Concierges' Amusement Choices for Gray Days

San Diego has much to offer, even on the "June Gloom" days. (It's usually sunny by afternoon, anyway.) In fact, many of San Diego’s attractions are more enjoyable on cooler days. Four of our local hotel concierges offered their favorite gray day destination suggestions. 

“Don’t worry, everything is still open,” says Karina Chung of Hyatt Islandia “There’s always Balboa Park.” The Museum of Art is her favorite, but for children’s best amusement, she suggests the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, with the hands-on equipment at the Exploratorium and the I-Max theatre. 

“SeaWorld is so close to us, so I’d say to go there, even if it’s not sunny,” Karina says.  She also tells her visitors that it’s a good day to visit the San Diego Zoo. The animals come out more in the gray days,” she says. “So, get on the double-decker bus tour and the aerial tram.

Theresa Hill at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines agrees that the museums at Balboa Park and the I-Max theatre in the science center are good choices for cooler days.  “We’re near the Birch Aquarium, so that’s nice, too,” she says. Another favorite recommendation is the hiking trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve. “It’s just a ten-minute walk from our hotel,” she says. “And you can still get the fabulous view, without sweating so much.” She tells her guests that the reserve hike makes for a wonderful afternoon, any day, sun or not. “It’s a way to clear your mind,” she says.

Shelley Fopiano at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara suggests heading inland to get away from the gloom at the shore. “Temecula wineries are 45 minutes from us,” she says.  “It’s a bit of a drive, but it would be beautiful there. Café Champagne at Thornton winery is lovely. Wilson Creek with its almond champagne is really good.” 

For family entertainment, she suggests the Wild Animal Park, which can be a scorcher on a mid-summer day. “If they are afraid it will be too hot inland, they can go to Carlsbad strawberry fields,” she says. “For a nominal charge, they get a big bucket and can pick strawberries to fill it.  The kids really like that,” she says.  The fields are right next to LegoLand, too, which offers additional family-friendly fun.   

Mark Yovanovich at the San Diego Marina Marriott agrees with his colleagues that the museums in Balboa Park offer a variety of exhibits for a less-than-sunny day.  The San Diego Historical Museum there allows guests to learn about our town’s history; the Air & Space museum is another good bet. “There are many museums there with different subjects, so it depends on your interest which you would choose,” he says.

But Mark remains undeterred by a bit of fog. “I would tell them that even if it’s overcast, you can enjoy the beach. It’s still beautiful,” he says. “I’ve spent some great days during overcast weather.” Perhaps taking Mark’s advice is the easiest alternative of all. “If you only have a day or two to spend in San Diego, you should still go to the beach,” he says.  rose garden across the footbridge from the fountain right here in San Diego.