4 Off-The-Beaten-Path Beach Destinations in Mexico You Need To Visit

Are you planning to visit Mexico this year but want to avoid the crowds? If you are looking for ideas for slightly more off-the-beaten-path beach destinations in Mexico, you have come to the right place. I love going to Mexico, but I don’t like crowds and overly developed tourist destinations with huge resorts and hoards of tourists. Luckily, from San Diego, going to Mexico via Cross Border XPress is convenient and cheap, so I go every chance I get. Here are my favorite 4 off the beaten path beach destinations in Mexico that you should consider for your next Mexico trip. AcapulcoI just went to Acapulco in May for a tourism conference and got to check out this cute beach destination. Known for its glitz and glamour past, when movie stars and anyone with a name in the entertainment industry flocked here, Acapulco is now a lot more laid back and less touristy. Why you should visit Acapulco was hit by a Category 5 Hurricane in October 2023 and is currently being rebuilt. This means, you’ll have to deal with fewer tourists and get to enjoy brand-new resorts and amenities while also supporting the locals who were hit hard by this natural disaster. Yes, there are still some resorts in the cityscape that have not been rebuilt yet, but they have made incredible progress in just a few short months and it is impressive to hear their stories about how the community came together to rebuild their city. You can read more about the night of the hurricane and the aftermath here.Things to Do Cliff DiversCity TourIsla De La Roqueta Eco TourCoyuca Lagoon Boat Tour with Baby Turtle ReleaseVisit Fort San Diego & MuseumWhere to StayI stayed at the incredible Las Brisas Resort. As I mentioned before, I am not much of a resort lover, but this was incredible. The resort is built into a steep mountain side and most “rooms” are actually a villa with pool. To get up and down the mountain, you call cute little pink jeeps named after famous guests to give you a ride. The resort was completely destroyed by the hurricane but now sparkles in its brand-new glory. Doesn’t this look amazing?Nayarit Located just north of the famous Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit has a little bit of everything. The northern parts are really off the beaten path, and you might be the only international tourist in town. The further south you go, the more touristy it gets. Why you should visit Nayarit is a great place if you want to experience it all during your beach vacation. You can visit a cute little boho fishing village and “Magical Town” aka Pueblo Magico in San Francisco (San Pancho). You can also enjoy a more busy beach party vibe in Sayulita or relax at a mega-resort in Nuevo Puerto Vallarta.Things to Do Horseback Riding on the Beach in SayulitaSayulita Taco TourAztec Cultural Photography WorkshopYelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling AdventureSayulita Jungle Thrills: Canopy Tour & Zip-line AdventureWhere to StayI did a road trip from Tepic via Jala to the coast, explored Sayulita and San Francisco, and finally ended up in Nuevo Vallarta. I stayed at the stunning Grand Luxxe Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, which definitely fits the bill for a great beachfront luxury resort. EnsenadaEnsenada is obviously one of the easiest Mexican Beach Destinations to visit from San Diego and my husband and I love going down there for a day trip or a quick and easy weekend getaway. While Ensenada has some nice beaches, there is so much more to do if you need a little more than just lazily lying on the beach (no judgment here; we love that too!). Why you should visitEnsenada is just a 1.5 hour drive from San Diego, which makes it perfect for a short notice and cheap beach getaway. Sometimes, you just have to get away and not plan for weeks on where to go, what to do, and how to get there. Things to DoWine Tasting in Valle De GuadalupeVisit La Bufadora BlowholeThings To Do in EnsenadaWhere to StayThere are so many hotels in Ensenada, but our go-to hotel is often the Coral Marina. It is a bit outside of town and feels a bit more relaxing, yet an Uber usually costs less than $3 and takes about 5 minutes. La PazI have to admit that I have not been to La Paz yet, but it is on my list for this year. I have a good friend who lives down there and she has been telling me to come visit for a while now. Everything she had told me sounds amazing and I can’t wait to finally go there and see it for myself. Why you should visitLa Paz is a nature lover’s paradise. Once you get a little outside of La Paz, you can have pristine beaches all to yourself, snorkel with sea lions, go whale watching, swim with whale sharks and so much more. Then there are the hiking and ATV adventures, eco-tours and sandboarding in the dunes for the more adventurous travelers. La Paz has something for everyone!Things to Do Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologistSandboarding in the Mogote Dunes in MexicoAdventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and BeachFull Day Gray Whale Watching ExperienceWhere to StayAs mentioned before, I have not visited La Paz yet, but I have spent a few hours researching potential accommodations there. The Posada de las Flores looks absolutely dreamy and has a cute and boutique-y vibe and the restaurant has some stunning views of the water. I will update this post about my experience, when I stayed there. Don’t these 4 off-the-beaten-path beach destinations in Mexico look dreamy? Which one is your favorite?This article was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, some trips and experiences were hosted by Cross Border Xpress, Visit Nayarit, Visit Acapulco, TIANGUIS 2024, and ProTurismo Ensenada. and the stay and experiences were free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post 4 Off-The-Beaten-Path Beach Destinations in Mexico You Need To Visit appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Fantastic Temecula Winery Stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn

A winecation is always a good idea, don’t you think? I just got back from fantastic 4 day stay in Temecula and wanted to share my experience at Ponte Vineyard Inn with you. I don’t want to give away too much, but if you are looking for a winery hotel overlooking the vineyards in the middle of Temecula wine country, this is the place you want to be.What to expectFirst impressions matter! When you drive up to Ponte Vineyard Inn, it feels like you have arrived at a historic California Mission, including tiled bell towers. It is absolutely stunning.After you make your way through the lobby, you sit down in plush armchairs to check in, and you are handed a cool glass of exquisite sparkling wine. What a way to start your getaway in wine country! Check-in is swift and fast. Instead of rattling down the list of amenities and details about checkout, breakfast time, and pool hours, they just sent you a text message with all the information later. No delay for you to hit the pool or the first winery.Ponte Vineyard Inn doesn’t just wow you with a perfect first impression. The design and maintenance, as well as service at this hotel surprise you with thoughtful details everywhere you look. I have stayed at so many “fancy” hotels and it was all stunning and beautiful until you looked in the corners. This hotel definitely deserves its AAA 4 Diamond status. Amenities & RoomsPonte Vineyard Inn has everything a luxury hotel should have and the AAA 4 Diamond designation is well deserved. I loved dipping in the pool and jacuzzi overlooking the vineyards. Another favorite spot of mine was the rose garden and lawn overlooking the pond. Perfect to sit in the shade, smell the fragrance of the roses, read a book and relax. There is also a small gym with treadmills and free weights, but I just went to go for a walk in the vineyards for a little exercise. My King Suite overlooked the pool and the vineyards. What a view to wake up to! Each room comes with a coffee station as well as a mini fridge – perfect to keep that bottle of wine cool for later! The beds and pillows were pure bliss. I stayed here with a group of wine and travel writers. All members of our group stay in hotels very frequently, and so many of us commented about how comfy the beds are. The only downside is that you might never want to get up, ha! And that is ok, too. There is no spa available at Ponte, but they work with South Coast Winery next door (~5-minute walk, or you can drive), and you can enjoy massages, facials, steam baths, and saunas to your heart’s content. Restaurants and Bars at Ponte Vineyard Inn and WineryBouquet Restaurant and BarOpen for Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner, Bouquet Restaurant made sure I had a delicious start to my day. The extensive Breakfast and Brunch menu had something for everyone. I tried the Huevos Rancheros, Avocado Toast, and Eggs Benedict, and I have to say, they know how to poach an egg! Perfectly set, yet still oozy, creamy, and delicious. I am not a sweet breakfast lover, but the Riccotta Cheese Blintz was calling to me. Maybe next time…The Restaurant at Ponte This restaurant is located right by the Ponte Winery Tasting Room and is open for Lunch and Dinner. I didn’t get to eat here, but I had a look at their menu and it made my mouth water. I love that they have something for everyone, including indulgent options like coffee- and lavender-encrusted filet mignon but also simpler options like Mousakka or Pizza. The Cellar Just off the main entrance, you can find the stairs leading down to The Cellar Bar. A mix of modern decor, vaulted ceilings, and jazzy vibes makes for a fun ambiance. Little nibbles, craft cocktails, and, of course, wine offer a great selection for a pre-or post-dinner drink. Poolside Bar and CaféI also didn’t try this option, but I love the resort vibes you get with a poolside bar. Is there anything that puts you into vacation mode quicker than sitting by the pool with an umbrella drink in your hand? 4 Wineries in Walking DistanceSpeaking of drinks. Most people come to Temecula for wine tasting. If you stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn, you have 4 wineries within a 16-minute walking radius. That makes it so much more convenient if you don’t have to drive (and no need for a designated driver or expensive wine tour!!!). Ponte WineryPonte Winery is the on-property winery and the closest one to the Inn. They have a wide selection of offerings, including classic and crowd-pleasing single-varietal wines, such as Chardonnay, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon. I really love their Vermentino. I tried their “regular” one, which is light and floral, with a summery taste of tropical fruits and refreshing acidity. And then I had the Late Harvest Vermentino, which was round, smooth, and luxurious. Definitely something special for a special occasion. South Coast Winery If you didn’t go to South Coast for a spa treatment (which you should), you definitely have to go there for a wine tasting. South Coast Winery is the only winery that has won the Title of California Winery of the Year 5 times. A well-deserved achievement! I also love that they are a certified sustainable winery. If you love dry Rosés, try their Grenache Noir Rose. It won several awards and is the perfect wine to sip all summer!Also, read our full review of the South Coast Winery Resort here>>Wiens CellarsIt feels like every winemaker in Temecula has a cool story. So does Brian Marquez, the winemaker at Wiens Cellars. Aside from killing it at Wiens, he is also a Hot hot-air balloon pilot, and yes, he took me for a flight and also poured me a flight on the same day. How cool is that?We did a fun blind tasting at their tasting room and tried 3 versions of 6 different varietals, having to guess the grape. It was a fun experience to see three different interpretations of the same wine by three different wineries. Bottaia WineryBottaia Winery is the sister property of Ponte Vineyards and is run by the same winemaker. Arnaud Debons took us on a winery tour at 6:45 AM. I guess there is never a bad time for wine, but that was definitely a first for me. I love Bottaia’s concept. They focus on Italian varietals only and blend modern techniques with Old World traditions. I love that they do not compromise to please the crowds. There is no Cab or Chard on the menu, but you can try varietals most people have never even heard of, such as Fiano (my favorite!), a crisp and floral summer wine, or Sagrantino—a perfect red if you love deep flavors and strong tannins. One of my favorite things about Bottaia is their blending lab workshop, which visitors can sign up for. You get to play winemaker for a day and make your own wine blend. It’s so cool. I definitely want to do that next time I am in Temecula. Speaking of returning to Temecula. It has been 7 years since my last visit to Temecula, and the valley has changed so much. It really has come into its own and found its own style. The wines used to be mainly so-so, but now they are impressive and delicious. I can’t wait to come back to Temecula soon and it definitely won’t take me 7 years until my next visit!If you are planning a trip to Temecula, check out Ponte Vineyard Inn. Staying at this fantastic Temecula winery hotel will take your stay to the next level, and prices are very reasonable! Book your stay here>>This Ponte Vineyard Inn Review was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, the trip to Temecula was hosted by Temecula Wines and Visit Temecula and the stay and experiences were free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Fantastic Temecula Winery Stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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How To Celebrate San Diego Pride: Events, Parties & Things To Do [2024]

The world may celebrate Pride Month during June, but San Diego always extends the party when it hosts its Pride Week July 13-21, 2024.San Diego Pride Board Member Andrew Picard, who serves as the Executive Director of addiction service Stepping Stone of San Diego, says this year focuses on community and growth. “In the post-COVID world, it was really hard for Prides everywhere to recover and rebound,” he says. “San Diego Pride has only continued to get bigger and stronger every single year.”This time, the festivities see big industry names like Sheila E., Todrick Hall, and recent RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Nymphia Wind as part of the entertainment lineup, but Picard stresses there’s so much more to it than that.“Yes, we want to have the Nymphia Wind’s and the Sheila E.’s and the names that bring in a crowd who wants to celebrate,” he says. “But what I really love about San Diego’s Pride is with the festival and parade, they really prioritize diversity and representation and make sure there’s something for everyone, which you don’t see in every Pride.”The San Diego Pride organization operates as a nonprofit and puts on a lot of the events that happen during the weekend celebration. However, there are a number of other parties and options you can choose from. That said, if you have a chance to support or attend an event from San Diego Pride themselves, you should. 100% of the proceeds that come from the festival and parade go toward year-round programming to uplift the community, which helps events like these take place.Things to do for San Diego Pride 2024The Epicenter of San Diego Pride is in Hillcrest and if you go there between July 13 – 21, you will find a sea of rainbows, parties, and events going on. Here are the events hosted by San Diego Pride, as well as a couple of other options and some after-dark festivities, too.Also read: Best Bars in HillcrestSpirit of Stonewall RallyYou may not know that the first Pride occurred in New York City to mark the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. If that doesn’t strike a bell, the Uprising occurred at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 when the police raided the gay establishment and sparked an outrage that changed the course of the future for the queer community forever.On Friday, July 19, join for the annual Spirit of Stonewall Rally at 6 PM under the Pride Flag at the corner of University Avenue and Normal Street. San Diego held their first Rally in 1975, and it’s our time to recognize and honor the leaders who work hard to preserve our gains and reflect on our origins as we celebrate those who have helped pave the way to where we are now. The Rally also serves as the kickoff to the Pride weekend, and Picard says it’s a “moment that really resonates. It’s a centering moment. Yes, we’re all part of Pride because we want to dance and celebrate and go crazy and have fun. But that is a moment where you’re seeing local heroes, people volunteering their time who have dedicated themselves to making a positive change in the queer community.”San Diego Pride 5KThe Pride 5k is described as “the most fun and wacky event of the summer.” Presented by Front Runners & Walkers San Diego, it’s a great way to start your Pride celebrations with some physical activity — especially if you’re planning on living it up over the rest of the weekend.This one comes at you bright and early, so explore at your own risk. It’s on July 20 at the corner of University Avenue and Centre Street. The race day activities start at 6:45 a.m. Registration is open, and you can do so here.San Diego Pride ParadeWhether you hit the 5K or not, the annual San Diego Pride Parade on Saturday the 20th is an event you won’t want to miss. It’s among the largest Pride events in the country and attracts over 250,000 people to make it the largest single-day civic event in the entire region.Anywhere along University Avenue will be a good place for you to catch the show, but know you’ll run into a crowd regardless. It begins at the Pride Flag on the corner of Normal Street and University Avenue at 10 AM and lasts until around 3 PM. The parade marches down University Avenue, turns down 6th Avenue, continues onto Balboa Drive, and ends on Laurel Street as a perfect entrance to the festival.“Pride is embracing the most authentic and fiercest version of yourself,” says Picard. “It’s about recognizing that you’re part of a community. It’s this celebration that we’re a diverse tapestry of a community, and we want to empower people to show up as their fabulous selves.”San Diego Pride Festival The San Diego Pride Festival in Balboa Park is an all-weekend affair, starting at 11 AM and ending at 9 PM on both Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21. This is where you’ll find the entertainment for the weekend. It’s also a paid event, though it won’t do much to break the bank. $38 gets you a whole weekend pass, but it’ll only cost you $42 if you wait until the last minute. VIP access costs $219, but it’ll be $239 if you buy it at the door. It’s also free for those who complete a five-hour shift.Grab your tickets here, and keep an eye out for the lineup to keep track of which show you want to see, and when. Remember, the money you spend here and at any of the other San Diego Pride-related events goes back into the community and right into making sure next year’s festivities are even better.Pride Block PartyThe annual Pride Block Party, hosted by Fabulous Hillcrest, is a great way to start off your Pride weekend right in the thick of it all. The Block Party goes from 5 PM – 11 PM on Friday, July 19 and is a perfect all-ages event. The Block Party also features the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, and the entertainment consists of drag queens and a DJ dance party. The block behind the Pride Flag gets shut down for the event, in the same area that holds the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market (which is still happening the Sunday of Pride, just in case you want to go.)Yoga and Dance Party at the Rady ShellIf the 5K isn’t your thing, perhaps yoga and dancing align more with your interests. Every year, Fit Athletic hosts a Yoga and Dance Party led by Viktoria Talbot at the Rady Shell. This year marks the third annual event, which is free and starts at 7 PM on Thursday, July 18. All levels of yogis attend, and the dance party afterward sees returning guests DJ Sassy and DJ Dova. Even though it’s free, be sure you register for your spot!Pool PartiesWhen in San Diego, you can’t celebrate Pride without going to at least one pool party. Although some of the more fun pool parties take place in private residences with invite-only appeal, LE Parties throws multiple pool parties around town for Pride every year, and any of them would be a good option to attend. Each day from Friday through Sunday has a different themed pool party. You can purchase tickets to just one or buy a weekend pass that gets you into all three. Friday’s pool party is at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Mission Valley from 1 PM – 7 PM (as are the others) as the Fun Dip Kick-off Pride Pool Party. This sees Insomniac DJ Missy B transform the pool “into a vibrant water wonderland.” It also has DJs Codak & Laser Fox open and close the show.On Saturday, after you spend some time at the parade, you can also head over to the Sunshine Disco Pool Party, also billed as the “Saturday Massive Pride Pool Party.” Entertainment includes headliner DJ Hektor Mass from Las Vegas on the Main Pool stage, and DJs Matt Suave and Guatamex hold up the rest of the party. Oh, and there will also be plenty of go-go dancers for your entertainment at this one, as well.To close out the weekend on Sunday “Fungay,” join in for the Epic Pink Pool Party. The theme is EPIC PINK! and has RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 winner Aquaria as the headlining entertainment. DJ Mascfish opens the show, and Grammy-winning DJ Dave Audé will close out the weekend. Nightlife Weekend PassesOnce the sun goes down, you’ll have even more options for how to spend your time. Although bars like Flicks, Number One Fifth Avenue, The Rail, and The Loft have yet to release any Pride-specific events, they’re still great places to go to socialize and have a good time (though it’s the only time of year you can expect to pay some more covers). Number One Fifth and The Loft are perfect choices for those who want something a little more local. If you’re still wanting to keep the Pride-themed party, here are some options for your weekend:Rich’sRich’s nightclub has seven Pride events starting on Wednesday, July 17 with Mischief Pride from 9 PM – 2 AM. Thursday night sees Papi Pride at the same time, while Friday night continues with Dirty-POP Pride from 8 PM – 3 AM. On Saturday, they have the Pride Parade Party from 10 AM – 6 PM, followed by the Pride Massive Party from 8 PM – 4 AM. Sunday sees the Souleil Pride party in the day from 12 PM – 9 PM, then closes out the weekend with the Sunset Tea Pride Closing Party right after until 3 AM. Please note that you can only buy individual tickets for Papi Pride and Souleil. TurnTurn is also offering a weekend of fun after hours, though you can purchase tickets for individual days as well as the whole thing. On Friday, Drawn This Way encourages you to grab your sexiest outfit or jockstrap to dance the night away. Saturday sees The Dip, where you’ll want to bring along your best sexy villain look. Sunday closes off the weekend with Tune Town, where you’ll dance the night away dressed as your favorite cartoon character. Other Pride EventsBesides the actual weekend of Pride celebrations, July sees a couple of other parties that also contribute to the overall theme. The weekend before Pride, She Fest is another event through SD Pride held at the Pride Flag on July 13 at 11:00 AM. This annual event has workshops, community organizations, and performers to help uplift and build community with people who identify as queer or non-binary women. San Diego Black Pride also has a weekend of celebrations from Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7. The kickoff party is on Friday night at Gossip Grill, with the “Express Your Essence” mini-ball to follow. Saturday sees the Fam Bam Beach BBQ from 11 AM – 1 PM and/or the Freaknik Beach Party after from 5 PM – 11 PM. The weekend closes out on Sunday with the Decadent Day Party at Rich’s from 3 PM – 9 PM.Just go out and celebrate!At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how you celebrate Pride — it only matters that you’re authentic to who you are. Pride is the annual reminder of the community queer people have, and how diverse that rainbow actually is. It’s a time to recognize your similarities and differences, then put everything aside to simply honor your best self.Most importantly, just take care of yourself. Get a can or two of Narcan just in case you or somebody else needs it. Sometimes people have a little too much fun during Pride, and it’s a good backup to have in case somebody overdoses on something. Also know that most bars have a heavy stock of this at the ready, too. Whether it’s your first Pride or your 50th, go out there, have fun, and make memories that will last a lifetime — all while living it up in America’s Finest City.Last Updated on June 13, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post How To Celebrate San Diego Pride: Events, Parties & Things To Do [2024] appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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