Four Seasons Aviara: A Residence Club in North San Diego

Staying at Four Season Residence Club San Diego Aviara is the perfect place for exploring all that Southern California has to offer. Plus, many of the units have small kitchens and dining areas for informal breakfast or lunch with the family.

We start every trip to Orange County with a visit to the Hotel Del Coronado for lunch right from the airport. The Hotel Del (as it is known locally) is the place to find your Southern California state of mind. Lunch at the Shore House Bistro overlooking Coronado Beach is just the place to get into the mood of the area. If you are lucky, Navy recruits from the local base will be out for a beach run and a serenade of “Anchors Away” and “Have a Fine Navy Day Hotel Del” to the guests as they pass.

From there, we check in to the Four Seasons Aviara. Guests drive into the gated residence surrounded by beautiful, wooded landscape and a walking path throughout the entire property. The residences have their own parking areas, two pools and outdoor fitness areas that overlook both pools and are the perfect place to get your day started.

The concierge at the Four Seasons Aviara offers some fun off-property excursions including a “breakfast on the beach.” The hotel staff packs a breakfast and all the supplies you need — including chairs, tables, an umbrella and towels — and drives you to and picks you up from a local beach. Even though we had a rental car, we took advantage of this luxury indulgence. They also offer surf lessons for beginners to experienced level — another great way to get into the Southern California lifestyle. On arrival, guests receive a list of activities for kids and adults alike – I took a watercolor class in the art studio, and, each afternoon, the staff indulges guests at the pool with an afternoon snack.

San Diego has so much to offer for families and romantic getaways. You might:

• Visit Balboa Park, home to gardens, museums, theaters and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

• Head to La Jolla Cove for stunning views, shopping and perhaps some kayaking or snorkeling.

• Have dinner at a seaside restaurant in La Jolla and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. My choice is George’s at the Cove, where we celebrated a birthday dinner with stunning views overlooking the water at sunset.

• Take a group sail on the America's Cup Stars & Stripes sailboat — one of my favorite things to do in San Diego. It's a great adventure for the whole family and offers wonderful views of San Diego from the water.

• Spend a whole or half day of family fun at LEGOLAND, located just a short drive from the Four Seasons Aviara.

• Have an outdoor adventure, from whale-watching tours from San Diego Harbor to hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for breathtaking views of the coastline.

Day trips

• Easy access to Catalina Island
  Catch a ferry from San Diego to Catalina Island. Explore Avalon, the main town on the island, by renting a golf cart, taking a glass-bottom boat tour or hiking in the beautiful interior. Enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the harbor before catching the ferry back to San Diego.

• Perfect location for a Los Angeles day trip
  Depart early for Los Angeles (about a two-hour drive). Visit iconic attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Center. Head to Santa Monica Pier for a stroll, shopping and perhaps a ride on the Ferris wheel. Enjoy dinner in West Hollywood or Beverly Hills before heading back to San Diego.

San Diego and La Jolla offer a vibrant culinary scene with a diverse range of dining options. Here are some of the top restaurants in both areas:

1. Addison: Located in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison offers an upscale dining experience with contemporary French cuisine and an extensive wine list.

2. Juniper & Ivy: Known for its innovative and seasonal dishes, Juniper & Ivy offers a modern American menu in a stylish setting in the Little Italy neighborhood.

3. Herb & Wood: Chef Brian Malarkey's Herb & Wood features wood-fired dishes and creative cocktails in a chic and rustic atmosphere in Little Italy.

4. George's at the Cove: This iconic restaurant in La Jolla offers three dining experiences in one location: fine dining at George's California Modern, casual fare at George's Ocean Terrace and cocktails at Level2.

5. The Marine Room: Enjoy upscale dining with stunning ocean views at The Marine Room in La Jolla, known for its seafood-centric menu and elegant ambiance.

6. The Prado at Balboa Park: Housed in a historic building in Balboa Park, The Prado offers New American cuisine in a beautiful setting with outdoor patio dining.

7. Trust Restaurant: Located in the neighborhood of Hillcrest, Trust Restaurant serves seasonal, farm-to-table dishes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

8. Cucina Urbana: This urban-chic Italian restaurant in Bankers Hill offers creative Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, along with an extensive wine selection.

9. The Crack Shack: For a more casual dining experience, try this open-air fried chicken restaurant in Little Italy.

10. Carlsbad State Street Farmers' Market: Held every Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 7 pm, this market is located on State Street in Carlsbad. It features a diverse selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as gourmet foods, baked goods and handmade crafts. Visitors can also enjoy live music and entertainment while shopping for fresh, seasonal produce.

These restaurants offer a variety of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual eateries, ensuring there's something to suit every taste and occasion.