***Received experience as compensation for review,

but thoughts and experience are my own. (Thank you, Eco Boat Rentals)***

Trying a COVID staycation with the family?

We are so fortunate to live in San Diego where there are always places to stay, things-to-do, and options to stay at. But for us, summer is ending and fall is coming, school standards are changing, there is no better time to try to squeeze in a mini-vaca. Now, with COVID in mind, we have some extra boxes to check to keep our safety also in focus.

Travel is still not a smart idea right now, same with the issue of being anywhere near big crowds, but I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t see the beach and touch the sand at least once before the weather shifts. We had been avoiding it because of the crowds, so we made the beach our priority over the woods. Gotta LOVE San Diego, we have nature options and weather! But still, traditions are traditions and this girl needed her beach time.

But, here were some of our thoughts. Suggestions-

• Pick a place with STRONG, FREE WiFi for Social Distance School & Work
• Somewhere that looks like COVID safety is in mind.
• Somewhere that will allow you a relaxing getaway space from other people. This was our big, we wanted space to ourselves.
• Located close to other to-do activities.
• Pricing, still a family on a COVID budget.

*Here’s one last BIG tip or thought that didn’t cross our minds, ASK “how filled on capacity” they are during your stay!*

We totally didn’t even think of it. We also forget not all cities/states/people take COVID seriously, so if it’s crowded and not all respect masks or 6 ft, it gets a little nerve-wracking.

Another thing to keep in mind, be FLEXIBLE! Understand some ideas are better with a reservation. You may also have to shift gears and change the idea if it’s packed and you feel uncomfortable. We actually let our child know every step, like, “…if we go to the beach and there are too many people we will go do this instead…” Backup plans are good.

So here it goes, follow along with this thought; private-ish beach, crowd controlled, and budget-friendly??? Only one place was coming to mind and happening, Bahia Resort Hotel, Mission Bay. They have rooms that are right on Mission Bay and loungers only open to hotel guests. We had looked at AirBnB, but it just wasn’t happening and I’ve been at the Bahia. PLUS! They had a pool, movie nights for the kids, and eating options if we didn’t want to venture out. Also, their restaurant, Cafe Bahia is running a “Kids Eat Free” deal. All extra bonuses, plus checked boxes.

^{*Because, I don’t want you to go without having a full picture, it was a little chaotic at check-in and the rooms can use a little TLC, so not perfect, but it was still worth it for us.}

Once checking in we found an extra plus side, not only did they have WiFi, but they had a great WiFi Connection! They were completely prepared for working and schooling from there. Wi-fi not just in the room, but bayside as well. That was one of the reasons why Bahia had won for us, I knew from previous stays about their little bayside beach loungers and private patios. Nothing better than being able to get a little break in routine and do school and work from a different view.

Also, the location is killer! Close to food options, Belmont Park, and Mission Beach. Options for rentals all around. Actually, my partner got a little morning Paddle Board session in, while I kept tabs on the kid and enjoyed my chai from the hotel’s Airstream Café.

Belmont is still not fully open, but there are things to do. Games. The Plunge (their indoor pool if you make a reservation). And FOOD! Including Chicken Charlie’s, just in case you never got your fair food fix in.

Not far from Mission is OB (Ocean Beach) and there are Wednesdays Farmer’s Markets if you plan your trip right. Or go hang out at Sunset Cliffs with a picnic, crowds permitting. But for us, we had some fun Shelter Island plans!

We went to visit our friends at Eco Boat Rentals and this time try out the Pedal Boats! …With our kiddo! Totally a different feel from couple’s date time on a pedal kayak.

Love this place! Every time we have visited we arrive and see them fully taking care of the COVID protections. Changing out the cushions, cleaning down the boats, switching out pedals. We seriously appreciate it.

All that safety stuff aside, these pedal boats are not like those old pedal boats that pop in your mind and are nothing like getting into a kayak. These things are so stable! We’ve seen people with their littles, but even more, having their pups with them. And, not gonna lie, I’m totally jealous…of the pups. 😉 I wanna bring a doggo too!

These boats have so much space. Are great for a family or a little friend time (when it’s safe to do so). I would even recommend booking 2+ hours, take your time out on the water with it. It’s not the workout, it’s the relaxing water time that makes these. I actually want to go back and do a little fishing time in one of these.

It was so easy to stand up and switch seats. The tween was even able to just chill out and relax in the back while we, parents pedaled. Maybe you’ll get lucky and can make your tweens/teens do a little pedal time too. Lol! Parenting.

Afterward, get yourself the freshest fish ever! Have a little family mealtime at Point Loma Sea Foods! Their employees are there cleaning tables and even strictly enforcing masks inside. The kid was even a big fan of their raw salmon from their sushi. We made sure to also grab some ceviche, clam chowder, and bread before we left to go as well. It was all soooo worth it!

So happy we live in SD where there all these things to do!

Are you local?

If so keep an eye out on the Ello Felicia Instagram (9/30-10/5/20) for a chance to WIN your own little Eco Boat Rentals Session!!!

Extra Bonus for my readers, Eco Boat Rentals has offered an Extra $5 Off their already low pricing for your reservation. Just use Promo Code “ElloFelicia“ at checkout.