Fairmont Grand Del Mar
A Luxury Itinerary for the Holidays in San Diego
From world-class dining to elegant hotels to elevated celebrations, San Diego is a breathtaking place to spend the holidays. And there are so many festive and fun options to choose from here that you can put together the perfect holiday itinerary for your trip, whether you’re staying three days or (lucky you!) settling in for a longer visit. Check out the great options below for a luxurious holiday season in San Diego. And be sure to explore our full slate of San Diego holiday guides to learn about the amazing array of things to see and do here!
Eat
Eat
Elevated Dining at the Del
The world-renowned Japanese culinary favorite Nobu is doubly inviting in San Diego, with locations both Downtown and at the Hotel del Coronado — the newest entry in the dining empire founded by Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro. Enjoy spectacular views of the hotel’s holiday lights and beachside yuletide fun as you dine.
Michelin-starred Magic
Tucked into the beautiful Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison by William Bradley is one of just three restaurants in California to boast a coveted three Michelin stars, with Michelin's inspectors praising Chef Bradley for "transforming this Southern Californian oasis into a world-class dining destination.” Dinner at Addison puts the perfect finishing touch on a day of enjoying the Grand Del Mar’s holiday delights.
An Icon in La Jolla
A San Diego icon, the Whaling Bar at La Valencia in La Jolla evokes the glamour and elegance of its storied history, captured in vintage-minded cocktails (including special holiday recipes) and such original design details as Wing Howard’s beloved mural “The Whaler’s Last Stand.”
Splendor by the Surf
There’s no place quite like La Jolla’s venerable Marine Room, which sits directly on the sand and pairs sumptuous cuisine with spectacular views of the waves crashing on the shore — and sometimes right up against the windows. No winter snow here, just the ocean in all its foamy wonder.
Holiday Elegance with a View
Mister A’s is practically synonymous with fine dining in San Diego. And at the holidays, you can savor the restaurant’s celebrated cuisine as you take in not just sweeping views of San Diego but the place’s festive lights and stately rooftop Christmas tree.
Stay
Stay
The Hotel Del, a California Classic
With its signature spires, red rooftops and Victorian splendor, the world-renowned Hotel del Coronado is the grande dame of Southern California beach resorts. And at the holidays, it serves as San Diego’s festive heart, with an oceanfront skating rink, fireside “igloos,” a spectacular light show, a towering lobby tree and more yuletide delights.
Festive at the Fairmont
The elegant Fairmont Grand Del Mar gets dressed up for the holidays, with a soaring, 25-foot Christmas tree, twinkling palms and such fun happenings as eco-friendly Glice skating, a “Nutcracker” tea and visits from Santa. The sumptuous setting is complemented by the culinary gifts dished up at Addison by William Bradley, the resort’s three-Michelin-star restaurant.
Yuletide Views in Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines, a classic San Diego getaway, beckons with understated luxury. Enjoy gingerbread-house decorating, carolers, a Santa singalong and more as you take in the majestic views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the glittering Pacific beyond.
High Tea and Luxury in La Jolla
Celebrate the holidays by the sea at the graceful La Valencia Hotel, the nearly century-old “Pink Lady” of La Jolla. Enjoy such perks as the hotel’s Holiday High Tea as you bask in the brilliant sunshine of San Diego’s mild winter.
Rustic Revelry in Rancho Bernardo
Revel in a winter wonderland at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, an inviting holiday retreat complete with festive lights, cozy fireplaces, and a rich yuletide vibe all around its beautifully landscaped 265 acres of gardens and pathways.
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Play
Holiday Parade on the Bay
A tradition for more than 50 years, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights dazzles spectators each holiday season with its procession of brilliantly illuminated vessels on San Diego Bay. Expect to see more than 80 beautifully decorated boats parade by, with their lights glimmering on the water. Enjoy the view in comfort by chartering a luxury sailing experience aboard a private yacht.
VIP Experiences at Amazing Attractions
San Diego’s world-class attractions dazzle with holiday splendor each year, and you can make your visits to them even more memorable with special VIP experiences. SeaWorld San Diego’s Ultimate VIP tour includes such perks as up-close animal encounters, front-of-line ride access and a private tour guide. LEGOLAND California’s Ultimate Unlimited VIP Experience offers behind-the-scenes access, a range of dining options and customized activities. And both the San Diego Zoo and the Zoo’s Safari Park offer private VIP tours and safaris that include wildlife interactions, a sit-down lunch and a personalized itinerary.
Follow a Festive Tree Trail
San Diego’s Christmas Tree Trail makes for an enchanting holiday excursion. And if you want to see the trees in style and comfort, consider booking a limousine tour to take in these wonders of the season.
Golf in Stunning Surroundings
If your holiday dreams include a spirited round of golf under sunny winter skies, San Diego is just the place for you. From the majestic ocean views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course (a two-time U.S. Open location) to the serene surroundings of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Grand Golf Club to the numerous other top-flight San Diego-area courses, you can’t help but get into the swing of the season.