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La Jolla is the place to visit and Pantai Inn is the place to stay!

September 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment

  

Summer is almost over but is it really ever over in sunny So Cal? I’m sure that we will have our sunny weather on and off throughout the year! If you love the ocean, sea lions and art galleries then I know the perfect place for you to visit! La Jolla is one of my all time favorite places to visit in San Diego! My family had such a wonderful time visiting this past August and if I could only visit one place in Southern California every summer it would be La Jolla!

If you know me at all..you know that I love Sea Lions! I was a volunteer Education Docent with the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles for a year and am still a volunteer on their outreach program. Even though I am not able to volunteer as often as I would like now-a-days…sea lions are special to me. You can see so many sea lions up close in La Jolla although I do recommend keeping a good distance from them.

                

One of my favorite places in La Jolla is La Jolla Cove. It is a beautiful small (but not too small!) cove and beach surrounded by cliffs.

    

I just love to see sunsets at the beach and sunrises! This trip I didn’t catch any sunrises because it was overcast in the morning but when it isn’t overcast, seeing a sunrise at the Cove is a must! It simply is breathtaking!

So, where should you stay in La Jolla? In my opinion..there is only one place to stay! Pantai Inn!

  

This place is simply an amazing place to stay! The location is perfect and the service is amazing! Every single staff person is friendly and it’s a beautiful place to stay! But, Pantai Inn is much more than just a beautiful place to stay and great service. It’s all the little extras such as Tea and coffee in the lobby and fresh baked cookies in the afternoons to the Chef prepared breakfast in the mornings. They even bring chocolate bars and place them on your bed in the afternoons! We stayed in a 3 bedroom and the design of the place is just beautiful! Pantai Inn’s one-of-a-kind architecture and dedication to creating a luxurious home-away-from-home makes it the ideal getaway spot year-round, a veritable oasis on the iconic California coastline that can’t be beat. Whether for business travelers, lovers of the great outdoors, families, couples, or groups of friends looking for that next great adventure, there is simply no better place to make an autumn or wintertime escape as the temperature cools down.

  

But, like I said ….it’s definitely all the little things that make this place a real gem!

   

  And, you can walk down to the water and to the Village. I loved walking from the Pantai Inn to the shops, restaurants and Art Galleries! Visiting the Art Galleries is a must! My favorites were the National Geographic Art Gallery and Legends Gallery.

    

Such amazing Artwork and Legends Gallery had a Peanuts (Snoopy!!!) exhibit which I’m a big Snoopy fan! They also had a Dr. Seuss exhibit!

   

So although Summer is coming to an end Pantai Inn and La Jolla would be a wonderful place to visit this upcoming Fall! And, if you do visit Pantai Inn…don’t forget to say “Hello” to the amazing Manager Mike!

About the Pantai Inn
The Pantai Inn’s distinct guest accommodations blend a unique Balinese-inspired décor with luxurious comforts and contemporary conveniences.  The relaxing oceanfront retreat offers a lush garden setting with soothing water features and an inviting courtyard to stimulate the senses.
Offering a variety of accommodations from ocean view studios and one-bedroom suites to three-bedroom cottages, the Inn is perfect for romantic getaways or family vacations.  Whatever the occasion, the Pantai experience is completed by the warmth and authenticity of the Inn’s extraordinary guest service.   Ranked as a top hotel in La Jolla by TripAdvisor, the 30 room Pantai Inn is located in the charming seaside village of La Jolla and is steps away from the finest restaurants, boutiques and galleries the area has to offer.  The Pantai Inn is located at 1003 Coast Blvd, La Jolla CA, 92037. For information and reservations call toll free 855.287.2682 or visit www.pantai.com.

 

Self Disclosure: My family had the opportunity to stay at the Pantai Inn to facilitate this post. Images: SoCal City Kids. 
Filed Under: Featured Content, Travel

Universal Studios is the place to go this Summer!

July 27, 2018 By 1 Comment

   

Looking for a fun place to take the family this Summer? Universal Studios Hollywood is the place to go! There are some really cool new things this Summer! DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood as of June 15, 2018. With cutting-edge technology at the forefront of the multi-sensory attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” introduces the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure. You can also see a few Characters at Universal Plaza such as Po and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda. A replica of Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, as featured in the film, is also set up, inviting guests to enjoy his authentic Asian fare and a selection of hot and cold Asian beverages.

 

My favorite place to visit is “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and I could stay there all day! There are New Wand Magic Experiences and with a gentle flick of the wrist and just the right touch, guests can cast spells throughout the land at dazzling wand magic locations. This summer’s installation of the Incendio fire-making spell and the Alohomora unlocking spell ups the tally to 15 thrilling wand magic experiences to practice. This really is a great addition for Harry Potter fans!

What else is really cool is the New Wizarding Apparel at Gladrags Wizardwear.

Guests can channel their inner wizards at Gladrags Wizardwear with a wide array of apparel inspired by the films. New this season is a high-end replica of Professor Severus Snape’s robe and a replica of Hermione’s Yule Ball dress, now available in adult and children’s sizes.

Some really Exciting news is that Butterbeer Ice Cream & Three Broomsticks Expands its Menu!

Butterbeer ice cream is now available and Three Broomsticks expands its lunchtime menu with a selection of traditional British fare, including Ploughman’s Lunch, Cheese Toastie with Chicken and Sunday Roast Sandwich. I still prefer the Butterbeer and it’s one of my favorite things to drink when I’m there!

Other things you do not want to miss:

“Jurassic Park—The Ride”

The countdown to the extinction of “Jurassic Park—The Ride” begins as Universal Studios Hollywood excavates the site in preparation for the 2019 arrival of “Jurassic World Ride.” “Jurassic Park—The Ride” will officially become extinct on September 3, 2018. The Jurassic Cove restaurant and Jurassic Outfitters retail store also will close with the attraction and reopen with the new experience in 2019.

My son and I love this ride! It’s one of our favorites and a must on a hot Summer day! You will get wet!

Blue at the “Raptor Encounter”

Blue, one of the most popular dinosaurs from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster Jurassic World franchise, is now part of Universal Studios Hollywood exciting “Raptor Encounter” experience inviting guests to brave the dangerous predator in daring face-to-face standoffs.

And of course…you won’t want to miss some of the things that make Universal Studios Hollywood one of my all-time favorite places to go!

  

I love the Studio Tour and always have to say “Hi!” to one of my favorite storybook characters..Curious George!

And…Don’t forget to wave to Norman!

   

Self Disclosure: I had the opportunity to visit Universal Studios Hollywood to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Travel

Looking for a place to visit this Summer? San Pedro is the place to take the Family!

July 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

It’s Summer and time to go out and have fun with the family! One of my local favorite places to visit is San Pedro.

The coastal town, with a population of almost 81,000, and former WW II home to the U.S Navy fleet will gain a $400 million dollar 21st-century waterfront complete with a hotel. Now is the key time to understand the harbor city’s transitioning charm and what drew writers Charles Bukowski and Louis L’Amour to the area to live.

During the mid-20th century, San Pedro drew more than a million visitors annually. Today, with the Port of Los Angeles, the largest in North America (“America’s Port”) and Worldship Cruise Center, the 12.5-mile area has almost three million teeming its streets. Over the last couple of years, new attractions have paved the way, starting with the U.S.S. Iowa which, in 2012 sailed into the LA from San Francisco, to become a maritime museum.

There are lots of things to do, things to see and they have some of the best restaurants!  You could easily spend the whole day there doing so many different things but here are a few of my favorites!

Have you been to the Pacific Battleship Center? The Battleship IOWA is a must-visit! I love the history of this amazing place and I love that they have an App especially for the kids! The Battleship IOWA Interactive Mobile Tour allows visitors a first-hand experience to live and serve on this historic ship. On my visit, I downloaded the App and found that this will be something great for the younger kids. The Tours is my favorite part of the App but it also has Maps, Augmented Reality which is really cool to check out when you are visiting the Battleship IOWA. There’s even a cute dog mascot named Victory (Vicky) that children can try to spot on the ship. There’s a matching game with a prize at the end of the tour in the gift shop so check it out!

     

   

U.S.S. Iowa: In the coming year, will put together a new virtual reality flight experience taking off from the ship and then landing wherever you want to go…maybe Paris? How about London? Singapore? And you don’t even have to leave the ship. Now, how cool does that sound?! https://www.pacificbattleship.com/

Download their FREE App by clicking here!
Some upcoming events are the following: 

FREE: July 13, 8:00 P.M.: “Movies Under the Gun”: Justice League (2017). Directed by Zack Snyder. Written by Snyder and Chris Terrio. Starring Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck, and Jason Momoa. Fueled by his restored faith in humanity, and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly-awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes in Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash, it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions. Bring the entire family for “Movie Under the Guns” on board Battleship IOWA. The unique movie series is FREE and held outdoors on the ship’s fantail. Limited seating is available. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring blankets and outdoor chairs. Concessions will be available, no coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. All movies will start at dusk. Subject to cancellation due to extreme weather conditions. Donations are greatly appreciated.

FREE: August 17, 8:00 P.M.: “Movies Under the Gun”: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (2017). Directed by James Gunn. Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Kurt Russell. Peter Quill and his fellow Guardians are hired by a powerful alien race, the Sovereign, to protect their precious batteries from invaders. When it is discovered that Rocket has stolen the items they were sent to guard, the Sovereign dispatch their armada to search for vengeance. As the Guardians try to escape, the mystery of Peter’s parentage is revealed.  Bring the entire family for “Movie Under the Guns” on board Battleship IOWA. The unique movie series is FREE and held outdoors on the ship’s fantail. Limited seating is available. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring blankets and outdoor chairs. Concessions will be available, no coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. All movies will start at dusk. Subject to cancellation due to extreme weather conditions. Donations are greatly appreciated.

FREE: August 31 – September 3rd: Third Annual LA Fleet Week. LA Fleet Week® 2018 presented by Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime Video — Fleet Week is an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the Labor Day Weekend. Free to the public, the event features public ship tours, military displays and equipment demonstrations, live entertainment, a kids’ STEM Expo, aircraft flyovers, a 100 Years of Navy in Hollywood Film Festival, the 10th Annual Conquer the Bridge Labor Day morning 5.3-mile walk/run over the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the LA Fleet Week 5 on 5 Basketball Tournament, and a Galley Wars culinary cook-off competition between Sailor, Marine & Coastguard teams. The family-fun event is Aug. 31-Sept. 3. More information at LAFleetWeek.com.

FREE: September 21, 8:00 P.M.: “Movies Under the Gun.” Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). Directed by Rian Johnson. Starring Daisy Ridley,  Oscar Isaac, John Boyega. Luke Skywalker’s peaceful and solitary existence gets upended when he encounters Rey, a young woman who shows strong signs of the Force. Her desire to learn the ways of the Jedi forces Luke to make a decision that changes their lives forever. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren and General Hux lead the First Order in an all-out assault against Leia and the Resistance for supremacy of the galaxy. Bring the entire family for “Movie Under the Guns” on board Battleship IOWA. The unique movie series is FREE and held outdoors on the ship’s fantail. Limited seating is available. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring blankets and outdoor chairs. Concessions will be available, no coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. All movies will start at dusk. Subject to cancellation due to extreme weather conditions. Donations are greatly appreciated.

 FREE: October 19, 6:30 – 8:30 P.M.: “Movies Under the Gun.” Hocus Pocus (1993). A Halloween Trick or Treat will also be available starting at 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.  Directed by Kenny Ortega. Starring Bette Midler,  Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy. After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal. Bring the entire family for “Movie Under the Guns” on board Battleship IOWA. The unique movie series is FREE and held outdoors on the ship’s fantail. Limited seating is available. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring blankets and outdoor chairs. Concessions will be available, no coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. All movies will start at dusk. Subject to cancellation due to extreme weather conditions. Donations are greatly appreciated.

FREE: December 1, San Pedro 56th Annual Holiday Boat Parade. Sponsored by The Port of Los Angeles.  Watch the parade route, as it sails by the Battleship IOWA Museum and along the San Pedro waterfront. Iowa visitors will have unobstructed views of the elaborately decorated boats.

About Battleship IOWA

Entering service more than 70 years ago, U.S.S. IOWA deployed to the South Pacific in the uncertain early years of World War II.  The iconic battleship served with distinction in that war, and later during the Korean War.  In the 1990s, U.S.S. IOWA concluded her active duty as the Berlin Wall crumbled.  Battleship IOWA now serves as a historic naval ship museum.  Forged in war, guardian of the peace, the proud ship keeps watch as the proud sentinel of the LA Waterfront. IOWA’s teak decks and steel bulkheads echo the words and deeds of history: three U.S. Presidents, six of the nine American five-star military leaders, countless foreign dignitaries, and most importantly thousands of her own heroic IOWA sailors.  Visitors are awed by IOWA’s proud legacy as one of the fastest and most powerful ships ever to sail the world’s oceans.  Battleship IOWA is open to the public daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our hours are 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with our last ticket sale. Please visit our website additional information on special events, group tours educational programs and Naval retirement flag service.

Another place you just have to visit is the Cabrillo Aquarium, one of Frank Gehry’s early commissioned architectural buildings and a conservation center. http://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/

With its spectacular natural setting adjacent to Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park and the Port of Los Angeles, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is uniquely suited to its leadership role in marine science education, aquaculture research and community recreation. The historic Frank Gehry-designed aquarium displays the largest collection of Southern California marine life in the world. Since 1935, CMA has provided visitors with both a natural and interactive approach to learning about the marine environment of Southern California. I love seeing all the sea creatures at this Aquarium! I also love the Tide pools at Cabrillo Beach!

  

3720 Stephen M. White Drive 
San Pedro, CA 90731
310-548-7562
Aquarium Hours
Tuesday through Friday – 12 noon to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday – 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Photo Credit: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
Now, after visiting these truly amazing places you have to check out one of the many fabulous restaurants for lunch or dinner! One of my favorites is San Pedro Fish Market: LA’s Most Instagrammed Restaurant: https://www.sanpedrofish.com/
I was amazed at how big this place is and how clean! There is a sit-down place that I really recommend and the outside eating area is really big!
    
   
I love all the seafood choices they offer and I had the best Shrimp enchiladas ever! But, you really have so many choices! You can pick your own choice of fish at the Fish Counter and tell them how you would like it and add toppings or you can sit down and enjoy a meal from their menu which like I mentioned…they have the best shrimp enchiladas! The Salmon plate is pretty good too! If you love seafood, this place is a must-visit!
    
And, if you have a chance to meet the owner, Tommy Amalfitano, he has quite the sense of humor!
If you have even more time to spend in San Pedro, here are a few other places worth checking out!
The Maritime Museum: www.lamaritimemuseum.org
Crafted Los Angeles, home to nearly three dozen craftsmen and artisans crafting artisanal products such as candles, furniture, jewelry, clothes and art. http://craftedportla.com/
LA Waterfront Cruises: http://www.laharborsportfishing.com/
The Historic Downtown San Pedro First Thursday Artwalk is every first Thursday of the month 6-9 pm and the Farmers Market is every Friday 9 am-2 pm. And, Don’t forget to ride in the Red Trolley and see the Fanfare Fountains! LA Fleet Week is coming to San Pedro Labor Day weekend August 31st-September 3rd, 2018! https://www.lafleetweek.com/
Self Disclosure: I received media comps to visit all of the above. Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids except for Cabrillo Aquarium. Photos were provided courtesy of the Cabrillo Aquarium. 
Filed Under: Featured Content, Travel

Weekend To San Diego With Kids

April 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

San Diego is an ideal weekend destination that has coastal beaches and is situated close to the mountains. There are plenty of family-friendly things to see and do that children of all ages will enjoy. This includes various theme parks, kid-centered museums and outdoor activities.

 

Best Times to Visit

Along with low humidity and good air quality, San Diego has lovely weather and relatively constant average temperatures throughout the year. The best times to visit are March through May and then from September through November. The best rates are available from December through February. The city is a popular spring break and summer vacation destination, which results in larger crowds especially on weekends.

 

Travel Tips

Make an itinerary. San Diego offers a wide range of activities. Determine which ones will interest your family during your weekend getaway. Booking reservations at a hotel within a short commute of these attractions will reduce travel and give you more time to enjoy the activities. Search online for family-friendly restaurants near these attractions.

 

Travel safety is important. Ensure that the children ride in approved car seats. Prepare for possible emergencies. Verify that you have packed all essential items like medications before leaving home. Make sure that the children are under close supervision at all times.

 

Keep children busy when traveling. Bring audio books, travel games, art supplies and other interesting activities to occupy their minds while riding or flying.

 

Best Attractions

San Diego offers activities for children of all ages. When planning your weekend trip, consider these popular choices.

 

San Diego Zoo is regarded as one of the best attractions of its kind in the world. Along with animal exhibits, the park has an aerial tram for a bird’s-eye-view, a children’s petting zoo and a discovery playground.

 

Based on the miniature building blocks, LEGOLAND California offers more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. It is an interactive experience for families with children 12 and younger.

 

SeaWorld is home to thrill rides, aquatic shows and live entertainment. The aquarium is home to a walk-through shark tank.

 

New Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits that encourage children of all ages to think and play creatively as they discover the world through contemporary art.

 

Botanic Garden has several themed green spaces geared toward children of different ages. Depending upon their age, children can enjoy making bubbles, excavating plastic dinosaur bones and riding a model train. Older children can climb inside a treehouse and play a giant game of tic-tac-toe.

 

Birch Aquarium is ideal for families with young children who will enjoy the up-close view of the tanks filled with sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures. The aquarium also has a touch tank where children can pet sea stars and sea cucumbers.

 

The Maritime Museum includes several unique ships, including sailing vessels, steam-powered boats and a submarine. Children can take envision themselves sailing the high seas as a pirate or explorer.

 

Balboa Park is the setting for a carousel, playgrounds and a model train ride. The park also hosts free outdoor concerts.

The beach is always a popular attraction with children. San Diego has more than 70 miles of sand. While Coronado Island offers gentle waves and marvelous views, Pacific Beach is a wonderful place to swim and play in the sand. Crystal Pier is great for exploring. Mission Beach is ideal for surfing, swimming and strolling along the 3.5-mile boardwalk.

 

Popular Events for Children and the Entire Family

St. Patrick’s Day features a parade with marching bands, floats, dancing groups and antique cars. Balboa Park is the setting for the Irish Festival that celebrates Celtic food, music and culture.

 

Memorial Day kicks off the summer with parades and craft fairs as well as music and food festivals.

 

Independence Day celebrations include the Big Bay Boom, the largest fireworks display in the country. The holiday also includes parades, craft fairs and festivals filled with food, music and other entertainment.

 

The kid-centric attractions held during October are more budget friendly. More than 100 attractions, restaurants and hotels offer free admission or discount deals as part of Kid Free San Diego throughout the month.

 

Halloween features costume parades, pumpkin patches and haunted houses. A variety of family-friendly events is held in the area.

 

Christmas offers holiday light displays and outdoor ice-skating rinks along with tree lighting ceremonies and parades.

 

Best Ways to See the City

San Diego encompasses approximately 372 square miles, which makes it difficult to experience everything the city has to offer without transportation. Although automobiles are the most popular way to get around the city, it often results in long commutes, parking issues and delays because of congestion. The best way to avoid these problems is to take a hop-on/hop-off San Diego tour with Old Town Trolley. A full-day trolley ticket enables you to stop at various historic sites and attractions. Spend whatever time you want at each location before climbing aboard the next passing trolley. You can avoid driving in the city and searching for parking spaces at popular attractions. Using the Old Town Trolley will give you more time to spend doing the things that you want and less time in a car.

For a unique perspective of the city, climb aboard a 90-minute San Diego SEAL Tour. This thrilling excursion starts on land with an exploration of points of interest along the San Diego waterfront. The tour then goes into the water where passengers can observe seals and sea lions. You will have the opportunity for an amazing up-close experience with these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

 

Traveling with your children is a great opportunity for the entire family to bond while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Including activities that each member of the family will enjoy ensures a more pleasurable travel experience for everyone.

Filed Under: Travel

The Best Place for Summer Travel! La Jolla’s Pantai Inn: The Ultimate Family Destination!

August 14, 2017 By 1 Comment

Pantai Exterior & Sign

Long celebrated for its stunning oceanfront location and views, Pantai Inn is perfectly positioned to be the ideal family destination in the San Diego area, hot on the heels of an extensive renovation and redesign.

While the Inn boasts a wide range of accommodations, what makes it so advantageous to families is its selection of commodious three-bedroom and two-bedroom suites as well as cottages, all with kitchens, which are well equipped to house families. The suites range from casual to deluxe, with even the more casual options providing the welcoming attitude and tropical atmosphere that the Inn is known for.

Coastal views and beautiful décor is only part of the Inn’s charm. It is centrally located to many of the area’s family and kid-friendly attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, Balboa Park (including a plethora of museums, performing arts venues, lovely gardens and more), and popular family attractions like Legoland are just a short drive away.  For entertainment of the natural variety, the Inn is a short walk from La Jolla’s coastal Children’s Pool, tide pools and beaches, and is situated across from the rocky outcropping that is a favorite sunbathing spot of sea lions and harbor seals. There is no shortage of oceanfront activities alongside La Jolla’s stunning coastline including kayaking, stand up paddling, snorkeling, sailing and biking.

My family had the opportunity to visit Pantai Inn for a couple of nights and we had an amazing time! We stayed in a 3 bedroom Suite and it was the best Summer vacation ever! I only wish we could have stayed longer! The view from our place was simply amazing and although I am not usually one to be up at sunrise…I was up at sunrise since the beach was so close by with an amazing view and tons of Sea Lions! I also have to point out that the Staff is the best! They made my family feel at home and I loved that Tea and Coffee are available all day and all the little touches such as chocolate on our pillows at the end of the day…well, I really could go on and on….

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The rooms were beautiful and my husband and I loved the whole Bali theme! The Original Balinese art and design really makes this place unique!

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I just loved the Kitchen! It truly was fully stocked!

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I have to admit spending time on the balcony was a favorite thing for me! I could see and hear the ocean from that spot and I loved having my breakfast there! By the way, breakfast is complimentary there and the food is quite impressive! I loved the Baked Egg Cups and there were two options to choose from! My favorite was the Mediterranean-Sun Dried Tomato with Feta! Yum! The Chef also makes a really delicious Strawberry Cobbler Muffin! But, honestly, the breakfast is something to write home about! 

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I have to admit that my teenage son wasn’t excited about this trip before we arrived but he had a great time! The room accommodations, the view and the customer service truly made this a great vacation! What really impressed me was how we had all the comforts of home yet we felt like we were so far away from home. It truly was a unique experience without leaving Southern California! 

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And, the view was simply amazing! 

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And..walking distance to an amazing beach….I was absolutely thrilled! 

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Hands down visiting the Pantai Inn and La Jolla this Summer was the best time my family had together this Summer! 

There’s still time to visit! Summer isn’t over yet! 

Denise_signature

6.17.2017 Denise B.-111 Del

 

More About the Pantai Inn
The Pantai Inn’s distinct guest accommodations blend a unique Balinese-inspired décor with luxurious comforts and contemporary conveniences.  The relaxing oceanfront retreat offers a lush garden setting with soothing water features and an inviting courtyard to stimulate the senses.
Offering a variety of accommodations from ocean view studios and one-bedroom suites to three-bedroom cottages, the Inn is perfect for romantic getaways or family vacations.  Whatever the occasion, the Pantai experience is completed by the warmth and authenticity of the Inn’s extraordinary guest service.   Ranked as a top hotel in La Jolla by TripAdvisor, the 30 room Pantai Inn is located in the charming seaside village of La Jolla and is steps away from the finest restaurants, boutiques and galleries the area has to offer.  The Pantai Inn is located at 1003 Coast Blvd, La Jolla CA, 92037. For information and reservations call toll free 855.287.2682 or visit www.pantai.com.               

Self Disclosure: My family was invited to visit Pantai Inn. No other compensation was received but our stay was comped. All opinions are my own.  I highly recommend Pantai Inn. Photo Credit: Top Photo: Pantai Inn. All other photos: SoCal City Kids.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Services, Travel

Release Your Inner Child in Carlsbad, CA

June 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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Catching a wave off the Carlsbad Coast (Photo Credit: Visit Carlsbad)

Home to the blocky amusement park and SeaLife, the sunny SoCal city Carlsbad, CA is often thought as a wonderland for kids. However, with Omni La Costa’s new Edge Day Club, bike-friendly roads throughout the city, seven miles of pristine beaches, ample watersports activities, and more this city isn’t just a playground for kids, it’s also a playground for adults looking to release their inner child.

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Photo: Biking along one of the many bike paths that follow the coastline.(Photo Credit: Visit Carlsbad)

For those looking to find their younger self during their summer getaway, here are 15 ways to summer like a kid in Carlsbad, CA:

 

  1. Stop by Edge Day Club for perfectly poured crafted cocktails, bottle service options, and tempting culinary creations in a musically drenched outdoor venue atOmni La Costa Resort & Spa
  2. Take an electric bike tour through the village with Pedego Electric Bike Rental
  3. Beat your own best time racing at the K1 Speed Go Kart Track
  4. Go with the skate boarding flow at the Alga Norte Skate Park
  5. Go VIP with Cape Rey’s premium poolside cabana rentals, with personal service, an assortment of fruit and non-alcoholic drinks, complimentary WiFi, television, privacy drapes and VIP amenities
  6. Take in the amazing aerial views in an Icon Helicopter Tour
  7. Take a bite out of Carlsbad’s culinary best on a Food Tour
  8. Learn to swing like a pro at the Aviara Golf Club
  9. Surf with the pro’s with So Cal Surf Lessons
  10. Practice your sun salutes in a Stand Up Paddleboard yoga class
  11. Escape the heat with some figure skating at Icetown Carlsbad
  12. Test your kayak skills with Carlsbad Lagoon
  13. Surf while standing up with Two Guys Stand Up Paddleboard
  14. Taste Carlsbad’s best pizza at the Intergalactic Headquarters for the Pizza Port Empire
  15. Dance like nobody is watching during the 14th Annual Carlsbad Music Festival on August 25-27, 2017

Credit: Visit Carlsbad. 

Filed Under: Travel