The story goes that Muhammad Ali once stayed for three hours signing autographs at San Diego’s Town and Country Resort. It’s hard to find another act that truly embodies the spirit of Town and Country, as it reflects the resort’s class, wonder, and fan service.

There is undoubtedly an energy raging at Town and Country Resort. One step inside and you’ll find this isn’t the quaint and quiet resort for rest. The resort hums with movement and personality, blending deep San Diego roots with a sense of lively momentum. From evening drinks in the lobby to backstrokes in the pool, every moment echoes that same excitement and soon-to-be-made nostalgia in the very space Ali once filled.

Cool, Classy, and Cozy

The lobby’s youthful energy and nostalgic spirit create the perfect introduction to the modern midcentury marvel soon to unfold. At check-in, midcentury geometric designs, mustard tones, honey-wood hardwoods, and gold accents welcome with vibes of simpler times. Surrounded by retro combinations of plush leather chairs and round accent tables, the only thing missing — fortunately, I’ll admit — is the shag carpet. Instead, what you experience is a classy, elegant, and thought-provoking space that sparks lively conversations.   

Swing by Monkeybar and invoke your inner Ron Burgundy with a collection of seasonal and signature cocktails. The Velvet & Spice with Remy Martin 1738, Licor 43, Falernum Syrup, and Regan’s Orange Bitters is a cool finish to close out the night. Enjoy while leaning closer in conversations with friends at the bar or sipping from your balcony overlooking the turquoise glow of the pool.

The Rooms

Town and Country offers a couple of unique settings that pair well for any adventurous traveler. The suites are spacious and cozy, ideal for larger families who would have a slumber party each night. With the MRKT steps away, you can grab all your indoor camping needs, like snacks and hot cocoa, and even adult provisions like wine, beer, canned cocktails, and artisan chocolate, all without leaving the garage. So, park that minivan and pack the keys. At Town and Country, the party comes to you.

With all the excitement, it’s completely understandable to seek a peaceful spot for mindfulness. The central tower overlooking the resort pool exudes a calming presence, thanks to its views of the San Diego rocky hillside. The private balcony invites slow mornings with a coffee in hand, gazing out at the hazy hillside as the resort gradually awakens. Inside, the murals and décor are playful reminders of simpler times, seamlessly blending retro beachside fun with contemporary design.

Lapper Sports Bar and Pool

The resort pool lives up to its name. Situated right in the center of Town and Country’s sprawling campus, the sapphire-hued pool is a focal point that draws all guests to take a plunge. All around the pool area, the resort is alive with cannonballs and yard games. And with it, so is Lapper Sports Bar + Kitchen.

I stood in line at the pool bar for a bit, watching the parents grab their third spicy margarita and kiddos order up their virgin pina coladas topped with gummy worms, wondering if I could get the same garnish on a paloma. Each drink is expertly prepared and paired well with poolside fun. Quick tip, if you’re looking for a simple beer or wine, stock up at The MRKT and save yourself some time.

ARLO

With the rest of the resort’s youthful energy in a tireless pursuit of fun, ARLO is the mature, sophisticated culinary escape to unwind. Enjoy brunches with a live DJ or intimate dinners as firepits outside flicker. The food and drink menu combines seasonal produce with coastal flair for a refined take on San Diego’s rich culinary scene.

The Fritto Misto is a welcoming starter. This combination of lightly fried and crispy calamari, tiger prawns, and zucchini, topped with a lemon aioli and garnished with a charred lemon, bursts with acidity and crunchy textures. For entrees, the Seared Scallops with English pea risotto and exotic mushroom with a red pepper coulis is an earthy delight balanced with heat and mild sweetness. The Pan-Seared Salmon is another savory showstopper, especially when paired with the Mac and Cheese.

One ticket, Endless Possibilities

Just out the rear entrance of the property is the Fashion Valley Green Line Trolley Station, where a $2.50 fare and a few minutes will take you to many of San Diego’s favorite attractions. With temperate weather, gentle breezes, and early sunshine, San Diego is best explored on foot. To save on train fare, you can simply pay a one-way fare and plan a pleasant stroll to many other destinations.

Save a Saturday morning for Little Italy Mercato. Here, local vendors sell artisan cheeses, fresh produce, tacos, coffee, and more. Carefully peruse the tables and ask questions as locals are proud to tell you about each of their offerings. By noon or late morning, after a coffee and a breakfast burrito or two, you may be ready to head to a different neighborhood.

By foot, Harbor Drive is 10–15 minutes from Little Italy, where more vendors and seaside restaurants await. Here, you can catch a sailing cruise, visit the USS Midway, or stroll through the charming Seaport Village, a picturesque seaside fishing village complete with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and, you guessed it, streetside vendors. If you feel like having a real hike, within 10 minutes is the San Diego Convention Center, home to the famed San Diego Comic Con. Here, you can burn off lunch by scaling steps to see the sun dazzling above the harbor and the long, winding bridge to Coronado before descending into the buzzing Gaslamp District, where bars and restaurants offer up the best of San Diego nightlife.

You can also use the rail to make your way to Lucha Libre Taco Shop. This unique taco shop pays homage to the famed luchadores of the past and present while serving up San Diego’s finest tacos and burritos. The Surf and Turf is the people’s champ, but the Birria Burrito is a true heavyweight contender. 

If you’d like to journey through San Diego’s past, take the rail to historic Old Town, where you can pleasantly stroll and surround yourself by the time-honored architecture of Spanish villas, evergreen succulents and prickly cacti, and old Western Americana, all while indulging in the aromas of tortillas served streetside and sizzling fajitas from popular restaurants. Spend a sunny afternoon soaking up the weather, and take a short hike up to Presidio Park, where San Diego’s longstanding mission meets the natural beauty of its rolling hills. Or make it a date night and meander in the cool evening under Old Town’s warm lighting, dancing to the live music from San Diego’s finest local talent.

 Follow Town and Country Resort to keep up with all the fun. Book your experience now. 

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Cover photo courtesy Town and Country Resort

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.