Sure, everyone seems to be falling in love with their Hinge dates lately, but that doesn’t mean the good old-fashioned meet-cute is dead and gone—especially when the sun comes out and everyone’s searching for someone to put sunscreen on their back. And if Love Island has taught the world anything, it’s that nothing sparks romance like donning a swimsuit and flirting with strangers.
Looking to couple up (sans cameramen) with your own perfect match? Here are 10 hotel pools in San Diego where you might meet your soulmate this summer.
Kimpton Alma
Courtesy of The Kimpton Alma
Kimpton Alma San Diego
Who You’ll Find: Your Pet’s New Step-parent
Do you find it ridiculous or adorable when someone brings their dog everywhere? If you lean toward the awww side of the spectrum, your soulmate could be at Kimpton Alma. The dog-friendly hotel attracts people who wouldn’t dream of leaving town without their fur baby. If you want to be a step-parent to a cute pooch, spend a few minutes by the pool or rooftop bar and start a conversation with a hottie by complimenting their pet’s Prada collar or shiny coat.
Town and Country Resort pool
Courtesy of Town and Country Resort
Town and Country San Diego
Who You’ll Find: Jet-Set Single Parents
The pool at Town & Country is filled with families spending their vacation days in sunny San Diego. But don’t worry, scattered around the deck are plenty of single parents ready to mingle and chat about life with three children under age 10. If you’re looking to Von Trapp the situation, this is where to spend your weekend days with the kids. Plus, their Twister water slide is open to adults, and what’s not to love about that?
Kona Kai Resort pool
Courtesy of Kona Kai Resort
Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Who You’ll Find: The Good-With-Their-Hands Type
Point Loma is a haven for sailors and seamen captaining sailboats around Shelter Island and in America’s Cup Harbor. So it’s no surprise the people you’ll find lounging near the Kona Kai pool are the same people holding up a dorado in their dating app photos. They tend to get a bad rep, but you wouldn’t be disappointed if your significant other brought home fresh ahi for dinner each night, right? Plus, we hear they’re good with their hands—you know, keeping track of all those jib and main lines.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego – Sunburn pool party
Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Who You’ll Find: Bronzed Beauties & Washboard Abs
Sometimes you want the chaos and revelry of Vegas without the hassle of the 15 or the lost-luggage roulette you play every time you check your suitcase on a flight—which is why San Diego has the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp. The property’s pool is the place to go if you’re looking for bronzed, highly tattooed men spraying Champagne during every beat drop and women wearing high heels to show off their assets. You know the people you see on Instagram who somehow always make it behind the DJ stand at the club? That’s the energy you can expect here.
The Pendry
Courtesy of The Pool House
Pendry San Diego
Who You’ll Find: Your Secret Instagram Crush
If the Hard Rock gives Vegas, think of the Pendry San Diego as the Coachella of pool parties. The smell of spray tan fills the air as girls and guys wear as little clothing as legally possible—and snap the social media photos to prove it. Fridays and Saturdays are popping at Pendry; however, the Pool House turns it up a notch on Sundays (we see you, industry folks). All-weekend warriors and IG influencers will meet their match here. Do it for the follow.
La Jollans live for La Valencia’s day pass because the pool area offers wifi, so you can work from a lounger and mingle with other people who are sipping cocktails and moving their mouse every few minutes to keep their Slack status on “active.” Grab a Torrey Tea, take your AirPods out, and don’t be afraid to spark a conversation with that good-looking single a couple of chairs over.
Hotel Del Coronado pool
Courtesy of The Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado
Who You’ll Find: Your Sugar Dad…Person
Come July, Coronado becomes a who’s who of well-to-do Arizonians escaping the heat for the summer. If dating someone who views the Waste Management Open as their Olympics is up your alley, find a chair poolside at The Hotel Del. The clientele dresses ultra-preppy and wants you to know they have enough money to afford the hotel’s expensive beachside casitas—and, while many of them are likely married retirees, gossiping with them puts you one step closer to a blind date with their hot-shot lawyer son or doctor daughter.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar pool
Courtesy of The Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Who You’ll Find: Well-to-Do 40-Somethings
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is tucked behind one of San Diego’s wealthiest neighborhoods. The poolside vibe is old money meets country club chic—the men probably spend more money golfing monthly than you do on rent, and the women sport expensive athleisure and tennis bracelets with perfectly wrinkleless foreheads. The resort guests and members of The Grand Golf Club can access the pools here, so grab a cocktail and wait for the honeys to exit the course.
The Cassara Carlsbad, pool
The Cassara Carlsbad
The Cassara Carlsbad
Who You’ll Find: Singles Who Enjoy Working Out on Vacation
It’s no fancy aquatic center, but you’ll likely find the athletic type around The Cassara Carlsbad’s quiet pool with its dedicated lanes for lap swimming. (The nearby Equinox doesn’t have a pool, so locals hit this place up to practice their backstroke.) These are the same types of people who run 5Ks with their families on holidays, so before you make eyes at the Michael Phelps look-alike across the water, make sure you’re willing to put in 3.1 miles before breakfast on Thanksgiving.
The Seabird
Courtesy of The Seabird
The Seabird Resort
Who You’ll Find: Like, Totally Chill Brahs, Dude
This quintessential SoCal spot makes for the perfect soulmate-searching destination if your type has sun-bleached hair and is typically glued to a surfboard. Slip into the hot tub at The Seabird, which overlooks Oceanside Pier, and scope out wetsuit-clad singles. Your bird’s-eye view will allow you to separate the groms from the rippers.
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Molly Delmore is a freelance writer and content creator from San Diego. When she’s not checking out San Diego’s newest restaurants, bars, and shops, she’s planning her next trip to the mountains to snowboard or a new country to explore. Her work has been featured in San Diego Magazine, Mashed, and Tasting Table.
I hadn’t noticed him when he and his friend walked into Waterfront Bar in Little Italy. When Ryan (not his real name) came up and began introducing himself, I didn’t think much of it.
And then, I looked up. Six-foot-three, wearing a flat-brimmed hat and large grin—my five-one self was suddenly glad that I became a rock climber during the pandemic. Within minutes we were chatting and flirting. His hand began to graze my lower back as he spoke.
And then we kissed.
Smooching in bars at 40 isn’t my idea of romance, but if you make it to the top of the Empire State Building, you don’t miss out on the view.
At the other end of the bar, in a fun twist, my ex John was shooting his own shot with multiple women. There are some days that seem more scripted than others. Maybe I really am living in a rom com—or at least a comedy. Most days the rom feels elusive.
Ryan got my number and texted me the next day, but I didn’t hear from him again until three days later, when I reached out. The Lion’s Share in downtown was throwing an anniversary party, so I asked him to be my plus-one.
He was wishy-washy about his answer up until the event started. He agreed to show up a little late. This was the first time something inside me wondered if he was the commitment type, but it was still early.
I got butterflies when he arrived. He was immediately affectionate, stroking my back and complimenting my outfit. We kissed on barstools in a dark corner later that night as we sipped on tequila sodas and beer.
As we chatted over the next couple of days, I let him know that I didn’t want to be the only one asking the other person to hang, but still, I invited him to watch the Super Bowl with my friends and me. He said he’d let me know.
When he didn’t show and instead asked if I wanted to come by afterwards, I declined, feeling that sense women get when a guy only asks to hang late at night.
A few weeks after meeting Ryan, my matchmaker set up my first date with a pre-vetted person: Connor. He’s 44. A lawyer. He goes to therapy. He’s active and an avid traveler. He wants a family and loves pupusas (the food of my Salvadorian roots).
On paper he seemed like a catch.
My matchmaker let me know we’d be meeting at Stone Brewing in Liberty Station and gave me his number the day-of. First dates are always a little nerve-wracking, but meeting a complete stranger (save for three mediocre photos and a quick bio) was a bit less intimidating.
When he walked up, my initial reaction was that he was attractive, though not exactly my type. But Connor surprised me. I didn’t feel the same butterflies as I did with Ryan and we didn’t have the same flirtatious banter, but we had more meaningful conversations.
Connor showed up as a man—meaning, he didn’t seem like many of the young guys I had dated before. He spoke with self-awareness, shared his points of view while listening to mine, and asked me enough questions that I felt like it was a conversation and not a one-sided interview.
We also shared personal family stories. I opened up about private things that I would never share on a first date—stuff I’d usually withhold until we’re closer to relationship status. He told me about his family dynamics. Conversations like this could be uncomfortable for some this early on, but I appreciated that he laid it out for me and allowed me to decide what to do with it. There was no hiding for either of us.
After the date ended, he walked me to my car, we hugged, and I went home. I don’t think my insides were doing somersaults, but I do think meeting someone who has worked on themselves, knows their value, and possesses emotional intelligence is becoming harder to find these days—at least in my own dating life. It was refreshing.
He texted me before we went to bed, thanking me for hanging out. He also brought up an awkward moment that had occurred during the date and addressed it so that it didn’t linger longer than that evening.
Connor asked me to hang out again. Our next date is planned for tonight. He picked two places ahead of time—neither is in our neighborhoods (he had to do his research). It’s this little bit of effort that, in my convos with others, really makes a difference nowadays.
If I’m being honest, though, my gut is sending up a few warning signs with Ryan while my emotions need to catch up to my brain with Connor. I’m used to the Ryans of the world and see glimpses of my ex in him already. It’s easy to dive in head-first when the attraction is front and center, but I know that I don’t want to do the heavy-lifting while I date anymore.
With Connor, I’d normally be quick to assume it’s not a match. Not because we didn’t have a lot in common, but because the immediate attraction was missing. It’s not a novel concept to me that you can fall for someone’s character before falling for their looks. Some of my exes started as friends. But it’s sincerely hard to always put it into practice—especially when you feel like time isn’t on your side anymore (hello, 40).
Part of writing this column is to take accountability for how I date, but to also be willing to make the kinds of decisions that can finally change the course of my previous love stories. So with that, will I be able to cut things off with Ryan if he can’t match my dating efforts? Can I give Connor the time needed for something more to develop?
Time will tell how each plays out, so I guess you’ll have to come back next week to see how things are going. I’m curious to find out myself.
Nicolle Monico is an award-winning writer and the director of creative projects, digital editor for San Diego Magazine with more than 19 years of experience in media including Outside Run, JustLuxe and The San Francisco Chronicle.
In Unhinged, San Diego local and SDM editor Nicolle Monico shares her experiences dating in the citywhile hopefully finding love in the process.
“What I’m hearing is that you don’t like to be the one answering questions because you don’t feel like you have much to offer,” says a stranger sitting in front of me, five minutes after I meet him.
I start to sweat. This happens a lot when I get nervous, and not in a charming way. It’s the kind that lingers on your upper lip as you talk so you’re continually wiping your face.
I’m sitting in a large circle. It feels as though neon signs blink overhead, calling out my insecurities, as I scan the room of 25 other singles. We begin the second half of the mixer, starting with a meditation before discussing “authentic relating,” a concept that author Ryel Kestano laid out in his book Authentic Relating: A Guide to Rich, Meaningful, Nourishing Relationships.
As we meditate, I question why I’m here, who I could ever meet in this environment. Is finding a partner just not for me? Is everyone else as uncomfortable as I am?
Being a little uncomfortable is kind of the point, though. Authentic relating is designed to slice through the shallow pleasantries of the typical first date. “When you practice authentic relating, you are bringing your whole self into the relationship,” Singer says. “You’re not strategizing; you’re not playing games; you’re not changing yourself to be some version that you think the other person is going to like better than the real. And being seen and heard is healing.”
Kestano defines three levels of conversation: informational (pure facts), personal (feelings about facts), and relational.
“[The relational level] is a conversation where you are revealing your experience and what it feels like to be in this moment with the other person. It is always new,” Singer explains. “It is unscripted. This moment that we are having here has literally never happened before.”
According to Singer, level three is the game-changing key to connecting authentically with others. She asks us to share with each other what is “alive” for us in this moment. In less woo-woo terms: How are you actually feeling as you’re being asked to get to know this person?
As we follow Singer’s prompts, my conversation partner zeroes in on the fact that I tend to push attention off of myself because I don’t enjoy feeling vulnerable with strangers. (Truthfully, this column is not easy to write, at all.)
It’s a far cry from the “What do you do?” convos I usually have with acquaintances. In this setting, I couldn’t feign perfection and hide the parts of me that feel complicated or weak. But neither could he.
As we spoke, I learned that he had never participated in any type of dating meet-up or event like this and that it was overwhelming for him—so much so that during a mid-session break, he quietly slipped out and went home. Nevertheless, our mutual willingness to analyze our reactions and interactions humanized him. I found myself caring about him more than I would have had we just prattled about our favorite hobbies.
This is what seems to be missing in dating right now. Frustrated and fed up by endless failed dates and used to the split-second decision-making of swiping on apps, we might find it difficult to muster the energy to really connect with someone new, at least until we’ve assessed whether they’re worth the effort.
But maybe that’s the problem. What if we approached every date as a chance to engage with an interesting new person, whether or not it leads to a relationship? Every stranger has a story to tell. “We think that people connect to the glossy version of ourselves,” Singer says. “ But actually, where most connection takes place is with the messiest parts of our human experience.”
And, if we buy into Kestano’s words, being willing to get deep right away can help foster relationships built on honesty, integrity, trust, and wholeness.
The singles event wasn’t what I had expected, and it wasn’t always easy to release my ego and follow Singer’s suggestions. But I’m glad I went. The thing is, though, I’m nervous to share this post this week, because it all feels so obvious.
Yet, from what I’ve seen—and read in the flood of DMs I’ve received since starting this series—we’re not actually putting these ideas into practice. Could our perspective on dating change if we started seeing one-off dates as a good thing—an opportunity to learn something new about others and ourselves?
After all, I didn’t meet anyone that night, but I did use some of these methods on my first date with Connor (not his real name) this past Monday. He asked me out again (more on this later). Maybe he was attracted to my mess.
As always, thanks for following along. See you next Friday!
Nicolle Monico is an award-winning writer and the director of creative projects, digital editor for San Diego Magazine with more than 19 years of experience in media including Outside Run, JustLuxe and The San Francisco Chronicle.
In Unhinged, San Diego local and SDM editor Nicolle Monico shares her experiences dating in the city, seeks advice from relationship experts, and dissects the current landscape—while hopefully finding love in the process.
Last year, WalletHub named San Diego the ninth best city in the US for singles wanting to date. But if my dating apps and convos with other local singles are any indication of how true that is, I call BS. Sure, there are plenty of people open to dating, but finding commitment in a city full of Peter Pans is a different story.
I’ve lived in San Diego for 15 years and have dated in this town in my 20s, 30s, and now 40s. I’ve spent weeks chatting with a potential partner only to learn later that they aren’t ready for a relationship (even though their profile said otherwise). I’ve even had a guy leave my side to pick up food for a BBQ, then text me from the road that he’s breaking up with me.
I recently read a quote from Glynnis Macnicol, author of No One Tells You This—her debut memoir on women and singleness—that rang true. “Culturally there is a lot of messaging out there that after the age of 40, if you have not acquired a partner or child, you are sort of in a no man’s land of invisibility,” she toldRefinery 29.
Oof. I feel this.
Being single in your late 30s and 40s (not by choice), feels invisible—at least as a woman. You’re unseen, you’re in the way. No one really knows what to do with you in the dating world. You’re out of the PB nightlife scene and past the cut-off for young professional meet-up groups. Your married friends only have married friends. And dating apps just aren’t working anymore.
Then you have the US Census Bureau telling us that, currently, 57 percent of single adults aren’t interested in a relationship or casual dating. Great. Perfect. And according to a recent PEW research study, “A quarter of 40-year-old Americans have never been married, more than in any other time since data has been collected.”
Have we all just given up? Or has the culture shifted so far to one side that we’re all messier, more discontent, and unsure of how to make real connections nowadays?
I’d like some answers, or at least, some guidance on how single people are supposed to navigate a world filled with swipes, ghosting, and grown-ass adults saying they aren’t ready to commit.
My last relationship lasted three years, but there were so many ups and downs that I’m still working through some lingering whiplash. I inevitably redownloaded the dreaded apps. Hinge was my go-to. After a year, I deleted it one night in a fit of frustration.
So, over the next few months, I’ll be ditching the apps (getting un-Hinge-d, if you will), diving back into the wild world of dating, and sharing my experiences right here for all. I’m hoping that by getting vulnerable, while digging into San Diego’s dating scene, those who also feel unseen can start to realize they’re not alone. Together, maybe we can learn how to better find love in 2024. I’m genuinely hoping to meet someone special.
I’ll be documenting my personal dating experiences while working with local matchmaker and relationship coach Sophy Singer, dissecting dates and conversations, talking with experts in the field, unearthing current research on dating and mental health, and recounting the stories of other singles in San Diego so that we can figure this out together.
Up first: Tonight’s Valentine’s Day workout and mixer with F45 and Sophy Love. A little flirting, a little sweat, and a healthy amount of awkwardness—honestly, it sounds just like my first time.
Nicolle Monico is an award-winning writer and the director of creative projects, digital editor for San Diego Magazine with more than 19 years of experience in media including Outside Run, JustLuxe and The San Francisco Chronicle.
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
For thousands of years, the Kumeyaay who lived in this area called a mountain south of Julian Cush-pii, meaning “sharp peak.” Then, after the Civil War, Confederate sympathizers saw that same mountain and decided to rename it Stonewall Peak—after General Stonewall Jackson. The name stuck for nearly a century and a half, until Cuyamaca Rancho State Park announced earlier this year that the name will return to its original, Cush-pii. Hike to the summit for expansive views of the Coronado Islands to the west and Mexico to the south.
Courtesy of Culture Shock San Diego
Best Pop and Lock Spot
Culture Shock
In 1993, Angie Bunch gathered a group of hip-hop dancers—called Culture Shock Dance Troupe—and gave them a space to practice and perform. As hip hop grew through the ’90s, so did Culture Shock. It has since become a nonprofit, a space for young and old, beginner and expert dancers. Culture Shock has also expanded to Los Angeles, Oakland, Las Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta, New York City, and Washington, D.C., as well as Ottawa and Toronto, Canada.
In 2019, Amanda Leach created the Yoga Box method, which takes high-energy flows and adds strength-building poses in heated, vibey, lava-lamp-lit studios. What started on Grand Avenue in Pacific Beach has spread to 15 locations across the county, with even more trickling into Denver, Chicago, and Brooklyn. The best part? Mindfulness newbies who can’t touch their toes and six-packed contortionists can hang in the same class. You can customize each session based on your ability and fitness level.
Courtesy of Fit Athletic Club
Best Leg Day Turned Social Hour
Fit Mission Beach
A gym taking over a historic beachfront pool sounds like the setup for a new season of Love Island, but Fit Mission Beach operating the nearly 100-year-old Plunge at Belmont Park is real. The independent fitness brand has spent the past several years building a loyal following through group fitness classes, community events, and a members’ social club overlooking the ocean. Upstairs, members can work remotely, meet friends, or hang out long after their workout ends. Between the Plunge, the coworking-style lounge, and a packed calendar of events, Fit has evolved into something bigger than a gym. It’s a clubhouse for San Diego’s fitness crowd.
Best Place to Learn What a Vagus Is
Breathe Degrees
The wellness world is finally transitioning away from HIIT workouts and cult-like spin classes, where your heart rate hits Zone 5 within minutes and stays there until cooldown. Good. At Breathe Degrees, wellness takes the form of zenned-out communal breathing sessions or vagus nerve–activating cold plunges. Breathwork is said to boost your mood in the short term and improve your heart health in the long term, and maybe that’s why everyone’s coming back for more. You can’t run into someone in Carlsbad who hasn’t dropped into at least one breathwork session, and now the studio has opened a second location in Liberty Station.
Photo Credit: Shot On Us
Best Pilates Studio for People With Tiny Roommates
Soul Pilates and Care
Pilates wasn’t just popular this year; it was practically a requirement for maintaining your San Diego residency. New studios seemed to appear weekly across San Diego, each promising stronger cores and better posture, but Soul Pilates and Care found a way to stand out by addressing a challenge many parents know well: finding time to exercise at all. Fitness doesn’t have to compete with parenting responsibilities. Parents can drop their kids off with trained caregivers while they head into reformer classes, eliminating one of the biggest barriers to working out. The studio has earned strong reviews for both its instruction and family-friendly approach.
The Hotel del Coronado’s sweeping $550 million restoration touched nearly every corner of the historic resort, but one of the most anticipated unveilils was the debut of its redesigned spa. The oceanfront wellness destination now features 21 treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, a sauna, steam room, and a treatment menu inspired by the coastal environment just steps away. The redesign blends the Del’s Victorian legacy with a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic, creating a space that feels distinctly SoCal rather than generic luxury hotel. For locals who don’t have time for a vacation, it’s the next best thing.
Best Cheers Without Beers
Good News Bar
As non-alcoholic beverages continue their meteoric rise, Good News Bar has become one of San Diego’s most compelling arguments for a booze-free evening. The University Heights hotspot serves a menu of carefully crafted zero-proof cocktails that borrow techniques and ingredients from traditional cocktail programs (it’s not just fancy juices and soda water), minus the hangover. The space also hosts regular community events and has quickly become a gathering place for everyone from sober San Diegans to the merely sober-curious. In a nightlife industry built around alcohol sales, Good News proved there’s plenty of demand for connection without the buzz.
From advancements in cellular biology and molecular research to innovations that deepen our understanding of complex biological systems, biotechnology continues to influence how researchers explore some of science’s most important questions.
While major discoveries often capture headlines, the process behind those breakthroughs receives far less attention. Scientific progress depends on a vast network of researchers, laboratories, manufacturers, and specialized organizations working together to support ongoing investigation and discovery.
The Growing Importance of Biotechnology
In recent years, biotechnology has moved beyond the walls of research institutions and into mainstream conversation. Increased access to scientific information, educational content, and expert commentary has sparked growing public interest in the biological sciences.
Topics once discussed primarily within academic circles are now reaching broader audiences through podcasts, documentaries, digital media, and online communities. As a result, more people are developing an appreciation for the research, experimentation, and innovation that drive scientific advancement.
This growing visibility has transformed biotechnology from a largely specialized field into a subject of interest for educators, innovators, investors, and curious observers alike.
The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Discovery
Scientific breakthroughs often capture public attention, but the infrastructure that makes those breakthroughs possible rarely receives the same recognition. Behind every new discovery are years of investigation, testing, analysis, and refinement.
Behind nearly every research project is a network of laboratories, suppliers, technical specialists, and research-focused organizations working together to support scientific exploration. Laboratory infrastructure, specialized materials, quality standards, and reliable methodologies all contribute to the integrity of the research process.
When these foundational elements are in place, researchers can focus on generating insights, exploring new ideas, and building upon existing knowledge. Although much of this work occurs behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in helping science move forward.
Why Discovery Depends on More Than Researchers Alone
As biotechnology continues to evolve, research-focused organizations have become increasingly important contributors to the broader scientific ecosystem.
Among them is NewBioRx, a company operating within the biotechnology and life sciences sector. Like many organizations operating within the broader research ecosystem, NewBioRx contributes to the network of suppliers, laboratories, and scientific stakeholders that help support ongoing research efforts.
As scientific research becomes increasingly sophisticated, organizations that help support the research environment contribute to a culture where innovation can continue to thrive. Their work may not always be visible to the public, but it forms part of the foundation that enables scientific progress.
Why Science Is Reaching Wider Audiences
One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the growing public fascination with science and human biology.
Scientific concepts that were once primarily discussed within research settings are now reaching wider audiences through educational content, podcasts, digital media, and online communities. People are becoming increasingly interested not only in scientific outcomes, but also in the process of discovery itself.
The growing visibility of science has also created new connections between scientific communities and broader audiences. Individuals who operate across multiple worlds—including fitness, media, and life sciences—have helped introduce scientific topics to audiences that may not have engaged with them previously.
One example is Sam Sulek, co-founder of NewBioRx, whose involvement across fitness culture and the life sciences sector reflects the growing intersection between public curiosity and scientific exploration.
As co-founder of NewBioRx, he has helped champion a research-focused approach to scientific inquiry while supporting broader conversations around scientific literacy and discovery.
As scientific discovery becomes increasingly collaborative, public attention is beginning to extend beyond individual breakthroughs and toward the broader ecosystem that makes those breakthroughs possible. From researchers and laboratories to the organizations that support them, scientific progress remains a collective effort built on curiosity, expertise, and long-term commitment.
