Beyond the Oasis
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!
- Tiki Sites in San Diego
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Day Trip Ideas
To get you started on your self-guided Tiki tour here’s a list of our fave sites.
If you find others please let us know!
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Catamaran Hotel - Don't let the fancy website fool you. There is plenty of cool Tiki to be found on premises. 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, California 92109, (858) 488-1081 Bali Hai Restaurant - 2230 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 222-1181. The site of Tiki Oasis opening party as well as a regular stop for Arthur Lyman during his days of touring the mainland from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. Bali Hai s also a great stop for Sunday brunch. Critiki's - San Diego section is a good starting point covering the major attractions with great photos |
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 Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites - 2303 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 29106, (619) 224-3411 |
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Albie's Beef Inn - Near King's Inn Hotel, Albie's is a classic steak house and lounge complete with live musical entertainment and velvet paintings of nude ladies. If you like classic Americana this is a must stop. If you can't make it for dinner then stop for steak and eggs at Adam's next door. 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 Mandarin House - good strong drinks plus the ONLY place in town that serves a flaming volcano. 2604 5th Avenue -between Maple St & Nutmeg St - San Diego, CA 92103 |
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 Zanzibar Cafe - nice coffeehouse/cafe if you are heading to the Pacific Beach area. 976 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, (858) 272-4762 |
Three Voyages to Paradise
May 27, 2011 - January 1, 2012.
This exhibit will focus on the Capt Cook voyages as illustrated by Melville and Gauguin. the art exhibit has both flat art (paintings and sketches) and sculpture.
This privately owned collection has only been shown once before and that was in Hong Kong.
For more information - sdmaritime.org
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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.! |
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Tijuana, Mexico - Score some real Havana Club Cuban Rum from a country who does not have an embargo. |
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The above restaurants and more are listed here thanks to the Tiki Central crowd