Long Weekend:San Diego
If you’re looking to combine oceanfront golf with the excitement of a big city, there is no better destination than Phil Mickelson’s hometown.
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WHERE TO PLAY>> Balboa Park Golf Course: Located just minutes from downtown, this 6,281-yard layout designed by Billy Bell Sr. features plenty of short, tight holes on which distance is often a liability.
>> Crossings at Carlsbad: Located less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean, the 6,835-yard layout winds through a natural habitat that is home to numerous plants and diverse animal life.
>> Torrey Pines Golf Course: While the South course, the host of the 2008 U.S. Open, gets all the attention, don’t ignore the North, which has shorter but more interesting holes.
WHERE TO STAY>> Grand Del Mar: With a renowned spa and Tom Fazio golf course, this new resort north of the city offers a welcome getaway from the bustle of Southern California.
>> Hotel del Coronado: A San Diego icon for more than a century, this majestic hotel with the distinctive red roof sits beachfront on Coronado Island, which is just across the bay from downtown.
>> US Grant Hotel: Opened by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. and named for his father, the 19th President, this hotel celebrates its centennial this year. For 100 years, this historic property has been a mainstay in the Gaslamp Quarter, now one of San Diego’s main attractions.
WHERE TO EAT>> A.R. Valentien: Named for the artist who painted California landscapes, he signature dining experience at the Lodge at Torrey Pines emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients with a French flair.
>> Bertrand at Mister A’s: Located on the 12th floor, the views of the city are nearly as good as the cuisine, featuring steak and seafood—complemented by the eatery’s signature truffle fries.
>> California Modern: The finest of three distinct experiences at La Jolla’s George’s on the Cove overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this restaurant features and ever-changing menu of innovative cuisine that celebrates the spirit of California.
