Pickleballs & Palm Trees: San Diego APA Tournament

It’s difficult to neatly define San Diego’s cultural persona.  With shorelines that are among the most stunning in the U.S. – if not the world, San Diego is much more than a pretty place. As a tourist destination, the city’s attractions rival New York City’s: there’s the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, and Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography as well as natural wonders including La Jolla Beach, Presidio Park, the Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail, and Balboa Park, (to name a few). And the place is filled with a cultural environment of its own, steeped in history with landmarks ranging from the Gaslamp Quarter, Mission San Luis Rey, and Cabrillo National Monument. Add to the mix two of the largest U.S. military bases in the world (Naval Base Coronado and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar), and it’s no wonder San Diego is one of the top U.S. vacation destinations for more than  28 million visitors annually.  And this weekend there’s yet another reason to visit this SoCal gem: On October 28-29 APA hosts its San Diego Gold Cup Pickleball Tournament at the acclaimed Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa.  A few details:

WHAT:  APA San Diego Gold Cup Pickleball Tournament

WHEN:  October 28-29, 2023

WHERE: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, 2000 2^nd Street Coronado, CA 92118, (619) 435-3000

FORMAT: This tournament is open to all levels of play: Juniors, Collegiate, and Open Series participants from 3.0-5.0 competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles play, featuring round-robin play, followed by medal/bracket play, with games to 11, win by two during round-robin and medal matches going to 15, win by two.

Pickleball and San Diego have a lot in common: Both attract a wide variety of friendly, fun-loving, and eager to learn enthusiasts of all ages, passionate about exploring their interests. As headquarters to more than 900 tech startups including Qualcomm and Teradata, 150 craft breweries, 1,000+ historical landmarks, the iconic Hotel Del Coronado and Balboa Park, and four national Wildlife Preserves, San Diego is clearly in a class of its own.

PLACES TO STAY

• Fairmont Grand Del Mar (Greater Del Mar, $$$$) - This 5-star, all-inclusive resort, features four heated pools, Five-star Spa (Forbes), private golf course, fitness classes, and Michelin-star rated restaurant. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego CA 92130
• Orli La Jolla (La Jolla, $$$) At Orli La Jolla, boutique hotel meets homestay. This 1910-era private residence designed by California modernist architect, Irving Gill, has 13 distinct guest rooms and suites, each with their own story. Orli offers cold brew and kombucha on tap, bike rentals, and discounted yoga classes.  7753 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Tower 23 Hotel (Pacific Beach, $$$) – Situated on the beautiful Pacific Beach boardwalk, Hotel 23 derived its name from the nearby lifeguard tower. Tower 23’s rooftop bar is a favorite, with pristine views of San Diego’s abundant coastline. 723 Felspar Street, San Diego, CA 92109

A few options for your weekend:

DAY 1: OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO DISTRICT

Known as the “Birthplace of California,” Old Town San Diego, with its preserved historical buildings and museums (don’t miss the Colorado House and Seeley Stable and Livery) gives the feeling of going back to the 1820’s. Old Town San Diego, site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California, was created to commemorate the early days of the town of San Diego, as well as to celebrate the region’s rich Spanish history that is evident throughout the state of California.

AFTERNOON:

• Honest Thrift Studio ($): Local’s best kept secret, this plant-filled thrift store has amazing finds at great prices (every article of clothing is only 2$!) and is a sure way to start off an awesome trip! Be sure to check out the owner’s sister business, Garden Coffee ($), next door. This dazzling outdoor café serving up espressos and vegan and gluten free options. 2609 & 2611 Congress Street, San Diego, CA 92110

• Kosay Kumeyaay Market ($$): Want to show your appreciation for the local community of San Diego? Look no further than Kosay Kumeyaay Market. This specialty boutique offers unique, handmade products crafted by the Kumeyaay and Yuman people, celebrating local indigenous communities from San Diego and Imperial County. 85472 Calhoun St, San Diego CA 92110

EVENING: 

• Rockin’ Baja Lobster Coastal Cantina ($$): You can’t visit San Diego without stopping for some fresh seafood. This beautiful Baja inspired restaurant is the perfect place to get your seafood fix and talk about the awesome pickleball plays and highlights. 3890 Twiggs Street, San Diego, CA 92110
• Café Coyote ($$): Featuring Mexican fare with a festive atmosphere in the heart of Old Town San Diego’s historic walking district, Café Coyote is a super chill place to hang after a long day on the courts. 2461 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110

AFTER DINNER:

• Barrio Donas ($): Home of some of the best Mexican American donuts, such as Mazapan, Concha & Glaze, and Churro donuts (just to name a few) Barrio Donas is a local dessert favorite! 4717 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117

• Whaley House After Hours Paranormal Investigation ($$): Known as America’s most haunted house, the Whaley house is for horror genre fans – but this place is real, folks – we’re not talking Blum House on HBO. Participate in an actual paranormal experience, test ghost hunting equipment, and learn about the darker side of the Whaley residence. 2476 San Diego Avenue, San Diego CA 92110'

DAY 2:  BALBOA PARK

With more than 17 museums including Museums of Us, Centro Cultural de la Raza, and The Marston House, the Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego, and most famously, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park will fill your day if you let it. 

MORNING:

• Spruce Street Suspension Bridge (Free): Hidden suspension footbridge built in 1812; 220 W Spruce St, San Diego, CA 92103

•  Crème De La Crepe ($$): The name says it all folks. Savory and sweet crepes. Bon appetit! 142 W University Ave Ste C, San Diego, CA 92103 

AFTERNOON:

• San Diego Zoo ($$): The San Diego Zoo is undeniably the best zoo on the West Coast. With over 12,000 animals in residence, a safari park, and lush naturalistic habitat, and over 800 exotic or rare species, it is easy to see why the San Diego Zoo is a required stop! 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

• Parc Bistro Brasserie ($$): A short walk from the San Diego Zoo, Parc Bistro Brasserie serving French specialties and seafood 2760 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
• Panama 66 ($$): In more of a sandwich and beer mood? Panama 66 is the perfect casual American pub, situated within the sculpture park of the San Diego Museum of Art, located in Balboa Park. 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

EVENING:

• Tobey's 19th Hole Cafe ($): Just outside Balboa Park and overlooking a beautiful 19-hole golf course, Tobey’s is a great place for a quick bite and take in all that San Diego has to offer. 2600 Golf Course Drive, San Diego, CA 92102

AFTER DINNER:

• PARQ Nightclub ($$): Enjoy some discotheque vibes at PARQ nightclub, San Diego’s premier nightlife destination. 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

DAY 3:  LA JOLLA

Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, kayaking, surfing – you name it, La Jolla’s got it. Or, if you’re like the rest of us, you can be perfectly thrilled watching the sea lions at Seal Rock. 

MORNING:

• Caroline’s Seaside Café by Giuseppe ($$): 8610 Charles F. Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
• La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market (Free Entry): World-class local vendors selling crafts, produce, and artwork. 7335 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

AFTERNOON:

Smallgoods Cheese Shop and Café ($):  End your amazing weekend picking some charcuterie, wine, and mini sandwiches up from Smallgoods Cheese Shop and Cafe (7524 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037) to enjoy for an afternoon picnic atop La Jolla Cove where you can park your picnic basket and blanket, and watch the sealions frolic in the sun below, free of charge. (1160 Coast Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037)