Submarine Tiki Bar San Diego – The Acey Deucey Club

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If you’re a fan of tiki bars and submarines, you won’t want to miss the Acey Deucey Club. By no shock, this themed pop-up bar has taken social media by storm. The bar combines the ambiance of a submarine with the fun, playful atmosphere of a tiki bar. Not to mention, it offers guests a different way to enjoy a bar setting. But is worth the hype? Are the reviews honest?

About the Acey Deucey Club

Originally started in downtown San Diego, the Acey Deucey Club is now a pop-up bar in Los Angeles for a limited time. The decor features:

  • vintage-looking posters on the walls
  • custom-designed uniforms worn by the staff
  • portholes with video of your “undersea” adventure
  • captain and crew quarters
  • and tiki themed aestehtic

The bar’s decor is inspired by submarines, with portholes, periscopes, and other nautical elements throughout the space. The tiki aspect is evident in the tropical cocktails, which are served in fun, themed glasses. Although it is a pop-up bar, there is some good news! More locations are in the works! On their website, it looks as though Houston, Phoenix, and San Francisco are all in the “Waitlist” phase.

How to experience this unique bar?

To experience the Acey Deucey Club, you’ll need to purchase a ticket in advance via their website. Tickets are sold in two-hour time slots, and come as VIP or general admission. What is included depends on the ticket you get. Guests can choose between VIP or General Admission. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, so be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll be ready to enter this “underwater” adventure.

An honest review

Having experienced this submarine tiki bar on the VIP level, it isn’t much better than the general admission. The first “perk” of the VIP ticket is priority entry. However when I went, they were actually letting in a few people from the VIP line, and then switching to a few from the general admission line. Since many people had purchased the VIP ticket, most of the general admission people were already inside before I even got through the door. Not really priority entry if you ask me. By the time I got inside it was already 10 minutes past the start of the experience.

With the VIP ticket, you get four drinks. Now for a 90-minute experience, four drinks is A LOT. Even more so because these drinks were strong! And I am not much of a drinker so I didn’t really get to finish any of them. I will say though that the live musical entertainment was incredible though! The staff was extremely talented.

In the middle of the experience, they do give guests some time to explore the venue. But, at least for the San Diego venue, there isn’t much to explore. And even if there was, they don’t give you too entirely much time to do so.

Lastly at the very end of the experience, VIP guests also receive a commemorative glass. However, at least for my experience, they cut the show early by about 15 minutes.

Between getting in later than the majority of the crowd, not really having enough time to enjoy all the beverages, and feeling like the experience was cut short, I was not thrilled by the VIP ticket. I would go back if there was more venue to explore, and even then I would only be willing to pay for the general admission ticket.

The future of unique pop-up bars in San Diego

Themed pop-up bars are becoming increasingly popular in demand, and it’s not hard to see why. In a world where social media reigns supreme, people are looking for unique and Instagram-worthy experiences to share with their followers. Themed pop-up bars offer just that, with immersive environments that transport guests to another world. But it’s not just about the photo-ops. Themed pop up bars also offer a chance to escape from the mundane and have some fun with friends.

So if you’re looking for a unique and immersive experience that combines the ambiance of a submarine with the fun and playful atmosphere of a tiki bar, the Acey Deucey Club should be considered. Just be sure to purchase the general admission ticket!

And be sure to read more about things to do in San Diego here.

InsideOUT San Diego: Is it just the decor that’s good?

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Tucked in the middle of a condo complex lies the hidden gem of Hillcrest. InsideOUT is one of the most popular Instagram-worthy restaurants in San Diego. This restaurant has gained popularity in recent years due to its constantly changing themes, especially during holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day. And now they have introduced their newest theme – Spring Oasis!

The decor at InsideOUT San Diego Spring Oasis

Spring Oasis at InsideOUT San Diego

One of the things that sets Inside Out apart from other restaurants is its ever-changing décor. The restaurant is decorated in a way that is perfectly aligned with the theme of the season or holiday. For example, during Christmas, the restaurant was adorned with beautiful Christmas trees, wreaths, and ornaments. During Valentine’s Day, the restaurant was decorated with hearts, roses, and other romantic elements. This creates an immersive experience for guests that goes beyond just the food.

And now that spring has sprung (classic spring caption), they have transformed the restaurant once again. With flowers that glow and fake cherry blossom trees, you can enjoy the ambiance as much as the menu. Inside Out offers an impressive California and Mediterranean-inspired dishes and drinks. Their menu is constantly changing and evolving, and they use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Be aware though that this is a very small venue. The walkways are thin and there aren’t a lot of tables. In fact they use some of the benches leading up their walkway as “tables”, which can’t make for a very comfortable dining experience I would imagine. Unless of course you happened to just be getting drinks, then it would be nice to maybe sit on a bench.

In addition to the restaurant’s unique theme and menu, guests can also enjoy a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers. Inside Out has an extensive drink menu that features handcrafted cocktails and a rotating selection of local and international beers. Visiting this restaurant is just one of many things to consider doing during spring time in San Diego!

Drinks at InsideOUT San Diego Spring Oasis

Thoughts on the food and drinks

For as pretty as this restaurant was, I was underwhelmed by the food. I got the bolognese and my husband got the cheeseburger. Neither of these dishes were something to write home about. Even though the burger had claimed to be “the best”. This isn’t to say that the food was bad – it just wasn’t anything special.

For cocktails we got the Peachy Keen and Cherry Blossom Bloom. Peachy Keen was very delicious, and Cherry Blossom Bloom was very strong. Honestly for being named after something so delicate, it really packed a punch! But my husband liked it and I really enjoyed the Peachy Keen. In total our bill came out to just over $80.

As much as I love seeing the themes at InsideOUT San Diego change through the seasons, I probably won’t be back any time soon. The food was good but wasn’t great and to me that was a really big bummer. But they do change their menu regularly so who knows – maybe I will be ack sooner than I think!

How to experience InsideOUT

The best way to experience this ever-changing restaurant is to make a reservation. Since their themes are only available to dine in for a limited time, this will ensure that you get to be a part of the experience as well. To make a reservation at Inside Out, guests can visit their website or call the restaurant directly. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and they also offer brunch on the weekends. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during holidays and peak hours.

Overall, InsideOut is definitely a restaurant to consider in Hillcrest, San Diego. It is a great place for locals and visitors to experience something new and exciting each time they visit. Its constantly changing themes make it a standout among other restaurants in the area. So why not make a reservation and experience it for yourself?

To learn more about happenings in San Diego, read here.

Is Beyond King Tut worth it?

Is Beyond King Tut worth it?

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Beyond King Tut is an immersive, art exhibit that dives into the life of the famous kid pharaoh of ancient Egypt, King Tut. The exhibit is hosted by National Geographic and allows guest to step into a world of wonder. They currently have locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, and coming soon to Atlanta. But is it worth it?

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience

I had the opportunity of going to the preview night of Beyond King Tut’s newest location in San Diego. The exhibit is being held at the Wyland Center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The address is 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd Wyland Center at Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA 92014. The exhibit will only be around until March 26th!

I went in with little knowledge of what to expect. Like many, I have seen short videos and ads of other immersive exhibits. It was all the same type of video – a big room with projections on the walls from floor to ceiling. Don’t get me wrong – they are beautiful videos. But is that enough to get me to pay to see that? As such, I figured Beyond King Tut was going to be this one giant room with projections on the wall and that was it.

I was very wrong.

The first part of the exhibit starts with an introduction video that then opens up into a winding hallway. Throughout this hallway are snippets throughout history that led to the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. You can walk through the exhibit at your leisure as it is a self-guided experience. Going from one room to the next, you dive deeper into King Tut’s life and the impact he had on his people that made him so incredibly popular. And just when you think you’ll end up at the big projection room, it keeps going!

I won’t give too much away because I want this to be spoiler free. If you want a more in-depth look at the exhibit, then scroll down to watch my video! All I will say is that there are about four sections of the exhibit before you even get to the projection room.

Review of Beyond King Tut

It’s safe to say that I absolutely recommend this exhibit. It’ great for all ages and a unique date night idea! But this is just my opinion. I really enjoyed it because I am truly fascinated by ancient Egypt. I also really liked the depth of the exhibit. There was a lot to see and learn, and the visuals were captivating. And each room had a new thing to keep your attention craving the next cool thing to come.

I recommend purchasing the general admission ticket as opposed to the VIP ticket. Having experienced this exhibit at the VIP level, I can honestly tell you that unless you really want to do a 7-minute virtual reality video and get a small gift at the end of the experience, it’s just not worth it to pay an additional $30. Stick with general admission – you won’t be disappointed!

Be on the lookout because Beyond King Tut is popping up in more locations! Act quickly because these pop up locations do not last long.

Inside look of Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Exhibit in San Diego

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Fall Festivities at Belmont Park

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Mission Beach comes alive for Halloween with the Fall Fest at Belmont Park. All the rides and activities that you love from this iconic San Diego landmark, now ready for a frightfully ghoulish time!

Belmont Park’s Fall Fest Details

This event takes place from September 9th through October 31st. Here are some more of the details regarding fall fest specifically:

  • FREE Trick-or-Treating every Sunday in October
  • Mr Jack O Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch
  • live acoustic performances and festive beer garden Friday nights
  • specialty treats from your favorite stops
  • go karting
  • multiple photo opportunities for fun, seasonal pictures
  • iconic rides and attractions and MORE!
Ice cream with chocolate dipped waffle cone with Halloween colored sprinkles

Although you are welcome to walk around the park for free, if you want to be a part of the action a little more, then you will need to purchase a pass. Although, you can pay individually for the rides, activities, or attractions that you want to do. However with the Ride and Play pass being $60 per person, this is an EXTREMELY fair price! It is a great deal that allows you to do pretty much everything.

Personal Experience

When my husband and I went, we had the Ride and Play Combo pass which included all rides and activities. This included all day turns on the rock wall, LazerMaze, Sky Ropes, mini golf, the roller coaster and rides, and two turns on the zipline. To name a few! We arrived at around 4:45 pm and the park closed at 8pm. We didn’t do everything we could have done with the pass, but we sure did a lot! You will definitely need a decent amount of time if you want to do it all at Belmont Park.

I highly recommend attending the Fall Fest at Belmont Park if you want to mix up your date night activities or do something fun with your kiddos. There are so many things to do. Not to mention you are right next to the beach and those sunset views cannot be beat.

Stay up to date on more things happening in San Diego on Donna Gail Blog.

Things to do in San Diego in the Summer

Four Awesome Things to Do in San Diego – Summer 2021

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Summer is in full swing and it’s time to make up for everything we missed by staying at home last year! One of the hottest (quite literally) places to visit on your summer vacation is my hometown of San Diego. Now even though I have lived here my entire life, I am only just realizing how amazing it is here. Why didn’t anyone tell me??

So the great thing about this blog is that it’s not only a resource for you to find something fun to do on your vacation or staycation, but it’s also a way for me to tell you about all the great things I have done for the first time too!

1. EcoBoat Rentals

Want to get great views of the San Diego bay and get a great leg workout in at the same time? This is your activity! My fiancé and I had a great time paddling about, looking at some animals, and just enjoying being out on the water. One hour out on the water is $45, but you can always pay to be out there longer! They will give you a short introduction on how the boats operate. And inside the boat also has pictures of the bay animals that you can identify. The boats can fit up to 3 people so this will be a great activity for you and a couple of friends. Just make sure you don’t do leg day at the gym the day of or the day before..

Out on the water with EcoBoat Rentals in San Diego
A water activity in San Diego with EcoBoat Rentals

2. Rooftop Cinema Club

My friend and I saw Raya and the Last Dragon for the first time at Rooftop Cinema Club. Simply put, it was incredible. Such a unique way to see a new movie. With amazing views of the city and a nice area to enjoy the summer night, it was just a fantastic girl’s night out. And don’t worry, they give you sanitized headphones so that you can hear the movie without the sounds of the city interrupting.

Tickets range from $13.50 to $25 a person depending on age and the screening purchased. Moviegoers will receive a 30% off room discount with Grand Hyatt San Diego following a night with Rooftop Cinema too! You can get $11 validated self-parking with Hyatt. You can also park at Seaport Village and take that short walk to the hotel, but it will be more expensive. Their schedule is posted for viewing online here, and for the first showing you can get there an hour before the movie starts, and for the second viewing of the night (if there is one) you can go in 30 minutes beforehand.

For a full look into RCC, check out my blog: A Night Out with Rooftop Cinema Club San Diego. Locations include San Diego, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, New York, Tampa, and London.

A photo opportunity at Rooftop Cinema Club San Diego
Food and beverages from Rooftop Cinema Club San Diego

3. Pool Day at Sycuan

If you have been following along for a while now, then you know that I love finding deals. One of the biggest ways that I have found to save a good chunk is with the myVEGAS apps. Before, they were just rewards for Vegas (and you can read more about what those rewards are HERE), but they recently added rewards for me to use in my hometown of San Diego at a local casino – Sycuan!

We were able to not only get a Premier Suite FOR FREE with these rewards, but also a $250 credit for one of their pool cabanas. We definitely needed a day to enjoy the summer weather and have fun, and this pool and lazy river did not disappoint. If you do get a cabana, just be aware that you have to spend $300 while at the cabana and it can have up to six people there. The only reason we got the cabana was because we had that credit! But this pool was amazing regardless of the cabana – that was just a nice little bonus for the staycation..

On a rainbow floatie in the Sycuan pool
The food selection in the Sycuan pool cabana

4. Pink Rose Café

One of the newest cafes that have opened in the San Diego County is Pink Rose Café! I was lucky enough to be invited to a mixer event that they were holding to celebrating their opening, and I was in complete awe of this place.

The name definitely suits it with the insane aesthetic that this café holds! But it is a café after all so what about the food ad drinks? They were amazing! I tried their White Chocolate Latte and my friend tried their signature Rose Latte and honestly I wish I got the Rose Latte – it was so good! We were also able to sample a cake pop and a cinnamon bun and oh wow were they both delicious! My favorite was the cake pop for sure. Such a unique place and I highly recommend taking time out of any trip to San Diego to see this place for yourself.

Enjoying Pink Rose Cafe aesthetic in San Diego
Some Pink Rose Cafe beverages
Food and beverages from Pink Rose Cafe

There is so much to see in San Diego and I am so shocked that I am only just now getting out there and exploring it all. Stay tuned for more of these guides. I will continue this journey of learning more about the cool things in my home town!