San Diego's long history as a major naval base and beach town as well as the fact that it experienced major growth in the early 1960s make it a prime site for Tiki Style urban archaeology. Nautical and tropical bars, restaurants, hotels, etc. were once everywhere and remnants of them can still be found scattered throughout the county. San Diego also offers great weather year-round. Morning fog quickly gives way to sunny summer days. Cool breezes usually pick back up in the early evening. San Diego has great surfing and bodysurfing beaches and great sandy beaches for sun bathing. If you find the SD beaches too crowded, California's southernmost city is just a hop away from sunny Mexico beaches where seafood dinners are half the price!

Transportation

While it is not necessary to rent a car it is recommended if you plan to sightsee. Hotels do not provide shuttle service. Taxi cabs are an option if traveling with a small group. You can also hop on the Where Tours bus for a lift to Bali Hai on Thursday and other sightseeing tours throughout the weekend.!

Tiki Sites in San Diego

Catamaran Hotel - Don't let the fancy website fool you. There is plenty of cool Tiki to be found on premises.

Spa Tiki - Surround yourself with Tiki while relaxing in an upscale spa. Included in the standard package is a tropical drink!
200 Harbor Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 231-4363

Trader Mort's Liquor - The legendary Tiki on the corner of Trader Mort's was immortalized in a mug last year by Munktiki. Mort's sits at the entryway to Shelter Island and is the primer for Tiki things to come. As you drive onto the island note the fence posts with Minimalist Moai style faces carved into the tops. 2904 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 224-3771

Bali Hai Restaurant - 2230 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 222-1181

Critiki's, San Diego section is a good starting point covering the major attractions with great photos

Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites - 2303 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 29106, (619) 224-3411!

Restaurants

Albee's Beef Inn - 1201 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108,
(619) 291-1103

Imperial House - Continental restaurant and cocktail lounge. 505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 234-3525

Old Trieste Restaurant - exclusive dinner at a place run by the original owner for 36 years. 2335 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110,
(619) 276-1841

Filippi's Pizza Grotto - historic Italian restaurant. 1747 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 232-5094

Hob Nob Hill - historic coffee shop. 2271 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92101,
(619) 239-8176

Mister Tiki - Located in the center of the historic and happenin downtown Gaslight District Mister Tiki boasts good Asian Fusion food and decent drinks. It is decked out with dozens of Bosko Tikis. 801 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 233-1183

The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop - The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop is a classic, they have been in business since 1938. 2633 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 295-0156

Kings Inn/Waffle Stop - across the highway from The Hanalei hotel...
They have the best waffle mascot and nice classic Diner ambiance with great breakfasts at a good price

Hash House A Go Go - voted best breakfast in San Diego. 3628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, (619) 298-4646

Ricky's Family Restaurant" - Ikabod from the Cult of the Eye recommends the Strawberry Banana souffle, an apple pancake that could feed an army, and the best french toast anywhere. 2181 Hotel Cir S, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 291-4498

Tickled Trout - For karaoke or Pub Food. 2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 291-6500

For a list of vintage eateries and restaurants in the area visit the informative LA Time Machine site's San Diego section.

Museums

The Lawrence Welk Museum - in nearby Escondido needs no explanation.It is on par with something you'd expect to find in the desert just outside
Las Vegas.

Mingei International Museum - in Balboa Park sometimes has interesting ethnic exhibits. They once had an exhibit on barkcloth including Tapa from around Oceania.!

Day Trip Ideas

Tijuana, Mexico. Score some real Havana Club Cuban Rum from a country who does not have an embargo.

The above restaurants and more are listed here thanks to the
Tiki Central crowd