Get ready to rewrite your San Diego summer bucket list with two traditions you’ll want to experience at least once (and probably twice). The Bahia Resort Hotel offers an authentic California Dreaming Beach Party complete with Beach Boys tunes, barbecue, dancing on the beach and fun activities the kiddos will talk about for days. The Catamaran Resort and Hotel brings a taste of Polynesia to SoCal with its Sunset Luau experience. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgia on the beach or a taste of Hawaii, these summer experiences will take your San Diego summer to an entirely new level.
California Dreaming Beach Part of the Decades
Nothing says summer like sandy beaches, surfing’ safari music, clam bakes and barbecue. The California Dreaming Beach Party at the Bahia Resort Hotel has it all! This summer mainstay is a perfect family treat where you can live out your California Dreams and celebrate summer and enjoy a beachside concert.
What’s on the Menu
The hallmark of the California Dreaming beach party is the signature clambake, filled with steamed mussels and clams, shrimp, linguica sausage, steamed red potatoes and corn on the cob. But make sure to save room for the carved trip tip station, barbecue chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and summer salads.
Kids will love having their own special buffet with items like tater tots, pizza, steak and fruit. Everyone will scream of the tasty s’mores cake and ice cream desserts.
Insider Tip: If you arrive from 6 – 6:45 p.m., you’ll be treated to a tropical cocktail when you walk through the entrance. Kids won’t be left out – a tropical lemonade is ready for them, too!
Family Fun and Entertainment
You won’t hear the words “I’m bored” coming for your kids this evening. Face painting takes places until 6:45 p.m. After that, there’s plenty of interactive dancing, including hula looping, beach ball tosses and the Limbo. Kiddos and adults can dance their hearts (and feet) away to the awesome performance by San Diego’s signature band, The Mar Dels. The fun takes place right on the beach, so shoes are always optional. And if need to cool off, let the kiddos dip their toes into the bay.
Insider Tip: Save time to see the amazing animals at the Bahia. Gracie the Seal and her Sidekick Billy are waiting for kids to check them out.
Dates: Thursdays, June 23 – Sept. 1, 6 – 9 p.m.
Prices: $44-$49/adult; $20/kiddo (5-12 years); free/kids under 5
Bahia Resort Hotel
998 West Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-488-0551
Online: bahiahotel.com/dining-entertainment/california-dreaming
photo: Catamaran Hotel
Sunset Luau at the Catamaran
If your’e dreaming about a trip to Hawaii, add this San Diego tradition to your summer bucket list. The annual Sunset Luau events at the Catamaran Resort and Hotel are a festive celebration of Polynesian food, music and dances perfect for family and friends. Luau guests are treated to a beautiful lei upon arrival and a fruity Mai Tai (or fruity drink for the under 21 guests).
photo: Leah Singer
What’s on the Menu
Before the entertainment starts, indulge in a tasty all-you-can-eat buffet that includes authentic Polynesian tastes, including Kalua Roast Pig. There’s also tropical fruit, roast salmon with ginger lime cream sauce, Island pineapple coleslaw and guava chicken.
And that’s just for adults. Kids will love their own buffet with pineapple Jello, fresh fruit, Hawaiian pizza, coconut-crusted chicken strips and tater tots. Dessert for the young and not-as-young include pineapple upside down cake, coconut cream cake, passion fruit creme brulle, mini macadamia nut tarts and haupia.
Insider Tip: While the food is delicious and there’s quite an abundance of it, many of the dishes include meat (even in the kids buffet). So if you’re a vegetarian, make sure to plan ahead and expect fewer choices.
photo: Leah Singer
Family Fun and Entertainment
Local luau specialist Pride of Polynesia provides the authentic island music and dance. The performance includes hula and fiery torch dancers. Kids will love the fast-paced music and interactive entertainment. In fact, the Sunset Luaus have been known to call all the kiddos up to learn the hula on stage.
Insider Tips: Stick around after the Luau ends to watch the Sea World summer fireworks across the bay. You can also grab a photo on the Catamaran lawn with the Polynesian dancers and performers after the show.
And don’t think the amazing animals are limited to the Bahia Resort Hotel! Check out the taking birds at the Catamaran. Cockatoos, parrots and macaws await!
Dates: Tues., July 26 – Aug. 23; Fri., June 24 – Sept. 2; 6 – 9 p.m.
Prices: $49-$69/adult; $19-$32/kiddo (5-12 years); free/kids under 5
Catamaran Resort and Hotel
3999 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-488-1081
Online: catamaranresort.com/dining-entertainment/sunset-luaus
Have you attended either of these summer traditions before? What’s your favorite part?
— Leah R. Singer (photos too, unless otherwise noted)
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