Though you wouldn’t necessarily know it by the still-sweltering weather, it’s just about time to say goodbye to summer. But before the days get shorter, you bust out those oh-so-cozy sweaters and get into the back-to-school and even holiday spirit, treat yourself to one last summer fling in the form of a mini vacation (or staycation). Sip, savor, and indulge in unforgettable experiences at an underrated and unpretentious wine destination along the coast, explore one of California’s many hidden gems, or book a weekend getaway in an iconic resort right in our own backyard.
Don’t slip into a fall funk just yet. Soak up what’s left of the summer sun and send the season out with a bang at one of these amazing escapes.
Solvang
California is filled with one-of-a-kind destinations that transport visitors to another time and place. Solvang, tucked away in Santa Barbara County, is known as the Danish Capital of America. Even the name is Danish for “sunny field.” This distinct destination is filled with Old World architecture, European bakeries, and windmills galore. It’s also home to an array of wineries and tasting rooms serving styles from the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley American Viticultural Area.
Pismo Beach
Exploring the coast never gets boring, even for San Diegans. Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach blends Classic California beach town charm with a splash of wine country. The location is ideal: just 30 minutes from the historic winemaking regions of Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande, plus the coastal wineries near Avila Beach. That wine-and-waves combo is rounded out by fine dining, outdoor adventures, local boutiques, and surf shops.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
While known for its fairytale-inspired cottages, rich art district, and a white sandy beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea is also nestled in Monterey County, one of the state’s largest premium wine regions renowned for its chardonnay and pinot noir varietals. This scenic central coast city features 16 tasting rooms all within the idyllic town’s one square mile, plus more restaurants per capita than any other city in the U.S., living up to its title as “California’s Food & Wine Paradise.”
Cross Border Xpress
For San Diegans heading to a destination in Mexico, it makes sense to cross the border first before boarding a flight. Tickets are often less expensive when flying domestic instead of international and departing directly from Tijuana may spare travelers time by avoiding layovers. Cross Border Xpress is a fast, easy, and convenient way to get from San Diego to the Tijuana Airport without the hassle of a typical border crossing.
La Quinta Resort & Spa
Tucked away at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains lies the original desert hideaway. The La Quinta Resort & Club is a century-old gem in the Coachella Valley that’s famous for its Old Hollywood guests, luxury accommodations, and world-class golf and tennis. Beat the desert heat at one of the resort’s 42 sparkling pools, ranging from family-friendly splash zones to fitness-focused lap pools to adults-only relaxation in an infinity pool.
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Since 1935, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has welcomed generations of members and guests to one of California’s few private stretches of sand, with championship tennis and pickleball courts and suites steps from the water. Fourth-generation Kellogg family owned and entering phase two of a $60 million renovation, the Club sits next door to The Marine Room, where refined coastal cuisine meets waves crashing against windows. For a limited time, the Midweek Escape offer takes 20% off best available rates on new reservations from fall 2026 through winter 2027.
Shale Oak Winery
default
Shale Oak Winery in Paso Robles is making a name for itself here in San Diego, celebrating its 15th year of business in 2026. The estate recently won dozens of gold medals between nine wine competitions along the coast, including being named Winery of the Year at the San Diego International Wine & Spirit Challenge. Shale Oak Winery doesn’t only produce tasty bottles; its wines are something visitors can feel good about. The SIP-certified Shale Oak team is dedicated to eco-friendly principles and sustainable farming practices with minimal impact on the environment.
Bernardo Winery
Wine is everywhere in California: on the coast, in the valleys, and right here in San Diego. Cruise north on the 15 (or use ride-share if you’re going to imbibe—safety first) and you’ll find Bernardo Winery, one of the oldest continually operating wineries in California. Aside from the variety of varietals, guests can enjoy Bernardo Winery’s lush gardens, Friday morning farmers’ market, artisan shops, and Sicilian and Old Californian dishes at its in-house restaurant.
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
In the last several years, there’s been a surge in FDA approvals for what’s known as oral oncolytics. Oral oncolytics are targeted cancer therapies that come in tablet, capsule or liquid form that patients can take at home, rather than in an infusion clinic. Scripps physicians have seen exponential growth using this approach, with patients citing convenience as a major quality-of-life enhancement in their cancer treatment. This approach also allows treatments to be customized based on specific genetic mutations and a patient’s unique disease biology. Find out more about oral oncolytics here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty practice specializing in urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.
Unio’s Radiation Oncology team—Dr. Donald B. Fuller, Dr. Tahir Ijaz, Dr. Reza Shirazi, and Dr. Siavosh Vakilian—combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to personalized cancer care. The RO team treats cancerous and non-cancerous conditions using precision therapies including SBRT, IGRT, and the CyberKnife® S7 System, the only system of its kind in Southern California. Their expertise spans prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and central nervous system cancers, as well as low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis.
In 2026, Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Vakilian were recognized as San Diego Top Doctors, joining Dr. Fuller and Dr. Ijaz, who have previously received this distinction.
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Fertility Center
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Susanna Park, MD; Sandy Chuan, MD; Brooke Friedman, MD; Said Daneshmand, MD; Valerie Flores, MD; Bryn Willson, MD
At San Diego Fertility Center, parenthood starts with personalized, cutting-edge care. Nationally recognized physicians offer individualized plans spanning IVF, PGT, egg donation, surrogacy, Gentle IVF, fertility preservation, and LGBTQ+ family building. Newsweek ranked them among America’s Best Fertility Clinics in 2026: top 6% of 450+ clinics nationwide, and best in San Diego.
“Remind yourself you are not alone! You don’t have to have all the answers before you walk through the door,” says Dr. Friedman. “Our job is to listen, explain your options, and guide you toward what makes sense for you. Because fertility care isn’t one-size-fits-all — and building your family should feel like your journey, supported every step of the way.”
Faces of Healthcare 2026: North County Cardiovascular Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At NCCS, both doctors take a personal, traditional approach to cardiovascular care. Patients speak directly with their physicians and build lasting relationships with doctors who know them.
“We became doctors to care for patients, not to run a business,” says Dr. Kabra, who trained in England and the United States and leads the practice’s office-based cardiac care. Dr. Rajamanickam, an interventional cardiologist trained under renowned Dr. Samin Sharma, shares the same philosophy.
Guided by evidence-based medicine, they tailor care to each patient’s unique history, physiology, lifestyle and goals. Both are respected, well-reviewed physicians and four-time Top Doctors.
Visit
3142 Vista Way, Suite 206, Oceanside, CA 92056 760-224-7776
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups, At Neighborhood Healthcare, patients receive whole-person care, giving them access to the resources they need to live their best lives—whether that’s primary care, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, lab services, or pharmacy needs.
Neighborhood Healthcare is a private, non-profit community health organization in San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Primary Care Physician James H. Schultz, MD goes above and beyond in serving people with high integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. Alongside the entire Neighborhood Healthcare staff, he works to improve the health and happiness of the community, regardless of situation or circumstance.
