Beyond the Oasis

San Diego's long history as a major naval base and beach town as well as the fact that it experienced major growth in the early 1960s make it a prime site for Tiki Style urban archaeology. Nautical and tropical bars, restaurants, hotels, etc. were once everywhere and remnants of them can still be found scattered throughout the county. San Diego also offers great weather year-round. Morning fog quickly gives way to sunny summer days. Cool breezes usually pick back up in the early evening. San Diego has great surfing and bodysurfing beaches and great sandy beaches for sun bathing. If you find the SD beaches too crowded, California's southernmost city is just a hop away from sunny Mexico beaches where seafood dinners are half the price!

Transportation

Tiki Oasis has partnered with San Diego Urban Transportation private shuttle service.

They operate a number of 12 passenger vans that will be on call for the duration of our event. They provide airport shuttle service, Bali Hai transpo, hotel-to-hotel service, and any transportation needs you would normally call a cab for. Reservations are highly recommended but not required. The shuttles will be at the Crowne Plaza and Kings Inn during main event hours and on call 24/7. These are not free shuttles. They work just like a cab or an airport shuttle.

Call Nick Hintza @ San Diego Urban Transportation any time (619) 646-8629 or Email mhintza@yahoo.com

Tiki Sites in San Diego

To get you started on your self-guided Tiki tour here’s a list of our fave sites.
If you find others please let us know!

Catamaran Hotel - Don't let the fancy website fool you. There is plenty of cool Tiki to be found on premises. 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, California 92109, (858) 488-1081
Trader Mort's Liquor - The legendary Tiki on the corner of Trader Mort's was immortalized in a mug last year by Munktiki. Mort's sits at the entryway to Shelter Island and is the primer for Tiki things to come. As you drive onto the island note the fence posts with Minimalist Moai style faces carved into the tops. 2904 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 224-3771
Bali Hai Restaurant - 2230 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 222-1181. The site of Tiki Oasis opening party as well as a regular stop for Arthur Lyman during his days of touring the mainland from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. Bali Hai s also a great stop for Sunday brunch.
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites - 2303 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 29106, (619) 224-3411
Critiki's - San Diego section is a good starting point covering the major attractions with great photos

Restaurants

Albie's Beef Inn - Near King's Inn Hotel, Albie's is a classic steak house and lounge complete with live musical entertainment and velvet paintings of nude ladies. If you like classic Americana this is a must stop. If you can't make it for dinner then stop for steak and eggs at Adam's next door. 1201 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 291-1103
Imperial House - Continental restaurant and cocktail lounge. 505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 234-3525
Old Trieste Restaurant - exclusive dinner at a place run by the original owner for 36 years. 2335 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110, (619) 276-1841
Filippi's Pizza Grotto - historic Italian restaurant. 1747 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 232-5094
Hob Nob Hill - historic coffee shop. 2271 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 239-8176
Mandarin House - good strong drinks plus the ONLY place in town that serves a flaming volcano. 2604 5th Avenue -between Maple St & Nutmeg St - San Diego, CA 92103
Mandarin House - Derick says drinks are on par with the Bali Hai's and it's the ONLY place in town that serves a flaming volcano. 2604 5th Avenue at Maple, San Diego 619-232-1101 (also in La Jolla)
The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop - The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop is a classic, they have been in business since 1938. 2633 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 295-0156
Kings Inn/Waffle Stop - across the highway from The Hanalei hotel...They have the best waffle mascot and nice classic Diner ambiance with great breakfasts at a good price
Hash House A Go Go - voted best breakfast in San Diego. 3628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, (619) 298-4646
Ricky's Family Restaurant - Ikabod from the Cult of the Eye recommends the Strawberry Banana souffle, an apple pancake that could feed an army, and the best french toast anywhere. 2181 Hotel Cir S, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 291-4498
Tickled Trout - For karaoke or Pub Food. 2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 291-6500
Zanzibar Cafe - nice coffeehouse/cafe if you are heading to the Pacific Beach area. 976 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, (858) 272-4762

Museums

The Lawrence Welk Museum - in nearby Escondido needs no explanation.It is on par with something you'd expect to find in the desert just outside Las Vegas.
Mingei International Museum - in Balboa Park sometimes has interesting ethnic exhibits. They once had an exhibit on barkcloth including Tapa from around Oceania.!