Holiday of Possibilities in San Diego's Mission Valley

Centrally located in the middle of it all with easy access to popular San Diego attractions like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Old Town and SeaWorld San Diego, Mission Valley features unique shopping, activities and accommodations for visitors to enjoy this holiday season.

Located just 10 minutes north of downtown San Diego, Mission Valley offers something for nearly every kind of traveler. The area is an epicenter of retail and entertainment with two of San Diego’s most popular malls, the 27-hole Riverwalk Golf Club, and SDCCU Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers. History buffs can visit Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, founded in 1769 as California’s first mission, and outdoor enthusiasts can explore Mission Trails Regional Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, encompassing nearly 5,800 acres.

The following are just a few of the ways visitors can make the most of their winter getaway to Mission Valley.

SHOPPING DELIGHTS

When it comes to shopping opportunities, Mission Valley has it all wrapped up this holiday season with two major shopping malls.

• The upscale Fashion Valley mall, a collection of luxury stores in an inviting outdoor setting, features department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus and premium brand shops, including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Michael Kors, Coach, Hugo BOSS, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, the recently opened Topshop and Topman and more. Available this holiday season are complimentary personal shoppers who can help guests tackle their holiday gift lists, a coat and package check and gift-wrapping.
  
  Visitors can also relax and grab a bite at one of Fashion Valley’s many restaurants and bistros including True Food Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Stacked and PF Chang's, or take in a flick at the 18-screen movie theater.

• Westfield Mission Valley Center features a 20-screen movie theater, along with numerous retail shops for value-conscious shoppers, like Target, Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls and Bed Bath & Beyond.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

From a traditional Christmas celebration and winter solstice hike to sporting events, Mission Valley promises jolly good times during the holidays:

• Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá Choir presents the 38th Annual Candlelight Meditation and concert in the Mission Church on Dec. 20 and 21. This popular holiday celebration features Christmas carols and music set around scripture readings of the season, followed by a reception in La Sala, the mission’s large meeting room.

• Led by trail guides, enjoy the great outdoors during the Cowles Mountain Winter Solstice Walk at Mission Trails Regional Park on Dec. 20-22. The pre-dawn hikes are approximately one mile long and conclude at a prehistoric solstice observatory site similar to ones local Kumeyaay tribes used throughout Southern California. Hikers can expect to see the rising sun split by a peak on the eastern horizon. Good shoes and a flashlight are recommended, as the ascent begins in the dark.

• Football fans can catch exciting post-season college games at SDCCU Stadium, including the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23, which matches a team from the Mountain West Conference against an at-large opponent, and the National University Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27, featuring a top team from the PAC 10 and Big 12.
  
  The San Diego Chargers continue to bolt into action during home games at Qualcomm Stadium, while fans gather in the parking lot for tailgate parties before catching the excitement inside the stadium.

SWEET SLUMBER

After a day of shopping and holiday cheer, visitors can rest their heads for the night at one of Mission Valley’s many hotels and resorts.

• Town & Country Resort, located adjacent to Fashion Valley, offers a Shop Til You Drop Fashion Valley Mall Package perfect for a holiday getaway with family and friends. Rates start from $229 per night and include overnight accommodations for two people, a tote bag and Fashion Valley certificate book with more than $450 in savings on purchases and a reflexology spa treatment for two at the resort's Bella Tosca Day Spa to soothe weary feet.  

• Hilton San Diego Mission Valley completed a sparkling multi-million dollar renovation in time for holiday travelers. Features and additions include sleek and modern redesigned guestrooms, a new outdoor gazebo set amidst a lush scenic backdrop, Polanco Kitchen & Bar, one of the valley’s best new Mexican restaurants, and an elegant new lobby. An upgraded pool deck is expected to be completed in the New Year. 

• Hampton Inn by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley recently unveiled chic new renovations, including contemporized guestrooms, lobby and a pool area with lounge seating and a fire pit. LEED certified "Silver" by the U.S. Green Building Council, the hotel is the first property on Mission Valley’s Hotel Circle to offer an electric vehicle charging station.

For a full listing of accommodations in Mission Valley, including 20 hotels along the famed Hotel Circle, visit www.sandiego.org/missionvalley.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on Mission Valley, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org/missionvalley or call 619-236-1212. 

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