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Sometimes acting as a docent in addition to his concierge role, Hamblen has taken to his much-storied workplace with true enthusiasm and a fond regard for the 120 years of colorful memories that have been made here. Hamblen is very pleased he made the “life-changing” move to San Diego from Colorado some seven years ago, with the last five years working at one of the most famous hotels in the world. To hear Brett speak of his new “hometown” you’d think he was born and raised in the Southern California sun. That is what makes our devoted concierges such a unique breed within the hospitality field—it’s simply their business to know just about everything.

What are some fun excursions you recommend to your guests?
Adventure R.I.B Rides (Tel: 619-808-2822. www.adventureribrides.com) offers fast-paced tours on a former Navy Seal R.I.B. (Rigid Inflatable Boat). It’s a great way to see the coastline and get an up-close view of some of the Pacific’s most interesting fish and animal life. Adventure R.I.B Rides also offers Navy Heritage Tours, nature tours to the Coronado Islands off the Mexican coast, and winter whale watching. Next Level Sailing (Tel: 800-644-3454. www.nextlevelsailing.com) offers a way to experience the exhilaration of high-speed sailing on an America’s Cup-class yacht, among the fastest mono-hull sailing vessels in the world. Aolani Catamaran (Tel: 619-807-8000, www.aolani.cc) takes all the hard work out of sailing and offers a full bar with spectacular views for you and 40 of your closest friends. Should you tire of the surf and the sand, California Dreamin’ (Tel: 800-373-3359. www.californiadreamin.com) provides a great alternative to a coastal tour, without any traffic. Take to the sky over the Del Mar coastline or the Temecula Wine Valley in a hot air balloon. If a balloon is too slow for you, try a biplane: I’m told it’s just like being in a convertible, but with a much better view.

San Diego and Coronado Island have so much to offer visitors; do you have any favorite local highlights that sometimes get overlooked?
Balboa Park (www.balboapark.org) is the largest urban park in the country, still its cultural significance is often overlooked. Over 15 museums, amazing architecture, and picturesque gardens can be found in the park. The park also hosts the annual San Diego Pride Festival (www.sdpride.org) and is where you can often find San Diego’s gay football and volleyball teams practicing. The Old Globe Theater (www.theoldglobe.org) in Balboa Park is one of the region’s most amazing theater production companies. Their outdoor, summer Shakespeare festival is also a real treat. Now, I know the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park (www.sandiegozoo.org) and SeaWorld (www.seaworld.com/sandiego) aren’t undiscovered, but when was the last time you went to one of them? They are such a great time! For many gay Southern Californians, the Zoo Party during San Diego Pride is the only time they visit the San Diego Zoo (and it is a fantastic time to catch 2,000 shirtless men), however, you should take time to visit the zoo or animal park for other, more obvious reasons.

Tell us about some of the beaches around San Diego and what they offer.
A visit to San Diego should always include trips to the beach. The Travel Channel consistently cites Coronado Beach as one of the best beaches in America. The Del figures prominently on this large beach. Coronado Beach’s calm waters and clean sand are perfect for families and the secluded feeling of being “on the island” is perfect for romantic strolls. Heading north from Coronado, you’ll find Ocean Beach. Best known for its relaxed vibe, this surfing beach and pier is where you will most likely hear the word “dude” from people twice your age. Newport Avenue leads to Ocean Beach Pier and features some of the area’s best antique shopping.

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the most active of San Diego area beaches attracting a spring break crowd. Mission Beach is anchored by Belmont Park, an historic seaside amusement park and wave pool. The wave pool at Belmont Park regularly hosts professional surfing competitions. Further north, you’ll find La Jolla Cove and Shores, best known for the beautiful bluffs with several small pocket beaches. La Jolla Shores, just north of The Cove, provides the best access to the La Jolla Underwater Park. This protected area is the best place in San Diego for scuba diving, snorkeling, and ocean kayaking. Close to La Jolla is Torrey Pines State Beach, also known as Black’s Beach. This hard-to-reach stretch has a reputation as San Diego’s nude beach. Although technically not legal, the California Park Rangers have held a long-term policy of not enforcing clothing regulations at this beach unless there has been a direct complaint. Access to this beach is down a steep and difficult trail from the Torrey Pines Glider Port. Heading north from the foot of the trail will lead you to a predominately gay section of the beach.

What are some top picks for a leisurely, scenic lunch?
Sheerwater (1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. Tel: 619-522-8490. www.hoteldel.com/dining) at the Hotel del Coronado overlooks the white, sandy beach of Coronado and is a great place for a Mojito and a signature flatbread or delicious fish and chips. Candelas on the Bay (1201 1st St., Coronado. Tel: 619-435-4900. www.candelas-coronado.com), is the second location of this upscale, Mexican restaurant located at Coronado’s Ferry Landing Marketplace (the original location is in San Diego’s Gaslamp District). With striking views of the bay, Coronado Bridge, and the San Diego skyline, you’ll find lots of fresh seafood items on the menu. This is not a “chips-on-the-table” style Mexican restaurant, as the menu features inspired dishes from cosmopolitan Mexico City.

A short drive north from Coronado you’ll find Brockton Villa (1235 Coast Blvd. La Jolla. Tel: 858-454-7393. www.brocktonvilla.com), a casual restaurant in La Jolla that is set in a 100-year-old villa clinging to the side of the bluffs. This is one of my favorite brunch spots for watching the waves crash below as ocean kayakers traverse the cove. I usually order the Carne Asada Benedict or the Coast Toast, a delectable variation of French toast. Prado at Balboa Park (1549 El Prado, San Diego. Tel: 619-557-9441. www.cohnrestaurants.com) features a terrace overlooking beautiful gardens in an amazing building dating back to the 1915 World Exposition. You can also enjoy incredible views of the San Diego Bay and downtown San Diego at C Level at Island Prime (880 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego. Tel: 619-298-6802. www.cohnrestaurants.com). Watch as cruise ships or aircraft carriers enter the bay—so close it feels like you could come aboard. Here, San Diego’s celebrity chef, Deborah Scott, offers a nut-crusted brie that has become legendary!

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