Often when parents think of planning a trip with their families, many consider resorts or theme-park areas. Typically “let’s plan a trip to a major city and stay downtown” is often the opposite of what parents think of when they are planning a family getaway.
Yet San Diego’s downtown has so much to offer – for families, couples, friends and solo travelers. The downtown area is the home to Petco Park, the historic Gaslamp District, the beautiful waterfront Embarcadero District and Little Italy. Downtown is a short ride to Balboa Park – the nation’s largest urban park – and the San Diego Zoo.
In the thick of all of downtown’s happenings is its newest resident, the SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. Located within walking distance of the area’s attractions, the all-new SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront celebrated its grand opening last week with a red-carpet arrival. We were on hand to help celebrate the opening of the property, which is Marriott's 3000th Select Service hotel in their global portfolio.
While there we found a welcoming, vibrant lobby, pool, complimentary daily breakfast and roomy suites with areas for relaxing, working and sleeping.
Let me also note that they’ve thought of the little things, too – there were enough outlets in the room to keep everyone’s devices charged, the WiFi is complimentary, The Market store for necessities and snacks was always open, and the breakfast was also complimentary. A quick word about the breakfast - this was a full breakfast- eggs, meats, a selection of pastries, cereals, etc. – and there was plenty of it. The bright, cheery breakfast dining area was large (huge) and seating was plentiful (and so was the coffee).
Because the SpringHill Suites Downtown/Bayfront is accessible to so many attractions, it’s easy to explore the area on foot or by taking a short drive. Here are a few highlights:
Yet San Diego’s downtown has so much to offer – for families, couples, friends and solo travelers. The downtown area is the home to Petco Park, the historic Gaslamp District, the beautiful waterfront Embarcadero District and Little Italy. Downtown is a short ride to Balboa Park – the nation’s largest urban park – and the San Diego Zoo.
In the thick of all of downtown’s happenings is its newest resident, the SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. Located within walking distance of the area’s attractions, the all-new SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront celebrated its grand opening last week with a red-carpet arrival. We were on hand to help celebrate the opening of the property, which is Marriott's 3000th Select Service hotel in their global portfolio.
While there we found a welcoming, vibrant lobby, pool, complimentary daily breakfast and roomy suites with areas for relaxing, working and sleeping.
Let me also note that they’ve thought of the little things, too – there were enough outlets in the room to keep everyone’s devices charged, the WiFi is complimentary, The Market store for necessities and snacks was always open, and the breakfast was also complimentary. A quick word about the breakfast - this was a full breakfast- eggs, meats, a selection of pastries, cereals, etc. – and there was plenty of it. The bright, cheery breakfast dining area was large (huge) and seating was plentiful (and so was the coffee).
Because the SpringHill Suites Downtown/Bayfront is accessible to so many attractions, it’s easy to explore the area on foot or by taking a short drive. Here are a few highlights:
San Diego’s Embarcadero District and Bayfront. The Embarcadero is a great place to stroll along the waters of the San Diego Bay. It is also home to the U.S.S. Midway Museum, where guests can explore a floating city at sea aboard the U.S.’s longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century.
Less than a mile away is the 12-acre Waterfront Park, located near the San Diego Bay. The park features colorful, unique play structures, a wading pool and fountains – with views of the bay and the city’s skyline. The New Children’s Museum is a short distance from the hotel, and features multiple opportunities for interactive play in a colorful environment catered especially to children.
Less than a mile away is the 12-acre Waterfront Park, located near the San Diego Bay. The park features colorful, unique play structures, a wading pool and fountains – with views of the bay and the city’s skyline. The New Children’s Museum is a short distance from the hotel, and features multiple opportunities for interactive play in a colorful environment catered especially to children.
The hotel is steps away from the city’s cruise terminal and the Port of San Diego, with easy access to Hornblower Cruises and Events, which offers themed dinner cruises and family-friendly harbor cruises.
Gaslamp District and Little Italy. The Historic Gaslamp District features 16-square blocks of both Victorian-era and modern buildings, and is a hub for restaurants, shopping, art, theatre and nightlife. For families, Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, is located in the district. Also, the hotel is steps away from Little Italy, offering Italian cuisine and atmosphere in the heart of San Diego.
Balboa Park. A short drive from SpringHill Suites is Balboa Park. The park, located just north of downtown, is the largest urban park space in the nation, with fifteen museums, an outdoor performance space, colorful gardens and historic, stunning architecture.
Balboa Park is also home to the 100-year-old San Diego Zoo, where families can delight in pandas – the San Diego Zoo is one of only a few zoos in the country to house pandas – as well as have the opportunity to see over 3,500 rare and endangered animals.
Balboa Park is also home to the 100-year-old San Diego Zoo, where families can delight in pandas – the San Diego Zoo is one of only a few zoos in the country to house pandas – as well as have the opportunity to see over 3,500 rare and endangered animals.
Families can tour San Diego’s downtown and waterfront by bus, boat, go car, bike, trolley and Segway, although the Segway tour, while an absolute blast, is most appropriate for teens and adults.
So, while the heart of a city may not be first in the minds of parents when planning a trip, an urban destination like San Diego's downtown is full of family-friendly options that will ensure a memorable trip.
The author received complimentary accommodations, meals, tour and zoo visit in order to facilitate this review and cover the grand opening event. Opinions expressed are that of the author.
So, while the heart of a city may not be first in the minds of parents when planning a trip, an urban destination like San Diego's downtown is full of family-friendly options that will ensure a memorable trip.
The author received complimentary accommodations, meals, tour and zoo visit in order to facilitate this review and cover the grand opening event. Opinions expressed are that of the author.
