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8 San Diego End-of-Summer Pool Daycations
When you live in a vacation destination, you don't have to go far for a little R&R
There is something downright luxurious about a day spent lounging by the pool, especially when food and beverage service, movie screenings, and cabanas are involved.
There are tons of day passes to choose from, but these eight are our current favorites for their locals-only deals, and unique locations.
Brunch, Fitness & Classic Charm (and did we mention, first visit free?)
We love The Westgate’s classic charm. We recommend heading there early for Sunday Brunch before going up to the pool for drinks and sunbathing.
The pool here is run by Aquavie Wellness, a luxury gym that offers rooftop spin classes, barre studio classes, a rooftop running track, and spa services. If you plan ahead, you can also reserve a free one-day membership to try out a few fitness classes while you’re there.
If you’re a local, you first visit to the family-friendly pool at The Westgate Hotel will be free, just show your photo ID at the front desk. If you love it, return visits will cost $45 per person.
The Westgate Hotel
1055 2nd Avenue, Downtown
Free Summer Lounging for Locals
With a great location in downtown San Diego, you can make a whole day of it at the Palomar. Hang by the pool all day, then catch a show at the neighboring House of Blues in the evening.
The beautiful rooftop pool is free for locals who show ID at the front desk from now through September-ish, so take advantage of the offer while you can (be sure to call ahead to verify the offer).
The Palomar
1047 Fifth Avenue, Downtown
North Park Pool Parties
The Lafayette Hotel in North Park is famous for their events, from poolside yoga to Film & Foat movie screenings to boozie pool parties that often feature local collaborations. (Check out their Facebook calendar for upcoming events.)
Entry is just 10 bucks Monday through Thursday, $20 Friday to Sunday, and for hospitality industry folks, there is a special $5 deal every Monday.
You don’t need a reservation, but locals are expected to bring our own towels.
The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
2223 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park
Dog Friendly Cabanas & Locals-Only Sunday Deals
The Estancia is the epitome of relaxation and luxury. It’s a beautiful, relaxing classic La Jolla destination with really excellent poolside food and drinks. And it happens to be dog-friendly, too.
Day passes are available for $25 online, but on Sundays during the summer, the property offers complimentary pool entrance to guests with valid San Diego ID cards. Just check in at the front desk, and gain access to the pool and live entertainment courtesy of area DJs.
The Cabanas are the ultimate splurge at $200 for the cabana and four day passes or $400 for the COOLA package that includes farmers market snacks and Moët & Chandon, but during the off-season, you can sometimes score a cabana deal for as little as $75.
The Estancia
9700 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla
Dinner, Swim & a Movie
You don’t need a reservation to enjoy the Mid-Century cool of The Pearl; as long as you eat or drink, you can use the pool for free. There might be nothing better than a post-swim cocktail during happy hour at Charles & Dinorah.
The pool hosts various events, from tiki bingo to bubbly brunches, but our favorite time to visit is on Wednesday for the Dive-in Theatre when guest can watch a classic from their floaty (see the upcoming movies here).
The Pearl
1410 Rosecrans Street, Point Loma
Weekday Freebies & Sunday Party Vibes
We love the sophisticated atmosphere at the Pendry’s rooftop pool, and during the week, there is no charge to hang out on one of their plush loungers and swim the day away, though there is a $50 food and beverage minimum (which isn’t hard to meet with poolside service).
On Sundays, the energy amps up with a live DJ. These parties do require an online reservation and a $20 cover charge.
Pendry
550 J Street, Downtown
Family Fun at Five Pools & a Private Beach
Paradise Point might be the holy grail of family-friendly day-cationing. There are all kinds of things to do, including five different pools play or relax in, and miles of white sandy beach to explore.
Day passes start at $25 for adults and $10 for kids, and go up depending on the day of the week, and include a 10% discount on dining, bike rentals, and watersports, as well as free parking. You can order passes online.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay
Worth the Drive
Okay, so this one isn’t technically in San Diego, but neighboring Temecula is such a beautiful and easy drive that we felt compelled to include this wine-and-lounge option.
We love that a visit to this “Italian-inspired” winery doesn’t end with a tasting. The stunning pool area is by-reservation only, so there is no fighting for a lounger, and it is easy to while away the hours enjoying food and drink from the poolside cafe and cocktail bar.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, it costs $35 per person to reserve your very own chaise lounge (kids up to three are free), and for $100, you can reserve a cabin with two loungers, towel and water service, and a glass of housemade sangria.
Reservations can be made online and include towels, lockers, and showers.
Bottaia Winery
35601 Rancho California Road, Temecula
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