Haute Labor Day Weekend Get Away: San Diego

Get haute during the last weekend of summer with a quick trip to San Diego, California. Here are some of the area’s natural gems and the city’s best places to eat and play in style.

Socialize at the Airr Supperclub. Sexy, sleek and sophisticated, the Airr Supperclub mixes modern design with group-styled dining to create one of San Diego’s most unique venues. Part trendy lounge and part restaurant, Airr is the ideal spot to sip and savor cocktails before a night on the town. A transparent wine-rack acts as an eye catching wall divider, while color-themed rooms (chic white, fire engine red or sultry black) provide a space for any mood. The energetic music resonates throughout the entire space, so if you’re looking for quite and cozy, this may not be the place for you. The menu terminology can get quite tricky, but we recommend the light and fresh Spring Greens ($7) and the super sweet Caramel Budino ($10).

Rejuvenate yourself at the Scripps Ranch Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, home to nationally renown dermatologist, Dr. Tess Mauricio. If summer has put a damper on your skin, take advantage of Schripps’ state-of-the-art services out their La Jolla-based office. Dr. Mauricio has been featured on “The Doctors,” “The Rachel Ray Show” and dozens of other media outlets. The center offices services ranging  from acne treatments to body sculpting and almost anything in-between. The professional and award-winning team prides itself in its use of ground breaking technology and customized client consultations, while also providing top-quality traditional procedures.

Explore the Gaslamp District’s infamous history, unique food offerings and architectural sites with the Brothels, Bites, and Booze Tour.  Produced by San Diego Tours, this foot trekking  journey allows participants to sample some of San Diego’s best food options, while also studying some of the city’s iconic buildings and plazas.  Guests will enjoy ethnic gems like Indian cuisine, handcrafted pizza, classic Mexican staples and delicious, homestyle sweet treats.

Dance the night away at Fluxx. This trendy night club is one San Diego’s newest downtown hot spots. The venue constantly “fluctuates” its decor and themes and was designed by creative force and California tastemaker, Davis Krumins. The venue aims to create a full sensory experience through its state-of-art sound system, vibrant colors and interactive elements. Such elements coupled with a constant rotation of celebrity DJ’s and guests, earned Fluxx the coveted title of “Best New Nightclub of the Year” by Nightclub & Bar Media.

Gaze atop the Altitude Sky Lounge of the Marriott Gaslamp. This open-aired lounge sits 22 stories above the ground, giving guests unobstructed views of Pet Co Park, the downtown skyline, and the stunning San Diego Bay. Make sure to have a camera handy, as the view will undoubtedly take your breath away. Whether you’re swinging by for a cocktail or to catch some innings of a Padres game, Altitude is a must see.

Splash at La Jolla’s iconic beaches. La Jolla is known for its affluent community and luxury lifestyle, but it also nestles one of Southern California’s best natural wonders; beautiful beaches. Set to the backdrop of rolling hills and dropping cliffs, La Jolla’s sea side is one of the state’s best. Choose from The Shores, a mile of crescent-shaped sands with tons of beach activities; The Cove, a nook-like location that is a part of the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve; or Torrey Pines City Beach (also known as Black’s Beach), characterized by views of extravagant mansions and strong surf.

Grab lunch at The Cheese Shop off La Jolla’s Avenida De La Playa; this charming delicatessen, deli, and sandwich shop has been a part of the La Jolla community since 1972. It offers guests unique imported and specialty foods, slow-roasted meats and ingredients made from scratch. The Cheese Shop gets rather crowded on weekends, so orders may take a bit to be served but are definitely worth the wait. The Roasted Leg of Lamb ($8.95) and the Turkey Jack Avocado ($8.95) are both signature shop staples and are equally delicious.

Liana Lozada