a matcha latte with art
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) 

Chery Fish Sushi

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)

sushi
Photo: @smilesandsushi

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) 

A pizza margherita with drinks

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) 

Puttshack

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) 

a rolled up yogamat

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) 

chicken sandwich and fries

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) 

a matcha latte with art

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) 

Cup of coffee on table

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) 

two iced coffees

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!

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

Firefly Outdoor shot

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.

two surfers at sunset at the beach
01 Oct 2025

Locals’ Summer – Outdoor Things to Do in San Diego This Fall

By The Dana

People always ask, “What do all of these San Diegans do for work?” The truth is, you’ll find locals outside enjoying life any day of the week at any time. And this includes fall in San Diego, which is affectionately known as “Locals’ Summer.” This is a favorite time of the year for those who live in San Diego because we still have warm weather, but with fewer crowds, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun in the sun!

Your fall fun starts right here at The Dana on Mission Bay. Our resort-style amenities and planned activities, along with our near-perfect location on the water, make us one of the best hotels for outdoor activities in San Diego. From our onsite scenic marina and delicious waterfront Firefly Eatery & Bar to the refreshing swimming pool and watersports and bicycle rentals – the fun never stops at our property, and adventures are endless!

Festive Fun at The Dana

movie by the pool with a large full moon in the background

Fall at The Dana on Mission Bay is all about sunshine, warm temps, and seasonal fun for the whole family. This October, enjoy poolside spooky movies, lawn games, and festive drink specials at Firefly Eatery & Bar. Get creative with our annual pumpkin carving contest, and take advantage of our Kids Free October offer — kids stay and dine for free while enjoying complimentary admission to local attractions. As the closest hotel to SeaWorld, it’s easy to join in their Halloween festivities too. Whether you’re here to relax by the water or fill your days with adventure, this season is the perfect mix of fun, comfort, and San Diego sunshine. Check it all out before your autumn getaway!

Attend a Fall Festival

wine and food festival

San Diego is home to a variety of popular fall festivals, from local food and drink-oriented events like the San Diego Food & Wine Festival and BeerFest to popular music events like Belmont Park’s Seaside Fall Festival, our city is definitely the place to be for fall festivals and beachfront happenings, from September through November each year.

Catch a Padres Game

padres stadium

Soak up the fresh air and sunshine this fall at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. Cheer alongside locals and fellow fans as the Padres take the field, and experience the electric energy of a midweek game in one of Major League Baseball’s most vibrant ballparks. From classic ballpark favorites like hot dogs and pretzels to locally inspired bites, plus a wide selection of craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks, Petco Park has something to satisfy every craving while you enjoy the action on the field.

Fall Beach Days & Surfing

two surfers at sunset at the beach

Fall is an ideal time to catch some waves in San Diego — the water and air are still wonderfully warm, but the beaches are less crowded than in the summer. Beginners can enjoy gentle breaks at Tourmaline Surf Park, while more experienced surfers can tackle Black’s Beach. During your stay here at The Dana on Mission Bay, you’re also just minutes from Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, where you can enjoy people-watching, beach volleyball, bike rides along the boardwalk, and a variety of water sports — all with the ease of smaller crowds and beautiful, sunny fall days.

Autumn Attractions

children trick or treating

Fall fun for the whole family is just minutes from your guest room or suite here at The Dana on Mission Bay. Start with a visit to SeaWorld San Diego, where Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream brings kid-friendly Halloween festivities, festive shows, and seasonal treats. Then head to Belmont Park for Fall Fest, featuring rides, games, and seasonal activities perfect for all ages. Don’t miss the San Diego Zoo, where Halloween-themed events and spooky decorations make a visit extra special this time of year. As the closest hotel to SeaWorld, The Dana is the perfect home base for a day — or a weekend — of fall adventures, rides, shows, and family-friendly fun under the sunny San Diego skies.

Hit the Hiking Trail

Torrey Pines

A favorite pastime of San Diego locals, hiking comes with a scenic view along the San Diego trails. Popular local trails include the Mission Bay Park Scenic Trail, Fiesta Island Loop, Potato Chip Rock, Torrey Pines, and Tecolote Canyon. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the spectacular coastal and city views!  

Enjoy a Cozy Fall Picnic

kate sessions park

Fall in San Diego is the perfect time for a picnic. Whether you are looking for a cozy seaside park or one with amazing San Diego views, there is no shortage of perfect spots for a picnic to choose from. Grab a few autumn-inspired treats, like pumpkin bread and freshly picked apples with caramel, grab a blanket, and head outside! We recommend these San Diego parks for a great picnic by the water:

Enjoy Outdoor Watersports

a woman on a jetski

Adventure Water Sports is conveniently located right here onsite at The Dana, and they offer guests the best rentals to maximize your Mission Bay stay and experience. Spend the day enjoying wave runners, kayaks, paddleboards, ski boats, bikes, and more as you ride past seals on the other side of the bridge, glide by our Water’s Edge building, and wave to friends on the balcony.

Tee Off This Fall

golf ball next to a hole

Get the day started right during your San Diego fall vacation at The Dana with a morning round of golf at Mission Bay Golf Club. This scenic 18-hole course offers stunning views and is perfect for golfers of all skill levels. Mission Bay Golf Club features well-maintained greens, along with challenging fairways, for a relaxed day on the course and an enjoyable round of golf in San Diego.

Savor Fall Flavors With a View

Friends by the firepits at Firefly

San Diego locals love to eat and drink on patios with a view! Luckily, there are so many great outdoor dining options in San Diego (including our very own Firefly Eatery & Bar), that you’ll have your pick! Many feature large heat lamps and firepits, so even as the air get a little crisper after sunset, you'll stay warm throughout the evening. Whether you want a view of the ocean, a downtown skyline scene, or a cozy cafe for the perfect fall vibes, you will be pleased with the outdoor dining scene in San Diego. Check out a few of our favorites in our San Diego Patio, Rooftops, and Beachfront Dining Guide!  

Go to a Local Farmers' Market

OB Farmers Market at sunset

San Diego is home to a variety of farmers' markets that offer unique and delicious goods from local purveyors. From homegrown fruits and vegetables to handcrafted offerings, enjoy a day outside in San Diego exploring local markets and discovering treasure! From the Ocean Beach Farmers Market and Hillcrest Farmers Market to the Little Italy Mercato and Pacific Beach Farmers Market, there are plenty of opportunities to support our local merchants.

Take a Bay Cruise

champagne toast on a boat

Enjoy a sail around the bay aboard the Coronado Ferry with Flagship Cruises. This is a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to get out on the water and enjoy one of San Diego’s most popular outdoor activities! For under $10, you can enjoy an adventure and see a part of the city that many visitors miss. Flagship also offers San Diego sunset, sightseeing, and dinner cruises for fall fun on the water.

Are You Ready to Enjoy Locals’ Summer in San Diego?

Plan your fall escape to San Diego today to spend some time in the California sunshine doing all of your favorite outdoor activities. Here at The Dana on Mission Bay, we invite you to relax and enjoy our onsite resort-style amenities as well as the local fall fun planned events! Book your accommodations today for your stay at The Dana on Mission Bay and an amazing fall trip to the California coast!

Rollerblading by the marina

children trick or treating
30 Sep 2025

Haunted Happenings to Oktoberfests: San Diego’s Can’t-Miss Fall Events

By The Dana

San Diego knows how to celebrate fall — with sunshine, seasonal brews, spooky nights, and fun-filled festivals that last into November. And this October, it’s even better for families: during Kids Free October, little ones stay FREE at The Dana on Mission Bay and dine FREE at our onsite restaurant, Firefly Eatery & Bar!

No matter what fall festivities you love, San Diego has something for everyone. From family-friendly festivals and spooky Halloween fun to lively Oktoberfests, The Dana is your go-to spot for seasonal events by the bay. Here are some of the can’t-miss fall happenings near your hotel room or suite this season.

San Diego Oktoberfest Celebrations:

Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach (2.0 Miles to Hotel)

Celebrate the season at Oktoberfest in OB, San Diego’s biggest beachside fall festival! Just 2 miles from The Dana on Mission Bay, this lively event brings Bavarian traditions to the coast with stein-holding contests, pretzel tosses, live music, and more. Perfect for all ages, Oktoberfest in OB is a one-of-a-kind San Diego celebration by the beach you won’t want to miss.

a beer being poured at oktoberfest

La Mesa Oktoberfest (14 Miles to Hotel)

Celebrating its 52nd year, La Mesa Oktoberfest offers a variety of fun traditions and Bavarian festivities for all. This 3-day seasonal celebration near San Diego is a great German experience in the heart of La Mesa and has a biergarten, activities for the kids, dancing, food, and more!

a crowd in front of a stage with a band performing at la mesa oktoberfest

Fall Festivals in San Diego:

San Diego Beer Week (Miles to Hotel Varies)

Created to highlight local San Diego breweries, this popular week-long fall festival in San Diego happens November 7–16 and is on tap to be a great event for locals and guests of the area. There are a variety of events planned for the week-long celebration that are being held at different venues and locations throughout San Diego County, including participating breweries, bars, restaurants, and more! Beer lovers do not want to miss the exciting fall festival in San Diego.

San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival (Miles to Hotel Varies)

One of the region’s biggest culinary events, the San Diego Bay Wine+ Food Festival is held each November and is an event you don’t want to miss! This food-centered fall festival in San Diego offers delicious food and drinks from the best local chefs, winemakers, creators, and innovators in the food and beverage industry. The weeklong festival, held November 7–9 this year, offers amazing tasting events, a variety of workshops, film screenings, and more.

wine glasses cheersing

Belmont Park Fall Fest (1.1 Miles to Hotel)

Just steps from the sand and minutes from Pacific Terrace Hotel, Belmont Park’s Fall Fest brings Halloween fun to the beach! Enjoy pumpkin patches, seasonal treats, and spooky twists on classic rides — including the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster. From festive family activities to seaside thrills, Belmont Park is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween in San Diego for all ages.

children trick or treating

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Autumn Festival (8.6 Miles to Hotel)

Celebrate fall in San Diego during the beautiful season of color for the Autumn Festival at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park every Saturday and Sunday in October. Visitors can experience amazing wildlife encounters, special entertainment, and delicious culinary delights! Join the fun, create great memories, and have some family fun.

giraffes eating a pumpkin

Halloween Happenings in San Diego

SeaWorld Spooktacular (1.1 Miles to Hotel)

Get into the Halloween spirit at SeaWorld Spooktacular, San Diego’s favorite family-friendly fall celebration! Enjoy trick-or-treating, seasonal shows, and spooky fun for kids of all ages. Even better — during Kids Free October, children get in FREE! Our hotel is also the closest hotel to SeaWorld and offers convenient shuttle service (ask the front desk for details), making it easy to join the fun. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween in San Diego!

the count at seaworld san diego

Old Town Día de los Muertos (4.1 Miles to Hotel)

Celebrating its 15th year, Old Town San Diego’s annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration offers a vibrant fall weekend of music, food, and culture honoring this rich Mexican tradition. Taking place November 1–2, the event blends Halloween fun with historic customs, featuring the Mercado del Arte, beautifully decorated altars, and the moving Procesión to the Cemetery. Just a short drive from The Dana on Mission Bay, it’s a unique way to experience San Diego’s cultural and festive side this fall.

face painting at dia de los muertos

Haunted Trail in Balboa Park (7.3 Miles to Hotel)

One of the best things to do to celebrate Halloween in San Diego is a visit to the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park. Consistently voted as one of the best Halloween attractions in San Diego, this local classic takes you on a mile-long haunted trail through Balboa Park. You’ll encounter spooky characters and scary scenes along the way for a howling good time for those who dare. The Balboa Park Haunted Trail is a bit frightening, so we recommend this popular San Diego attraction for older kids, teens, and adults.

a costumed performer at a haunted house

San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen (8.6 Miles to Hotel)

The San Diego Zoo glows after dark with colorful lights, performers, and music during its annual HalGLOWeen event. It is the perfect nighttime adventure during Kids Free October and offers fun for all ages. Make plans to wear a fun costume and attend this exciting fall event in San Diego!

The Dana on Mission Bay is the Perfect Stay in San Diego for Halloween and Fall Fun

Plan the perfect fall getaway in San Diego for a spooky adventure filled with Halloween fun and festivities the whole family will enjoy. The Dana on Mission Bay is the best place to stay in San Diego to enjoy the variety of fall festivals and Halloween festivities in the area. Conveniently located near all the most popular autumnal happenings, you will enjoy resort-style amenities, comfortable rooms, and top-notch service from our Mission Bay waterfront hotel. We can't wait to welcome you this fall!

a lounge chair on a patio
food on beach picnic
04 Sep 2025

San Diego’s Best Beachside Bites

By The Dana

If you’re in San Diego, there are two things you simply must do: (1) enjoy our incredible food scene (starting with tacos, naturally) and (2) hit the beach! With that in mind, we invite you to stay with us at The Dana on Mission Bay, the perfect place to experience both. Here, you can savor San Diego’s foodie culture while being just steps from the sand.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular coastal spots for beachside bites near The Dana, where you can pair amazing beaches with flavors you won’t forget.

Local Favorites Near the Dana:

Firefly Eatery & Bar (Located Onsite at the Hotel)

Firefly Eatery & Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a sunset cocktail during happy hour with views of the water, marina, and pool. Prefer to take your meal on the go? Grab our guest-favorite Surfer Breakfast Burrito, fresh fruit, fish tacos, or a quesadilla and enjoy a bayside picnic or a bite on the beach.

outdoor dining space

Sandbar Sports Grill (1.1 Miles from Hotel)

Located next to Belmont Park at the Boardwalk in Mission Beach, the Sandbar is the place to go for fish tacos, especially since they continuously win all the “Best Fish Taco” competitions in the area. Dine beachside on the rooftop patio and enjoy ocean views and cool coastal breezes at one of the most popular beachfront restaurants in San Diego.

Photo: Sandbar Sports Grill

Cannonball (1.3 Miles from Hotel)

Ask any local: one of the best beachfront restaurants in San Diego is most definitely Cannonball at Belmont Park. Experience waterfront dining with refreshing craft cocktails, delicious sushi, and unforgettable California cuisine along with impressive Mission Beach views from the largest rooftop terrace in the city.

Two drinks with live music at Cannonball in San Diego

Photo: @cannonballsd

Draft (1.3 Miles from Hotel)

This popular Belmont Park beachside restaurant is a great place to grab a bite to go and walk straight out onto the beach for a picnic. Relax and put your toes in the sand as you enjoy burgers, salads, and even an ice-cream sundae from Draft on the beach!

people holding cocktails in front of beach

Photo: @draftsandiego

Mike’s Taco Club (2.5 Miles from Hotel)

This Ocean Beach taco spot is just steps from the water and is one of the most popular beachfront restaurants in San Diego. Known as one of the best taco places among locals, Mike’s Taco Club is located right on the beach, has a pet-friendly patio, and serves unique dishes like the octopus taco and the surf and turf burrito! Stay for the view or take it to go and relax with lunch by the water.

tacos

Photo: Mike's Taco Club

Beachside Bites in Mission Beach & Pacific Beach:

Luigi’s at the Beach (1.1 Miles to Hotel)

Sometimes ya just gotta have a slice and, in San Diego, you go to Luigi's at the Beach. Known for the best pizza slices in Mission Beach, this popular beachside dive has been a staple on the waterfront since 1985 and is a favorite beachfront restaurant in San Diego.

pizza

Photo: @luigisatthebeach

Acai Carioca (2.7 Miles to Hotel)

Make sure to try some of the best and most authentic acai from a little beachy hut right by the shore at Acai Carioca in nearby Pacific Beach. This perfect sweet and refreshing treat is the ideal refreshing sweet treat to beat the heat with in the California sunshine.

acai bowl

Board & Brew (2.8 Miles to Hotel)

Nothing says SoCal quite like sunshine and a beachside sandwich. Since 1979, Board & Brew has been serving up some of the best beach grub around — complete with their famous secret sauce sandos. A must-try for beach day bites in San Diego!

sandwich

Photo: @boardandbrew

Kono’s Café (2.9 Miles to Hotel)

Located along the Pacific Beach boardwalk, Kono’s Café is the place to be if breakfast is your thing. Try the breakfast burrito to get fueled for the day. It’s also a great place for surfers who often stop by in their wetsuits because it’s the ideal takeout spot for a post-surf meal.

Photo: @coastalclicker

Trader Joe’s in PB (3.0 Miles to Hotel)

Looking for the perfect place that has everything to build your own picnic with tasty snacks, drink options, and unique desserts? Trader Joe’s is easy to grab and is right on the way to the beach. There is something for everyone at this popular supermarket in San Diego.

A picnic of fresh fruits, wine, dips and crackers

Prince St. Pizza (7.8 Miles to Hotel)

One of the super popular beachfront restaurants in San Diego, this NY-style pizza parlor offers a tasty slice with beachy views! Try the Sicilian-style square slices and round Neapolitan pies with handcrafted signature sauces and dough made fresh daily. You’re gonna want to grab a slice or three…. it’s that good at Prince St. Pizza!

nashvillelifestyles

Photo: @nashvillelifestyles

End the Day at the Beach with Dessert in San Diego (Pacific Beach)

The Baked Bear (2.8 Miles from Hotel)

Grab a custom ice cream sandwich from the Baked Bear and head to the beach in San Diego! This funtoand beachy specialty ice cream shop lets you create the perfect ice cream sandwiches from your choice of over a dozen different ice cream and cookie flavor! From chocolate chip cookies with mint ice cream to snickerdoodles with toasted s'mores ice cream, this is one of the coolest places to grab a sweet treat in San Diego.  

Photo: @thebakedbear

Desserts by Clement (3.0 Miles to Hotel)

Not saying we saved the best for last, but…this popular dessert spot is on point for everything sweet and the internet is on fire with news about its offerings! From macarons and croissants to cruffins and even the popular Dubai Chocolate Bar, this French pastry chef does it all!  A sweet treat from Desserts by Clement is the perfect ending to a great beach day in San Diego.

Photo: @dessertsbyclement

Enjoy Beachfront Bites During Your Stay at The Dana

Before, during, or after spending some time at one of our many amazing beaches near the Dana on Mission Bay, be sure to check out one of the cool beachfront restaurants in San Diego. Stay and have breakfast, lunch, or dinner right on the beach, or take it to-go for a picnic on the sand!

Book your San Diego escape today with us at The Dana for the best resort-style amenities, onsite beachside bites, and pet-friendly accommodations on Mission Bay.

patio deck with the mission bay view