For years, the Catamaran Resort Hotel in Pacific Beach has been knocking guests’ socks off with their traditional summer sunset luaus.
Now the Catamaran’s sister property, the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Beach, has joined the party with its own production titled “California Dreaming: San Diego’s Beach Party of the Decades.”
For the 15th straight year, the Catamaran at 3999 Mission Blvd. is hosting its traditional luau on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. between June 26 and Sept. 4.
California Dreaming is debuting this year at the Bahia Resort at 998 W. Mission Bay Drive on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 3. Both events afford locals and visitors an opportunity to attend and enjoy two very different — but equally entertaining — themed events on San Diego’s Mission Bay.
For those looking to build their Southern California “cred,” Bahia’s Beach Party features local classics band The Fabulous Mar Dels. The band takes guests on a musical journey celebrating California’s beach culture, summer and fun. From the early California surf sound pioneered during the ’60s by the Beach Boys in songs like “Surfing USA” to Katy Perry’s 2010 hit, “California Girls,” the comprehensive California song catalog will have everyone kicking off their sandals and digging their toes into the sand as they dance to their favorite summertime hits.
As the sun sets over the Pacific, guests will be cued by Chubby Checker’s classic “Limbo Rock” to join the limbo line. For those feeling competitive, a Hula-Hoop contest will be the perfect opportunity to display their skills and win a prize.
Attendees of legal drinking age at the Bahia Beach Party will be greeted with a signature cocktail to start the festivities, before they make their way to the summer buffet, complete with barbeque grill station and that classic staple of beach parties: the clambake.
Picnic tables on the sand along the hotel’s private beach will give the party that element of authenticity only an actual beach community like Mission Bay can deliver. A cash bar stocked with locally crafted beer and cocktails made to order will also be available to cool off between dance sessions.
“We like to have fun at the Bahia,” said Jim Greene, the resort hotel’s general manager. “Throwing this summer-long series of beach parties is a great way for couples, families and friends to celebrate one of our favorite seasons in San Diego.” Summer Sunset Luaus Every Friday through Sept. 4, guests will mingle at the Catamaran’s sunset luau beach party.
Created to complement the Polynesian architectural design and tropical landscape of the hotel, the Summer Sunset Luaus offer an escape to the South Pacific with a traditional buffet and evening entertainment courtesy of Pride of Polynesia. The event features live music, hula dancers and a crowd favorite, the fiery torch dancers. Luaus feature a ceremonial lei greeting, tropical cocktails (for guests 21 and over), and the defining element of an authentic luau, the kalua pig.
The Bahia Resort Hotel’s California Dreaming tickets for hotel guest and active military begin at $20 for children, 5 to 12 years of age, and $44 for adults. Non-resort guests can purchase tickets at $49 for adults, $26 for children, 5–12 years of age. Children under 5 accompanied by a paying adult can eat at no cost. The price includes gratuity and taxes. Tickets are available at the Bahia Resort Hotel and online at www.bahiahotel.com/summer or by calling (858) 539-7770.
For the Catamaran’s Summer Luaus, tickets are available for purchase online at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa Gift Shop or at www.catamaranluau.com, and are $49 for adults ($69 for non-resort guests) and $19 for children 5 to12 years of age ($32 for non-resort guests). Children under 5 accompanied by a paying adult can eat at no cost. The Bahia Resort Hotel and the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa are both owned and operated by Evans Hotels, San Diego. California Dreaming Beach Party
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 3.
Where: Bahia Resort, 998 W. Mission Bay Drive.
Tickets: Adults $49, children 5 to 12 $26, children under 5 free.
Info: (858) 539-7770. Summer Sunset Luaus
When: 6 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 4; 6 p.m. Tuesdays, July 21 to Aug. 18.
Where: Catamaran Resort, 3999 Mission Blvd.
Tickets: Adults $69, children $32, children under 5 free.
Info: (858) 539-8774.