The Inquisitive Tongue: Cool San Diego Hot Spots

Summer in San Diego offers something for everyone. Downtown, the Padres party rocks while in Del Mar, racing season kicks off in July with the hoi polloi strutting at Del Mar Plaza, Red Tracton's, L'Auberge Del Mar and other hotspots. Concerts at Humphreys and the San Diego Pops make for perfect sunset picnics, while La Jolla Shores Piatti and La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club's Sunday brunch are local faves. Here are some other picks not to miss!

• THE LOT | La Jolla Village & Liberty Station | San Diego, Calif. Baby it’s cold inside: Escape the heat and “chill” in world-class leather recliners and catch the latest summer blockbuster at the THE LOT in La Jolla or at its newest Liberty Station location. The multi-concept space offers San Diego a luxury cinema, restaurant, bar and cafe - all available in one modern and impeccably designed space. Take advantage of the in-theater waiter service and order the chilled pea soup, local seafood ceviche and other delicious cool-down menu items by Chef Matt Sramek. 
• Horton Plaza Park | San Diego, Calif. When bustling around downtown’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, sweet relief awaits at the newly reopened Horton Plaza Park at Sloan’s Ice Cream pavilion. Order a delicious ice cream cone or sundae and enjoy people watching at while sitting under an umbrella in the plaza. Or grab a seat on a bench in the park and enjoy a cool breeze as the wind blows through the recently restored Broadway Fountain.
• FIREHOUSE American Eatery + Lounge | Pacific Beach, San Diego, Calif. It is no secret that beach-side is the place to be when the weather gets hot and it doesn’t get much closer than FIREHOUSE American Eatery + Lounge. Located just steps away from the sand in the famed Pacific Beach neighborhood, guests can venture from the first floor air conditioned lounge upstairs to the open air rooftop to catch a summer breeze. Sip on specialty cocktails like the Fire Drill featuring serrano infused cruzan white rum while indulging in Chef Brian Redzikowski’s revamped menu with dishes like oysters on the half shell or the grand ceviche comprised of fresh shrimp, clam, mussel, calamari, sea bass, octopus, cilantro, avocado, pico de gallo, cucumber and house made tortilla chips. 
• Herringbone La Jolla | La Jolla, Calif. Beat the (weekend) heat with endless rosé brunch. Both Saturday and Sunday, Herringbone La Jolla will be offering unlimited pours of non-sparkling rosé for just $25. Chosen by the certified sommelier, the rosés are light and crisp, perfect for pairing with a breakfast flatbread, fresh salad or sweet pecan sticky bun. 
• Top of the Hyatt | San Diego, Calif.Raise your glass and sip in style with a spectacular view 40 stories above San Diego Bay this summer. Locals and travelers alike can escape the heat and enjoy floor to ceiling windows that offer dramatic panoramic views of the city and ocean below creating the perfect setting to celebrate the sunset with a signature cocktail or light bite. 

• The Commons Bar, San Diego, Calif.Situated in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, The Commons Bar puts a refreshing twist to a summer day with its signature Tipsy Palmer. One of the most popular drinks on the menu, the Tipsy Palmer is a frozen blend of Seagram's Sweet Tea Vodka, Svedka Citron Vodka, lemonade and topped off with fresh lemon for $5 or $7 with a floater. 
• SoCal’s Only Swim Up Bar at Harrah’s Resort Southern California This summer, cool off at Dive’s trifecta of pools and 400ft lazy river, and sip on refreshing cocktails at the swim-up bar (the only one you’ll find in Southern California), like the signature Drunken Melon - an entire watermelon fitted with a tap and spiked with vodka - sure to help you beat the heat. Or, find shade in one of the 21 poolside cabanas. And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, summer nights heat up at Harrah’s with live music and entertainment at the SoundDiego Summer Splash series, featuring national and local artists (coming up July 16 and August 20). Get more live music every week at Latin Thursdays, Reggae Sundays, and Dive After Dark (Friday and Saturday nights).