13 Jul 2026

The Coolest Way to Beat the Heat: San Diego’s Top Under-the-Radar Frozen Treats

By Days Inn Hotel Circle

Sunny days are part of the San Diego experience, and one of the best ways to cool off is with a frozen treat from one of the city's local favorites. Beyond the well-known ice cream chains, San Diego is home to artisan gelato shops, handcrafted ice cream parlors, and creative dessert cafés that locals return to all summer long. Best of all, many of these hidden gems are just a short drive from Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle, making it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring the city.

Located in the heart of Mission Valley, Days Inn by Wyndham places guests close to San Diego's most popular neighborhoods, shopping centers, historic attractions, and entertainment districts. From Old Town and the Gaslamp Quarter to Fashion Valley and Mission Valley, delicious frozen treats are always nearby.

Discover a Hidden Gem at Mission Valley Mall

Ice Cream Cone

Start your dessert adventure at MILKISSIMO Gelato, located inside Mission Valley Mall. This Japanese gelato shop has become a local favorite for its exceptionally smooth texture and premium ingredients. Alongside classics like chocolate and vanilla, you'll find rotating seasonal flavors and unique creations that make every visit a little different.

Mission Valley Mall is also a great place to spend an afternoon shopping before cooling off with a refreshing scoop. Its convenient location just minutes from the hotel makes it an easy first stop during your stay.

Frozen Treats to Cool off After Shopping at Fashion Valley

Pinkberry ice cream

Fashion Valley is one of San Diego's premier shopping destinations, and it also offers several refreshing dessert stops.

If you're looking for something light and customizable, Pinkberry serves frozen yogurt with fresh fruit, crunchy toppings, and signature sauces that make every cup your own.

For something a little different, stop by Devil & Angel Dessert Café, known for Korean-inspired desserts and refreshing bingsu. This shaved ice dessert is layered with fresh fruit, sweet toppings, and creamy flavors, making it one of the most satisfying ways to beat the summer heat.

Fashion Valley is only a few minutes from Days Inn by Wyndham, making it easy to combine shopping, dining, and dessert into one relaxing afternoon.

Cool Off in Historic Old Town

A colorful corner shop in Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego is famous for its rich history, colorful shops, and authentic Mexican cuisine, but it also has plenty of sweet surprises waiting to be discovered.

Silver Hoof Creamery has quickly become a favorite for handcrafted ice cream made in small batches with seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Every scoop reflects the shop's focus on quality and locally inspired recipes.

Just around the corner, Korky's Ice Cream & Coffee offers classic scoops, milkshakes, and specialty coffee drinks in a relaxed neighborhood setting. It is the perfect stop after exploring Old Town State Historic Park.

For visitors looking for a traditional ice cream experience, Old Town Ice Cream serves generous scoops and waffle cones that are ideal for enjoying while strolling through the historic district.

Since Old Town is less than ten minutes from the hotel, it is easy to spend the morning sightseeing before treating yourself to dessert.

Indulge in Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its nightlife and restaurants, but dessert lovers will also find plenty to enjoy.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop remains one of downtown's most popular destinations for rich sundaes, chocolate creations, and classic ice cream flavors. It is an excellent place to cool off after exploring nearby Petco Park or Seaport Village.

Just a short walk away, Le Parfait Paris brings a taste of France to downtown San Diego with authentic gelato, pastries, macarons, and handcrafted desserts. The café's fresh gelato is especially refreshing during warm summer afternoons.

If you're attending a Padres game or exploring the neighborhood around Petco Park, Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt offers a lighter option with self-serve frozen yogurt and dozens of toppings to customize your perfect dessert.

The Gaslamp Quarter is only about 15 minutes from Days Inn by Wyndham, making it an easy addition to your San Diego itinerary.

A Central Location for Every Summer Adventure

aerial view of Days Inn

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle is its central Mission Valley location, putting you just minutes from many of San Diego's top attractions. Explore historic Old Town San Diego, shop at Fashion Valley, catch a Padres game at Petco Park, spend the day at SeaWorld San Diego or the San Diego Zoo, stroll through Balboa Park, discover the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, or relax on one of the city's beautiful beaches—all without spending your vacation stuck in traffic.

From enjoying gelato in Mission Valley to wandering the historic streets of Old Town before dinner and finishing the evening with dessert in the Gaslamp Quarter, it's easy to experience several of San Diego's most popular neighborhoods in a single day. Whether you're visiting as a family, planning a couples getaway, or traveling with friends, our convenient location makes exploring the city effortless.

After a day of sightseeing, return to comfortable guest rooms designed for every type of traveler. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the heated outdoor pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, fit in a workout at the fitness center, or unwind in The Living Room, our inviting gathering space. With thoughtful amenities, friendly service, and an unbeatable location, Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle is the perfect home base for your San Diego summer getaway. Explore our special offers and book your stay today.

the San Diego Skyline
06 Jun 2025

How to Spend 48 Hours in San Diego

By Days Inn Hotel Circle

Who’s ready for a fun getaway to San Diego? Whether you are local to SoCal and are looking for an amazing staycation at the best San Diego hotels with pools, want a last-minute escape for a weekend of fun in San Diego, or need a budget-friendly getaway that won’t break the bank, the Days Inn Hotel Circle in San Diego is the perfect choice! We have planned the perfect 2-day itinerary in San Diego that includes some great restaurants, exciting activities, and even some special San Diego hotel deals for your stay at our pet-friendly Days Inn Hotel Circle in San Diego.

Here is the exciting line-up of fun things to do in San Diego near our Mission Valley hotel during your weekend vacation at our Days Inn Hotel.

The Perfect 48 Hours in San Diego

Days Inn exterior

Day 1 – Arrival at the San Diego Days Inn Hotel Circle

After a quick check-in for the weekend at Days Inn Hotel Circle in San Diego, it’s time to start enjoying your vacation. Tacos, anyone? If your answer is “yes, please and thank you,” you won’t want to miss having dinner at one of the best food trucks San Diego has to offer. Choose your favorite from the best food trucks San Diego including Baja and Ensenada Style Tacos from Fused World Tacos or enjoy local favorites like Shrimp Tacos and Asada Tacos from Mariscos La Reyna Del Sur to sample the local cuisine. After dinner, spend some time outdoors in our city by the sea. Catch a breathtaking sunset from the Ocean Beach Pier, where you can also catch a glimpse of playful dolphins and other marine life. Explore the Ocean Beach area and discover shopping on Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street, live music and theater at Ocean Beach Playhouse, and San Diego festivals and events, including fireworks for July 4th celebrations!

a baseball game at Petco Park

Day 2 – Explore San Diego

Treat yourself to breakfast at Bunz San Diego Café, our onsite eatery featuring classic favorites with a fresh twist. Enjoy delicious breakfast burritos or classic French toast while enjoying the beautiful SoCal weather from our inviting outdoor patio. Next on the agenda for Day 2 in San Diego is a visit to the San Diego Zoo. This popular San Diego attraction is perfect for family time or a great date opportunity. One of the best things to do in San Diego, you will enjoy unique wildlife encounters, watch a 4-D Theater movie, take a guided bus tour, have a fun ride on the miniature train, and so much more! Summer is the perfect time to explore the San Diego Zoo during your stay at the Days Inn Hotel Circle. While in town, be sure to cheer for the home team at a San Diego Padres baseball game at Petco Park! There’s nothing better than a Major League Baseball game experience during your San Diego adventure! See the Padres live in action and grab a cold beer for a night of baseball fun in San Diego you won’t soon forget!

All of that excitement should have you ready for dinner in San Diego! After a great day at the San Diego Zoo and a Padres baseball game, enjoy dinner with a view at an amazing rooftop restaurant and bar in San Diego. Cannonball at Belmont Park is always a fun place to watch the sunset and sip on craft cocktails at San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop bar. Enjoy a leisurely dinner of sushi, steak tataki, or bao buns on the amazing rooftop terrace with ocean views!

two women shopping in a clothing store

Day 3 – Before You Go

Liberty Station is a great place to start the day in San Diego. The 360-acre entertainment complex offers a variety of delicious restaurants, unique retail shops, amazing art galleries, and exciting live entertainment options for your last morning in San Diego. Grab brunch at Breakfast Republic, where you can choose from unique dishes including Oreo Pancakes, Chicken Wing Breakfast Bowls, and S’mores French Toast! After brunch, explore the unique shops and activities at Liberty Station for a great morning in San Diego. Next, since you are staying at one of the best San Diego hotels with pools, be sure to take a dip in our sparkling pool at Days Inn Hotel Circle and relax a bit before you head home from your amazing San Diego vacation!

Money-Saving Tips for your San Diego Getaway at Days Inn Hotel Circle

Start your San Diego vacation off right with our San Diego hotel deals created to help you get the most from your hard-earned vacation dollars. Also, be sure to inquire about San Diego Military hotel discounts at the Days Inn Hotel Circle to help you save even more!

Another great way to save money during your San Diego vacation is to use local transportation to get to all the places you want to visit. Old Town Trolley Tours and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) are convenient and affordable ways to get around the city during your San Diego vacation. The cost to ride the MTS trolley/train is $2.50 for a one-way ticket and $6 for a day pass. The Old Town Trolley Tours is a popular sightseeing company that takes you to all the best attractions around San Diego. In addition to being able to hop on and off the trolley at your favorite San Diego spots, every Old Town Trolley Tour also includes complimentary admission to 10 of San Diego’s best museums for more savings! Both of these transportation services offer pick-up at or near the Days Inn Hotel Circle and can take you to all the most popular attractions, including San Diego beaches, restaurants, Old Town San Diego, Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Liberty Station, and more.

Plan the Perfect San Diego Vacation at the Days Inn Hotel Circle

We invite you to plan your San Diego vacation at the Days Inn Hotel Circle today. For the budget-conscious traveler, inquire about our San Diego military hotel discounts at the Days Inn Hotel in San Diego and also be sure to book direct for the best deals!

Plan your SoCal vacation now by booking one of our amazing San Diego hotels deals here. We can’t wait to see you and help you spend the best 48 hours in our amazing coastal paradise!

hotel exterior with palm trees
01 Aug 2020

Days Inn — Cheers to 50 Years

By Days Inn Hotel Circle

When the first Days Inn opened in 1970, not even Cecil Day could have known what we would become over the next half-century. Specifically, one of America’s most trusted, consistent, and highest-value names in hospitality; a beacon of respite for weary travelers looking for affordable quality and a great night’s rest.

We hope you’ll take a moment to celebrate 50 years of Days Inn along with us.

Day’s Dawn

Days Inn began — as so many landmark brands do — as an idea. Cecil B. Day was driving cross-country with his family in 1969 and was frustrated that he couldn’t seem to find the perfect hotel for everyone to enjoy a comfortable stay at the end of the day’s drive. It didn’t seem like it should have been too tall an order; all he and his family were seeking was a clean hotel for a fair price. But when it became apparent that many hotels of the time simply couldn’t satisfy these simple requirements, Day decided to take matters into his own hands. Even though he had no previous hospitality experience, Cecil Day decided to open a hotel on Georgia’s Tybee Island the following year. It would be the first Days Inn.

Early Success

After Cecil Day’s simple idea of offering a quality hotel for a fair price proved extremely popular, he was able to open a second hotel. Then, a third. By 1972, Day had the idea to franchise the concept. As the decade progressed, travelers began to see Days Inns popping up alongside popular highway corridors in nearly every state. By 1980, there were 300 Days Inns welcoming rest-seekers all over America.

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Making Progress

Early Days Inn locations didn’t just fulfill Mr. Day’s promise of quality accommodations for a fair price, they also offered several additional guest-friendly touches that helped the brand to develop a following nearly from its inception. For instance, all of the first Days Inns featured an on-site gas station. This was particularly important for travelers in the ‘70s, as gasoline shortages meant that sometimes stations with available gas would be few and far between. A guaranteed morning fill-up before getting back on the road proved a pretty attractive idea for many road-trippers.

Establishing a Standard

By the mid-’80s, Days Inn wasn’t just popular with families of travelers. It also became popular with families of hoteliers. Many Days Inn franchisees have developed a very personal connection to their hotels, which have become family businesses passed down as multi-generational treasures. Further contributing to this family feel, Days Inn took the lead in the hospitality industry by developing hiring initiatives benefiting people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and seniors. A community began to develop — one that persists to this day.

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Onward and Upward

Days Inn’s trajectory only continued after the brand was purchased in the ‘90s by the company that would later become Wyndham Hotels. Via this acquisition, Days Inn was better positioned than ever to serve a wide range of customers with a broader base of resources and support. Even though Days Inn now shares a portfolio with 20 other hospitality brands, Wyndham leadership was still committed to maintaining the important reputation that put so many Days Inns on the map in the first place: high-quality family accommodations for a reasonable price, and in places where travelers want to go.

Looking Forward

It’s no secret that 2020 has been challenging on several levels, and for myriad reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly had a major impact on travel and hospitality, with many families foregoing vacations altogether this year. However, even in the face of such considerable challenges, Days Inn has continued to succeed by never wavering from its original mission. And now, with many franchise-wide improvements rolling out across the entire brand (including a sunny new in-room design concept called “Dawn”), Days Inn hotels are looking forward to another 50 years — and beyond — of exceptional value, customer service, and quality.

We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel in the same spirit that inspired Cecil Day to open our flagship location. We hope you’ll visit us soon!

The Coolest Way to Beat the Heat: San Diego’s Top Under-the-Radar Frozen Treats

the San Diego Skyline

How to Spend 48 Hours in San Diego

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