tiki tour san diego

TOUR THE BAY THE TIKI TIME WAY!

tiki tour san diego

* Yep, we have family friendly cruises and adult cruises, check out our different tours above.👆

* Yep, our bar is open during EVERY cruise - I mean it's a Tiki boat, right? (Click here for menu). * Yep, our tours are designed with sarcasm, wit and fun - so buckle up! Not for everyone but most LOVE it! 😊

* Nope, drinks aren't included in the price of your ticket, but they are reasonably priced.

* Yep, we have a bathroom on board. Check it out here !

* Yep, we do both: Single tickets OR rent the entire Tiki for your private event.

* Yep, our tours ALWAYS start at the TOP of the dock - on time, every time - with a short intro from your host.

* Yep, every tour, every day is unique (the beauty of improv).

* Yep, unlike other bay tours WE provide an emersive guided entertainment experience.

* Nope, it is not a full improv show, just full of great improv moments.

* Yep, it can get breezy and cool on the bay, so listen to your mom and bring a jacket.

Fun for everyone!

San Diego’s first and only Tiki boat!

Kid approved!

Marina : H&M Landing, 2803 Emerson St.

1) 2725 Shelter Island Dr. (free & paid)

2) 4980 N. Harbor Dr. (paid)

3) 1403 Scott St. (paid, limited spots)

📷 🎥 Professional photography and videography done by @ ic_drones & @ dankirksey

Tiki Time Bay Tours

2803 Emerson Street

San Diego, CA 92106

(858) 848 -0097

Book a weekday tour!

Tropical Tiki Tour on San Diego Bay

tiki tour san diego

  • A smaller, more intimate and interactive tour of San Diego Bay on a Tiki boat!
  • 2803 Emerson St, San Diego, CA 92106, USA Located at H&M Landing marina, behind Point Loma Seafoods.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
  • You'll start at 2803 Emerson St 2803 Emerson St, San Diego, CA 92106, USA Located at H&M Landing marina, behind Point Loma Seafoods. See address & details
  • Pass by San Diego Bay
  • 1 Star of India Stop: 5 minutes See details
  • 2 Coronado Island Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 3 USS Midway Museum Stop: 5 minutes See details Pass by The Rady Shell At Jacobs Park
  • 4 Naval Air Station North Island Stop: 5 minutes See details
  • 5 Coronado Bridge Stop: 5 minutes See details
  • You'll return to the starting point

More to explore in San Diego

tiki tour san diego

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Tropical Tiki Tour on San Diego Bay - with unbiased reviews

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The Largest Tiki Event in the World is Back in SD

tiki tour san diego

By William Riddell

Tiki Oasis

Photo Credit: Sonia Clerc

Hawaiian shirts, tropical plants, hand-carved Tiki gods , overly-sweet-and-super-colorful drinks, tiny umbrellas—things are about to get funky in Mission Valley. The world’s largest Tiki event is back in San Diego, transforming Town and Country Resort into a Polynesian paradise.

Subscribe and get 1 year for $18

For more than two decades, the von Stroheim family has been bringing Tiki Oasis to the masses, making it their mission to concoct the ultimate Tiki celebration. This year’s event takes place August 2-6 and features four days of tropical cocktails, pool lounging, dancing, live music, dancing, sunset dinners, educational seminars and a marketplace with more than 150 artists, mixologists, art exhibits, and book signing opportunities.

Tiki Oasis

Photo Courtesy of Tiki Oasis

The art exhibit and Tiki marketplace are free and open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, however, weekend tickets are required to attend the Friday preview night. The marketplace will feature vendors showcasing everything from one-of-a-kind handmade mugs to bar mats.

Among some of the week’s highlights is the Enchanted Sea pop-up art show with 50 artists on display, running daily until Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A private opening will be held Wednesday night from 7 to 9 p.m.

This year’s seminars include: Our Own Paradise – the History of Black-Owned American Resorts; Beach Bohemians of the 20th Century – The History of Beachcomber Style; The Marriage of Tiki and Surfing – Unlocking the courtship through sport, music, and media; and the History of Swimwear; and more.

Tiki Oasis, San Diego

Tiki Oasis, San Diego

Photo Credit: Tim Hardy Photography

And of course, no Tiki festival is complete without some great jams. Closing out the weekend’s events will be Mediterranean psychedelic rock band Mohama Saz with a performance Sunday night in the Pacific Ballroom. Tickets are available for $45. Other artists rockin’ out at this year’s affair are The New Les Baxter Orchestra, The Tikiyaki Orchestra, and Tom Kenny and the Hi-Seas.

So pack your shades, plenty of sunscreen, and an appetite for all things fruity and soaked in rum—time to get weird.

Will Riddell is an editorial intern at San Diego Magazine. He is currently studying multimedia journalism at Taylor University, and he is planning on graduating this fall. Will has served as both a staff writer and an editor at his school's newspaper, The Echo.

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11 Exciting San Diego Tiki Bars For A Fun Night Out

August 2, 2023 By: Maria Haase This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through our links.

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Looking for a fun night out? How about visiting a San Diego tiki bar? Themed tiki bars are everywhere these days. San Diego is the right setting, after all, with sandy beaches, a bit of party culture, and views of the Pacific Ocean wherever you go. Some might even say it’s like a mini Hawaii.

With so many tiki venues, finding which ones are actually worth a visit can be challenging. Fortunately, we’ve done our research and have been to quite a few ourselves. We’ve curated an extensive list of tiki bars in San Diego for inspiration regarding where to enjoy your next cocktail.

Whether planning a date night or fun evening with friends, there’s something for you!

Hand reaching cocktail in tiki glass over bar counter

The Best San Diego Tiki Bars

False idol .

Address: 675 W. Beech St, San Diego, CA 92101 Website

Tucked away on W. Beech Street is the extremely popular False Idol Tiki Bar. Immediately as you walk through the doors, the tiki theme is evident, with a dimly lit bar decorated with skull heads and tribal designs.

False Idol couldn’t be any more speakeasy if it tried. To enter, you’ll walk through a cold room situated in a separate bar. This confuses the heck out of some people, but the delicious cocktails make up for the bewildering entry process.

The bar itself is quite small, with a relaxed ambiance and a huge selection of crafty cocktails. Whether you want to try an old classic Mai Thai or something a bit different, like their Tailwinds recipe which doubles down on rum, there’s something for everyone.

tropical cocktail on a bar with bottles and lights in the background

The Tiki Hut San Diego

Address: 535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 Website

Everyone loves the Tiki Hut San Diego, a classic pop-up tiki bar on Fifth Avenue. It provides a fun atmosphere with a nice selection of tropical drinks. The Tiki Hut is located across the street from well-sought-after Rustic Root Restaurant and Rooftop Bar. Plan to pop in for some pre-drinks before your meal.

The Tiki Hut has the vibe of a traditional tiki bar, serving drinks in wooden carved cups and providing visitors with colorful flower necklaces.

Although you can purchase regular mixed drinks, you should really try one of the specialty cocktails. The Blue Hawaiian knocks the rest out of the park with a kick of rum and coconut flavor. You’ll really feel like you’re in a tropical paradise.

The Grass Skirt 

Address: 910 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 Phone: (858) 412-5237 Website

Next up, we have San Diego’s Grass Skirt. This tiki speakeasy is located on Grand Avenue, next to Pacific Beach. It offers Polynesian designs, whacky furnishings, and extra strong drinks, it doesn’t get more tiki than this.

The Grass Skirt’s entrance is inside the Poké Restaurant, hidden behind a freezer door. It can be a tricky one to find, but just ask the staff, they’ll send you in the right direction. As you open the door, you’ll encounter fire-lit torches, ancient tiki carvings, and hula girls. For a minute, you’ll think you’re in Hawaii.

Enjoy an extensive cocktail list containing tiki-influenced drinks like Lava & Ice, punch bowls such as Hamilton’s Hornblower, and a selection of standard drinks for those who prefer a cold beer.

Polynesian face mask and rattan chairs at The Grass Skirt San Diego Speakeasy

Miss B’s Coconut Club

Address: 3704 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 Phone: (858) 381-0855 Website

Another of San Diego’s vibrant tiki bars is Miss B’s Coconut Club on Mission Boulevard. It’s surrounded by mini artificial trees, designed with Hawaiin-influenced decor, and offers some of the tastiest tiki drinks prepared by professional mixologists.

The laid-back vibe at Miss B’s Coconut Club attracts those looking to unwind after a long day at work and indulge in some of their “grown-up cocktails” which promise to get you a little tipsy.

An outstanding brunch menu with tiki treats and snacks is offered every day until 2 pm. It has everything from breakfast tacos to Instagrammable agri granola bowls. 

Enjoy vodka-infused Havana Good Times or ice-filled Rum Cannonballs. Each Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 pm, is Daquiri Hour. On Thursday, happy hour is offered for the entire day.

MOTHERSHIP 

Address: 2310 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 Website

Embark on a tropical space adventure at this San Diego tiki bar in South Park. It promises to be a good time every night of the week. The bar is meant to be a crashed starship which has transformed into a Hawaiian retreat offering flavorful drinks and yummy bites.

tables in a spaceship themed speakeasy in San Diego

MOTHERSHIP is meant to be a speakeasy boozer, but it’s really not that hidden, a security guard stands outside the door at all times. However, the inside makes up for it. Expect a dark room with stars on the ceiling plus galactic and tiki ornaments, the result is a fun and futuristic atmosphere.

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to drinks. Everyone raves about the Self-Destruct Sequence cocktail, combining three rums and a selection of spices and fruits. The food menu is strictly vegan, but even meat-lovers will enjoy their many delicious options.

Moray’s Outdoor Lounge

Address: 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 Phone: (858) 488-1081 Website

For a more high-end hula, check out Moray’s Outdoor Lounge at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, only a few minutes from Mission Bay. While it’s not like other picks on this list, it does offer an outdoor lounge carefully designed with tiki torches, fire pit tables, and displaying awe-inspiring views of Mission Bay.

Performance of Polynesian dancers in orange palm skirts and white feather headdresses

Maybe you want to meet a loved one for lunch, have a couple drinks with your friends, or sip on cocktails after work? Moray’s Outdoor Lounge is just the place to do so.

Monday – Thursday between 2 and 4 pm is happy hour, Wednesdays between 5:30 and 10:00 pm are $2 off all craft draft beers. Plus, there’s live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 6 and 9 pm.

Address: 2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 Phone: (619) 222-1181 Website

Award-winning Bali Hai Bar & Restaurant deserves mention on every list of best San Diego tiki bars. Situated in Shoreline Park, this exotic establishment opened in 1954 and has served over 2.5 million Mai Tais since. Impressive, right?

Bali Hai Restaurant San Diego - two story hut-inspired building with glass sides surrounded by palm trees - red sign on roof: Bali Hai

Set in an open, modern building, it showcases contemporary finishes with a hint of Polynesia and over 100 pieces of tiki artwork. Bali Hai ticks all the boxes as a tiki cocktail haunt.

Throughout the week, Bali Hai hosts a number of specials. Every Monday – Thursday from 3 until 5 pm, is Pau Hana Happy Hour, and on Sundays from 9:30 am to 2 pm, there’s a brunch buffet.

The Luau SD 

Address: 7123 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115 Phone: (619) 467-7334 Website

The Luau SD is the only surf tiki bar in California. It guarantees a peaceful vibe with exotic beats, the friendliest staff, bamboo furniture, and tiki statues.

Located on El Cajon Blvd, the Luau SD has a huge cocktail menu, including fruity drinks, bowls, and frozen daiquiris. While your first instinct might be to go for the Mai Tai, you should order the HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA’A instead (yeah, that’s the real name). After having one, you’ll be buzzing for the night.

Try to plan your trip to The Luau on a Thursday, there’s lively karaoke from 8:30 pm to 12:00 am.

The Forbidden Cove

Address: 7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111 Phone: (858) 715-3998 Website

Find your way behind the wall where the Forbidden Cove lies. Located on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, this tiki speakeasy is hidden away in Kilowatt Brewing Kearny Mesa. Boasting island-style decor, a large bar with tiki-influenced drinks, and intimate lighting, the Forbidden Cove is well worth searching for.

The bar has a highly skilled team of mixologists who know their stuff when it comes to cocktails. Whatever you want, you can have. Who said you have to drink Mai Tai all night? Have your first Zombie or Singapore Sing.

Reserve a table before arriving at the Forbidden Cove, as it tends to fill up fast. Depending on how busy it is, they may even introduce a 90 minute limit which is something to factor in before booking.

Duke’s La Jolla

Address: 1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 Phone: (858) 454-5888 Website

Immerse yourself in a Hawaiian-style dining experience at Duke’s La Jolla. It’s a casual eatery welcoming guests to join their “Ohana” and offering its own take on island dishes and drinks. Boy, are they good, especially the Tropical Mule!

Mai Tai cocktail in a Tiki-inspired glass with slice of pineapple and pink umbrella

Open from 11 am until 9 pm on weekdays and 10 am until 9 pm on weekends, plan your visit for one of their specialized Island Nights. Enjoy Taco Tuesdays, Surf & Turf Thursdays, Aloha Fridays, and Weekend Brunch.

Tiki Time Bay Tours

Address: 2803 Emerson St, San Diego, CA 92106 Phone: (858) 848-0097 Website

Who said all tiki bars have to be on land? The Tiki Time Bay Tour knocks the competition out of the park with its floating tour designed in ultimate exotic fashion.

Embark on a cruise through San Diego Bay to see famous attractions like USS Midway Aircraft Carrier , Seaport Village , Coronado Bridge, and more. All while relishing your own tiki bar, manned by a professional bartender onboard. 

There are a couple of cruise options, including a family-friendly sail, or if you want to let your hair down, the Tropical Tiki San Diego Bay Cruise .

Now you should be spoiled for choice with tiki bars in San Diego. Grab your hula skirt and bikini, and get into the Hawaiian spirit.

Looking for more date night ideas? Check out these Top Speakeasies In San Diego .

Last Updated on August 2, 2023 by Maria Haase

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About Maria Haase

Maria Haase has been a travel writer since 2007, stumbling into this profession during an internship in China. She grew up in Germany, but has lived in San Diego since 2006. Maria is a globetrotter, but also adores to explore her own back yard whenever she is home. She loves to share her favorite spots, help visitors plan their trips and share helpful tips about her chosen hometown San Diego.

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Mission bay experience, san diego, ca, our paddle pub tours, private cruise.

  • Up to 26 Passengers

Embark on an exclusive journey with Paddle Pub’s Private Tour, ideal for large gatherings. Starting with a base allowance for up to 14 guests, your party can expand up to 26 with an additional fee per extra guest. Tailor your voyage on Mission Bay with your own tunes, drinks, and the best company, making every moment onboard distinctly yours. Dive into the heart of celebration and create lasting memories with your entire crew on San Diego’s favorite party boat.

PUBLIC CRUISE

Dive into the vibrant social scene of Mission Bay with our Paddle Pub Mixer Tour. This unique party boat experience welcomes you to mingle, share laughs, and forge new friendships, all while enjoying the freedom to BYOB and control the playlist. It’s the perfect setting to let loose, dance, and bask in the stunning backdrop of San Diego’s waters. Join us and be part of an unforgettable mix of fun, music, and partying in the sun!

BACHELORETTE CRUISE

No celebration is too big or too small for Paddle Pub, San Diego’s premier choice for marking any special occasion. From birthdays and bachelorettes to unforgettable group gatherings, Paddle Pub is your floating venue for joy, laughter, and partying on Mission Bay. With the freedom to bring your own beverages, blast your favorite anthems, and party in style, it’s no wonder Paddle Pub is renowned as the #1 way to celebrate life’s milestones in San Diego. Get ready for an epic adventure that promises to be the highlight of your year!

HOW IT WORKS

CHOOSE LOCATION

Paddle Pub sets sail in the coolest locales around. Pick your favorite wateray to get the party started.

Looking to commandeer the entire paddle pub? Book a private tour for your own pedaling extravaganza! Alternatively, snag individual seats to mix and mingle—perfect for those who love a spontaneous party!

Select your squad, pack your favorite beverages, and make sure everyone's ready for an epic time. Don't forget to have everyone sign the pre-tour waiver.

Make your way to the starting dock 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Our captain will help stash your drinks, go over safety guidelines, and prep your crew for a blast on the water.

Cue up your ultimate boat party playlist, pop open a drink, and let the vibes flow. Cheers to a boatload of fun!

BOOK YOUR PADDLE PUB TODAY

We wanted to give you an unforgettable adventure, so we made sure every detail of our boat experience was just right.  From the moment you step on board, you’ll know you’re about to have a good time.  For those that want to pedal, pony up to our bar-style pedal station and make way.  For the rest, there’s plenty of room for dancing or just enjoying the views.   Let’s make memories that you’ll cherish forever!

tiki tour san diego

PARTY AND CELEBRATE!

Looking for things to do for your birthday.

Paddle Pub is the legendary way of celebrating birthdays nationwide. Grab your friends, a cooler, and get ready to create memories you’ll remember for years to come.

tiki tour san diego

BACHELORETTE PARTIES ON PADDLE PUB ARE A HUGE HIT

The best bachelorette party in the country.  Ladies, we want to let you in on a secret. There’s a reason that a large percentage of our tours host bachelorette parties.  Your cute outfits and decorations will be on parade on the water.  Let’s be honest: it’s perfect for creating the perfect moment for pictures to share on Instagram.

MISSION BAY SAN DIEGO, CA

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tiki tour san diego

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Spring 2024 Edition

Sdsu’s top 10 off-campus hangouts over the years.

What was your go-to spot to grab a bite or catch a show when you went to SDSU? See if yours made the list and razz the writer if it didn’t.

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Old restaurant pictures

If you thought I had learned my lesson about the perils of pop-culture partisanship from attempting to rank the top SDSU concerts of all time , guess again! The next topic destined for diehard debate involves San Diego’s best off-campus hangouts through the decades.

Some nearby sites are timeless and somewhat universal to San Diego, but the list presented here focuses more on the locales that were, and in most cases, continue to be distinctive to those who attended and worked at SDSU.

I consulted with hundreds of students, alumni, faculty and staff for insight and saw how differently “hangout” was defined. For most, it was any place that would facilitate socializing. There were two additional caveats. First, the locale had to be off campus, meaning that longtime on-campus favorites — sorry, Henry’s Place, Monty’s Den, etc. — were not eligible. Second, the spot could not have been recently featured in SDSU Magazine; so, much to my chagrin, Sala Thai, Woodstock’s Pizza, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant and The Hills Pub, among others were not listed. 

Here are the results, in order of when they first opened their doors.

Image of Oscars restaurant

Oscar’s Drive-In 4751 El Cajon Blvd. (at Euclid Avenue)

Oscar’s Drive-In had iconic car-hop service with staff wearing distinctive cowboy hats and neckerchiefs. It was known as the “Circus” because of the elephants on the facade and the many animal posters on the interior. In 1951, owner — and Jack in the Box founder — Robert O. Petersen (the O stands for Oscar) converted it into a Jack in the Box, which still stands today after much remodeling.

Campus Drive-In Theatre

The Campus Drive-In 6165 El Cajon Blvd. (at College Avenue)

The first of its kind in San Diego, the Campus Drive-in operated from 1948 to 1983. The massive locale was highlighted with an enormous 80-by-100 mural of SDSU landmarks outlined in neon. That's Cowles Mountain with the S on it (in honor of San Diego State, of course), and the neon majorette in the center even appeared in Life magazine. Big enough for 900 cars — and as many people as one could squeeze into a vehicle — the Campus Drive-In regularly accommodated about 1,000 moviegoers in a night, whether it was to watch “Give My Regards to Broadway” (the venue’s first movie) or “Dragonslayer” (its last).  

Jack in the box old image

Jack in the Box jackinthebox.com 6270 El Cajon Blvd.

The first Jack in the Box was opened at 63rd Street and El Cajon Boulevard in 1951, very close to the Oscar’s turned Jack in the Box (see above). The flagship restaurant quickly became a premier hangout spot for San Diego Staters, as well as for throngs of high schoolers. With that iconic giant clown head on the roof and a sign at the drive-thru that said, “Pull forward, Jack will speak to you,” this locale was a mainstay of popular culture in San Diego, bastioned by the fact that drivers of all ages would show off their hot rods by parking across the street on 63rd.

Barefoot bar now 2024

Barefoot Bar & Grill paradisepoint.com 1404 Vacation Road

Long before it was rebranded as Paradise Point, the iconic Mission Bay beachfront resort and spa was known as Vacation Village, and its most popular hangout spot was the Barefoot Bar. Opened in 1962 at the height of the Cold War, this tiki-themed drinking hole was built into a bank of sand, leading locals to joke that “you could get bombed from the bar but not from the sky.” The spot, which is still serving food and drinks, remained a favorite spot of San Diego State faithful — especially the SDSU Ambassadors who showed prospective students around — for decades.

Bullys East Now 2024

Bully’s East bullyseastsd.com 2401 Camino del Rio South

Few culinary transformations were more dramatic in 1971 than when an A&W fast-food joint became Bully’s East, a premier family-owned steak house that would become legendary for its esteemed sports clientele and atomic horseradish. Bully’s mahogany bar, plush booths and classic cocktails are a throwback to high-end old-school American cuisine.

Picture of Dz Akins

D.Z. Akin’s dzakinsdeli.com 6930 Alvarado Road 

Few college-area establishments have had a bigger impact on the local landscape than D.Z. Akin’s, a New York–style Jewish deli that opened in 1980 next to the 8 freeway and has been hailed as “the restaurant that ate San Diego.” With more than 130 sandwiches (“something for everyone”), walls lined with signed pictures of celebrities and a devout SDSU following, D.Z. Akin's shows no sign of slowing down, now into its fifth decade of service.

The Casbah casbahmusic.com 2501 Kettner Blvd.

Although the original location was up the street, The Casbah has been a popular off-campus hangout for live music and socializing since it opened in 1989. Hosting bands nearly every night of the week, this tiny club has an impressive hipster historical legacy that includes Nirvana, Alanis Morissette and Ben Harper.

Living room cafe image of two people sitting together at a table.

The Living Room Coffeehouse livingroomcafe.com 5900 El Cajon Blvd.

The Living Room Coffeehouse, which opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1991, is a wildly celebrated daytime hangout spot. The bistro has long boasted the hard-to-beat combo of exquisite cuisine, strong coffee, comfy furniture and a relaxed vibe that makes it easy for SDSU students, faculty and staff to spend hours there.

Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream hammondsgourmet.com 3077 University Ave.

Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream opened in 2014 and quickly became an SDSU favorite. With more than 300 flavors that are made in small batches, the variety is nearly endless and the quality is always high. Hammond’s has many surprise tastes, including unforgettable Exhausted Parent and Fat Elvis.

Cheba Hut chebahut.com 4800 Art St.

Though I’m wary of including new restaurants on this list, the testimonials for Cheba Hut have been so effusive that it cracked the top 10. With fresh bread for the gourmet toasted subs, a wide variety of craft beers, popular video-game competitions (Mario, Fortnite, etc.), indoor and outdoor seating and many TVs for sporting events, Cheba Hut already has a following for the ages.

Honorable mentions

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto realcheesepizza.com 10330 Friars Road

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto in Mission Valley has long been an SDSU favorite for sit-down family-style Italian food. Perhaps the most popular graduation restaurant for out-of-town relatives to recoup after commencement festivities, Filippi’s is a San Diego institution, started in 1950, that now extends across the county.

In-N-Out-Burger in-n-out.com 815 N. Bristol St., Santa Ana

Without a doubt, the strangest entry on this list is the In-N-Out-Burger in not-so-nearby Orange County that hosted scores of famished SDSU students before the franchise opened a restaurant in San Diego in 1990. The two-hour drive — in each direction! — did little to deter those yearning for a Double-Double.

Nina’s Books (closed 2012) 6165 El Cajon Blvd. 

Just so you don’t think that all intellectual pursuits were abandoned by SDSU Aztecs in search of a prime hangout spot, Nina’s Books is a surprise entry on this list. Jammed with thousands of paperbacks, Nina’s impressed customers from 1992 to 2012 with its inventory and policy of allowing customers to return recently read books for credit.

McGregor’s Ale House mcgregorssandiego.com 10475 San Diego Mission Road

Two hotspots in one locale?! McGregor’s Ale House has been delighting SDSU audiences since it opened in 1996. Walking distance from Snapdragon Stadium (once Jack Murphy Stadium and then Qualcomm Stadium) this sports-heavy venue has deep ties to SDSU. The venue was previously known as Smokey’s Nightclub, a hopping bar owned by Smokey Gaines, the famed former SDSU men’s basketball coach from 1978 to 1987.

4.0 Deli (closed 2014) 5844 Montezuma Road 

Though relatively short-lived (2001–2014), the highly popular 4.0 Deli was an SDSU favorite during the early years of the 21st century. Despite being a finalist in the 2009 San Diego Union-Tribune Best Subs/Deli poll and having a strong student following, 4.0 Deli struggled to stay economically viable. In a move that further solidified the venue’s place in SDSU lore and secured it a place on my list, the owner offered $1 beers until his supply ran out. Few weekday lunch hours go by that I don’t have a hankering for a Mr. Miyagi sandwich from 4.0.

What Did We Miss?

Think we left something out? Email [email protected] your list of all-time SDSU hangouts and why. Seth Mallios, author of "Historic Walking Tours of SDSU" and 12 other books, is the university history curator and professor of anthropology at SDSU; he takes leisure time very seriously.

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Cutwater Tiki Tasting

Cutwater is one of San Diego's finest distilleries and here at Tiki Time Bay Tours we are proud to partner with them as our premier vendor of craft cocktails! Come join us for our monthly Cutwater rum education with new innovations tour, served by Cody, one of their finest reps in all of San Diego! And of course all while taking the finest bay tour in all of Southern California!

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Neighborhood: Point Loma Peninsula

Tiki Time Bay Tours 2803 Emerson Street San Diego, CA 92106

Contact Info

8588480097 [email protected]

Date & Time

Jul 13, 2023 6:15 PM - 8:15 PM Please arrive 30mins before departure to allow time for parking and walking to our marina.

$54-$60/person

Explore San Diego Neighborhoods

  • Mission Bay & Beaches
  • Point Loma Peninsula
  • North County Coastal
  • Downtown & Urban
  • Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter
  • Little Italy
  • North Park & South Park
  • Inland Valley, Mountain & Desert
  • Mission Valley & Old Town
  • North County Inland
  • East County
  • Baja California
  • Baja Regions

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Old town - san diego history tour.

Looking for an entertaining and enlightening experience? Our Old Town History Tours offer a delightful stroll through Heritage Park and Old Town San Diego, brought to life by our knowledgeable and engaging guides. Get ready for amusing tales, fascinating facts, and a dose of local history served with a side of fun. Don’t miss out on this entertaining historical journey!

Mother's Day Premier Brunch Cruise in San Diego

Create family memories that will be treasured forever with an amazing Premier San Diego Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise on the San Diego Bay. While onboard, your family will enjoy a chef-inspired buffet with a selection of wine, champagne, and classic cocktails. Celebrate with dining and drinking from our interior, or soak in the picturesque backdrop of San Diego’s skyline from our outdoor decks. Start a new tradition the whole family will enjoy and celebrate Mother’s Day on the water!

About this Experience:

– Duration 2 hours – Brunch Buffet View – Unlimited mimosas – Live entertainment – Scenic San Diego Bay views – Single flowers passed out to each mom at the end of the cruise

Board: 10:30am Cruise: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Board: 11:30pm Cruise: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Mother's Day Cruises

Mother’s Day Gondola Ride When it comes to celebrating Mom, we always make the day extra-special. Indulge in a relaxing gondola cruise through the canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays.

A private 50 minute gondola cruise. A bottle of Italian Prosecco. Two mini bottles of Marinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider. A Mini Spring Blossoms box of chocolates from See's Candies. A Spring bouquet of flowers for Mom. Complimentary corkage (If you also bring your own bottle). Select wines and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

HOME OF THE FAMOUS WINERY TRAIN TOUR OF SAN DIEGO

The deluxe Chauffeured Winery Tour has been delighting tens of thousands of guests since 2010! It's our most popular tour because we take you to the actual vineyards so you get the whole experience seeing the grapes being grown and learning about how the wine is made. It's also very relaxing and VIP in that we pick you up at your home/hotel. You don't have all the walking and logistics of the getting to the train station and buying the train ticket. It's our most elevated, deluxe experience. Guaranteed, you'll love it! 

Mother's Day Premier Brunch Cruise in San Diego

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tiki tour san diego

IMAGES

  1. 80-minute Tiki Boat Sights, Sun & Tiki Fun Harbor Tour on San Diego Bay

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  2. 90-minute Tiki Boat Sights, Sun & Tiki Fun Harbor Tour on San Diego Bay!

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  3. World's Largest Tiki Festival Returns To San Diego

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  4. Afternoon Tiki Tour (guided, all ages)

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  5. Tropical Tiki Tour at night on San Diego Bay from $69

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  6. Tacky, terrific Tiki Oasis

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VIDEO

  1. The Ultimate SAN DIEGO Travel Guide

  2. San Diego, California 4K Walking Tour

  3. Tiki tour p1

  4. San Diego California Travel Guide: Best Things To Do in San Diego

  5. #1 Hop On Hop Off Tour in San Diego

  6. [4K] Pacific Beach (PB) in San Diego, California USA

COMMENTS

  1. Tiki Time Bay Tours

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    Specialties: Tiki Time Bay Tours is an all-new, must-do adventure when living in or traveling to San Diego. Led and hosted by professional improvisers, Tiki Time is never the same old boring ride around the bay. This is why at Tiki Time we truly know we are one of the top 10 things to do in San Diego. You are guaranteed to have way more fun and laughter than on any other San Diego Bay tour. We ...

  3. Tiki Time Bay Tours

    Tiki Time Bay Tours, San Diego, California. 979 likes · 21 talking about this · 440 were here. The first and only tiki boat tour on San Diego Bay!

  4. San Diego Bay Sightseeing Tour Aboard Tiki Boat 2024

    Get up close and personal with the highlights of the San Diego Bay—and travel in style—aboard this tiki boat tour. Meet at the marina in the afternoon, hop aboard your one-of-a-kind vessel, and set sail. You'll see famous boats like the Star of India and the USS Midway Museum, will admire up-close perspectives of Coronado Island and the North Island Naval Air Station, and much more.

  5. Tiki Time Bay Tours

    Tiki Time Bay Tours San Diego's first and only Tiki boat! Tiki Time Bay Tours is an all new, must do adventure when living in or traveling to San Diego. Led and hosted by professional improvisors, Tiki Time is never the same old boring ride around the bay. This is why at Tiki Time we truly know we are one of the top 10 things to do in San Diego.

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    Tiki Time Bay Tours is a must-do on-the-water adventure while in San Diego. Led and hosted by professional improvisors, Tiki Time is never the same boring ride around the bay. ... Intro to Mexico Walking Tour: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego. 188. Historical Tours. from . $73.00. per adult. 2.5 Hours of Fun: Catamaran Sunset Sail. 44. On the ...

  7. TOP 10 BEST Tiki Cruise in San Diego, CA

    Top 10 Best Tiki Cruise in San Diego, CA - April 2024 - Yelp - Tiki Time Bay Tours, Tiki Fun Boats, False Idol, Sail San Diego, Bali Hai Restaurant, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Adventure Cruises San Diego

  8. Afternoon Tiki Tour (guided, all ages)

    Afternoon Tiki Tour (guided, all ages) Board the Tiki to discover all things San Diego: USS Midway, Coronado bridge, Star of India, and so much more. Our hosts are bay experts AND rock star improvisors, so expect the unexpected! As always, your host brings you tons of facts using comedic wit and improv flair. +/- 1 hr. 45 mins.

  9. 2024 Tropical Tiki Tour on San Diego Bay

    You'll start at. 2803 Emerson St. 2803 Emerson St, San Diego, CA 92106, USA. Located at H&M Landing marina, behind Point Loma Seafoods. See address & details. Pass by. San Diego Bay. 1.

  10. Sunset Tiki Tour (guided, all ages)

    Tiki Time Bay Tours 2803 Emerson Street San Diego, CA 92106. Get Directions. Contact Info (858) 848-0097 ... the power of the twin 12 cylinder 2-stroke Detroit Diesel engines as you take a behind the scenes 75-minute narrated tour of San Diego's military history. Tour route heads under Coronado Bay Bridge, Naval Base San Diego, and then Naval ...

  11. Tickets

    WEDNESDAY ONLY. ( no tickets sold at door) Join us for a Tiki Oasis Luau at the historic Catamaran Resort Hotel (est. 1958). Kick off the weekend with us! LUAU OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: Kahuna VIP - $165. Aloha Premium - $150. Ohana General - $135. Kids under 12 - $68.

  12. The Largest Tiki Event in the World is Back in SD

    The world's largest Tiki event is back in San Diego, transforming Town and Country Resort into a Polynesian paradise. Subscribe and get 1 year for $18. For more than two decades, the von ...

  13. Tiki Oasis

    Tiki Oasis is a five-night, four-day live music event, including pool lounging, fashion shows, swanky suites, sunset dinners, disc jockeys, art exhibits, educational seminars, a bustling Tiki Marketplace, wedding options, tropical cocktails curated by top mixologists, and more! Now in its 24th year, Tiki Oasis is the original and largest Tiki ...

  14. 11 Exciting San Diego Tiki Bars For A Fun Night Out

    The Tiki Hut San Diego. Address: 535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. Website. Everyone loves the Tiki Hut San Diego, a classic pop-up tiki bar on Fifth Avenue. It provides a fun atmosphere with a nice selection of tropical drinks. The Tiki Hut is located across the street from well-sought-after Rustic Root Restaurant and Rooftop Bar.

  15. The Coronado Tiki (Departs from Marriott Resort)

    Tiki Time Bay Tours 2803 Emerson Street San Diego, CA 92106. Get Directions. Contact Info. 8588480097 ... For one of our most popular San Diego boat tour packages, save $30 and experience the best of both worlds with our San Diego sightseeing Scooter & Speedboat Adventure combo! You jump on a scooter and explore San Diego at your own pace in ...

  16. Paddle Pub San Diego

    Dive into the heart of celebration and create lasting memories with your entire crew on San Diego's favorite party boat. BOOK NOW. LEARN MORE. PUBLIC CRUISE. PUBLIC CRUISE $49.95. BYOB; Up to 26 Passengers; ... Tours begin at the Mission Bay Sports Center Hyatt Regency location, at 1590 Quivera Rd. San Diego, CA 92109. ...

  17. Tiki Vibes & Tiki Tonics

    San Diego, CA 92106. Get Directions. Contact Info. (858) 848-0097. [email protected]. Date & Time. Jan 30 - Apr 29, 2024. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Please arrive 30 minutes early to allow for parking and boarding.

  18. Stick Figure

    Important Event Info: Stick Figure - Sacred Sands Summer Tour. More Info. Sun • Jul 14 • 6:00 PM The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA. Important Event Info: Be advised ADA availability is subject to capacity.

  19. SDSU's Top 10 Off-Campus Hangouts Over the Years

    The first of its kind in San Diego, the Campus Drive-in operated from 1948 to 1983. The massive locale was highlighted with an enormous 80-by-100 mural of SDSU landmarks outlined in neon. That's Cowles Mountain with the S on it (in honor of San Diego State, of course), and the neon majorette in the center even appeared in Life magazine.

  20. Tiki Oasis

    Tiki Oasis is the original and largest Tiki event in the world. Tiki Oasis proudly brings to San Diego five nights and four days of live music, dancing, pool lounging, sunset dinners, disc jockeys, educational seminars, a bustling Marketplace of over 150 artists and makers, tropical cocktails curated by top mixologists, art exhibit, book signing and so much more.

  21. Cutwater Tiki Tasting

    Cutwater is one of San Diego's finest distilleries and here at Tiki Time Bay Tours we are proud to partner with them as our premier vendor of craft cocktails! ... the power of the twin 12 cylinder 2-stroke Detroit Diesel engines as you take a behind the scenes 75-minute narrated tour of San Diego's military history. Tour route heads under ...