Bamboo

Beyond the Oasis

San Diego's long history as a major naval base and beach town as well as the fact that it experienced major growth in the early 1960s make it a prime site for Tiki Style urban archaeology. Nautical and tropical bars, restaurants, hotels, etc. were once everywhere and remnants of them can still be found scattered throughout the county. San Diego also offers great weather year-round. Morning fog quickly gives way to sunny summer days. Cool breezes usually pick back up in the early evening. San Diego has great surfing and bodysurfing beaches and great sandy beaches for sun bathing. If you find the SD beaches too crowded, California's southernmost city is just a hop away from sunny Mexico beaches where seafood dinners are half the price!

Transportation

While it is not necessary to rent a car it is recommended if you plan to sightsee. Hotels do not provide shuttle service. Taxi cabs are an option if traveling with a small group. You can also hop on the Where Tours bus for a lift to Bali Hai on Thursday and other sightseeing tours throughout the weekend.!

Tiki Sites in San Diego

To get you started on your self-guided Tiki tour here’s a list of our fave sites.
If you find others please let us know!

SOHO Trolley TIKI Tour- Dudes and Dudettes! For the enjoyment of Tiki lovers in town for Tiki Oasis, SOHO is holding its 2nd Annual Trolley Safari. Led by local Tiki experts Alex "Uncle Poi Dog" Bevil and Jaye "Gidget Goddess" Furlonger in search of some of San Diego's unique Tiki Modern landmarks.
WHERE - Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2270 Hotel Circle North, in Mission Valley, WHEN - Friday, August 14, 10am-2pm (boarding begins at 9:45), To get more information or purchase tickets...Click HERE!
San Diego Museum of Art - During Tiki Oasis The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park will be hosting a major Oceanic Art exhibit. This exhibition features approximately 70 artworks that represent ancient Oceanic traditions from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The works on view come from public and private collections and include a variety of three-dimensional objects full of cultural and social meaning that still function within Oceanic cultures today. Included are elaborate, hand-carved sculptures representing ancestors and gods, jewelry, weapons, cooking tools, and more. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 232-7931
Check it out here!
Catamaran Hotel - Don't let the fancy website fool you. There is plenty of cool Tiki to be found on premises. 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, California 92109, (858) 488-1081
Spa Tiki - Surround yourself with Tiki while relaxing in an upscale spa. Included in the standard package is a tropical drink! 200 Harbor Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 231-4363
Trader Mort's Liquor - The legendary Tiki on the corner of Trader Mort's was immortalized in a mug last year by Munktiki. Mort's sits at the entryway to Shelter Island and is the primer for Tiki things to come. As you drive onto the island note the fence posts with Minimalist Moai style faces carved into the tops. 2904 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 224-3771
Bali Hai Restaurant - 2230 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 222-1181. The site of Tiki Oasis opening party as well as a regular stop for Arthur Lyman during his days of touring the mainland from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. Bali Hai s also a great stop for Sunday brunch.
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites - 2303 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 29106, (619) 224-3411
Critiki's, San Diego section is a good starting point covering the major attractions with great photos

Restaurants

Albee's Beef Inn - 1201 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 291-1103
Imperial House - Continental restaurant and cocktail lounge. 505 Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 234-3525
Old Trieste Restaurant - exclusive dinner at a place run by the original owner for 36 years. 2335 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110, (619) 276-1841
Filippi's Pizza Grotto - historic Italian restaurant. 1747 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 232-5094
Hob Nob Hill - historic coffee shop. 2271 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 239-8176
Mandarin House - good strong drinks plus the ONLY place in town that serves a flaming volcano. 2604 5th Avenue -between Maple St & Nutmeg St - San Diego, CA 92103
Mister Tiki - Located in the center of the historic and happening downtown Gaslight District Mister Tiki recently updated their menu to add "Pacific Island fusion which focuses on our Southern Californian" tastes. They also feature a variety of tasty tropical drinks. And Mr Tiki is the location of Tiki Oasis unofficial afterparty dinner on Sunday night. It is decked out with dozens of Bosko Tikis. You can catch many post Tiki Oasis folks here the Sunday after the show! 801 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 233-1183
Mandarin House - Derick says drinks are on par with the Bali Hai's and it's the ONLY place in town that serves a flaming volcano. 2604 5th Avenue at Maple, San Diego 619-232-1101 (also in La Jolla)
The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop - The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop is a classic, they have been in business since 1938. 2633 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 295-0156
Kings Inn/Waffle Stop - across the highway from The Hanalei hotel...They have the best waffle mascot and nice classic Diner ambiance with great breakfasts at a good price
Hash House A Go Go - voted best breakfast in San Diego. 3628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, (619) 298-4646
Ricky's Family Restaurant" - Ikabod from the Cult of the Eye recommends the Strawberry Banana souffle, an apple pancake that could feed an army, and the best french toast anywhere. 2181 Hotel Cir S, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 291-4498
Tickled Trout - For karaoke or Pub Food. 2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 291-6500

Museums

The Lawrence Welk Museum - in nearby Escondido needs no explanation.It is on par with something you'd expect to find in the desert just outside Las Vegas.
Mingei International Museum - in Balboa Park sometimes has interesting ethnic exhibits. They once had an exhibit on barkcloth including Tapa from around Oceania.!

Day Trip Ideas

Tijuana, Mexico. Score some real Havana Club Cuban Rum from a country who does not have an embargo.

The above restaurants and more are listed here thanks to the Tiki Central crowd