When you stay with Monarch Luxury guests, you always experience a trip full of exclusive, unique activities customized just for your group. But Thanksgiving adds a special twist, as guests can enhance their stay with a variety of fall offerings. Keep reading to discover what a Thanksgiving in San Diego can look like for you.
With Monarch Luxury Villas, you’ll always feel in the know about San Diego’s most unbelievable experiences. Request a complimentary copy of our Travel Guide to unlock our top-recommended places to dine, drink, and appreciate the beauty of San Diego.
San Diego’s mild temperatures allow you to spend relaxing evenings on the beach even during the month of November. Why not feast on the sand this Thanksgiving? During this beach bash, your personal attendant will serve a fall-inspired dinner right on the sand as you sip a glass of your drink of choice and watch the sunset over the Pacific. Fireside s’mores for dessert and a pumpkin cornhole game will get you in the Thanksgiving spirit!
“Wine” down this Thanksgiving with loved ones and a heavy pour of a decadent cabernet. Choose from one of San Diego’s nearby wine regions – Temecula Valley, Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe, or Ramona – for a leisurely fall day in the vineyards. Your private chauffeur will pick you and your guests up from your Monarch Luxury Villas rental and escort you to your selected vineyards before returning home. Experience tastings, behind-the-scenes vineyard tours, and a personalized picnic lunch.
When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is navigating a new grocery store or spending Thanksgiving morning meal prepping. With our custom Thanksgiving delivery service, your personal chef will deliver a Turkey or Ham and all the fixings right to your rental the day prior. All you need to do is heat and serve! If you have a special family tradition you’d like to include, let us know and we will be happy to add it into the mix.
For a truly luxurious holiday experience, enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner prepared by a private chef. He’ll work with you to create a customized menu ahead of time, and will take care of the shopping, cooking, and clean-up. This is the best way to have a full relaxed, worry-free holiday with family and friends.
Monarch Luxury Villas is delighted to offer our guests unparalleled amenities and experiences through our full-service concierge. Whether you’d like roses and champagne on ice awaiting at your romantic seaside hideaway, or a classic beach clambake complete with a bonfire & s’mores for your family reunion, our local concierge is here to handle the details so you can arrive and relax.
From the ‘essentials’ to the ‘exclusively local’ experiences, our specialist ensures your vacation is seamless and memorable. A typical Monarch guest arrives in style with a private airport transfer, with gourmet groceries and other amenities such as baby and beach equipment pre-stocked at your villa. Throughout your stay, you’ll embark on uniquely local experiences including private sunset sails, behind-the-vine winery tours, and VIP zoo experiences. Back at your villa, luxury awaits with private chef services, in-home massages and yoga under the stars.
Our team of local San Diegans know where to go, what to do and how to live like a local – in luxury.
To arrange services with your Monarch concierge, contact concierge@monarchluxuryvillas.com or (858) 356-2284 Ext 701.
Are you planning a getaway to San Diego from Arizona? How about turning it into a fun road trip? There’s nothing like driving up the West Coast, blasting music, and admiring the scenery! In this blog, we’ll help you plan your adventure and make the most of the journey. So, read on, take notes, and start mapping out your road trip from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego! Next, discover the best things to do once you reach San Diego in our free Travel Guide! This exclusive planning tool features our recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.
The drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego is 357 miles long and takes about five and a half hours. It’s the ideal length for a road trip because you won’t spend the entire day in the car!
There are a few things to consider when packing for your vacation. First, pack the items you’ll need for your road trip. That includes water, snacks, phone chargers, etc. We also recommend creating a playlist that you can blast with the windows down! Be sure to load up your itinerary before you leave, too, as there might not be service along the way.
You also need to think about what to pack for San Diego. The weather in Southern California is sunny all-year-long, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for all types of weather. Here are some items you might want to consider taking with you:
The drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego is stunning, to say the least. If you love nature and beautiful vistas, then you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of our favorite things to see along the way.
They say it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey. In this case, however, we can assure you that the destination will be the highlight of your trip! Monarch Luxury Villas offers a beautiful selection of properties in San Diego that will make your vacation unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a romantic condo for two or a spacious home for your family and friends, Monarch Luxury Villas has you covered.
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If you’re looking for the perfect postcard experience during your stay in San Diego, then Coronado Island Beach is for you. Here, you can plan a romantic adventure or a fun-filled day with the family! Keep reading to learn more about Coronado’s history, amenities, and where to stay nearby. Then, start planning your visit!
Learn more about the best things to do in the San Diego area with our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find our top recommendations for high-end restaurants, exciting events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.
Coronado Island Beach is a magical place that you cannot miss during your vacation in San Diego. This gorgeous beach is located near the famous Hotel del Coronado that was featured in the Hollywood classic Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. It was also the inspiration for the bestselling novel Somewhere in Time.
Coronado Beach is as relaxing as it is beautiful. Here, the long stretches of sand and Pacific Ocean sparkle under the hot California sun. It’s no wonder the beach has been repeatedly voted as one of America’s top beaches by Travel Channel and Dr. Beach!
Coronado Island Beach is a fabulous spot for sunbathing. It’s also a great place to try water sports. Here are some of the fun water activities you can indulge in during the day:
After a fun-filled day at Coronado Island Beach, your stomach will likely be growling! How about grabbing a table at one of the area’s best oceanfront restaurants? Here are some of our favorite places to dine:
Serẽa Coastal Cuisine
For a trendy restaurant with jaw-dropping views, look no further than Serẽa Coastal Cuisine. This eatery boasts sustainable seafood as well as a lavish brunch menu on weekends.
Chez Loma
Are you planning a romantic evening with your significant other? Chez Loma is ideal. You’ll love this French restaurant located in a historic Victorian house. Enjoy classic French staples while sipping on a glass of delicious wine.
Sheerwater
Sheerwater is located at the Coronado Hotel and is the perfect place for history buffs. You’ll feel like a 1950s movie star dining al fresco on the patio, enjoying fine seafood entrees, and gazing at the ocean in front of you.
Now that we’ve convinced you to visit Coronado Island Beach, it’s time to find the perfect home in San Diego! Browse our luxurious selection of villas and pick the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, a large family, or a group of friends, we have a house to host your party. Plus, you’ll enjoy high-end amenities and stunning ocean views no matter where you stay!
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As the sweet smell of BBQ mixes with the salty ocean air, visitors and locals to San Diego over the Fourth of July weekend are in for a treat. The ideal beach weather, nationally acclaimed firework displays, and endless activities throughout America’s Finest City make this a holiday to remember.
As the sun sets over the horizon, guests of Monarch Luxury Villas have a rare opportunity to experience grand firework displays from the comfort of their luxury villas.
View on Rue, a stunning three bedroom home in the hills above La Jolla, showcases some of California’s greatest beaches from its open living spaces and outdoor dining pavilion.
Nearby at the family-friendly Art Lover’s Paradise, guests can grill in the full outdoor kitchen or take a swim in the expansive pool while they enjoy fireworks over the Pacific Ocean.
At the 6,000 square-foot masterpiece Sunset Villa I built into La Jolla’s Soldedad Mountain, the enormous curved windows allow guests to view the patriotic displays from panoramic ocean views in every room.
Across the San Diego Bay in the Coronado Cays, guests can park their yacht at Buccaneer Way’s private dock (up to 100 ft!) after a day exploring the coastline.
Tucked away in Point Loma, Yacht Sailors Paradise has an unbelievable view of the bay and San Diego City skyline.
San Diego offers family fun to groups of all sizes and ages – so we’re outlining our top tips for planning an extra special family reunion. Whether on the sand, at sea or behind-the-scenes, San Diego’s experiences are ideal for toddlers all the way up to grandparents.
Where to Stay: While hotels are a great choice for business trips and small groups, we recommend a rental home for a family reunion. With a rental home, siblings can gather in the kitchen, long-distance cousins can bunk together, and grandparents can enjoy a private casita away from the fray.
The sprawling Mediterranean-style Casa Granada is perfect for larger groups looking for luxury, privacy and plenty of on-site activities. The private estate boasts more than 16,500 square feet and 11 bedrooms, and sleeps to 28 guests. Resort-style amenities at the home include a tennis court, large swimming pool, gym, theater, and game parlor.
At the 10,000 square foot Sunset Villa III, guests are treated to panoramic ocean views from curved floor-to-ceiling windows. Built for entertaining, the 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom estate boasts several living rooms, a fully equipped gym, a theater room, a steam/sauna room, pool table, two gorgeous wood wet bars, a full outdoor kitchen, a large pool with in ground hot tub and water feature, fire pit and beautifully landscaped grounds.
At Sunset Villa II, guests are treated to unparalleled views and plenty of space. Perched on a natural preserve above La Jolla, the estate features more than 10,000 square feet, 2 kitchens, 7 suites, and 2 additional full baths. It’s perfect for up to 14 guests to be together and maintain privacy. The inviting and open living spaces cater to all needs with large wall-mounted TVs, an aquarium, baby grand piano, professional kitchen, and several living rooms–all of which rival one another for the best view in the house.
Just down the road, Art Lover’s Paradise is perfect retreat for families with children of all ages. This 7 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom architectural beauty sits on a quiet cul de sac on Soledad Mountain, in the heart of Alta La Jolla. Fully renovated in 2015, the modern design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces with sliding glass doors that open entire walls to ocean views. Guests enjoy expansive and beautifully landscaped outdoor living spaces, including an oversized hot tub, large swimming pool and a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and bar.
What to Book in Advance: Eliminate some of the stress when you arrive by arranging pre-arrival grocery stocking through Monarch’s concierge team. No need to make a big trip to Costco when you arrive – your groceries and essential items will be waiting for you in the home when you check-in. Other services we recommend booking prior to arrival? Airport transfers, baby equipment rentals and beach essentials. Coordinating the needs of a mixed family can be made easy by booking a few simple services ahead of time.
To fully relax into vacation mode, guests can also arrange for a private chef to prepare a welcome dinner at their rental home. Whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ or a multi-course meal, your first dinner will set the scene for a fun family reunion. The best part? All the cooking and clean-up are taken care of by your chef.
At Sea: As a coastal city with nearly perfect year-round weather, there are plenty of exciting options for a day on the water with family. Want a low-key afternoon on Mission Bay? Arrange a double-decker pontoon boat complete with a slide for the kids (and adults!) For a more adventurous group, visitors can book a private experience aboard an America’s Cup Racing Yacht. For a more relaxing sailing experience or for a dinner on the water, up to 48 guests can charter a catamaran on the San Diego Bay.
On the Sand: La Jolla Shores offers long stretches of beach and stunning sunsets, so it’s no surprise that many groups opt for a dinner on the sand or a bonfire with s’mores. Need to get the little ones down to bed on the earlier side? Parties can arrange for a daytime beach butler, with snacks or lunch and beach games for the whole family.
Behind-the-Scenes: Popular local attractions like the world-famous San Diego zoo offer private tours for groups. For parents looking to relax while kids are entertained, our favorite way to go is the “Inside Look” tour where you’ll be chauffeured in a private or semi-private cart and embark on a behind-the-scenes experience with a zookeeper.
Back at Your Rental: Since you’ve booked a beautiful villa for the whole family to enjoy, we can bring the party right to you. A hosted game night or a magician can entertain the family, or a sommelier can enchant the adults while the kids experience a cookie making party with their trained babysitters.
The options for a family reunion are endless in San Diego! To book your stay, email reservations@monarchluxuryvillas.com. To enhance your experience, our in-house concierge team is available for planning all of the details. Email concierge@monarchluxuryvillas.com.
As one of the most upscale seaside communities in Southern California, it’s no surprise that La Jolla is home to a range of fine dining and hidden culinary gems. From ocean view dining to happy hour and cozy Italian hideaways, the village’s variety of restaurants suit the taste buds of food lovers from all over.
For Ocean View Dining, Duke’s La Jolla outpost offers Polynesian-inspired seafood dishes with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. For private events such as a rehearsal dinner or intimate wedding reception, Duke’s Barefoot Bar on the second level has an open-air deck and the same stunning views as the main restaurant. Just down the road on Prospect Street is a La Jolla staple, George’s at the Cove. With three levels and three separate restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual fare, George’s features both stunning views and cuisine for the most discerning foodies. No list of ocean view dining would be complete without the historic Marine Room, where waves come right up to the window and have even been known to crack through.
For Happy Hour, Eddie V’s in the downtown village of La Jolla has unbeatable food and drink specials. We recommend the lamb lollypops! Just around the corner, Herringbone has an “Oyster Hour” where fresh shucked oysters are an hour each.
From cozy to trendy, La Jolla’s Italian Food scene puts even the most skeptical New Yorker at ease. At the coastal Italian Catania, sip on an Aperol spritz while noshing on hand-crafted wood-fired pizzas while enjoying the ocean view from the patio. At the shores’ Piatti, diners are welcomed by classic fare and handpicked wines. Looking for a classic scene? Manhattan of La Jolla takes you back to the heyday of Frank Sinatra with brick walls, live piano music, perfectly shaken martinis, and good old fashioned home cooking.
For a pre- or post-dinner glass of wine, head over to We Olive & Wine Bar. The wine store’s back patio is open for guests looking for a glass or bottle of wine to enjoy, as well as beer and olive oil tastings. Over in the Bird Rock area, LJ Crafted Wines is an urban winery haven serving small-batch wines straight from the barrel.
For visitors looking to explore beyond downtown La Jolla, head over to the newly re-designed University Town Center, home to shopping, dining, an ice rink and movie theatre. Start your night off at The Winery before heading to dinner at the award-winning Javier’s. Cap off your night at the speakeasy Raised by Wolves.
To book your stay in La Jolla, email Reservations@MonarchLuxuryVillas.com or call (858) 356-2284. Like La Jolla’s restaurants, our luxury vacation rentals suit a variety of taste buds.
With nearly year-round sunshine in San Diego, families have ample opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings America’s Finest City has to offer. Monarch Luxury Villas’ in-house concierge has compiled her perfect one-week itinerary for families visiting San Diego this Summer (or Fall, Winter and Spring for that matter!) Leave the stress of traveling with kids at home, and let our team help plan your stay.
Day 1: Upon landing, no need to flag down a cab – your private SUV will whisk you from baggage claim and bring you right to your La Jolla rental. As you enter the home, you’ll be greeted with a cocktail as your chef prepares a welcome family-style meal. Your pre-ordered groceries will be stocked in the fridge, and you can rest easy with your baby equipment rentals already set up in your room of choice.
Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast, your personal guide will arrive in a luxury SUV to take your family to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo for a two-hour behind-the-scenes experience. After getting up close with rare animals, you’ll head to the nearby historic Balboa Park (built for the 1915 Panama-California Exhibition) where you’ll enjoy a private gourmet picnic in the rose garden. Following lunch, you’ll have ample time to explore the park’s 17 museum’s and cultural institutions.
Day 3: Set sail from the San Diego harbor on your very own 40’ luxury sailing yacht (captain included, of course). Learn to sail, or sit back and relax in the afternoon sun as dolphins and the city skyline pass you by. On your way back to La Jolla, stop by Little Italy’s Food Hall where the kids can play in the promenade fountain as you choose from one of the many gourmet food stands.
Day 4: Embark on a fun-filled family day in La Jolla starting with breakfast at Brockton Villa, where you’ll have a full view of the La Jolla Cove seals splashing around. After getting a closer look at the seals at the Children’s Pool, head to Scripp’s Seaside Aquarium for a fun and educational afternoon. In the evening, while the kids enjoy a pizza party with their babysitter, the adults will head on an urban winery excursion for “Wine Wednesday.” With more than 20 urban wineries dotting the San Diego coastline, your Wine Tasting Passport will take you on a journey to some of the city’s gems.
Day 5: Wake up to a personalized yoga session in the comfort of your rental before heading to Coronado Island for beachside butler service with your very own cabana, attendant, picnic lunch, sunscreen, towels, lounge chairs, boogie boards and sand castle building tools. In the afternoon, partake in a bike tour or surf lesson on the idyllic island. Head to an early happy hour dinner on the deck of Stake Chophouse for sunset views and fireside food.
Day 6: Explore the La Jolla Cove by water with a guided kayak or snorkel excursion through Everyday California (make sure to use our code MONARCHLUXV for a discount!) Celebrate your last evening in San Diego with a full-service dinner on the beach complete with beach games and a bonfire with s’mores. A photographer will be on hand at the beach dinner to capture family photos at sunset.
Day 7: Stretch your legs and take one last look at the breathtaking coastline with a hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve before your private driver seamlessly escorts you and your family to the airport. By the time you arrive back home, your family beach photos will be waiting in your inbox as a keepsake from your unforgettable week.
At Monarch Luxury Villas, our full-service concierge handles every itinerary with white gloves. From exclusive experiences to the basics such airport transfers and baby equipment, your stay will be curated to perfection. To book your family-getaway, email concierge@monarchluxuryvillas.com or call (858) 356-2284.
Guests can enjoy a private picnic in the Rose Garden at the historic Balboa Park.
Guests of Monarch Luxury Villas enjoy full-service beach dining experiences complete with a bonfire & s’mores.
San Diego is an ideal destination for wine lovers with Temecula Valley and Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe both within a few hours’ drive. But a lesser-known wine trail includes the more than thirty urban wineries dotting the Coastline from Oceanside to Seaport Village, allowing visitors easy access to California’s fine wines.
Through the San Diego Urban Winery Passport, guests can participate in tastings at any of the fifteen registered wine rooms for just $35. Beginning in downtown San Diego and ending in Oceanside, we’ve included one of our favorite itineraries for an urban winery excursion.
San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room: Watch sailboats breeze by downtown San Diego’s harbor as you sip an award-winning Malbec at the Seaport Village outpost of San Pasqual Winery.
Carruth Cellars Wine Garden: A short five minute uber away is the Carruth Cellars Wine Garden, located in the trendy seaside Little Italy neighborhood. The patio garden is a great place to enjoy locally-produced wines and wood-fired pizza at this local hot-spot.
Gianni Buonomo Vintners: At Point Loma’s Gianni Buonomo Vinters, antique jewelry cases have been converted into tasting bars giving the tasting room a historic charm. Locals love the reds here and we agree!
LJ Crafted Wines: Just down the road from many of Monarch’s luxury vacation rentals is Bird Rock’s LJ Crafted Wines. Guests here enjoy tastings of small-batch wines from the Napa Valley region while basking in the laid-back Southern California neighborhood.
Solterra Winery & Kitchen: Up the historic 101 highway lies Encinitas’ Solterra Winery & Kitchen, where fine local wines are enjoyed alongside a full gourmet lunch and dinner menu.
Coomber Craft Wines: The recently opened Coomber Craft Wines in downtown Oceanside is making a splash with an expansive indoor and outdoor tasting space and an acclaimed Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that has received a 95-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.
Guests of Monarch Luxury Villas have access to a full-service concierge that is delighted to plan your wine getaway to San Diego. Email concierge@monarchluxuryvillas.com for more information.
Whether you’re jetting across the pond or taking a staycation, San Diego’s breathtaking sunset and year-round sunshine sets the scene for a romantic seaside marriage proposal. Below are some of our favorite ideas for popping the question in America’s Finest City.
For guests staying at one of Monarch Luxury Villas’ La Jolla rentals, plan a perfect proposal on the sand at La Jolla Shores through our in-house concierge. A private beach bonfire complete with s’mores, chocolate covered strawberries, cozy blankets and sparkling cider can be arranged for a picturesque proposal as the sun goes down. And don’t forget a professional beach photographer to capture the occasion!
Departing a short distance from the cozy hideaway Seashore Studio, soar above San Diego’s coastline in your very own hot air balloon. Pop the question as you pop champagne aboard your private sunset hot air balloon ride.
For guests staying at Buccaneer Way, experience Italian-style romance as you explore the Coronado Cays on a gondola ride. Or pack up for a picnic in Balboa Park’s rose garden where a custom picnic can be arranged in the historic and Instagram-worthy setting.
For couples on the more adventurous side, set out to sea for a snorkeling or diving expedition where you can propose under the sea.
Whether you’re looking for an elaborate estate fit for royals or a romantic coastal casita, Monarch Luxury Villas has a perfect vacation rental for your special occasion. To book your stay in San Diego, email reservations@monarchluxuryvillas.com.
