Experience San Diego’s Military Influence

Posted on May 1, 2013 by admin

The military is embedded into San Diego’s history. Old San Diego originally started as a Spanish military outpost. Since then, military presence around the hub has increased to include the Naval Base of San Diego, the largest west coast Navy base and Camp Pendleton, the largest west coast expeditionary training facility for Marines and one of the oldest recruiting centers. Visitors who are interested in experiencing the military influence of San Diego can do so by visiting the following destinations:

Marine Corps Recruit Depot – The MCRD has a Command Museum on base which is open to the public to visit and tour. Training about 17,000 recruits each year, the MCRD also brings hundreds of families to San Diego for the Graduation Ceremony. If you are planning a trip to see your Recruit graduate, stay at the affordable Marina Inn by the MCRD and enjoy our close proximity to the depot and prime downtown location.
Liberty Station – A formal Naval training center, the area has been preserved to maintain its appearance from when it was a Navy base. Liberty station consists of a retail and commercial district with a promenade, a few hotels and a park. Known as one of the largest historical preservation projects in San Diego, visitors can still view anti-aircraft guns and other memorabilia throughout the base.
USS Midway Museum – Situated on the San Diego Harbor, visitors enjoy a great view and are transported into the past with a visit to the famous USS Midway. Aboard the aircraft carrier, visitors can participate in a guided audio tour or explore the exhibits on their own. Located within blocks of the Midway Museum, the Marina Inn on the San Diego Harbor is ideally located for experiencing San Diego’s military influence.

The Marina Inn & Suites is a preferred hotel by many military families, within minutes of the above destinations, San Diego beaches and the lively downtown district. We are also located near many cultural attractions including Little Italy and Balboa Park. Enjoy the rich history of this one of a kind city and reserve a spacious room at the Marina Inn today.

San Diego Attractions for Kids

Posted on May 1, 2013 by admin

San Diego is the ideal vacation destination offering the best of all worlds with a lively downtown district, a beautiful coastline and many popular tourist attractions. If you are planning a family vacation, there are many San Diego attractions for kids that are sure to make your vacation one to remember.

The Marina Inn, a kid friendly hotel in downtown San Diego provides traveling families with some of the best attractions to visit with kids:

San Diego Zoo – The Zoo is a must see attraction for kids and individuals of all ages. As one of the largest zoos in the world, there is no shortage of animals, activities or live entertainment. Smaller children are able to enjoy the petting zoo and teenagers love getting an up close and personal look at rare and endangered animals. Reserve a room at the Marina Inn in downtown San Diego and enjoy our close proximity to the park.
SeaWorld San Diego – Marine animal lover? SeaWorld San Diego is the ideal place to bring children to view creatures of the water. The unique park offers guided tours, live shows and a variety of educational classes that children can attend during their trip. The park also features several roller coasters and games that are fun for the entire family. Also check the official SeaWorld website to learn if the popular fireworks show is scheduled during your trip dates.
Legoland California – Legoland is one of the favorite San Diego attractions for kids offering a theme park made entirely of Legos. Children of all ages love visiting the park and are able to participate in Lego building workshops, enjoy thrilling rides and roller coasters and during the summer season have access to the one of a kind Legoland water park.
Balboa Park – Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The 1,200 acre complex is situated in the heart of Downtown San Diego and is the perfect way for children to enjoy the San Diego sunshine. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the Marina Inn near Balboa Park before setting off to tour the park. If you would like to visit the museums, be sure to ask about discounted prices for museum entry upon arrival.
Beaches – If you aren’t from a coastal city like San Diego, the beaches of the area are a great way to enjoy the city as the locals do. There are many beautiful beaches in San Diego including Coronado (voted one of the best beaches in America), Mission Beach and La Jolla. La Jolla Cove in particular is great for kids as the area is known for its low tides, providing the ideal conditions for snorkeling, swimming and body surfing.

The Marina Inn offers a central location in San Diego, a short drive from all of the above destinations. Reserving a stay at our hotel also provides you with additional savings during your vacation as we offer a variety of complimentary amenities including Wireless Internet, cable television with premium programming and parking. Contact a Reservation Manager at 1-800-571-2933 to reserve a room at the Marina Inn and be sure to ask about our current hotel deals.

Discover Little Italy when You stay at Our Hotel near Downtown San Diego

Posted on April 4, 2013 by admin

One of my favorite things about the Marina Inn Hotel near downtown San Diego is its proximity to the Little Italy neighborhood. Just 2 blocks east of our property lies this beautiful neighborhood full of Italian rustic charm mixed with modern living. Cruise down cobblestone pathways, sip on your coffee next to beautiful fountains. Let your senses go wild as you smell fresh baked breads and pastries. Try some homemade fresh pastas at family owned restaurants where they great you with a hearty “Chow!” Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, unlimited or budgeted, you are sure to find it here. There are also plenty of Italian shops and antique stores going down the way.

A great bonus to this area is the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market. On any day of the week you can find Farmer’s Markets located in many neighborhoods around San Diego but the Little Italy Farmer’s Market is one of the largest and most popular. From 8am-2pm cruise up Date St. to enjoy plenty of artisan foods, fresh produce, flowers and specialty items. Whether you want to listen to some live music, taste good food, get a meal, or something to eat for later, this is the place to do just that. Maybe even pick up a gift for yourself or a loved one.

Vendors include Springhill Farms cheese, Gourmet Tamales, Pacific Beach Peanut Butter, Pangea Tea and Gourmet Delights Oils, just to name a few. There are also some beautiful fresh flowers and plants from local garden’s. Gifts and specialties include jewelry, tablecloths, pottery, garlic graters and clothing. Don’t forget to stop by their pet place to pick something up for Fido, maybe some homemade doggie beer bones or you can even get their portrait done.

Like I said, there is something for everyone right at our Hotel near Little Italy San Diego.

Fun Things To Do in Downtown San Diego, CA

Posted on January 22, 2013 by admin

In the heart of San Diego lies a beautiful and exciting downtown district. Located within minutes from the San Diego airport, the eccentric district offers ample options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions. Visitors staying at one of the Marina Inn, a downtown San Diego hotel, have easy access by foot or by trolley to several popular neighborhoods and attractions.

One of the most popular and unique areas in downtown San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter. A sixteen block district is a historic area of downtown that has been beautifully restored to highlight original Victorian architecture from the mid 1800’s. Many vacationers enjoy walking through the Gaslamp quarter, embracing the many sights, sounds and smells. From modern and upscale restaurants to live music venues to boutique shops, there is plenty to be explored and embraced.

Another popular downtown destination is Little Italy. If you are planning a trip to San Diego, the Marina Inn is located within walking distance of the Italian district. A trip to Little Italy transports visitors to Italy with its cobble stone streets and many family owned stores, museums and art galleries. What typically appeals most to tourists are the many Italian restaurants from small cafes to authentic trattorias featuring classic dishes of homemade pasta and fresh seafood.

Another must see attraction is Petro Park, home of the Padres. This state of the art baseball stadium offers a view from nothing short of spectacular. In addition to enjoying the stadium, visitors have a 360 degree view of the city and the Pacific. Even if you are staying at one of the hotels near Petco Park during the off season, you should stop by to enjoy its beautiful architecture and exhibits that are open all year round. There is a small grassy park within the stadium that hosts events throughout the off season as well as guided tours lead by community volunteers.

Finally, a trip to downtown San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the San Diego Zoo. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo is one of the largest in the nation and offers a one of a kind experience with exhibits that mimic habitats from around the world. Balboa Park also boasts over a dozen other museums that can be enjoyed when you purchase a combination park and zoo package.

The Marina Inn Hotel in downtown San Diego is the perfect destination to enjoy the many attractions of downtown, as well as the vibrant nightlife. In the center of the action, our hotel also offers a variety of amenities including cable television with HBO, free wireless internet and complimentary hot breakfast prepared daily. Start planning your downtown San Diego vacation now and reserve your spacious room by calling 1-800-571-2933.

Star of India, A Piece of History in San Diego Downtown

Posted on January 15, 2013 by admin

Among all of the wonderful pieces of history that call San Diego home, The Star of India is the grandest and the most elegant. This gem of modern history is docked in the San Diego harbor. If you are looking for hotels near San Diego Bay, the Marina Inn is conveniently located just one block away. Our guests can easily enjoy The Star of India and other local attractions located nearby.

Built in 1863, the Star of India is the world’s oldest operating sailing vessel. This beautiful ship began her journey in Great Britain where she was constructed in the Isle of Man. The completed ship, originally named Euterpe, was then commissioned for voyages between Liverpool, England and Calcutta, India.During these voyages, the Euterpe went through the whole gamut of seafaring woes, which included collisions, storms, mutiny, and the death of her first captain William Story. After these near-disastrous excursions, the crew of the Euterpe had some luck with four more successful voyages to India until she was sold in 1871. Marina Inn, our Downtown San Diego hotel, is within walking distance of the Star of India exhibit, so the next time you feel like getting in touch with your seafaring side, come stay with us for affordable comfort only one block away from a sea-worthy adventure!

A transportation company bought her, and Euterpe began her next chapter of life as a vessel carrying human cargo from England to New Zealand. These emigrants were heading to new lands to look for a better life. Hundreds of passengers trusted the Euterpe and her crew with their lives, along with their hopes and dreams and visions of the future. Euterpe was like a mother carrying her young, protected inside her iron shell from the harsh and unpredictable ocean. During these trips, she sailed the world more than 20 times around, and kept port in places like California, Australia, and Chile.

In 1901, Euterpe was sold once more to a company in San Francisco, with whom she was renovated and renamed as Star of India. Under her new name, she began hauling merchants and goods between California and Alaska, a commission that lasted 20 years. At this time was the beginning of the age of steam-powered ships, and the Star of India became obsolete as a shipping vessel. In 1926 she was sold once more to the San Diego Zoological Society for use as a museum; a use which did not come to pass until 1959 because of World War II and the Great Depression. After a decade of restoration, Star of India became a full-seaworthy exhibit for the Maritime Museum of San Diego in 1976.

For 40 years, the Star of India has been a centerpiece of the San Diego Bay, hosting tours and history education programs for hundreds of thousands of visitors from all around the world. Now that you know some of the rich history of the Star of India, your next visit will be a profound experience as you imagine all of the thousands of people who have walked those same decks you will be walking.

Lots of fun Surfing in San Diego

Posted on December 24, 2012 by admin

Surfing is a unique sport. The learning curve is as much about understanding the nature of waves as it is about perfecting your moves. Unlike traditional team sports, surfing is an inherently individual experience that comes down to you and the wave. There’s no rules, no score, no win or lose. After you get into the mindset and master the basics, you’ll discover that surfing is pure, self-indulgent fun, however getting started can be a bit frustrating.

If you’re barely getting started and want to try out surfing the waves for the first time, consider starting with a bodyboard (also known as a boogie board) and head on down to a sand bottom beach with a lifeguard on duty. Now, if you already know how to surf, you’ll find a variety of different waves and conditions along San Diego’s 70 miles of open ocean coastline to suit your individual style.

At any time of year, the best advice is to check the current surf report to see if there’s any swell in the water and which direction its coming from. Tides can change as much as eight feet in San Diego, and have a huge impact on the surf. Also, consider the trade-off between getting one or two great waves at a crowded marquis spot, or dozens of good ones at someplace less popular. Beach breaks are always more reliable and easier to figure out.

Also, watch out for water hazards. It goes without saying that surfing requires being a competent swimmer, but new surfers often underestimate the power of waves and the currents that accompany them.

If you want to try out surfing yourself, you can rent gear from surf shops at all the popular San Diego beaches, or hire instruction from one of the licensed outfits that operate out of La Jolla Shores.

We hope you have a great experience, we also welcome you to come and wine down at out Marina Inn Hotel, we understand surfing is very fun but also exhausting and takes up much of our energy… Please know we offer outstanding customer service as well as exceptionally clean rooms. We look forward to seeing you!

Whale watching in San Diego

Posted on December 13, 2012 by

Come see hundreds of playing dolphins jumping in and out of the water! Whale watching is a fun and memorable activity for all ages. It’s one of nature’s great spectacles..

Each year beginning in December through April, 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round trip journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California. This means that they are now very near us! You cannot miss this amazing opportunity to see these majestic sea creatures…

There are a number of different ways to experience whale watching in San Diego. We have great spots to view the migration from the shore, a couple of them are the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Cabrillo National Monument and Torrey Pines State Reserve where the hiking trails offer expansive views of the Pacific. Now, if your interested in a closer look at these amazing creatures, a host of sightseeing and tour operators in San Diego offer a variety of whale watching excursions.

You must come see it!

After a long day of sightseeing, we extend a warm welcome to stay the night at one of our comfortable rooms, we guarantee a nice and clean room for you. Greet you with a warm smile and send you off to take a long shower and wine down…

Are You Going to the 2012 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Extravaganza? STAY AT THE MARINA INN & SUITES!

Posted on November 20, 2012 by

If you’re coming to town or even if you just want to stay close by the event, come stay at Marina Inn & Suites on Pacific Highway! Ideally located RIGHT near the extravaganza! The weeklong event is from November 14 to the 18^th. There is no greater hotel to stay at than this!

Our hotel is 1.6 miles away from this amazing event. This incredible hotel will make you feel welcome, whether you are an out of state goer or live in the San Diego area but don’t feel like dealing with the enormous traffic that will accompany this event. Our rooms range from Single Queen to Kid’s Suites! Prices start from $59.95 and up. Got stuck with the kids? NO PROBLEM! They will love the Kid’s Suite! Separate room from the adults?! They will enjoy themselves!

Missing a great opportunity for this hotel during an anticipated event would be a mistake! Marina Inn & Suites will make this incredible experience even better when staying with us!

Attention “Foodies”

Posted on November 12, 2012 by

If you are a “foodie”, yes I said foodie, means a person who enjoys “good eating”, then your stomach will fall in love with San Diego. The city has some of the finest restaurants on the West Coast. Forget stuffy San Francisco. Leisurely eating, delicious food is what San Diego is all about. If you love seafood, the Gaslamp District has food that will knock your fins off. After eating to your hearts delight, of course comatose will set it, but don’t worry, Marina Inn and Suites, has great rooms at a reasonable price within walking distance of all of this fine eating. The Gaslamp District has every type of food, whether it’s Indian, Chinese, Italian, or Thai. You don’t have to be a food connoisseur to enjoy food, if you want refinement it’s there, if you want flips flops and tshirts, it’s there, not to mention the wonderful cafes, where you can do the number one activity in San Diego, “people watching.” You will see all creatures great and small. While staying at the Marina Inn and Suites you have access to the Gaslamp District or Little Italy right behind our hotel. You’re probably wondering with all of this food how one could possibly eat more, whether it’s the fresh baked smell, or yummy aroma, it’s surely enough to titillate your senses. As your weekend has flown by, you realize it’s time to go home to reality. It is a little sad when getting on the plane, which is only a $7 cab ride from the hotel, but as the plane takes off you see the waves crashing on the beach, looking at the Marina Inn and the Gaslamp and little Italy. Apart of you is sad to say good-bye, but a part of you is looking forward to coming back to all of this fine food!