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NYE Guide: San Diego

So if you followed my adventures through San Diego a couple of weekends ago, then you saw that I had an absolute blast staying in Little Italy at the Porto Vista Hotel. It was the best location because it was away from the madness of downtown San Diego, but close enough to Uber there in minutes (priorities…right?). Not to mention it was just one street above the main street of Little Italy that is LINED with incredible Italian restaurants. It took me back to my study abroad days and made me want to just sit on a patio with wine and cheese all night. But I refrained, because I had too many other fun things to experience! Such as, a trial run for NYE!

The Porto Vista Hotel is one of the many locations in San Diego with a killer rooftop view. Their restaurant, Glass Door, has an unobstructed view of the harbor, as well as the beautiful buildings of downtown! Not to mention you can indulge yourself in some wine after dinner on the rooftop. Or in this case, pop some Champs in celebration of 2016! (How weird is that…where did you go 2015?!?!?)

OPI nail polish

This NYE Guide is here to help you through the night, and also help you make some great decisions for the entire weekend! If you’re a SD native, or you’re looking at places to stay for NYE…then this blog is for you 🙂

WHERE TO STAY:

So I may be a little biased, but the Porto Vista Hotel truly was the perfect spot. It was recently renovated, which makes it that much better! {See the reviews on Trip Advisor} My favorite part was the option to dine at the hotel with the best view ever, or venture down the street should I want to mix things up the following night! Trust me though, once you see the menu at Glass Door, you’re going to stay put. Try the sliders, they’re TO DIE FOR.

Another reason I really loved my stay at the hotel was because of the staff! They were so polite and efficient! They also offer a texting service that sends quick updates and allows you to send through requests if you need anything. How cool is that?

san diego hotel

Oversized Button Down Pajama Dress, c/o Maison du Soir

Honestly, anywhere near the Gaslamp will be FUN, but you have to think of higher prices due to the holiday season, AND the traffic. It’ll be crazy loud all night, so anywhere just outside of Gaslamp would be much more ideal (i.e. Little Italy…which leads me back to Porto Vista Hotel).

The hotel has underground parking & a valet staff that offers a complimentary shuttle service until 8PM, so you wouldn’t even have to worry about a ride into town and your car is safe and sound, away from the crazies that might be out that night! Win-WIN.

PRIMP

OPI has the best colors, so when it comes to dressing my nails up, it’s my go-to! These two colors are on my nails, and they’re so fun together!

Pink: Chicago Champagne Toast

Glitter: Super Star Status

OPI COLORS OPI

WHAT TO DO ON NYE:

EAT! DO NOT FORGET TO EAT! It is so important to fill yourself up before a night out (of course I’m assuming you will be consuming alcoholic beverages…even if you don’t, you still need to eat!) I HIGHLY recommend Glass Door. It was honestly so good and their Moscow Mules are ridiculous. And again, nothing beats that view!
glass door san diego porto vista rooftop restaurant san diego restaurant

Black Tank Top (I wear this almost every time I go out in Santa Monica LOL so bad. I love the layered hemline!), c/o Cooper & Ella

Downtown SD has INFINITE options on NYE. Honestly, there are so many places to go that you will be shocked you’ve never spent NYE in SD before! And if you have, then you must try this spot and tell me how it is in comparison to your past NYE celebrations! Porto Vista Hotel is throwing a huge party called Above & Neon. There is an open bar from 10pm-2am, which already makes the ticket worth it. Because you’re going to be spending a ton of money anywhere else you go! Check out the Facebook info, and purchase tickets here.

The event is obviously neon theme, which is SO FUN, but here is everything else you can expect from your NYE at Porto Vista Hotel!

Above & Neon 2016 NYE Bash

-Access to the Ripassi Rooftop overlooking the San Diego Harbor at the Porto Vista Hotel
-Premium open bar from 10pm-2am (HELLO)
-Neon Takeaways
Midnight Champagne Toast
-Music by DJ Girth
A NIGHT OUT:
Aside from NYE plans, there are so many places to go on a regular night out! Here are the places I always visit when I’m downtown!
Vin de Syrah (underground; you have to use a secret door to get inside!)
Bootlegger (honestly…so fun to dance at)
Rustic Root (new place to go! Open roof top bar that is so cute)
Barleymash (fun for drinks)
Bang Bang (they have a Ryan Gosling girl’s bathroom. Enough said)
Moonshine Flats (the BEST country bar I’ve ever been to. They also have a “backyard” with a ton of fun drinking games)
Top of the Hyatt (a classy, quiet bar that is literally at the top of the Hyatt downtown. Incredible 360 views of San Diego, and can be very romantic)
Prohibition (small, underground, live Jazz music. Recommended for a small group of people because they reach capacity quickly)
Noble Experiment (never been but I hear it’s such a fun speakeasy! Email for a reservation)
 
THE MORNING AFTER:
We all know that brunch is the best way to spend a Sunday (especially after Church…such a perfect day); if you don’t want to indulge yourself in a little breakfast with a view, or breakfast in bed from Glass Door, then here are my suggestions!
Zanzibar (BEST Eggs Benedict)
Cafe Chloe (cute atmosphere)
Cafe Gratitude (just opened in Little Italy!)
Donut Bar (such a good experience, but get there EARLY. Line is always massive)
To The Point (the cutest little cafe ever in Point Loma)
OB Warehouse (it’s a bit of a drive, but SO worth it. Best Bloody Mary’s ever. Part of Cohn Group!)
*any Cohn Group restaurants are a good idea. Look at the full list and see how many options you have, they’re honestly unbeatable and all so diverse!
TIME TO KILL:
Obviously shopping is always high on my agenda when I have any free time, so here are a couple of my favorite spots! They’re not in Downtown San Diego, but they’re worth the drive if you have time!
Mimi & Red, North Park & La Jolla
Dreamgirls, Ocean Beach (complimentary beer served to all boyfriends who tag along!)
Studio 1220, Del Mar
Miss Match, Coronado & Ocean Beach
The Fabulous Rag, Pacific Beach
If you have any questions about visiting San Diego, please email me! I lived there for 5 years…so I have plenty of info to share 🙂

downtown little italy san diego san diego rooftopwhere to stay in san diegosan diego porto vista  nail polish nye porto vista hotelNYE champagne OPI nail polish nye guide san diego new years eve guide

Dress, c/o Cooper & Ella | Nail Polish, c/o OPI | Sandals

Thank you Porto Vista Hotel for such a lovely experience!

Photography by Allyson Clark 
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One thought on “NYE Guide: San Diego

  1. Noble Experiment is super cool! You enter through a hidden door and the bartenders really know their craft! Tell them what spirits you like and they’ll make you something awesome! Plus, they have really cool ice cubes. Definitely check it out!

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