views of naturally sculpted rock formations and sunsets like no other! One of the most popular places to watch a sunset in California, Windansea Beach is the best place for a romantic date or a night out with friends with great sunset views and easy beach access.

Mount Soledad (6.3 Miles from Hotel)

Enjoy breathtaking skyline and sunset views from 823 feet in the air at this popular San Diego memorial. Surrounded by palm trees and offering ocean views and popular city landmark scenes, the Mount Soledad Memorial has some of the best San Diego sunsets for the most amazing photo memories of your winter in San Diego.

San Diego Embarcadero/Waterfront Park (7.1 Miles from Hotel)

This downtown San Diego park is known for sunset watching by locals and visitors of the area. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the perfect San Diego sunset at the Embarcadaro including dinner at a popular restaurant with a sunset view. Ketch Grill & Taps, which is uniquely located inside a glass dome, is an unbeatable experience you’ll never forget and sunset views to die for! You can also relax on one of the park benches or bring a blanket for a sunset picnic with unforgettable views from Waterfront Park for a great evening in San Diego.

La Jolla Cove (10.8 Miles from Hotel)

Known as Seal Beach, popular La Jolla Cove is one of the best places to watch the sun set in San Diego. La Jolla Cove is popular not only because of the amazing sunset views near San Diego, but also the opportunity to observe the marine life including the playful seals along the California coast. The clear water, rugged coastline, unique sea caves, and unobstructed sunset views make this a popular sunset watching spot in San Diego.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (15.8 Miles from Hotel)

This 1,500 acre natural reserve is home to original habitats of animal and plant life, including the rare Torrey pine. Surrounded by gorgeous beaches and miles of cliffs and trails, some of the best sunset views in San Diego can be seen at the top of the cliffs on the Razor Point trail at Torrey Pines. The 1.5 mile hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is rewarded with dramatic views of the unique cliffs, ocean and sunset you will never forget!

Sunset Views and Resort-Style Amenities at The Dana on Mission Bay in San Diego

Come for the sunset, stay for the amenities! The Dana on Mission Bay is the place to stay this winter for the most scenic San Diego views — conveniently located at and near your suite at The Dana on Mission Bay! Enjoy your vacation to San Diego at our casual, laidback waterfront hotel with the best urban amenities and all the best sunset views in San Diego! If you’re looking for the best place to watch a sunset in San Diego – you’ve found it with us here at The Dana on Mission Bay!

Book your winter escape now using these special offers and deals for the perfect sunset getaway you’ve been dreaming of!

12 Aug 2025

An Instagrammable San Diego Road Trip

By The Dana

The beauty of a San Diego getaway is that it’s just as much about the journey as the destination. Whether you’re cruising down the coast, rolling through the desert, or making your way from a nearby city, the drive to San Diego is filled with picture-perfect stops ready for your camera roll. Pack your snacks, queue up your road trip playlist, and get ready to collect some amazing shots along the way — because every great vacation starts before you even check in.

We’ve rounded up some of the most photogenic pit stops you can visit on your drive to The Dana on Mission Bay. They’re listed by direction, so you can find your route and start planning that road trip content.

Coming From the North

Driving to San Diego from Northern California or the Pacific Northwest is a coastal dream. The Pacific Coast Highway takes you past rugged cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and charming towns that beg for a photo op. Whether you’re snapping for Instagram or filming the next viral TikTok, the scenery here makes it easy.

Redwood National Forest

Walk among some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world — the sheer scale makes for an awe-inspiring shot.

Golden Gate Bridge

No West Coast drive is complete without a stop at this iconic San Francisco landmark, framed perfectly by the bay.

Lombard Street

Famous for its eight sharp turns, this winding San Francisco street is quirky, colorful, and completely unique.

Bixby Creek Bridge

Perched along Big Sur’s dramatic coastline, this graceful bridge is one of the most photographed spots in California.

Santa Monica Pier

A classic stop with colorful rides, ocean views, and plenty of retro charm for your feed.

LACMA Urban Lights

Snap a photo under this instantly recognizable streetlight installation — it’s just as magical during the day as it is at night.

Coming From the East

If your trip takes you through the desert, you’re in for some truly unique backdrops. From colorful art installations to roadside Americana, these stops make the drive just as memorable as your time in San Diego.

Route 66

The legendary Mother Road is full of vintage signs, diners, and quirky pit stops that are pure road trip gold.

Space Age Restaurant

Gila Bend’s UFO-themed diner serves up comfort food with a side of sci-fi fun.

Official Center of the World

Located on the Arizona–California border, this offbeat landmark makes for a great “you are here” moment.

Salvation Mountain

A technicolor art installation in the middle of the desert — it’s impossible to take a bad picture here.

Las Vegas Sign

Strike a pose at the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign before you hit the road again.

Seven Magic Mountains

Seven towering stacks of neon-painted boulders rise from the desert — a surreal and colorful must-stop.

Cabazon Dinosaurs

Giant dinosaur sculptures and retro roadside vibes make this spot a nostalgic favorite.

Once You Arrive in San Diego

Your road trip may be over, but your camera will still be busy. San Diego is packed with gorgeous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks — many of them just minutes from your suite at The Dana on Mission Bay.

Mission Bay Boardwalk – 0.5 miles from hotel

Just steps from The Dana, Mission Bay Boardwalk offers peaceful waterfront paths, palm tree silhouettes, and sparkling bay views. Sunrise here is golden-hour magic — the perfect way to start your feed-worthy day.

two people rollerskating on the waterfront

Belmont Park – 1.5 miles from hotel

This iconic beachfront amusement park blends vintage charm with colorful, lively energy. Snap shots on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, pose with the retro carnival lights, or grab a vibrant acai bowl for that fresh, beachy vibe.

Sunset Cliffs – 6 miles from hotel

A San Diego classic for a reason. Sunset Cliffs delivers dramatic ocean views, rugged sandstone formations, and glowing skies at golden hour. It’s one of the most romantic and cinematic backdrops you’ll find.

Liberty Station – 6 miles from hotel

Formerly a naval training center, Liberty Station is now a trendy hub for food, art, and culture. Think colorful public art installations, vibrant farmers markets, and cozy coffee shops with major Instagram appeal.

La Jolla Cove – 10 miles from hotel

La Jolla Cove is a dreamy seaside escape, home to crystal-clear waters, playful sea lions, and postcard-worthy cliffs. The mix of wildlife, turquoise water, and rugged coastline creates some of San Diego’s most iconic photo ops.

Harper’s Topiary Garden – 10 miles from hotel

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, this quirky garden features more than 50 unique, sculpted shrubs. It’s whimsical, unexpected, and guaranteed to stand out in your photo roll.

Windansea Beach – 11 miles from hotel

Known for its natural beauty and surf culture, Windansea offers stunning rock formations and a rustic palm-covered surf shack that’s become an iconic photo spot.

Balboa Park – 11 miles from hotel

Balboa Park is a photographer’s dream, featuring Spanish-style architecture, lush gardens, museums, and the famous Botanical Building. Every corner has a unique and colorful frame for your photos.

Plan Your San Diego Drive Getaway

The open road is calling — and The Dana on Mission Bay is ready to welcome you at the finish line. From our marina-front views to our relaxing pools and bayside dining, it’s the perfect reward for your road trip adventure. Explore our latest special offers and start planning your route today. And when you post those travel snaps, be sure to tag us using #DriveToTheDana so we can see where your journey took you.

Spring in San Diego: Events, Blooms & Bay Views

Popular Things To Do in San Diego This Spring

Seven Seas Festival at SeaWorld (1.0 Mile from Hotel)

Belmont in Bloom (1.2 Miles from Hotel)

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo in Old Town (4.0 Miles from Hotel)

Gator by the Bay (4.7 Miles from Hotel)

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival (6.0 Miles from Hotel)

Whale Watching in Point Loma (6.3 Miles from Hotel)

Cherry Blossom Festival at Balboa Park (8.4 Miles from Hotel)

See Spring Flowers in Bloom (29.0 Miles from Hotel)

Save On Your Spring Stay at The Dana on Mission Bay with Our New Offers

What’s New in San Diego: Exciting 2026 Openings on the Horizon

Coming Soon to San Diego:

CherryFish (3.6 Miles from Hotel)

Carlo (5.2 Miles from Hotel)

Sugarfish (5.8 Miles from Hotel)

Dora (10.6 Miles from Hotel)

Puttshack (6.5 Miles from Hotel)

YogaSix Chula Vista (16 Miles from Hotel)

Crack Shack Pacific Beach (20 Miles from Hotel)

San Diego’s Newest Openings:

12 HRS Matcha (3.3 Miles from Hotel)

The Barista Botanist (3.7 Miles from Hotel)

Black Rock Coffee (3.9 Miles from Hotel)

Are You Ready to Try Something New in San Diego? The Dana on Mission Bay is a Great Place to Start

Best Spots to Watch a San Diego Sunset

Sunset Point Park (Onsite at Hotel)

Sunset Cliffs (2.2 Miles from Hotel)

Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach (2.9 Miles from Hotel)

Windansea Beach (5.7 Miles from Hotel)

Mount Soledad (6.3 Miles from Hotel)

San Diego Embarcadero/Waterfront Park (7.1 Miles from Hotel)

La Jolla Cove (10.8 Miles from Hotel)

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (15.8 Miles from Hotel)

Sunset Views and Resort-Style Amenities at The Dana on Mission Bay in San Diego

An Instagrammable San Diego Road Trip

Coming From the North

Coming From the East

Once You Arrive in San Diego

Mission Bay Boardwalk – 0.5 miles from hotel

Belmont Park – 1.5 miles from hotel

Sunset Cliffs – 6 miles from hotel

Liberty Station – 6 miles from hotel

La Jolla Cove – 10 miles from hotel

Harper’s Topiary Garden – 10 miles from hotel

Windansea Beach – 11 miles from hotel

Balboa Park – 11 miles from hotel

Plan Your San Diego Drive Getaway

The Perfect 3-Day San Diego Weekend Itinerary

Why a Midweek Winter Stay in San Diego Is Pure Relaxation

Best Spots to Watch a San Diego Sunset