Leave behind those holiday stresses with the perfect winter getaway
It’s no secret that the end of the year can feel a little maddening. Social obligations, work deadlines, and that self-imposed pressure to make sure everything is absolutely perfect while you rush to get through the 25 books you promised yourself you’d read this year and meet the fitness goals you set for yourself all those months ago—it’s enough to make anyone feel like they could really use a vacation. And guess what? We agree with you. You deserve one. That’s why we put together a list of some of our favorite winter escapes.
Whether you’re seeking snowier views in Colorado or want to leave the sunshine of
San Diego for, well, even more sunshine in Hawai‘i, we’ve got some ideas for you. If the idea of straying too far from home seems like just another item to add to your to-do list, then consider a resort and spa nearby—no planning or airport security lines required.
Whatever you’re after, get ready to pack your bags. We promise there’s something
here for you.
With more nonstop flights out of San Diego than any other airline, Alaska Airlines is a no-brainer when planning a winter trip—especially if you’re traveling around the holidays. Earlier this year, the airline began offering nonstops flights to Denver and Chicago, both of which have some truly top-tier Christkindlmarkets. Winter is also peak season for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska, if a real outdoor winter experience is your thing. But if you’re looking for a trip where you can spend more time in a swimsuit than coat, might we suggest Hawai‘i? Alaska Airlines can take you direct from San Diego to any of the four major islands.
If you’re considering a Mexican getaway, you need Cross Border Xpress (CBX). This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the pedestrian bridge that allows US passengers to get from San Diego to the Tijuana International Airport in just 20 minutes, making it significantly faster and more reliable than crossing at the border. Better yet: Tijuana’s airport offers direct flights to over 35 Mexican destinations—making it one of the most connected airports in the country—at fares up to 50 percent lower than those of LAX and other California airports. And if you’re interested in securing some travel insurance or a discounted rental car for your trip, know that CBX is ready and able to help you there, too. crossborderxpress.com
Don’t have the time—or energy—to plan an extravagant trip this season? Just a short drive from anywhere in San Diego, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers the ultimate festive staycation. Spend your days perfecting your serve on the Club’s pristine tennis and pickleball courts before taking a peaceful stroll along the sparkling shoreline. Savor seasonal delights at Club Dining, where wood-fired pizzas, festive cocktails, and ocean views set the perfect holiday mood.
Stay cozy this winter at the recently renovated Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. Let go of end-of-year stresses and start the year refreshed with a hot stone massage or the deluxe hydrafacial. During the day, you can enjoy time poolside with heated pools and towels along with winterized cabanas—complete with hot cocoa and cookies, of course—before checking out the resort’s pop-up Christmas bar (we’ve heard the cocktails sleigh!) or cuddling up to watch a kid-friendly movie at night.
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The San Diego home remodeling company works on full homes, kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, ADUs, garages, landscapes, and hardscapes.
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.”
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.
Clinical trials and physician-initiated studies bring new, innovative treatments to patients sooner
At any given time, there are roughly 200 research investigations and clinical trials being conducted at Scripps Health in as many as 25 medical specialties. Research and patient care go hand-in-hand at Scripps. Those studies can be categorized as clinical trials of a medication or device that are conducted by Scripps physicians and studies designed by Scripps’ physicians and clinicians. Click here to learn about three exciting studies underway at Scripps and the benefits to patients.
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New MyScripps mobile app features give patients more options to connect with their provider
Scripps has recently unveiled new features in the MyScripps patient portal and mobile app to help patients connect with their primary care team and simplify the payment process. Among the recent updates is the addition of primary care E-visits for minor conditions. Patients who have an established primary care physician can schedule an E-visit, complete an online questionnaire and, if needed, send a photo. Their doctor can then advise and prescribe medication, when appropriate. Autopay is also now available through MyScripps. Patients can enable or disable autopay, allowing them to more easily manage payments. Learn more about MyScripps and how it helps patients stay connected here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
A cancer diagnosis forced a Carlsbad woman to prioritize her health. Now she’s using her story to inspire others.
Farrah Adams had a persistent dull ache in her lower back that her massage therapist suggested might be caused by the way she sat or drove. That explanation seemed reasonable, but when coupled with heavy, painful periods led the then 46-year-old to seek answers. When she looks back on it now, she’s beyond grateful she trusted her gut. She made an appointment with a Scripps OB-GYN, who determined she had Stage 3 cervical cancer that had spread to several lymph nodes. Farrah was overwhelmed, but immediately found a “champion” in Scripps Clinic gynecologic oncologist Jo Marie Tran Janco, MD. After undergoing successful treatment at Scripps Cancer Center, Farrah is now using her story to inspire other women to make time for care. Read more of her story here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Oral oncolytics provide certain patients with effective treatment without IV medication
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.
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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.
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5395 Ruffin Rd, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92103 | 858-221-9135
@uniospecialtycare | uniospecialtycare.com
