The next time you catch yourself daydreaming about that much-needed vacation you can’t afford, here’s a thought: stay in town. With so many cool attractions and hidden treasures right here in our backyard, why spend a bundle when San Diego has it all? • The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is not just for traveling guests. Its Summer Play Program is a great fit for locals who want a fun weekend getaway but don’t want to stray too far from home. From now until Labor Day, the hotel is offering a bevy of free poolside activities and discounted water adventures for guests. “When guests stay with us, we want to exceed their expectations,” said Patrick Connors, director of marketing. “We want them to think of us as a unique one-stop shop, a place where you can have it all.” Everything from fast-moving Navy SEAL-style boat rides, relaxing sailing adventures, kayaking and paddleboard lessons are offered. There’s even a new 83-foot pirate ship boat ride that takes guests into a swashbuckling world of piracy, sword fights and cannon blasts. If you prefer to stay on land, there are free kids activities like Kids Putt Challenges and “Octopus Tag in H20.” For adults, yoga and cardio tennis classes are offered and when the sun goes down, there are “dive-in” movies at the swimming pool on Friday and Saturday evenings. www.sheratonsandiegohotel- .com • We couldn’t ask for a better combination: live comedy on a cool rooftop venue. The Madhouse Comedy Club is getting ready to swing open its doors on the third level of the Westfield Horton Plaza Shopping Mall, in the former home of Napa Valley Grille. Madhouse Comedy Club owner Robert Lariviere says he’s very excited about this new venture. Lariviere and his brother, Michael, say this will be more than a comedy club — it will be a full-scale restaurant and bar where guests can get a good meal at an affordable price. “A lot of comedy clubs either don’t offer food — or a limited menu at best — but here, we’ll have great food and a comedy show every night. It’s turned into so much more than we bargained for but we’re happy,” Lariviere said. The comedy club will feature local comedians and national headliners. www.madhousecomedy.com • The Summer Pops have affordable options that many locals don’t know exist. For $17, guests can bring in food, a small cooler with non-alcoholic drinks and low-to-the-ground lawn chairs. This month has some rockin’ shows: Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx on Aug. 12 and 13; a Beatles Tribute on Aug. 19 and 20; a Rolling Stones Tribute Band on Aug. 25; and a Wynonna Judd/SD Symphony combo on Aug. 26 and 27. Be sure to stick around for the post show fireworks around 9:20 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Our tip: If you have a small boat or kayak, time your voyage so you catch the end of the show and see the fireworks. If you don’t have a boat, try the affordable voyage on a $7 water taxi that runs daily after 3 p.m. (619) 234-TAXI. — Marc and Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of Where You Want To Be Tours. Many of their tours and teambuilding Scavenger Hunts feature secret Downtown areas, www.wheretours.com
