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!

15 May 2025

San Diego’s Top Water Adventures: Jet Skiing, Parasailing, and More

By The Dana

Our near-perfect waterfront location on Mission Bay, combined with our convenient onsite marina and water sport rentals from Adventure Water Sports, makes the Dana the best hotel in San Diego for exciting water adventures in SoCal. In addition, guests of our Mission Bay seaside resort can enjoy a variety of coastal-inspired activities this summer that start with our resort-style amenities, including two pools and a hot tub, live entertainment, poolside bar, waterside dining, fitness center, and more.

From San Diego Bay boat tours and paddleboarding to parasailing and boat hire opportunities, get out on the water with the perfect adventure this summer at the Dana on Mission Bay! And don’t forget to bring along your favorite furry friend for your summer escape, as The Dana is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in San Diego! Here are some of the most exciting water adventures to experience in San Diego for your summer vacation in California.

Get Out on the Water This Summer in San Diego

Enjoy Water Sports Rentals Onsite at The Dana

Located onsite at The Dana on Mission Bay, Adventure Water Sports offers the best water sports rentals for summer fun in San Diego. Get out on the water and enjoy a day playing on a jetski rental San Diego style, paddling a kayak to explore the coast, relaxing on a pontoon boat, paddleboarding San Diego waterways, riding ski boats, and more! There is no better way to enjoy the local waters for the ultimate summer adventure than the thrilling boat rental San Diego Adventure Water Sports offers.

Parasailing San Diego

A boat in the water pulling a person parasailing.

Enjoy an exciting day on the water and in the sky with San Diego Parasail Adventures. This unique experience combines the thrills of an offshore power boat ride, parachuting, ballooning, and gliding all in one amazing action-packed ride, parasailing San Diego waters and the coastline. For over 33 years, San Diego Parasail Adventures has used state-of-the-art technology for the best and safest parasailing San Diego offers, so you can relax and enjoy the ride!

Take a Relaxing Sunset Dinner Cruise

Enjoy an evening on the Bay with a San Diego Dinner Cruise with CityCruises. Your evening on the water includes delicious cocktails and amazing chef-prepared menus while cruising the California coast and soaking in the unforgettable views. Dance the night away with tunes from the DJ and see the sights like the San Diego skyline, Coronado Bay Bridge, Star of India, and more from the climate-controlled interior or rooftop decks. Spend a perfect evening on the water in San Diego.

San Diego Boat Tours Whale Watching Excursion

A tour boat in the background with people watching a whale dive below the water surface.

Whale watching is a popular water activity in San Diego, enjoyed by locals and visitors of the area. From June to September is blue whale season, so it is the best time of the year to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures. The waters surrounding San Diego are a popular feeding spot for the blue whales, which are often seen offshore in pods of over 2,500 of these amazing animals. Next Level Sailing and Whale Watching, conveniently located near The Dana on Mission Bay, always goes above and beyond to make your San Diego whale-watching experience unique and memorable. Enjoy a 4-hour whale-watching tour in San Diego aboard the 141-foot sailing yacht ‘America’ with experienced guides who have been sailing local waters for over 15 years. In addition to the blue whales seen during your San Diego Bay boat tours summer whale-watching cruise, you will also see a variety of humpback, fin, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and sea lions playing!

Learn to Snorkel, Sail, and Surf in San Diego

The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is a great place to go if you want to get out on the water in San Diego. Not only is it a great place to rent things like sailboats, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and surfboards, but you can also take lessons to learn a new water sport from experienced professionals. From paddleboarding San Diego waters to learning how to surf, you will find everything you need for a day on the water in San Diego at the Mission Beach Aquatic Center near The Dana on Mission Bay.

San Diego Boat Tour

Take a narrated San Diego boat tour around the harbor or bay with Flagship Cruises and Events. Experience a day on the water in San Diego with a narrated tour of over 55 San Diego sights and views. Enjoy snacks and drinks, free wi-fi, and ship-wide, 360-degree viewing opportunities from the climate-controlled interior seats or top deck outdoor seating. Sailing every day of the year, Flagship Cruises offers experienced local guides with superior knowledge of San Diego and a variety of options to cater to all group sizes for a day on the water.

Beach Day Fun

Grab some of the onsite beach rentals The Dana offers and head down to Mission Beach for a day of sunbathing, beach combing, and swimming. You should also consider taking a bike ride along the Mission Bay waterfront path and trails near The Dana with our onsite bike rentals. After a fun day at the beach in San Diego, take a dip in the pools at your waterfront hotel, relax by the cozy firepits, and grab a cocktail from the pool bar for a fun evening under the stars along the waterfront.

Plan the Perfect San Diego Water Adventure at The Dana on Mission Bay

Make plans now for a summer escape to The Dana on Mission Bay for the perfect water adventure in San Diego. Enjoy onsite resort-style amenities, including waterfront dining, two outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, a modern fitness center, and an onsite marina. Experience water sports and bicycle rentals without even leaving the property! Take advantage of one of our Special Deals or Packages to save on your next San Diego escape. It’s a great time to plan your San Diego vacation at The Dana on Mission Bay.

01 Mar 2025

Spring in Bloom: Where to Find Flowers in San Diego

By The Dana

San Diego is a great place to visit, but it is especially beautiful in the spring, when the city is painted in festive colors from all the pretty flowers in bloom in the local San Diego flower fields, parks, and gardens.

If you live in a cold-weathered city where it’s still chilly, and you’re feeling the wintertime blues, plan an escape to San Diego to enjoy our warmer temps and sunny spring days. Nothing makes you feel better than spending some time outdoors exploring and taking in all the beautiful spring flowers in the area, so a visit to San Diego makes perfect sense.

With the ideal location on Mission Bay, The Dana puts you close to all the best places for outdoor adventures and beautiful views in San Diego. From the unique Japanese Friendship Garden to the colorful, blooming San Diego flower fields, SoCal in the spring is simply stunning. And don’t forget your favorite furry friend, because The Dana on Mission Bay welcomes well-mannered pooches, too! So, if you’re ready to get out and explore this spring, here are a few of the best places to visit in San Diego.

Best Places to Enjoy Spring Flowers in San Diego

Balboa Park Botanical Garden (7.0 Miles from Hotel)

Outdoor shot of Balboa Park Botanical Garden

You will experience blooms galore at this popular San Diego botanical garden at Balboa Park just minutes from The Dana on Mission Bay. Guests will enjoy recent renovations to the San Diego Botanical Garden that include the restoration of the historic Botanical Building. It has been enhanced with modern features like interior plant misters, state-of-the-art lighting, and exciting water features for a unique and immersive experience. Enjoy over 2,100 varieties of plants around the park at the Marston House Garden, the Inez-Grant Memorial Rose Garden, and the ever-popular Japanese Friendship Garden.

Cherry Blossom Festival (7.0 Miles from Hotel)

The popular Cherry Blossom Festival is held each spring at the Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park. Get out and enjoy the amazing San Diego weather with a variety of attractions including live performances, a special children's area, delicious cultural foods, and, of course, the beautiful blossoming trees in the cherry blossom grove. It’s the perfect way to welcome spring in San Diego!

Torrey Pines Reserve (15.7 Miles from Hotel)

The 1,500-acre Torrey Pines Reserve is a fun place to see the San Diego flower fields in bloom. It all starts with a view of the unique Torrey pine that can only be seen in two places in the entire world. Also, take the time to explore the miles of beautiful hiking trails in this unspoiled reserve with waving fields of blooming flowers that offers a spectacular background of ocean views.

San Diego Botanical Garden (24.7 Miles from Hotel)

With almost 40 acres of ocean and flower views, San Diego Botanical Garden is a must-see for those looking for springtime flower gardens. Take a leisurely walk down one of the paths with over four miles of trails with ocean views as you soak in over 5,000 different plants in 29 themed gardens. Especially designed for all ages, you can spend the day learning about plants while you explore the beautiful property that includes a children’s garden, geographical gardens, demonstration gardens, bamboo gardens, and more!

San Diego Flower Fields in Carlsbad (29.5 Miles From Hotel)

One of the most popular spring destinations in San Diego is Carlsbad Flower Fields and it has been for over 60 years. The famous San Diego flower fields are a great place for the whole family with lots of activities and fun things to do. The sprawling property has 55-acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that bloom from March through May each year, giving us six to eight weeks of spectacular colorful, which tells everyone spring has arrived in SoCal. In addition to the blooming flower fields, guests can enjoy a floral flower maze, a tractor wagon ride, Carlsbad Mining Company, and more!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park (33 Miles from Hotel)

(Photo: @newdoorphotography)

Believe it or not, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a great place to see beautiful blooming spring flowers during your visit. In addition to the exciting animal adventures offered at this popular park, it is also home to a tropical rainforest with world-class botanical gardens to experience and explore. Guests will find an abundance of beautiful spring colors along with thousands of fluttering butterflies perching on the lantanas, orchids, bromeliads, and other favorite flowers at the Hidden Jungle at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Great place for a date or family time in San Diego.

Book Your Spring Escape to San Diego Today!

The Dana on Mission Bay is the perfect place to spend some time in San Diego this spring. We invite you to leave the cold weather behind you and choose to enjoy the warm Southern California sunshine instead. Relax and have the time of your life while you enjoy our ideal bayfront location, fun resort-style amenities, luxurious water view rooms, pet-friendly environment, and convenient onsite marina, it’s no wonder The Dana on Mission Bay is one of the best hotels in San Diego.

Be sure to take advantage of one of our Exclusive Offers that include fun packages like Romance on the Bay, Vacay Your Way, Dana For Dogs, and more for your spring getaway to San Diego. What are you waiting for? Plan your escape today!

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

San Diego’s Top Water Adventures: Jet Skiing, Parasailing, and More

Get Out on the Water This Summer in San Diego

Enjoy Water Sports Rentals Onsite at The Dana

Parasailing San Diego

Take a Relaxing Sunset Dinner Cruise

San Diego Boat Tours Whale Watching Excursion

Learn to Snorkel, Sail, and Surf in San Diego

San Diego Boat Tour

Beach Day Fun

Plan the Perfect San Diego Water Adventure at The Dana on Mission Bay

Spring in Bloom: Where to Find Flowers in San Diego

Best Places to Enjoy Spring Flowers in San Diego

Balboa Park Botanical Garden (7.0 Miles from Hotel)

Cherry Blossom Festival (7.0 Miles from Hotel)

Torrey Pines Reserve (15.7 Miles from Hotel)

San Diego Botanical Garden (24.7 Miles from Hotel)

San Diego Flower Fields in Carlsbad (29.5 Miles From Hotel)

San Diego Zoo Safari Park (33 Miles from Hotel)

Book Your Spring Escape to San Diego Today!

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