Concierges Choose Cuddle Places

Sure, it’s not Jack Frost nipping at noses, but SoCal does have fall.  It’s the season where locals don their leather jackets after dark and visitors truly do need a sweater in the evenings.  The little chill in the air make you want to snuggle up someplace, so we asked a few concierges to disclose their favorite outdoor cuddle spots.

Tina McKinley doesn’t want to go far from her post at San Diego Marina Marriott, so she and her sweetie wander out to the hotel marina “to watch the ships go by. We’ll stop and get some cheese and crackers and a thermos of cappuccino or latte to take along,” she says. For a little more excitement, there’s the roller coaster at Mission Beach or LegoLand, where the thrill is heightened by the ride.

Justin Sondgroth at Westin Horton Plaza goes to Balboa Park with a latte and chooses a place on the lawn with a view of the Museum of Man’s steeple and dome. “I always like looking at it; it’s so beautiful,” he says, “and there’s the additional entertainment of watching the airplanes coming in over the trees.” He recommends bringing a picnic lunch and soaking up the last afternoon rays of sun. The park is near downtown, too, so you can enjoy clubbing later. 

Margaret Clive of Morgan Run Resort prefers a walk on the trail at Torrey Pines State Park. “I’d bring a nice picnic and a bottle of wine to watch the sunset on that little bench at the end, overlooking the ocean,” she says. “But you don’t have to go all the way out there. Anywhere on the trails is just lovely and there are lots of benches where you can stop.” 

The benches at the Ferry Landing are favorites of Laura Diaz-Kim of Glorietta Bay Inn. “Bring a light blanket and a hot cocoa and watch the boats,” she says. Afterwards, pop into one of the many Landing’s eateries for dinner. For a family picnic, Laura says Tidelands Park is a good place because the kids can play on the equipment while parents sneak a smooch.  

Susanne Warwick at the Dana on Mission Bay also loves Coronado, and thinks a blanket on the beach and a thermos of hot chocolate make the scene even more romantic.  For a hideaway off the usual path, Susanne chooses the rose garden in Coronado by the Ferry Landing. “It’s lovely, and there’s a little beach nearby, too,” she says.

Town & Country’s Jill Moniz picks Cabrillo National Monument “for the best view.”  But she would make it easy for cuddlers-to-be. “Anywhere on the beach in La Jolla is my favorite,” she says.