The power of music to uplift, energize and express emotions enhances our lives in countless ways. Singers and songwriters are revered for their ability to connect and celebrate our collective experiences, so the recent passing of American legend Jimmy Buffett left scores of people around the world reflecting on the light he brought to the world through his music. Buffett’s songs about searching for lost shakers of salt and changing the attitude and latitude of audiences worldwide pay homage to his spirit of lighthearted living and serve as a national anthem of sorts for so many who seek love and laughter.
Luckily, escaping to Margaritaville for some essential R&R is as easy as loading into the car for a 3.5-hour (timed strategically to avoid heavy traffic) road trip to San Diego’s Gaslamp District, the newest location of the iconic hotels built around Buffett’s laid-back brand.
Situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter invites guests to drift away to their own version of paradise. Relax at the city’s largest rooftop pool deck--complete with poolside cabanas and the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar--sprawling downtown views, live music, restaurants, event spaces and signature amenities.
Welcome In!
Entering Margaritaville, guests are embraced by the beachy, carefree island vibes welcoming them to relax and unwind. A big blue flip flop graces the lobby, flanked by Andy Warhol-esque portraits and a distinctly Southern California “Summer of Love” feeling. Comfortable seating beckons visitors to take a load off and leave their worries behind as they ease into the island-style atmosphere.
From the signature margarita glass chandelier comprised of colorful, eye-catching pieces handblown in Mexico to the colorful wall murals of Volkswagen buses stacked with surfboards and a “Lah Lah” license plate, Margaritaville evokes an easygoing, no worries existence. The hotel’s 235 guest rooms and suites continue the beach bungalow feel, decorated with surfboards, portraits of Buffett, tropical accents and beautiful views of the surrounding Gaslamp District. Large wooden letters displayed on a shelf spell out the mission: RELAX!
With a range of sizes and styles for couples, groups and families, the hotel’s casually elegant accommodations ensure a leisurely escape from the ordinary, with spacious floor plans, thoughtful touches and cheerful hues that mimic the sea, sky and sand. Two unique, specialty suites--the Jimmy Buffett Suite and Nothin’ But Breeze Suite--open onto the lively pool deck and offer elevated amenities and expansive accommodations with all the comforts of home and then some!
It’s (Always) 5 o’Clock Somewhere!
Start out by soaking up the scene at the rooftop pool deck, home to the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, where guests at the venue’s October Grand Opening Celebration were wowed by live entertainment featuring Mac McAnally, of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. Sip signature margaritas and laze by the pool in your own private cabana by day (mimosas anyone?) and sway to the sounds of live music by night. Enjoy casual, al fresco dining with selections like the Scallop Ceviche, Roasted Poblano and Mushroom Tacos, salads or burgers while basking in the breezy, easy locale, graced by two larger-than-life vibrant parrot murals painted across the exterior walls.
Explore
Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, Margaritaville seamlessly blends the excitement of the city with carefree beach vibes. Relax in the tropical oasis before venturing out to explore the surroundings. An easy stroll to an extensive variety of restaurants and bars, the hotel is within walking distance to some of the city's top attractions, including Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center and the USS Midway, as well as a short drive from the city's world-renowned beaches, golf courses, public parks and other attractions.
Reserve a couple of complimentary beach cruisers from the hotel concierge to tour the town and hop aboard the ferry to Coronado Island for a leisurely ride around the popular destination.
A Taste of Paradise
After working up an appetite out on the town, dine at the LandShark Bar & Grill boasting large garage-style doors that open onto the corner of Sixth Avenue and J Street to take in the bustling scenery of the high energy locale while enjoying coastal cuisine, craft cocktails and signature LandShark lagers. Try the LandShark burger, fish sandwiches, tacos and fresh salads, and of course, frozen concoctions to help you hang on! Open to guests and the public, the LandShark Bar & Grill offers a full menu of refreshing drinks with tasty, island-inspired twists to sip as you tap your toes along to the relaxing tunes of regular live music performances.
For refreshments, any time of day, visit the Margaritaville Coffee Shop for a specialty latte or sandwich on the go. Visitors can also pick up a special souvenir shirt or island-style mementos here to keep the aloha spirit close to mind wherever they may roam.
Unforgettable Events
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego also offers fun locations for meetings, events and festivities of all kinds. With 13,000 square feet of adaptable floor plans, the hotel’s nine venues include 6,000 square feet of indoor space and 7,000 square feet of outdoor space on its expansive rooftop, making it a one-stop-shop to completely customize any gathering, from productive team meetings to stylish wedding celebrations.
Grand Opening Offer
To celebrate its grand opening, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is offering a special package that includes 20% off the best available rate, two specialty cocktails from LandShark Bar & Grill or 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and $10 off parking, available to book until December 31, 2023. Experience a piece of paradise at Margaritaville Hotel.
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is located at 435 6th Avenue in San Diego. To make a reservation or for more information, visit www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-hotel-san-diego.
Fins Up Forever
Musician extraordinaire, artist, pilot, writer and entrepreneur, Jimmy Buffett is synonymous with fun and the quest for laid-back island-inspired living.
Buffett shared his love of life with so many through his music. Attending a Jimmy Buffett show guaranteed an infectious energy full of fun-loving crowds—both in and outside the venues. Those lucky enough to have experienced any of his performances share the happy memories with smiles and stories of shenanigans and laughter.
Embracing that island state of mind, Buffett conceived the idea for the Margaritaville line of hotels and developments as a way to expand the opportunity for people to experience the lifestyle immortalized in his iconic songs. With hotels and communities now located throughout the nation, Margaritaville embodies his spirit and celebrates his life while continuing to spread the good vibes that he espoused.
