
Kai Oliver-Kurtin
San Diego & SoCal Correspondent
Kai Oliver-Kurtin is the San Diego & Southern California correspondent for Time Out.
Get us in your inbox
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Kai Oliver-Kurtin is the San Diego & Southern California correspondent for Time Out.
Planning a trip to America’s Finest City? You're going to need a fabulous place to slumber. The good news is you've come to the right place: our list of the best hotels in San Diego. This laidback jewel of California may be best known for amazing beaches, constant sunshine, and authentic tacos, but throw in stellar nightlife, breweries galore (including one of the best craft breweries in the country), and delicious dining options, and you have got an impressive hospitality scene. Depending on what type of experience you're looking for, San Diego has everything from walkable urban hotels with boutique accommodations to charming beach bungalows with epic views, plus must-visit historical institutions and off-the-radar resorts offering a more intimate hideaway. San Diego County is large (over 4,000 square miles!) so choose your home base wisely. If you don't plan on leaving the beach areas, you should probably plan on staying there to avoid summer beach traffic. The same goes for areas with year-round commuter traffic, running primarily north and south. From chic downtown hotels to party the night away, to relaxing hillside resorts and historic gems on the shore, there's a hotel for anyone looking to get away from it all while also enjoying the best things to do in San Diego. RECOMMENDED: 🎡 The best San Diego attractions🏠 The best Airbnbs in San Diego This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click
Visitors usually come to San Diego expecting top-notch Mexican food, the best fish tacos they've ever tasted, and craft breweries & coffee shops on every corner. And while those things are all accurate reflections of San Diego's dining scene, the city offers so much more. In recent years (especially during the pandemic) a new wave of chefs with James Beard nominations and Michelin Star restaurant experience made their way to San Diego for a change of pace. Of course, locals are thrilled to have these chefs here and love the elevation of San Diego's culinary scene, but they remain faithful to the hole-in-the-wall taco stands, no-frills mom-and-pop shops, and underrated strip mall eateries they've been visiting for years. But it's not all super casual eats. There are also plenty of fine dining options with ocean views, upscale tasting menus, suggested wine pairings, and truly unique experiences. San Diego no longer lives in the shadow of Los Angeles' dining landscape.Dinner reservations are typically recommended in the more popular areas like Little Italy and La Jolla. You can eat outside here most of the year thanks to the perfect weather, so San Diegans have become to expect patio seating, rooftop dining, and indoor-outdoor dining rooms. If you're headed to this coastal utopia, be sure to bring a big appetite and follow our list of the best restaurants in San Diego. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in San Diego
Bad weather is nearly nonexistent in San Diego, nicknamed America’s Finest City for good reason. Tourists immediately plan their next trip back after tasting the Southern California lifestyle, including a laidback surfer scene, diverse arts and culture, international border crossing, pristine beaches, cool shops, and an impressive culinary scene. While a quick 24-hour visit may not feel like enough to explore the entire county, it will give you a good sense of all this special region offers and the different vibes between each neighborhood. Read below to plan your perfect day in San Diego, from cocktails and coffee to shopping and waterfront accommodations. There are also exotic animals and epic sunsets. Did we mention that you’ll want to come back?
SoCal natives see it as a sleepy town to lay out by the pool all day, gamble, maybe even play some golf, if that’s your thing. But Palm Springs is so much more than that. There’s the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, perfect for the family, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which features spectacular desert views, and of course, some of the best restaurants in Palm Springs. Restaurants of all kinds abound in this historic Hollywood getaway town. From the times when Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin would visit to new, refreshed spaces, food options abound in the desert. Yes, you can still get your margaritas on sun-drenched but water-misted patios and all-day brunches to nurse hangovers, but don’t sleep on the award-winning restaurants, the Asian-fusion fare or the craft cocktails. Oh, and on your way out of Palm Springs, don’t forget to stop by the famous Hadley Fruit Orchards store for a date shake, fresh dates, and anything date-related. The Coachella Valley supplies ninety-five percent of the country’s dates, so don’t miss out on trying some of the freshest, best dates you’ve ever had. Whether you’re in town for a special occasion, a fun getaway or even an extended stay, read on to find the best places to brunch, lunch, or dine in style in Palm Springs.
With more than 70 miles of coastline, San Diego makes it pretty easy to keep the kids entertained. From beaches to aquariums to tidepools, the city has plenty of outdoor activities to excite the little ones. And while you may be tempted to spend all your time on the sand, there are museums, parks and events that are definitely worth exploring. Here we've rounded up the best things to do with kids in San Diego, including a world-renowned zoo, kid-friendly museums, oceanfront amusement and theme parks, waterfront parks for aquatic sports and splash fountains, the world's largest comic book convention, and of course a stop to get ice cream. But don't worry—all these activities are fun for the entire family, which means adults won't be sacrificing a good time for the kiddos. As an added bonus, many of these spots also have kid-friendly restaurants where it doesn't matter if you leave a small mess. If you're planning a family trip to Southern California, you'll have plenty to explore using our tried-and-true list of the best things to do in San Diego with kids. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in San Diego
If you're drinking indoors in San Diego then you're doing it all wrong. The city's perfect weather (72 and sunny is the typical forecast) almost begs you to do everything outside, including eating and drinking. With a bevy of bars to choose from that either have a water view, cityscape view, or views of the ballpark—sometimes all three—there's always something impressive to fix your gaze upon. You'll find several rooftop bars located throughout the city, ranging from upscale to super casual to party central. Our list of the best rooftop bars in San Diego has you covered if you're seeking tiki cocktails, craft beer or shareable cocktail towers. If you're in the mood for romance, live DJs, or southern Italian vibes we also have just the spot for you. Read on to see our recommendations for the best rooftop bars from the Gaslamp Quarter on up to Oceanside. No umbrella needed. And if you're seeking further recommendations while in America’s Finest City, go ahead and check out our lists of the best restaurants, best beaches, best bars, best breweries, and best things to do in San Diego.
Sure, San Diego is known for its impressive number of craft breweries (150+ and counting!), but there are also jaw-dropping rooftop bars, tiki bars, and beachside bars you won't find anywhere else. You'll find creative craft cocktails, high-end wine lists, tasty bar food, and rockin' music without searching too hard. The nightlife scene is alive and well in Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Pacific Beach, among others. The hardest part will be deciding where to drink first. Happy hour specials can be found in most spots, and they often include food deals as well (dollar oysters are a thing here). Sip libations poolside or beachside - doesn't matter since San Diego has a notable laidback, casual vibe where flip flops are accepted in most places. You'll be hard-pressed to find restaurants that serve "big beer" brands like Bud and Miller since most San Diegans demand local brews. Mixologists certainly have their work cut out for them designing new concoctions on the regular.If you're planning to sip your way through the city, use our guide to San Diego's best bars as a jumping-off point. We'll drink to that! RECOMMENDED:🍸 The best winter rum cocktails in San Diego🍷 The best rooftop bars in San Diego🍺 The best breweries in San Diego🍽️ The best restaurants in San Diego📍 The best things to do in San Diego
San Diego is much more than Los Angeles' super chill cousin to the south. This multicultural city has an international border and some of the world's best beaches. There's also incredible culture and world-class museums, amusement parks, a strong military footprint, authentic Mexican food, and more than 150 craft breweries. You'll love the laid-back surfer vibe here. San Diego's year-round temperate climate is a big draw for visitors since they can usually count on the weather being an optimal 72 degrees and sunny. There are major events like San Diego Comic-Con, San Diego Beer Week, and several marathons and triathlons that draw folks to America's Finest City. While here, don't miss attractions like Balboa Park, the world-renowned zoo, farmers markets, and water activities like whale watching, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. San Diego's 70 miles of coastline are made up of charming beach towns with diverse offerings. But one thing is consistent throughout the county: the beautiful landscape. Here we've compiled the very best things to do in San Diego right now. If you're here with the family, there are also plenty of things to do with kids. RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in San Diego🏨 The best San Diego hotels🍹 The best bars in San Diego🏘️ The best Airbnbs in San Diego
Laguna Beach isn't your ordinary Orange County resort town. It has become beloved worldwide as a de facto artist colony where creative people come to explore and innovate. All that productivity needs fuel, and the best restaurants in Laguna Beach hold up their end of the bargain. There are many options here, from tacos on the beach to Michelin Stare and much more. Whisper it, but Laguna Beach might be the OC’s most rewarding foodie destination. A gorgeous place in many ways, Laguna Beach boasts an international culinary mix right at home, amongst the sunshine and ocean breezes. We can’t promise that these dishes will bring out the artist in you, but they will satisfy your appetite.
It’s no secret that Californians have been flocking to the spiritual town of Ojai for many years. Nestled in the Ventura County valleys, among the Topatopa Mountains, this place has a tranquil vibe that can’t be matched anywhere else. You’ll only need to drive a couple of hours out of Los Angeles before finding the slow-paced, relaxing getaway. While in town, they enjoy top-notch restaurants and find plenty of chill things to do. Many hotels offer free bike rentals to get around town, and some will even give guests vouchers for drinks in town. Trying to find the best hotels in Ojai can be a tricky task. But there are several options, all differing in style. Whether you’re looking to be close to the action of downtown, are seeking hilltop views, or just want a pool to splash around in, these Ojai hotels encompass the town’s unique hospitality scene. Check out our picks in this article. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. RECOMMENDED:🍽️ Check out the best restaurants in Ojai⛰️ Discover things to do in Ojai
Just like Korean popular music (a.k.a. K-pop), Korean beauty has made headlines in the wider U.S. over the past few years. Do-it-yourself, single-use Korean sheet masks can now be purchased at most beauty retailers, so it’s no surprise that Korean spas have also surged in popularity, offers soaking tubs, saunas, steam rooms and a host of body treatments and massage therapies to guests. In L.A., though, they’ve seemingly always been popular. In particular, Koreatown has no shortage of Korean spas to choose from, with many offering extended hours (K-town is known for having a bustling late-night scene), an on-site restaurant and co-ed jimjilbang (communal rooms) for men, women and children. Most Korean spas require an admission fee ($15–$30) for non-members, but if you choose an expensive treatment this fee is often waived. Seaweed wraps, body scrubs, facials, acupressure and mani-pedi services are typical, but services differ between spas (and are sometimes cheaper for members). Treatments are optional, as many guests choose to simply use the spa facilities for the day. Since children are welcome at many of the spas, they tend to attract families and large groups. It’s wise to arrive early to avoid crowds for a more exclusive experience. Relaxation and rejuvenation are the name of the game at Korean spas where you can work out any muscle kinks and leave feeling refreshed. Once you’ve visited the best Korean spas in L.A., be sure to also check out the city’s other top spas be
If you're after an idyllic SoCal vacation destination, look no further than Santa Catalina Island. With its vibrant wildlife, charming coastal towns, and amazing beaches, it's no wonder the Island is highly sought after. And a trip away to the island has to include a stay in one of the best hotels, ranging from stunning beachside luxury to hilltop charm. Located just 22 miles off the California coast, Catalina is easily accessible by ferry or helicopter. Most opt to take the Catalina Express ferry round-trip (out of Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point), which takes about an hour and offers up to 30 departures daily to Avalon and Two Harbors. Since there's a fair amount of schlepping involved with traveling to (and around) Catalina, you'd be well-advised to pack light and bring some snacks. Once in Catalina, you can choose between being nestled in the hills or overlooking the sand along one of the best beaches in California. Here, we've outlined the Catalina hotels that best encompass this little island's vibrancy and warmth. Enjoy, you lucky lot. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The husband-and-husband team, chef Chad Gardner and artist Roly Paz, have doubled-down in Palm Springs. While their other restaurant, 533 Viet Fusion, stuffs lobster claw and local dates into Vietnamese spring rolls, this Asian fusion spot fills a major hole in Palm Springs dining: dumplings. Roly China Fusion is a modern space serving up braised short rib fried rice, lobster dumplings in truffle butter sauce, dan dan noodles, pork pot stickers, plus other house-made dim sum delights. But this isn’t strictly a dim sum spot, and don’t expect pushcarts; it’s the type of restaurant that adds marinated flank steak to its pad see ew and lobster with kimchi to its fried rice. This is also a great place for takeout on the nights you feel like staying in.
A quick 30-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, The Pink Cabana draws in diners from across the Coachella Valley. Located in the resort town of Indian Wells, The Pink Cabana is situated within Sands Hotel & Spa near the hotel's charming pool. Inspired by the tennis and racquet clubs popular throughout Palm Springs in the 50s and 60s, the space was artfully designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard with large doses of pinks, greens, and brass. The menu leans Mediterranean with a Moroccan influence, featuring housemade yogurt naan, harissa chicken, lamb shank tagine, and a must-try mezze plate. Fancy a drink? The cocktail and wine lists shouldn't be overlooked. You'll find a wide wine selection from across the Mediterranean region alongside refreshing cocktails that focus on ingredients from the Great Spice Route (order the pink lemonade with vodka, a drink made with Herbes de Provence, Lillet Rose, and pink sea salt). End the meal with a Turkish coffee or a pink hot cocoa bomb for dessert (it will literally melt in your mouth). Thanks to its girly-chic vibe, the restaurant is a magnet for girls' nights out, drawing in large crowds in celebratory moods (take note: parties of eight or more people are required to order from a prix fixe menu). Throw on your retro shades and a silk scarf to match the setting, and don’t forget to make an advance reservation — this place is pretty and popular, so it’s best to plan ahead.
With a mere 20 miles between San Diego and the Mexico border, it should come as no surprise that you can find a proliferation of authentic Mexican food throughout the city. But Las Cuatro Milpas is perhaps the most well-known institution in the area. A third-generation Mexican restaurant, Las Cuatro Milpas has been serving breakfast and lunch in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood since 1933. It's known for classic dishes your abuela might make – think rolled tacos, burritos, tamals, house-made tortillas and fresh salsa. They also serve menudo, a traditional Mexican soup that's famous for being able to cure hangovers, on Saturdays. Diners line up early to order from the lunchroom-style counter. Expect a long line during lunchtime on weekdays – when you'll notice an influx of local government and city officials who work nearby in downtown's business district – and favorite dishes are known to sell out before closing time. The dining room has no-frills picnic tables that fill up fast. Be sure to bring cash, since credit cards are not accepted at this mom-and-pop shop where prices are surprisingly low. You'll never go wrong with the rolled tacos, and shouldn't hesitate to purchase packages of tortillas to go.
仕事で疲れ切っている? パンデミックの間、自宅で仕事をしていると、仕事の時間が「長くなる一方」だと感じたに違いない。アメリカでは多くの人がそうだったようで、この1年半で燃え尽き症候群や退職者の数が過去最高を記録した。 いわゆる「Zoom疲れ」と呼ばれる問題が浮上し、変な時間に上司とSlackで長々とやりとりすることも増加。さらには、パンデミックにより子どもの面倒を見てくれる場所が減ったことで、手ごろな料金かつ信頼性が高い子どもの預け先を、新たに見つけるのに苦労した人も多いようだ。働くアメリカ人の多くが、こうした休める時間が減った「新しい生活」に、うんざりしているというのも納得といえる。 そんな中、その状況が改善されるかもしれないというニュースが入ってきた。 南カリフォルニアのリバーサイド選出の民主党下院議員、マーク・タカノが、ほとんどのアメリカ人の週の労働時間を短縮し、今の40時間から32時間へ変更する新しい法案を提案したのだ。「The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act」と呼ばれるこの法案は、週に32時間以上働いた場合には、公正労働基準法の下で、雇い主が残業代を払う必要があると定めることを求めるもの。 タカノは法案の提出に際し、週の労働時間が短くなれば、より多くの人がより良い賃金で労働市場に参加できるようになるとの考えを示している。さらに、この法案が可決されれば、ほとんどの労働者の給料が上がることが予想されるという。ただしこの法案は、独立した契約者やフリーランサーなど、特定の働き手には適用されないようだ。 多くのアメリカ人が嘆いている週40時間労働は、ほぼ1世紀前から存在。フォード社のヘンリー・フォードが1926年に、週5日1日8時間の労働時間制を導入したことがきっかけで、ほかの大企業も追随するようになった。 いくつかのレポートで、アメリカ人が世界のどの国よりも労働時間が長く、同時に休暇を取る日数も少ないということを明らかになっている。また、パンデミック時には、アメリカ人は毎日追加で3時間以上働いたという報告もある。 この法案が上院に提出され、法律として成立するかどうかはまだ分からないが、近い将来、アメリカ人が仕事から離れられる時間が少しだけ増えるかもしれない。 原文はこちら 関連記事 『東京、飲みながら仕事できるクラフトビール店5選』 『猫と仕事ができるスペース、サンチャコが会員を募集中』 『旅気分で働けるリモートワークフレンドリーな宿4選』 『求められるリモートワークとコミュニティービルディングが共存する場』 『ワークスペースとしても利用可能、浅草寺近くで屋内キャンプ』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら
Feeling burned out at work? You’re not alone. For those who have been working from home during the pandemic (also referred to as 'living at work'), the workdays have seemed to only get longer in the last 18 months. And employees around the country are feeling it – burnouts and mass resignations are at an all-time high. Throw in additional challenges, like affordable and reliable childcare and what's come to be known as 'Zoom fatigue,' and Americans are pretty much fed up with this new life featuring fewer breaks and more time spent Slacking with your boss at odd hours. The good news: relief may be on its way. Southern California Congressman Mark Takano (Dem.) from Riverside, California has proposed a new bill that would shorten the workweek for most Americans, shifting it from the standard 40-hours to 32 hours. The legislation is referred to as The Thirty-Two Hour WorkWeek Act, and would force overtime pay to kick in after 32 hours of work per week under the federal Fair Labor Practices Act. Takano says a shorter work week will allow more people to participate in the labor market at better wages. It’s expected that most workers would see an increase in pay if the legislation is passed. Though the bill wouldn’t apply to certain employees such as independent contractors and freelancers. The 40-hour workweek much-bemoaned by most Americans has been around for nearly a century. Good ol' Henry Ford of the Ford Motor Company is largely credited with instituting an eight-hour-d