Celebrating Life’s Special Moments in San Diego

Life is truly precious, and every moment is worth celebrating. It’s especially easy to enjoy special moments in San Diego, given our gorgeous oceanside location, perfect weather, and endless range of activities. So if you’ve been looking for a reason to celebrate that new promotion, upcoming birthday, or even the fact that you have a few vacay days saved up-, why not celebrate with an escape to our Shelter Island location? Here at Best Western Island Palms, we would love to welcome you to our exceptional waterfront escape, and help you to enjoy your life. 

 

Get Out On the Water

(Photo: @nxtlevelsailing)

Celebrating a special occasion? Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday, rehearsal dinner, anniversary, reunion or any gathering, we recommend heading over to our partners at Next Level Sailing and chartering a trip on the yacht America. Even if all you’re celebrating is today, they offer tours, whale watching treks, and other adventures as well as private events. If you’d like to know more about Next Level, take a look at this recent chat we had with them that goes in-depth about who they are, and what they offer.

 

Grab a Bite at Blue Wave Bar & Grill

In the mood for delectable dining without the stuffy atmosphere? Stop in at our own on-site eatery, Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Blue Wave’s Executive Chef Andrew Mroz has crafted a menu that’s full of absolutely fantastic favorites available at any time of day. The restaurant also offers a full-service bar, live music on weekends, and dynamic weekly live inferno fire dancing shows with the lovely and fiercely talented fire bender Fiora Firefly.

 

Enjoy a Rooftop View

(Photo: @altitudeskylounge)

In a city as beautiful as ours, you’re going to want to enjoy the outdoors every chance you get. The year-round mild and sunny weather here means outdoor drinks and dining are always on tap. We recommend checking out local rooftop hotspots like the beach-view Cannonball (directly overlooking the Mission Beach Boardwalk) and Altitude Sky Lounge, with its jaw-dropping views of Petco Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter’s lively nightlife vibe.

 

Savor a Steak

(Photo: @bornandraisedstk)

Sometimes, it’s just necessary to take a steak break. So it’s a good thing that San Diego is such a foodie paradise! If you’re looking for the some of the best cuts of USDA Prime you’ll find anywhere, we recommend checking out The gorgeous, elegant rooftop space at Born & Raised (where the steaks are always high), the buttery-rich flavor and heavily marbled texture of Wagyu beef at Swagyu Chop Shop & Burger, the extensive menu and party vibe of STK San Diego, or the southwestern style at Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop. We’d never ”steer” you wrong on these spots.

 

Don’t Snooze On the Views

(Photo: @islandprimeclevel)

Looking to indulge in spot where the view is just as delicious as the menu? Island Prime (and its on-site C-Level Lounge) takes waterfront dining up a notch. Set on piles directly over the water, this eatery lets you go beyond the beach, offering exceptional views of the San Diego Bay and downtown skyline. The menu also offers an elevated experience, specializing in steaks and seafood. Start with the splendid Kumiai oysters or crab cakes before diving into grilled swordfish, prime ribeye, or the best rack of lamb in town.

 

Enjoy an Island Vibe 

(Photo: @balihairestaurant)

Our Shelter Island neighbors at Bali Hai offer a grand Polynesian dining experience wrapped in a delightfully kitschy, tropically Googie exterior. The potent fruity beverages (aka their dangerously world-famous Bali Hai Mai Tai) and sweeping San Diego Bay views may be some of their biggest draws, but the crazy-fresh poké lunch bowl is what you’re really here for. Bali Hai’s version not only features the bright, citrusy tuna you’d expect, but also generous (and authentic!) sides like sticky rice and creamy mac salad.  

 

Immerse Yourself in Excess

(Photo: @hottubcruisin)

What could be better than soaking in a bubbly hot tub spa? Well, how about doing it while you skim across the waves of Mission Bay on a boat? The undeniable geniuses at Hot Tub Cruisin’ have combined the sublime joy of the pleasure cruise with the resplendent relaxation of a hot tub. While you enjoy the experience, you can play your own curated soundtrack over the on-board stereo, cook up a hot lunch at the propane grill, and even bring your own favorite beverages along to enjoy from a pair of coolers.

 

Enjoy Some Surreptitious Sips

(Photo: @nobleexperiment)

The speakeasy — or secret, undercover tavern — was one of the only good things to emerge from America’s regrettable Prohibition era. And although restrictions on imbibing have long since been lifted, the appeal of an evening filled with clandestine cloak-and-dagger cocktail carousing has never waned. If you’d like to explore the world of passwords, secret entrances and hush-hush hideaways, take a look at this recent post from our sister property Pacific Terrace Hotel, and head out in search of adventure.  

    

Live Your Best Life at Island Palms

Ready to celebrate the everyday at Best Western Island Palms? Take a look at our Special Offers page, and select the San Diego travel deal of your dreams at our Shelter Island escape.