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Drink in the lovely offerings at this tea boutique, across from the Public Market at Liberty Station. Part tea bar, part retail shop and tea room, Point Loma Tea features a menu of caffeinated and non-caffeinated, iced and hot, plus floral and herbal options, either to go or to enjoy on the pretty premises. Can’t decide? The shop carries over 100 organic, whole leaf teas of all different styles and flavors perfectly lined up in large jars ready to be discovered. Think white, green, Chai, Darjeeling, Oolong, Pu-erh, and other aromatic delights. Accessories are as carefully curated as the tea collection. Teapots, colorful brew mugs, floating infusers, ceremonial Matcha tins, and scone mixes dot the store in artful displays. Also sample seasonal blends like Caribbean Breeze (pictured), a delicious fruit infusion of kiwi, pineapple and apple. Open 11 a.m-5 p.m. Tues-Wed; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thurs; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri-Sat.; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Point Loma Tea

Dine under the sun or stars, dive into whale-watching, enjoy high-speed jet boat fun, and take in the scenery aboard the ferry to and from Coronado — all with Flagship Cruises & Events! The only locally and family-owned and-operated fleet, yacht charter, tour, and event company sails around San Diego Bay year-round, offering breathtaking city and harbor views.

Dinner and Sunday Brunch cruises feature a taste of local history, scenic sights, and sumptuous California cuisine from Flagship’s onboard chef. Choose indoor or outdoor seating when booking, and no matter where you sit, you’ll enjoy fresh air, spacious comfort and spectacular views. Also not to be missed is the Friday night dinner cruise Hops On The Harbor, serving up local brews paired with bountiful gourmet bites! The Sunday Brunch cruises feature a plated service with mouthwatering menu items such as Bananas Foster French Toast and Chicken and Waffles.

Daily one and two-hour harbor tours narrated by the city’s most knowledgeable guides let guests see San Diego from a local’s perspective. The harbor tours glide under the Coronado Bridge, past military ships, waterfront landmarks and marine life, for an up-close, in-depth look at San Diego’s beauty and fascinating history. During summer, the last harbor tour of the day (5:30 p.m.) turns into a floating happy hour. Ask for the bartender’s daily drink specials, and toast to a delightful day on the Bay!

For a completely different experience, dive into an unforgettable whale-watching excursion. Magnificent California gray whales migrate from their summer feeding grounds in the North Pacific and Bering Sea to their winter breeding grounds in the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California and trek back north again, passing by San Diego mid-December through mid-April. During the four-hour cruise, onboard naturalists guide guests, commenting on the migratory patterns and ocean habitat of these gentle giants. Whale sightings are guaranteed; guests who have not witnessed a whale may ride again for free! As for all sailings, limited capacities and social distancing is required.

Have the need for speed? Zoom across the water in the Patriot Jet Boat, an adventure filled with turbo-charged fun! The Patriot takes off weekends year-round with guests guaranteed to get wet! Or slow down to a comfortable pace on the Flagship Ferry, running daily between Coronado Island and San Diego. The Ferry continues as a vital daily service — and at only $5 a ride, it is one of the best values around!

Need a venue for your wedding, bridal shower or other occasion? Flagship yachts provide a safe and magical venue with outdoor space and incredible views. Flagship honors the important milestones happening in your life with a memorable meal — safely with abundant space — and incredible photo opportunities.

Gourmet dinner cruises, narrated harbor tours, open-air jet boat rides, top deck sunset dinners, special events, all with abundant space and unobstructed views — Flagship does it all! For reservations, call (800) 442-7847 or (619) 234-6111 or visit https://www.flagshipsd.com.

Discover spectacular cultural, recreational and wellness pursuits on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, a tribal treasure gracing the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Activities include an expansive new center dedicated to the culture, history, and ancestral land of the Agua Caliente people; a state-of-the-art spa, nearby canyons for hiking, biking and picnicking, and two visually stunning championship golf courses.

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza

Begin your journey at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, a vibrant hub in the downtown district. With the 12,000-year-old Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring as its inspiration, the impressive 5.8-acre complex immerses guests in the history and traditions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians through its world-class museum, healing spa, Gathering Plaza, and interactive walking trail.

Before entering the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, note the rounded architecture of the building evoking the imagery of a basket, a component vital to the Cahuilla people. Inside, explore the Permanent Gallery dedicated to telling the story of the Agua Caliente people, from the native flora and fauna of the Indian Canyons to ancient artifacts. The museum also includes a changing gallery, an educational classroom, and event space.

Outdoors, relax at the communal Gathering Plaza and stroll the interpretive Oasis Trail, featuring native plants, rock formations, and flowing water that reflect the landscape of the nearby Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon — the Tribe’s ancestral homes. The Spa at Séc-he, sitting at the site of the ancient Hot Mineral Spring, offers mineral soaking tubs, outdoor pools, massage and other rejuvenating therapies. Learn more about the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza here

Tahquitz and Indian Canyons and Indian Canyons Golf Resort

Take in the natural beauty of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation while exploring its ancestral lands. Walk in the footsteps of the Agua Caliente people during hikes through the sacred Tahquitz and Indian Canyons: Palm, Andreas and Murray. Tahquitz Canyon features a spectacular seasonal 60-foot waterfall, rock art, native wildlife, and plants. Relax under magnificent palm trees in Palm Canyon, the world’s largest naturally occurring oasis of Washingtonia filifera palm trees (California fan palms). The canyon is nestled in with two other distinct canyons — Andreas and Murray — each offering scenic foot trails, stream-crossings, bird-watching and picnicking. Order Indian Canyon tickets online here

At Indian Canyons Golf Resort, drive, chip, and putt on two championship courses. The scenic South Course features rolling mounds and fairways with over 850 palm trees, and 500 Washingtonia filifera palm trees (California fan palms) native to the Agua Caliente Tribe. The North Course meanders through the stylish Canyon district dotted with mid-century homes. The most notable water hazard — the historic Walt Disney fountain that shoots water jets over 100 feet high — is between the 9th and 18th holes. With the majestic San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop, Indian Canyons Golf Resort is a visual delight unmatched in the Greater Palm Springs area. Book a tee time here

The Spa at Séc-he

Immerse yourself in the warm, healing waters of this state-of-the-art wellness destination gracing the heart of Palm Springs. The premier spa complex, set on the sacred Hot Mineral Spring of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, envelops guests in a luxurious, resort-like atmosphere. Sink into one of 22 private soaking tubs, float pods, a zero-edge outdoor mineral pool, and the sparkling freshwater main pool.

Drift away during a massage or skin care treatment. Breathe easier in halotherapy salt caves and the menthol inhalation sauna. Feel revitalized at the salon and fitness center — complete with a cryotherapy chamber, and hydrate and refuel at the café. Day Pass guests enjoy use of all spa facilities plus a private, 15-minute mineral soak. (Bring your swimsuit and fitness gear should you plan to work out). Reserve your blissful experience here

Location

Located in Palm Springs

100 N. Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264

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Hours of Operation:

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, Museum & The Spa at Séc-He

Offices
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264

Carolyn Howard
PassPort to San Diego

Looking to get together with family and friends to cheer on the 2024 Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs? Kansas City BBQ in downtown San Diego has got you covered! Their back room can accommodate approximately 40 people seated at tables all with clear views of the five TVs within the room to take in all the action. It’s not just the Kansas City Chiefs that can be watched and celebrated. Consider seeing your favorite pro or college sports team at this venue!

A full bar and food menu offers all of your BBQ favorites. Some I sampled included beef brisket that was lean and smoked to perfection as was the pulled pork. The pork spare ribs were meaty with a dry rib and sauce for dipping on the side. The chicken breast was moist under the crispy skin. Sides included creamy mac and cheese with a delicious cheddar flavor, homemade potato salad, baked beans that were sweet and tangy and my favorite: light and crispy beer battered onion rings! To finish off the meal, be sure to order the homemade peach cobbler — a top seller!

The menu is available throughout the restaurant, the outdoor patio and at the bar.

The venue is not just a culinary destination but also a piece of cinematic history as it served as the iconic filming location for the 1986 hit movie “Top Gun.” Check out pictures and actual props from the film, including the piano used in a scene in which Goose and Maverick (played by Anthony Edwards and Tom Cruise, respectively) belt out “Great Balls of Fire.” This San Diego landmark also celebrated its 41st anniversary in May!

Kansas City Barbeque is a proud supporter of the men and women serving in the armed forces and features daily specials, friendly service and memorabilia that make everyone feel right at home. The eatery continues to has serve up its annual free Thanksgiving dinner for active duty military, who enjoy smoked turkey dinner buffet served with all the fixings.

Located steps from Seaport Village, the floating U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, the convention center and downtown’s major hotels, the restaurant is a great choice for corporate and private events. It caters to large groups of 30-500 both on premises and off premises. Popular events include birthday parties, military hail and farewell parties and “Top Gun” sales parties. The restaurant has a barbecue smoker for large offsite events.

For a great meal with friends and family, with a side of warm, friendly atmosphere, Kansas City Barbeque’s the place. Find it at 600 W. Harbor Drive in San Diego and visit anytime starting at 11 a.m. daily until 11 p.m. Call (619) 231-9680 or visit http://kcbbq.net/.

There’s something magical about Old Town San Diego in the evening—the history, the charm, and during a certain night in September, the flavor. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Taste of Old Town San Diego & Tequila Tour, a delightful culinary event that brought together the best bites and sips from around the area.

Held on a beautiful Thursday night from 6 to 9 PM, the event featured 16 participating restaurants, each offering a unique tasting experience. From the moment I checked in and received my event map, I knew this was going to be something special.

Surprising Portions & Diverse Flavors

One of the first things that struck me? The portion sizes. I came expecting small samples, but many stops offered generous servings—a pleasant surprise that made pacing myself essential if I was going to make it through all 16 spots.

While Mexican cuisine was well represented (as you’d expect in Old Town), there were also unexpected delights like juicy burgers, savory breakfast bites, and even refreshing ice cream. The variety made the experience all the more enjoyable and ensured there was something to satisfy every craving.

Easy to Navigate, Easy to Enjoy

The event layout was seamless. The walking route was easy to follow, with clear signage and a thoughtfully designed map that highlighted each stop and its featured offerings. There was no backtracking or confusion—just a relaxed stroll through the charming streets of Old Town, food and drink in hand.

Another bonus? The event wasn’t overly crowded. It struck that perfect balance between lively and laid-back, allowing guests to savor each stop without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

A Must-Attend Annual Tradition

Whether you’re a local or just visiting San Diego, the Taste of Old Town San Diego & Tequila Tour is an event worth marking on your calendar. It’s more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to experience the flavors, culture, and hospitality that make Old Town such a special place.

If you’re a fan of good food, craft cocktails, and a night well spent, be sure to look out for next year’s event. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you. For more information about Old Town visit https://www.oldtownsandiego.org/

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve – Cast a line, rent a pedal boat, enjoy a picnic, and camp out at this peaceful preserve in the heart of East County. Just a short drive for most locals, this beautiful 190-acre park and RV campground surrounds a chain of seven private, recycled water lakes that are stocked with sport fish year-round. No state license is required; just a permit from the property’s General Store. More than 35,000 pounds of catfish and rainbow trout are stocked in the Lakes (on a seasonal basis). Bluegill and bass are also prevalent, with a catch-and-release policy on large-mouth bass.

The oasis further offers five miles of trails for walking, running and biking, and has seven playgrounds, including a Sprayground for hot summer days, and Boulder Island for adventurous types. The park is also home to more than 230 species of birds. Enthusiasts are invited to photograph the various waterfowl, grebes, raptors and other birds and may download a list of those spotted at Santee Lakes here.

Visitors planning an overnight stay may rent cabins on the lakefront or take advantage of the 300-site full hook-up campground. Cabin options include Lakefront, Floating or ADA — all providing nature’s best views! Enjoy WiFi, kitchenettes, living rooms with a sofa, TV and outdoor amenities such as propane barbecues with utensils, in all of the cabins. Lakefront cabins each have a cozy front porch, fire ring and shared pedal boats, while the floating cabins share a community fire ring and have their own private pedal boat, and porch.

Don’t feel like cooking? Discover the campground’s newest palate-pleaser: Topwater Grill. The eatery serves a California-American classic menu, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, steak sandwiches, garlic fries, paninis, bowls, plus a kids’ menu and breakfast items, all paired with a sunny, expansive dining deck overlooking the water. Wine and beer are also available. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Spend a quiet day or weekend exploring and taking in the fresh air, or stop in at the Clubhouse, a center for family-oriented fun. Activities throughout the year include the Kids’ Fishing Derby, Firefighters Fishing Derby, Summer Jams On Deck, Stockzilla, Ladies at the Lake Fall Market, Spooktacular, Trick-or-Treating (Campground Only), and the dazzling Lights at the Lakes Holiday Show.

9310 FANITA PARKWAY
SANTEE , CA 92071
(619) 596-3141

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