Hilton San Diego Bayfront

It’s not every day you find a hotel pool that qualifies for the list – especially a Hilton – and even rarer that it’s one I’m actually staying at!

This morning was classic San Diego coastal weather: thick mist outside my window, couldn’t see two feet in front of me when I woke up. But by the time I finished my swim, the mist had cleared, revealing a busy waterfront scene.

The pool deck sits right on the dockside, with a Dole container ship getting loaded – I swear it was bananas – and these odd little tugboats floating around. It’s an interesting spot to get some lengths in, to say the least.

The pool itself is confirmed 25 yards, with a two-lane block built into its palm-like shape. I kept it easy to avoid making too many waves – there was only one other couple around, sitting in the hot tub smoking (at 8am, no less – and they did not look the type!).

No flip turns today, just a gentle morning swim to enjoy the peaceful (if slightly surreal) waterfront vibe.