Oceanside Pier: Restaurants, Fishing, Parking
Each step of the Oceanside Pier of California has entertaining things to see. From fishing to enjoying the scenery, the O'Side Pier is a great place to spend a fun day with family or friends. You're likely to make real memories to last for years to come. You just can't visit without walking the longest wooden pier on the West Coast at least once!
Spend the night near the coast. Dig your feet in the sand. Listen to the waves crash and savor the nature that surrounds Oceanside. Oceanside is a beautiful area to get away for a bit. Stare at the water, enjoy the sun, search for a sport to play, catch fish, and savor the sandy beach.
Scroll down to learn about the history of the pier, the restaurant at the end of the pier, what you can do, places to eat, and where to shop nearby!
* This post has been updated as of September 2022
History of the Oceanside Pier
The historic Oceanside Pier was originally proposed in 1887. At the time the pier was called a wharf. It went through a lot of trials and tribulations, suffering irreparable damage from a storm in 1890. Over the past 100+ years, there have been 6 iterations of the pier. The current pier is 1,942 feet long and was dedicated in 1987. It remains one of the most popular things to do in Oceanside, CA.
The pier is located in the city of Oceanside, California which is just north of San Diego. You can walk on this long, beautiful pier to get a great view of Oceanside. If you're coming to town, be sure to give it a stroll.
Address location: Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054 at the cross-section of Pacific St. and Pier View Way
Hours: Closes at 10 p.m.
Total length: 1,954 feet (596 m)
Opening date: 1888
Oceanside CA North County San Diego
You can't visit the city of Oceanside, California without walking the Oceanside Fishing Pier. This is one of the most classic things to do in Oceanside. The Oceanside Pier is popular amongst both locals and tourists. You can watch folks fishing or watch surfers pretty much anytime you're there.
Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town
Ruby's Diner
You used to be able to eat at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier; Ruby's was a 40s-style diner with American classics like fries, burgers, and milkshakes, but it has since closed. Unfortunately. It was such a perfect spot!
As of April 2022, a sign went up to say something new will be opening soon! There's a new restaurant coming to the Oceanside Pier. Stay tuned.
Restaurants Near Oceanside Pier
Hungry for a meal? There are dining options close to the pier.
- 333 Pacific
- Hello Betty
- Camp Coffee Company
- Harni Sushi - Oceanside
- Miss Kim’s by That Boy Good
- Banana Dang Coffee
Fishing
Leisurely stroll your way through to the end of the pier to look out on the Pacific Ocean. While you're strolling the pier, enjoy the wildlife. I've seen a sea lion, a seal, pelicans (on separate occasions not all at once although that would be cool), and of course tons of seagulls and pigeons. I saw some dolphins from afar. The pelicans are known for frequenting the pier especially since they can get some free fish. You might be lucky enough to see the pelican(s) and get a photo or two; they're not always there but they're there pretty often.
Shopping
Oceanside Pier has a small bait shop on it where you can get some convenience items and snacks. There are also restrooms if you need to use them. There're benches placed occasionally along the way if you want to rest or take in the scenery. There are also some shops, vendors, food stands, and picnic tables at the bottom of the pier before you walk on. Since the pier is located in Oceanside 92054 at the cross-section of Pacific St. and Pier View Way, there are plenty of local restaurants nearby to dine at or pick up some food to eat at the beach!
Beachcombing and Walking
The best way to get to know a city is by walking it. Oceanside literally hugs the coast. It's an idyllic spot. I like going for walks and checking out the shoreline. Downtown Oceanside is nearby. Southern California has a lot of beautiful places to visit. No matter what month you visit, from December to summer months like June or August, you'll love the nice weather at Oceanside Pier. There's even a beach amphitheater so you just may catch a band or someone performing. There are concerts there often.
Sunset Views
The historic Oceanside Pier is one of the longest piers in California at 1,942 feet in length and is the longest wooden pier in California. If you enjoy the outdoors and just want to walk around with a beach view, this is a great spot! Plus, it's free, so you can't go wrong there. No matter your favorite place to visit in the city of Oceanside, make sure you add this one for a lovely pier view. Come for a Pacific Ocean sunset as you enjoy a fun day on the coast. The Oceanside Pier is a perfect place to end the day. It's actually open until 10 p.m.
Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside Harbor is around 1.5 miles away from Oceanside Fishing Pier, which should be a 10-minute drive depending on traffic. There are kayak rentals and other fun stuff to do over there. You can ride your bike across the area! Read about the Oceanside Harbor restaurants.
When you visit, go to the beach in Oceanside, maybe a couple beaches. There are things to do at any time of day. You walk directly to Oceanside Pier from the beach and then stroll along the coast. Tyson Street Park is nearby within walking distance. You can go surfing the waves, swimming, or hang out on the beach. Spend the day like local residents, enjoying a casual beach day. It's beautiful morning, noon, night, whenever you come.
How much is parking at Oceanside Beach?
Parking in Oceanside is fairly affordable and there is plenty of metered parking. You can find free street parking as well as one free parking garage. If street parking isn't available by the time you arrive, consider using pay lots out of convenience. No matter where you park, read all signs in the parking lots carefully as parking restrictions are subject to change at any time. There are parking lots such as Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 28 Parking lot (351 The Strand N), Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 30 (Betty's Lot) Parking lot (101 The Strand N), Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 21 Parking lot (214 Surfrider Way), and more.
Are there any beach restaurants in Oceanside? What are the best places to eat in Oceanside?
While there aren't any restaurants directly on the beach, there are some close to shore. Definitely within walking distance and of course more if you drive the coast. Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See! Oceanside, California is a city with a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure located in North County San Diego. For residents and tourists alike, Oceanside boasts an array of activities. Of course, you can head south to San Diego too.
Soak in the amazing scenery of the Pacific Ocean or watch a surf competition as you stroll your way to the end of the pier. Eat at a restaurant, grab a craft beer, and enjoy the view from San Diego's iconic landmark. There are plenty of events that occur throughout the year so you can check the Oceanside Welcome Center or browse online! They even have surf competitions.
Related reading:
Vista Breweries: Craft Beer in North County San Diego
San Diego is well known for its sunshine & the sheer amount of breweries that freckle the county. North County San Diego has its fair share of breweries too, from Oceanside to Carlsbad to Escondido. But I know why you're here, you want to know about breweries in Vista, CA.
* This list is updated as of May 2023. Enjoy Vista beer country!
San Diego is not only one of the craft beer capitals of California, but one of the top ones in the country. There are so many local breweries & brewers that you can support. Due to Coronavirus, many of these breweries have outdoor patio, socially distanced options. Make a trip to San Diego, California, where the brewers are passionate about their craft & find yourself endless craft beer to sip on. There are plenty of unique things to do in North County San Diego, California. Depending on the craft brewery and what's available, you might also be able to buy delicious beer by the bottle or beer cans to go.
There are quite a few Vista breweries to check out. Due to the long journey of COVID, the breweries now usually include food or some sort of food credit or ticket. Many are opened back up for events and other good times. Some breweries are still in production whereas some have not made it through & others are new! Come on down, there is a decent number of things to do in Vista and of course loads of beers to try!
Related reading: Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, California
Breweries in Vista, CA
If you're in search of the most rated breweries in the city of Vista, California, Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill, Prohibition Brewing, Mother Earth Brewing Company, Belching Beaver Pub 980 have the most online reviews. These are the best local breweries in Vista! If a brewery has them, try to buy a gift card to give to friends, coworkers, or family, or just to use later for yourself! It's a great way to support local Vista breweries!
Related reading: Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See
Aztec Brewing Company
Aztec Brewing Company specializes in California style beers & good, local music. You could always count on them to have some groovy local bands or singers, although that has been postponed until further notice due to COVID. Some of their beers on tap consists of El Dorado (Aztec Blonde), Aztec Coffee Blonde (El Dorado Blonde with Mayan Blend Coffee), Macaroon (Nut Brown Ale with Coconut & Vanilla), Aztec Amber (Gold Ribbon Winner in 2014 & 2012), & Simrillo IPA (San Diego Style IPA). You can even get some cans to go.
Address: 2330 La Mirada Dr #300, Vista, CA 92081 United States
Website: Aztec Brewing
Phone: (800) 706-6324
BattleMage Brewing Company
Geeks rejoice, BattleMage is your cozy fortress. Some of their beers include the Divine Light w/ Cherry Light Ale 4.8% ABV, The Beer is Dark and Full of Terrors Milk Stout w/ toasted Cacao Nibs and Coffee 6.3% ABV, Hooded Assassin English Old Ale 10% ABV, Summon Ifrit American Amber Ale 6.1%, Shroud of Mist Hazy IPA 6.9%, Hopdouken West Coast IPA 7.7%. My personal favorite is Hopdouken! They recently updated their outdoor space with benches & heaters as well as a food vendor. Friendly team members, brewers, & service, great craft beer, good times. View the BattleMage website for a full brew list.
Address: 2870 Scott Street #102, Vista, CA 92081 United States
Website: BattleMage Brewing Company
Phone: (760) 216-6425
Beach Grease Beer Company * temporarily closed due to COVID
They may be temporarily closed but you can still shop online to support local. When open, peruse the hotrods as you sip on a West Coast style craft beer. Back when they were brand new, I went there with a couple friends & one of the beertender team members showed us around. Check out the Beach Grease Beer Company shop.
Address: 1280 Activity Dr, Vista, CA 92081
Website: Beach Grease Beer Company
Phone: (760) 295-7984
Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town
Bear Roots Brewing Co.
There are a couple of Bear Roots Brewing Co. locations, one of which is in downtown Vista, California. Some of the beers on tap are Kolsch 45 Kölsch, Secret Garden American Pale Ale, Blitz Bar German Pilsner, American IPAs, & more. They also offer hard seltzer options such as Mango Apricot Seltzer or Pineapple Strawberry Seltzer. Bear Roots has inside/outside seating, pick up & delivery service through their website. They're dog friendly. The downtown location has an indoor area is woodsy & green with a welcoming feel. Their best seller is the Pineappless Express IPA. Wanna know a fun fact they told me? "We started off as a HomeBrew shop, and transformed into a local craft brewery. We still offer HomeBrew supplies."
Phone: (760) 726-4204
Bear Roots Brewing Downtown
Address: 135 E Broadway, Vista, CA 92084
Website: Bear Roots Brewing
Phone: (760) 726-4204
Belching Beaver Pub 980 Vista Breweries! |
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill
Belching Beaver is another one of the highest-rated breweries in Vista since they've been around since 2012. They offer multiple locations with quality beers. The Brewery Tavern and Grill has an outdoor space with firepits & now with COVID there's a full-on outdoor area in the parking lot. Belching Beaver Pub 980 also has a popping outdoor area. Drinks encompass IPAs, Hazers Gonna Haze, Buenos Tiempos Mexican Lager, Blackberry/Raspberry Hard Seltzer, & more.
Address: 302 E Broadway, Vista, CA 92084
Phone: (760) 295-8599
Belching Beaver Pub 980
Address: 980 Park Center Dr Suite A, Vista, California 92081 United States
Website: Belching Beaver Pub 980
Phone: (760) 599-5832
Booze Brothers Brewing Co.
Booze Brothers Brewing Co. has a captivating indoor space with plants & wood that give it a homey, cabin vibe. Run by a pair of brothers, Booze Brothers has an eye for business & expansion; they offer The Wood Shed wedding venue, they've opened up a second brewery location in Oceanside, & their pizza joint, Pizza Bros. Their merch & beer can designs are eye-catching & witty. You can buy beers such as Penny Blonde Blonde Ale & 1-800-Tropics Hazy IPA online with more on the taplist at the brewery.
Address: 2545 Progress Street Suite D, Vista, CA 92081
Website: Booze Brothers Brewing Co.
Phone: (760) 295-0217
Dogleg Brewing Company
Beer buffs & golf groupies alike can find solace at Dogleg Brewing Company with their range of craft beers, putting green, golf simulator, TVs, & an outdoor patio. Dogleg has an epic outdoor area with lights, canopy, food, tables, you name it - perfect for social distancing away from fellow patrons. Some of the beers on tap are the Sunday Red red ale, Breakfast Ball chocolate milk stout, Persimmon Pilsner, Overlap Outlaw Hazy IPA. You can also buy their gift card!
Address: 1347 Keystone Way Suite A, Vista, CA 92081 United States
Website: Dogleg Brewing Company
Phone: (760) 295-0402
Ebullition Brew Works Tasting Room & Live Music Venue
Since the Vista Ebullition Brew Works location doesn't offer food options, the Ebullition Brew Works tasting room remains closed. You can order to-go & takeout beer at their Carlsbad location. You can also drink outside in the Ebullition Carlsbad location as they have a full food menu for the COVID-compliant mandates. You can find Double Hazy IPA, Hard Seltzer, Attaboy Irish Red Ale, & more on their tap list.
Address: 2449 Cades Way, Vista, CA 92081
Website: Ebullition Brew Works
Phone: (760) 842-1046
Eppig Brewing - North County Brewery & Bierhalle
Get beer to-go from Eppig's Vista brewery! Order in person or online if you want to go touchless. Eppig's open space feels warm & light, like a comfortable, familiar second home. The tasting room actually overlooks the brewhouse, so you might spot brewers in action. From the complex Schwarzbier German Black Lager to the light-bodied Hoppy Pils Dry Hopped Pilsner, you can find barleywine, sours, stouts, ales, & other crafty delights at Eppig Brewing.
Address: 1347 Keystone Way C, Vista, California 92081 United States
Website: Eppig Brewing - North County Brewery & Bierhalle
Phone: (760) 295-2009
Five Suits Brewing
Five Suits Brewing address might seem familiar as they're based in the former location of Barrel Harbor Brewing. All seating is outdoors for COVID & they have quite a large setup with table, chairs, television, & a covered canopy tent if you want to stay out of the rain or shine. Al Toque Peruvian Kitchen comes in for food, so you can order at the table; the yucca frita was delicious. Five Suits draft list consists of Follow Suit West Coast IPA 7.3% ABV, Pit BOS Hefeweizen 5.5% ABV, Cover You Snout Stout 6.7% ABV, & more.
Address: 2575 Pioneer Ave STE 104, Vista, CA 92081
Website: Five Suits Brewing
Phone: (760) 278-3483
Guadalupe Brewery Tap House
Although the beer itself is born & brewed in Carlsbad, the tasting room lives in Vista. Hecho en Carlsbad, tomado en Vista. (Made in Carlsbad, Tasted in Vista.) It all started when the owner started brewing beers in Valle de Guadalupe, known as Mexico's wine country. I actually visited El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe & it's a beautiful place. They ended up brewing again in North County & Guadalupe Brewery was born.
Address: 631 S Santa Fe Ave, Vista, CA 92083 United States
Website: Guadalupe Brewery Tap House
Phone: (740) 302-3377
Helia Brewing Company
Get a taste of Southern California craft beer at Helia Brewing Company with their mix of ales, pilsners, and lagers. The cheerful tasting room includes vibrant art, spacious & open ceilings, as well as ample indoor & outdoor seating to enjoy your brew. Perfect to savor one of those magnificent North County afternoons where the temperature is just right. Beers on the menu include Helia IPA, Helia Happy Pale Ale, Layers of Love DIPA, Helia Porter, Hazy Jae IPA, & much more. You can order for pick-up at the tasting room or order to get delivered to your house.
Address: 1250 Keystone Way, Vista, CA 92081
Website: Helia Brewing Company
Phone: (760) 216-6023
Mother Earth Brew Co.
The Downtown Mother Earth Brew Co. Vista Tap House is closed, but they're open for to-go orders out of their Mother Earth Thibodo Road Brewery in Vista three days per week. Browse your map app to make sure you're in the right spot located in Shadowridge Business Center. Mother Earth Vista offers Cali Creamin' Vanilla Cream Ale is one of their flagship beers with a cream soda bang. There's Hop Diggity Double IPA, Boo Koo IPA, Sin Tax Imperial Peanut Butter Stout, & more goodies available to order online or pick up at the Thibodo taproom.
Address: 2055 Thibodo Rd Suite E, Vista, California 92081 United States
Website: Mother Earth Brew Co.
Phone: (760) 295-3074
Prohibition Brewing Company
Founded in 2011, Prohibition Brewing Company is one of Vista's older breweries. The family-owned craft brewery serves craft beers with an extensive food menu filled with appetizers like fried avocado, soups, salad, burgers, & other specials & desserts along the way. Buy pints, 22 oz Bottles, Growlers, & Kegs from Prohibition's brew list including Derringer IIPA 8.6% ABV, St. Valentine Blood Orange IPA 7.6% ABV, Coconut Blonde 5.7% ABV, & more.
Address: 2004 E Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084
Website: Prohibition Brewing Company
Phone: (760) 295-3525
Wavelength Brewing Company
Wavelength Brewing Company has prime real estate on the continuously buzzing downtown Main Street, near what was once Mother Earth Brewing Company prior to COVID. Wavelength mixes beer in an environment that welcomes education in science, engineering, technology, & math. I walked by one night & they had a telescope out to watch the moon phenomena that was occurring at the time. Their tap list includes White Walker 5.9% ABV Witbier, Subsonic 5.5% ABV Kolsch, Hop Squanch 6.7% ABV Juicy IPA, & more. Nice spot to visit if you're in downtown Vista craft brewery hopping.
Address: 236 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Website: Wavelength Brewing Company
Phone: (760) 820-9283
WestBrew Brewery
WestBrew is a newer craft brewery in Vista, California. They have a solid outdoor set up in the back parking lot area with plenty of room to sip your beer & stay distanced from others. Get a brew & something to eat from their food-stocked fridge with sandwiches & other things to grub on. Stay a while as you view the place, taking in the art & open ceilings. They have beers such as the Hazy by the Sea New England Style IPA & the WestBrew Blonde American Blonde Ale.
Address: 1061 La Mirada Ct, Vista, CA 92081 United States
Website: WestBrew Brewery
Phone: (858) 412-4226
Distilleries: Misadventure & Company, 117 West Spirits, Henebery Spirits
The city of Vista is located in North County San Diego. The search for another craft brewery just got easier because I covered all the Vista breweries that exist (unless something has opened or closed in the meantime). Experience the beer, food, & views that San Diego has to offer. You will find an impressive list of beers on tap so please any taste. From family-owned businesses to buzzing hotspots, there always seems to a new business in the city of Vista!
Click here to visit the City of Vista, CA website.
Click here to visit the Downtown Vista CA website.
Thank you for reading; I hope you found a beer or brewery for you!
San Diego Influencer: What is Influencer Marketing? What Do Social Media Influencers Do?
I'm a blogger.
I'm an influencer.
I'm a social media manager.
I'm a blogging coach.
I'm a freelance writer.
I'm all of the above!
There are so many buzzwords these days - blogger, influencer, influencer marketing, engagement - but what does it all mean? Well, some have different meanings, some are similar, & some are industry words much like you'd view on a resume. I don't go around introducing myself as a San Diego influencer in all instances.
I've written over 500 blog posts & hundreds of posts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, over the years. I've had a blog since 2011, long before I ever had an Instagram page. I majored in journalism & decided I didn't want to spend my life at a newspaper, the next best thing was a lifestyle blog. In 2011, it wasn't about followers, it was about finding a place on the internet where you felt at home. What a different time! In 2017, I quit my corporate job to find the next step for me: freelancing, remote work, writing, social media management.
Read my yearly freelancing anniversary updates from Years 1, 2, & 3!
Hanging out & hiking in Julian, California. |
When I do social media management for small local businesses & other clients, I'm a social media manager. What does a social media manager do in a day? Read here. When I'm completing contracted writing for magazines, I'm a freelance writer. If I'm invited to a restaurant opening in San Diego, it's probably because of my blog or social media accounts, so in that case, I'd call myself a San Diego influencer.
I remember attending a press trip for Visit El Paso in 2018 & talking to a man in his 50s. He was on the press trip too, but more on the event planning side, I was on the blogger side. He asked me about the term "influencer" & asked if that's what young people refer to themselves as these days. It was a good question.
Click here to contact me. I'd love to learn more about you & your top business needs.
Related reading: Life in Quarantine as a San Diego Blogger + Social Media Manager from April 2020
What Are Influencers vs. Bloggers?
Influencer marketing isn't just in San Diego or the United States, it's all across the world. There are influencers everywhere, from San Francisco & Los Angeles to New York & Paris & Warsaw, Poland. Overall, being a top blogger, influencer, etc. really depends on the person & what they want to be called. Generally, a blogger has a literal blog. Whether on WordPress, Wix, BlogSpot, SquareSpace, what have you, a blogger is a blogger because of a blog.
Someone who blogs is a blogger; someone who knits is a knitter; someone who plays basketball is a basketball player. It's more about the action, not about semantics.
Read this post for a whole exercise on how to find blogging inspiration & blog ideas.
An influencer might not have a blog but instead has a social media presence, such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, the list goes on. PS, read this blog post for tips to increase your Facebook reach. So because an influencer could be on any/all social channels, the term influencer is a general description of what we do. Social media influencers have influence because of the followers & online presence they've created, similar to a blog, but in a different capacity.
For example, at one point in May 2020, I had up to 2.2 million monthly viewers on my Pinterest profile. Is Pinterest social media?
A blogger might also have an active social media presence, & an influencer could have a blog. Because there isn't a magical exact preciseness to it all, each person might refer to themselves as something different! You can view examples of what a person calls themselves on their blog or social media channels, sometimes in their email signature.
Have questions about influencer marketing in the city of San Diego? Click here to contact me.
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What is Influencer Marketing?
Both the top influencers & bloggers create content, write (whether it's captions or blog posts), take photos, negotiate, & so much more. Whether you are a therapist, beauty brand, or a beach towel company, there are ways to improve engagement, get a follow or two, increase visits, increase page views to your contact page, & more.
Influencer marketing is basically like user-generated marketing for the brand; they essentially hire the influencer to do work, ie. content or photos & then share it with their family, friends, audience that they personally developed.
Sometimes I'm a lifestyle blogger, travel influencer, travel writer, social media consultant, the names change because I'm all of them. It depends on who I'm speaking to or what I'm doing! When I went on that press trip in Texas, it makes sense that I'm a California blogger/San Diego influencer since I'm coming in with a California perspective & California viewers make up one of my biggest percentage of followers.
Want to contact me? Click here.
What Do Social Media Influencers Do?
Lifestyle influencer marketing revolves around things people use, eat, or experience on a regular basis, such as tea or a toothbrush or a short trip with family. After the Texas press trip, I created content on my blog. I found a particular aspect about El Paso that I loved & felt my followers & Google searchers would be interested in or would search for later. I wrote a blog post about Franklin Mountains State Park & then shared that content on my social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TripAdvisor).
Going on the press trip gave me content to write about; it gave me experiences, memories, & furthered my own blogging/influencing career by being part of a full-on fly me out, pay for my hotel room type of press trip! In return, the influencers/bloggers create content, take photos, or tag the brand, link to the website, generate interest, views, website clicks, or bookings, etc.
A lot of times a top influencer becomes an influencer by being themselves. For example, I wrote a post about rainbow eucalyptus trees in Balboa Park, San Diego (which you can read here) & it started getting organic search traffic from people Googling fun things in San Diego or where to see rainbow eucalyptus in San Diego.
As an influencer or blogger, you don't work for someone else, it's your platform to use as you wish. As an influencer, it becomes a business that the person chooses what's best. They can choose if they want to work with fashion & style, news, beauty, travel, food.
And remember: it's not always about the number of followers, how much reach do they get? How much engagement?
For example, I had a campaign with Del Taco to promote the Beyond Meat range of burritos & tacos. As someone who has been meat-free for 15 years, I was already buying this product. It made sense to me when the email popped in my inbox about doing a sponsored post on Instagram to talk about it. Make money talking about something I already used, ate, tried? Yes, please. Take a look at my Instagram post!
If you'd like to contact me, click here.
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Examples of San Diego Influencer Marketing Events I've Attended
- I went to an event at Home & Away Encinitas for Thorn Beer. They invited foodie influencers to attend. These are regular people. Most of them have a day job, a life other than influencing. These are people who love food & probably post about it frequently, perhaps they use certain hashtags to find new followers. Take a look at my Instagram post about the event & experience here.
Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town
- I was invited to the opening of the Scripps Ranch location of Juneshine. View my Instagram post from that event. This event was a bit younger, more modern, & fresh. Most influencers were young, under 40. It's all about the brand, Juneshine is a hard kombucha, which might have a fun, fresh young audience compared to a craft beer brand. The influencers you invite to your event should reflect your brand!
- I attended a mindfulness app launch party in San Diego a few years back at the start of influencer marketing. There was a range of professionals - not just bloggers. Each professional might have a different niche & audience, whether influencer or other local business representatives.
Is Influencer Marketing Free? What Does it Cost?
I've been invited to events across San Diego County. Sometimes a public relations company contacts me via email or sometimes you get a quick Instagram message about something from a brand itself. Each company or event is different. Sometimes there are no requirements for a particular event, they just invite you to feel free to post or not post. Sometimes they want you to post a couple Instagram Stories & other times it's more involved. This is where certain influencers have the leverage to have sponsored posts, posting fees, or other requirements, especially if a lifestyle influencer has a large following/reach. And yes, sometimes there is payment, depending on the campaign or type of sponsored collaboration.
Contact me or see about Coaching, Consulting, & Management for your small business.
On a press trip in Lompoc, California with Explore Lompoc. I wrote Fun Things to Do in the City of Lompoc, California on my blog. |
Finding an Influencer for Your Business
From La Jolla, Balboa Park, Del Mar, all the way up to Julian, there are events, restaurant openings, local businesses all around San Diego that could use lifestyle influencer marketing. It's all about finding the correct person for your brand. One influencer might offer daily posting on Instagram about local eateries to try in San Diego County while another might share home decor tips. Follow a few to get a feel for who's out there.
Related reading: How to Set Effective Personal & Business Goals So You Actually Get Things Done
You made it all the way to the bottom so what's the next step? Sometimes you have to take a leap & see what happens. If you need some help, I work with businesses on their engagement, blog writing, social media content, & more.
Whether you live in the city of San Diego or somewhere else, your business might benefit from influencer marketing. Have a question about social media influencers or small business influencer marketing? Contact me. Interested in social media management, help, or consulting? Fill out my Discovery Questionnaire & I'll get in touch with you within 48 hours.
Testimonials
“Very good job going above and beyond my request for stats. Appreciate you putting your critical thinking hat on when looking at the data and extrapolating actionable insights. This is excellent as we continue to test and tweak.” - R.W.
"Carmen helped me prioritize my goals for my brand as a whole. She provided me with skills to improve my decision-making in everything from blog topics, gauging my audience, and making my personality really shine through in my work." -K.S.
"I have so much more clarity about the direction we are headed in--and we are already seeing results! I implemented her SEO strategy a few weeks ago and in the past week we have started to see more referrals through Google. Most importantly, these are quality referrals that have booked with us right away and been eager to pay our full fee. Carmen keeps me accountable to my goals and also provides feedback on my marketing. I send her 90% of our content before it goes out, and she always thinks of ways to make it better." - C.A.
Want to hire me for social media management, consulting, or something else? Fill out my Discovery Questionnaire & I'll get in touch with you within 48 hours.
The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret Park, Cancun
Picture yourself floating magnificently down an underground river created by nature, enjoying the view as you swim. Imagine the utter thrill of releasing all control and trusting mother nature to guide you through dark crevices in a natural underground cave.
Experience the wonderful attractions at X C A R E T park, a world full of adventure hidden in the tropical paradise of Cancun Quintana Roo, Mexico. You and your family are bound to have fun and memories to last for years to come.
Xcaret Park is basically the Disneyland of Mexico. There's food, attractions, entertainment, remarkable views, but there's also an underground river, zip-lining, & so much more. Xcaret Cancún Park is popular amongst Riviera Maya locals, citizens from Mexico, as well as tourists from all over the world. This is one of those one-stop-shops. People dedicate days here or just a day, depending on your energy level.
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Floating the Natural Xcaret Underground River Cancun
Xcaret Park has underground rivers allowing guests to swim in the waters through dark caves & into the tropical world of Xcaret. The names of the underground rivers include the Blue River, the Mayan River, and the Manatee River. Xcaret is located in Cancun in the Riviera Maya (Maya River Mexico), near Playa del Carmen, giving it a natural vibe that's unlike any other theme park. You can unknowingly trek through a jungle, only realizing it when you see it from about. The pure expanse of trees as far as the eye can see. You have a feeling like you're just one fraction, a tiny leaf or bug in an enormous jungle.
You'll find something great to explore in every corner. Xcaret is a popular trip destination for a reason. It's one of those places you must travel to at least once. Xcaret's Cancun Eco Park in Playa del Carmen offers the Mayan Village, the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium, & the Butterfly Pavilion. Get your grub on with fresh food at one of their many restaurants. I only spent one day at Xcaret & feel like I missed out on a lot; there was so much more I could have done, seen, experienced, & of course, eaten. A vacation isn't a just chance to rest but an opportunity to learn more about the world around you.
Underground Rivers
The Xcaret river experience is easily one of the most popular things to do in Xcaret Park. The underground rivers flow about 16.4 feet below the ground. Xcaret Park gives you a life vest & flippers for the river experience. I went with my family, a group ranging from a 50-something-year-old who couldn't swim to kids who could kind of swim to myself, an Olympic gold medalist. Oh wait, that's not me. I'm not an Olympic medalist but I know how to swim more or less. The swimming experience is easy. Simply hold on the road as a guide & the lifejacket helps keep you buoyant.
For snorkeling, guests can rent snorkel gear for a cost as well as a refundable deposit. However, if you have an Xcaret Plus ticket, you only need to pay the refundable deposit. Take a look at the Xcaret website for information about the underground rivers.
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Paradise River allows you to witness the beauty of the underground rivers without having to dive into the water. Paradise River runs along stretches of the Tropical Jungle Trail as you waft a raft. If you're not a swimmer or don't want to get wet, this is a superb option. Whether you swim through it or float through it, don't miss the experience of the Xcaret underground river in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Due to the whole underwater aspect, I didn't bring a phone or a camera so I made sure to utilize the photo-taking capabilities of my wristband. I took some photos throughout Xcaret Park but not at all during the underground river exploration. I love photos & being able to fondly look back on memories but sometimes you just have to completely absorb without any distractions.
How Long is the Underground River at Xcaret Park?
The river has an extension of 656 yards & an average depth of 5 ft. The underground rivers aren't for practicing laps, you can't just swim willy nilly wherever you want. Parts of the underground river are literally pitch black & you'll want to follow the rope lead like it's nobody's business. Other parts enable you to revel in the natural light of the sun. If you ever feel over your head, scared, or as though you've had enough, you can leave at one of the designated exits along the way.
Life jacket use is mandatory & it helps you float throughout the course. There are no waves so you don't have to stress about being overpowered. That said, everyone must wear a lifejacket. Why wouldn't you want to? Like I said, it gets dark in certain areas so you'll appreciate those safety precautions when you're in the water.
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How Cold is the Water in Xcaret?
I visited in December & parts of the Xcaret underground river waters were cold-ish but nothing frigid. If you visit in summer, I imagine the temperature of the water is refreshing or warm! Even throughout that December day, the air felt warm against your skin, the sun shone brightly, drop of sweat rolls down your cheek after tracking all afternoon. The underground river sounds refreshing right now.
Tickets & Admission
There's Food and Beverage tickets, Photopass tickets, adult options, child options, so choose what works for your family, depending on what attractions you want to see. Beautiful Xcaret Park offers experiences you won't forget. They even have fun, educational, exiciting performances! Google it and read a review or two to see what others say.
Xcaret Plus admission includes a number of convenient, fun perks such as:
- One lunch buffet
- Tours in three underground rivers
- Xcaret México Espectacular presentation
- Access to the beach, inlet, & natural pools
- Visits to the Butterfly Pavilion, Coral Reef Aquarium and the Aviary
- Children’s World, a place of fun exclusively for the little ones
- Horse Exhibition, Papantla Flying Men and Pre-Hispanic Dances
- Tropical jungle trail
Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show
Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show is fantastic, showstopping, acrobatic, cinematic, & entertaining as hell. The costumes alone were a masterpiece with bobbing flamingos & jellyfish dancing their way across the stage. Hundreds of cast members make their appearance throughout the show, somewhere around 300 to be presence. You'll experience the history of Mexico through song & dance. You'll watch a terrifying match of the Mayan fireball game. Learn more about the Expectacular Show on their website and check the hours.
Address: Carretera Chetúmal Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Where Can We Stay Nearby?
It also includes the use of snorkeling gear, lounge chairs, hammocks rest areas, free parking, & more. Read about the Plus admission features on the Xcaret website. If you plan to stay more than a whole day, it certainly helps to spend the night in a nearby hotel. If you have money to spend, the Hotel Xcaret Mexico is the most convenient choice. They have 900 rooms ready for you & your family.
The Hotel Xcaret Mexico has an ALL-FUN INCLUSIVE® vacation option which includes unlimited access to the parks Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco & Xenses, tours to Xenotes & Xichen, transportation between parks, airport shuttle, food & drink.
If you have a car or rental car you can drive in from your own hotel, Airbnb, or wherever you're staying. That's what we did. We drove in for the day. Had fun. Swam in an underground river. Ate tacos with an ocean view. Saw flamingos.
I positively enjoyed my time at Xcaret eco park in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo with a range of family members. Kids, adults, & elders can revel in the diverse entertainment, good food, & fun. I definitely could've stayed longer; I'm sure it would have been fun & I would've tried out more of the features. Hope you have a chance to enjoy it yourself!
Visiting Mexico
Mexico is a large country with so much to offer, making it the perfect spot for a fun trip. Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya is an incredible place to explore. Take a look at the Visit Mexico website for more information on tourism. Did you know Mexico has 32 states? Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur , Campeche, Coahuila, Colima, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatán, & Zacatecas.
Cancun, located in the state of Quintana Roo, is certainly one of the more popular locations but it not for nothing. With crystal clear warm water & absolutely intoxicating food like huitlacoche tacos. What is huitlacoche you ask? What does it taste like? Read this post. Search for a place to eat, there are plenty of options in Cancun. You'll have a great trip!
Read my other blog posts about Mexico:
A Mini Guide to Tijuana's Breweries, Craft Beer, & Tasting Rooms
Things To Do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico
Things to Do in Queretaro Centro, Mexico Top Attractions
El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico