Need the perfect place to spend an evening out in San Diego? Try Fort Oak, a Mission Hills gem set in a former Ford car dealership.
Everything, from the well-crafted cocktails to the attractive décor, makes Fort Oak the perfect place for cocktails or a full dinner.
Atmosphere
Fort Oak stands out for its combination of modern design and rustic comfort. The beautifully modern space with a stunning bar occupies a building that was once a car dealership. An open kitchen, with a wood-fired grill, adds warmth and a sense of anticipation to the atmosphere. With high ceilings and huge windows, it gives off a tall and exquisite vibe that is perfect for a special occasion or date night. Dr Drinks Fort Oak’s bar program is as strong as its food menu. Bartenders very experienced; make good cocktails. The Durango, made with mezcal, is a popular selection in its own right, praised for its smooth taste and light foam. The bar also serves martinis and other cocktails such as the Silver Hawk.
What to Know Before You Go
Address: Fort Oak, 1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103, in the Mission Hills neighborhood.
Parking: Street parking can be found, but you may have to hunt around for a spot.
Happy Hour: $1 oysters from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. on Mondays.
Reservations: Fort Oak accepts reservations; you can make one here.
Ambiance: The restaurant is known for having a lively vibe and can get loud, like its sister restaurant, Trust.
North Park’s long-time local favorite Polite Provisions reopened this February. Who’s ready for a cocktail?
We recently planned a date night at North Park’s Polite Provisions, one of the city’s most beloved cocktail establishments. This February, it made triumphant return after temporarily shutting down in late 2024 for a legal issue regarding a liquor license. Located in the vibrant North Park neighborhood, this 1920s apothecary-inspired bar gives you a Prohibition era experience.
What Is Polite Provisions?
Polite Provisions is a craft cocktail bar inspired by the nostalgia of neighborhood drugstores and soda fountains. Part of Consortium Holdings’ hospitality portfolio, this joint has been praised for its quality mixology since being named a James Beard bar semifinalist in 2016.
Our Visit
Upon entering Polite Provisions, we were enticed at once by the vintage environment. The ambient lighting and gold accents complement the shelves of bottles behind the long bar. There is a mix of bar seating, tables, and cozy, dim-lit booths creating the perfect date-night atmosphere.
As for the cocktail menu, it’s a mixologist’s dream, a stunning 80 pages of libations. First up was the “Cactus Jack,” a refreshing, well-balanced brew that exemplified the bar’s focus on quality. If you are looking for something different, we recommend getting the “Purple Haze” which consists of London Dry gin, lychee, hibiscus and several more flavors that pop up prominent in your mouth. The difference you will find at Polite Provisions is the level of attention to detail in service. Enthusiastic and well-informed bar staff were welcomed to walk all of us through a lengthy menu and even recommend custom designed drinks
Things You Should Know
Before you visit this cocktail oasis, you should know:
Reopened: After a shutdown following a liquor license violation, Polite Provisions reopened in February 2025.
Address: 4696 30th Street (University Heights/North Park neighborhood of San Diego.
Expect to wait: The bar is often busy, and during weekends you may need to wait for a table to open up.
Food options: Although Polite Provisions is primarily a drink-focused place, you can order food from sister restaurant, Fortunate Son, next door.
Parking: Street parking only.
Non-alcoholic options: Polite Provisions offers a variety of mocktail options for the sober and sober-curious folks.
As a whole, Polite Provisions is more than a great drink. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just seeking a unique night out, this bar deserves a spot at the top of your “must-visit” list when in San Diego.
Unwind in style with exclusive amenities, top-notch culinary offerings, and beach access at Encinitas’ premier resort.
We recently came across Alila Marea Beach Resort when looking for a quick getaway from central San Diego. Located atop an impressive bluff tracing the Pacific Ocean, the elegant getaway offered a unique experience we couldn’t turn down. The day pass, purchased through ResortPass, was very appealing because we could enjoy all that this resort has to offer without spending the night.
What’s Included With The Alila Marea Day Pass?
Pool Access
This is one of the first things that attracted us to the Alila Marea Beach Resort: its gorgeous outdoor pool. As soon as we got there, we jumped into the alluring water with greenery and ocean ⎯ nature sounds all around. The pool was the ideal place for us to relax and sunbathe, and we enjoyed spending warm afternoons relaxing in our preferred climate.
Hot Tub
After a refreshing swim, we headed over to the hot tub that had amazing ocean views. Soaking in the warm water, staring out at the horizon was a memory we will carry with us for a while now. It melted away any stress and made us feel connected to our stunning surroundings — the very definition of a luxurious getaway.
Poolside Loungers
We also made use of the poolside loungers, a cozy place to soak up the beautiful SoCal sun. Relaxing with our favorite drinks, smiling and talking, comfortable in the calm atmosphere of the resort. It was the perfect opportunity to unwind and have a rest while taking in the amazing coastal scenery.
The Pocket
One of our favorite places at the resort was The Pocket, the cute poolside bar. With its surf-inspired decor and breathtaking ocean views, it was the perfect spot for a bite to eat and craft cocktails. We sampled delicious bites while enjoying the chilled-out vibe and the nearby crashing waves. Great food, refreshing drinks, and beautiful scenery made this a must stop on our daycation.
Plan Your Visit
What does a day pass at Alila Marea Beach Resort cover?
The day pass is good for the outdoor pool, hot tub, poolside loungers, The Pocket bar for craft cocktails and bites, Vaga Restaurant for dining and the Coffee Box for grab-and-go snacks and drinks.
What are the operating hours for day pass offering?
Day pass amenities: Daily, 9:00 am — 9:00 pm Specific hours for dining vary, with food available at The Pocket from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Vaga from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Do I have to pay a resort fee when I obtain a day pass? What is the daily resort fee?
Yes, the current price is $55 plus tax. This is charged for different facilities and assistance during your stay.
Is it possible to reserve a cabana or daybed with my day pass?
Absolutely! For an added level of luxury, book a cabana or daybed, which give you a little private relaxation space as well as free fruit and water.
Is the resort family friendly?
No, Alila Marea Beach Resort intends to transition to an adults-only resort on Feb. 14, 2025, at which point it will welcome only guests ages 18 and older. The move is intended to provide a more peaceful and focused environment for adult guests.
Conclusion
This daycation was memorable thanks to the combination of luxurious amenities, stunning views, and thoughtful offerings. We had such a blast doing everything from relaxing at the pool to eating delicious meals and soaking in the sunshine! We can absolutely recommend Alila Marea Beach Resort if you are thinking about a daycation. This gem in Encinitas has everything you want for an ideal day away from the daily grind. We departed with a trove of sweet memories and plans to return soon!
