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Top 10 Southern California Beaches

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Belmont Park, Mission Beach - Image Source: robberk1. Mission Beach: One of San Diego’s top beaches, loaded with everything from a roller coaster to popular night clubs. Mission Beach is home to Belmont Park, where a lot of the action happens. It is a happening beach scene, with plenty of surf shops to wander through and beautiful beach bodies to gaze at. Rent one of the popular southern California vacation rentals and take a stroll on the two miles of sandy shoreline. (Image Source)

2. Ocean Beach: Just north of downtown San Diego is the laid back scene of O.B.  You can find amazing surf at Sunset Cliffs or browse through the locally owned shops. There is something for everyone in the small town of O.B. You can find some of San Diego’s best bars, restaurants, music, bikers, and artists lining these streets.

Oceanside Pier - Image Source: KylePix3. Oceanside: North San Diego is often ignored by tourists visiting downtown, but it is home to some of California’s best beaches. Oceanside is at the far north end, just before entering Camp Pendleton. Surfers can enjoy the steep waves between the manmade Jetties, kids will love the ice cream or fish n’ chips in the harbor, and couples can take a romantic stroll down the boardwalk and out onto the Oceanside Pier. (Image Source)

San Clemente - Image Source: billandashlee14. San Clemente: One of the most popular beach towns in California owes its fame to the beautiful beaches. You can camp, stay in one of the many cute southern California vacation rentals, or simply make it a day visit. Learn to surf on some of California’s best waves or experience a true California sunset while relaxing on the pier. Either way, this is a must stop for any serious California beachgoers. (Image Source)

5. La Jolla: “The Jewel” of America’s Finest City brings everyone together in a romantic beach setting. Kayak and snorkel around the La Jolla Cove, surf the famous waves on Black’s Beach (or sunbathe nude), or swim with leopard sharks and other sea life.

Coronado - Image Source: chiemimatsumoto6. Coronado Beach: If you plan on visiting downtown San Diego, do not pass up the opportunity to cross the bridge over to Coronado Island. With the widest expanse of sand of any beach in San Diego, you can find the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Tip: Rent a bike and head down the long stretch of beach on the Silver Strand, you won’t regret it. (Image Source)

7. Huntington Beach (“surf city”): You see this famous beach on T.V., movies, YouTube, and in the news all of the time. It hosts the Surfing US Open, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball, Surf City USA Marathon, and many other events that draw thousands of visitors from all over. You will have plenty to do at this California landmark.

8. Venice Beach: The eclectic scene at Venice Beach has everything from street performers to the famous Muscle Beach on the boardwalk. This is the best beach for people-watching, handcraft shopping, and working out. Tip: Head over to the Venice Canals to get a glimpse of where some of the rich and famous live.

Santa Monica Pier - Image Source: phillips7029. Santa Monica: Over 300 days of sunshine gives visitors the perfect excuse to head down to the 3.5 miles of sandy beaches in Santa Monica. Enjoy first class shopping, a vibrant night life, L.A. arts and culture, and the amusement park located next to the Santa Monica Pier.

10. Malibu: “27 miles of scenic beauty” awaits you in Southern California. Malibu is home to many celebrities, which is proof that it must be one of the best beaches in the world. You can walk out on the famously long pier, or test your surfing abilities at Zuma Beach.

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A Guide to San Diego’s Theme Parks

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

1. SeaWord San Diego

Home of the original Shamu, SeaWorld is one of the most unique places to visit in San Diego. The theme park is perfect for the entire family because it offers amazing exhibits, shows, rides, and even some hands on experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. Most theme parks are visited only by tourists, but SeaWorld San Diego is loved by the locals as well. Many San Diegans purchase season passes and visit the park several times a year because it has so much to see and do. Here are a few of the favorite things to do or see at SeaWorld:

  • Shamu Rocks – San Diego’s best summer show turns Shamu into a rock star at night.
  • Sea Lions Tonite – A hysterical night time comedy put on by both Clyde and Seamore, the sea lions.
  • Journey to Atlantis – A water ride and thrill ride mixed with amazing special effects will get you in the mood to go swimming in the sea.
  • Shark Encounter – An amazing underwater tunnel takes you into the world of one of the most feared animals on the planet.
  • Wild Arctic – Come face to face with beluga whales, polar bears, and walruses in the ice cold arctic.
  • Dolphin Encounter – The local favorite, by far, is the Dolphin Encounter where you can feed and pet the dolphins.

2. LEGOLAND California

Head up to North County San Diego on the Coaster and get off in Carlsbad, where you will find one of the world’s top rated theme parks for kids. Everything in the park is either built out of LEGO bricks or is LEGO themed. The kids will have an entire day of adventure and the parents will be in awe of how much creativity went into creating the theme park. LEGOLAND is filled with hands-on adventure, kid-friendly roller coasters, LEGO art, and more. Recently, LEGOLAND has also added on two new parks: SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park. If you plan on visiting North San Diego, here are a few stops you must make in LEGOLAND:

  • LEGOLAND Water Park – Brand new and unlike anything else, the water park is perfect for kids.  Centered around a 45-foot tower aimed at soaking you, there are plenty of fun attractions for everyone. A kids’ favorite is the build-a-raft river, where you can build a custom LEGO raft using soft LEGO blocks before floating down the river.
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium – A small aquarium jam-packed with educational activities, hand on exhibits, and amazing creatures.
  • Miniland USA – The most impressive gallery of LEGO art is a miniature version of famous USA landmarks.
  • Land of Adventure – Take a peek at what 1920’s Egypt looked like. If you enjoy the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, this will be a fun stop for you and the kids at LEGOLAND.
  • Pirate Shores – Looking to shiver yer timbers? The kids will love the famous pirate themed LEGO adventure. Watch out though, you will get wet.

3. San Diego Zoo

In the heart of San Diego lays a theme park that can transport you into the Jungle. The San Diego Zoo is a must stop for anyone visiting. You can get up close with numerous exotic animals such as a cheetah, alligator, rhino, orangutan, white tiger, and more. This is your one stop shop to see some of the world’s finest and most endangered species. When you are ready to enter the Jungle, don’t miss these exhibits:

  • Panda Canyon – Through amazing research and conservation, the Zoo has several giant pandas living happily in the park.
  • Elephant Odyssey – Take a peek at the history of elephants and then come face-to-face with several species still alive today.
  • Polar Rim – Get a good look at what animals survive in freezing temperatures, including the breathtaking polar bears.

4. San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park

The San Diego Zoo has a second park focused on wildlife conservation. They are in the process of changing the name to San Diego Zoo’s Safari, to give a better idea of what is offered. The animals at the wild animal park are let out into natural habitats and mingle with each other in wide open spaces. There are several ways you can get up close and personal at the wild animal park.

  • Journey into Africa Tour – A 2.5-mile, 25-minute tour that gets you eye to eye with the animals.
  • Lion Camp – A favorite attraction amongst locals gets you nose-to-nose with the king of the jungle.
  • Photo Caravan – Hop on a truck and ride directly into the exhibits, feeding Giraffes and Rhinos and getting close and personal with hundreds of African and Asian animals. (Reservations required)
  • Flightline – Getting a unique view by taking a zip line tour over the top of the safari.

5. Belmont Park

If you are hanging out near Mission Beach and want a little extra excitement in your afternoon, head over to the historic Belmont Park. The park has been a highlight of San Diego since 1925, and is still operating two of their original attractions. The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Mission Beach Plunge are both celebrating their 85th anniversary. There is something for everyone at Belmont Park, and you are sure to have a great day hanging out by the beach.

  • Wavehouse – Test your surfing abilities on two man-made waves. The Wavehouse offers both the FlowRider and FlowBarrel machines.
  • Giant Dipper Roller Coaster – If you are looking for a thrill, jump on board the wooden coaster that dates back to 1925.
  • Glow in the dark Miniature Golf – A pirate themed, glow in the dark miniature golf course is a lot of fun for the entire family.
  • Lazer Maze Challenge – Test your “mission impossible” skills by weaving through a room of lasers. Get through as quickly as possible without hitting a laser, and hope to reach the top scores.

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San Diego Beer Travel

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

San Diego has quickly become one of the world’s top destinations for craft breweries. Munich, Brussels, and Portland had all been leading the competition until America’s finest city joined the rankings. Over the past few years, San Diego has produced some of the world’s finest beers-winning numerous awards. Beer tourism is growing in popularity especially as new high-end brew is beginning to compete with wine as the drink of choice when dining at a fine restaurant.

Image Courtesy of Ian McKellar(Image Source – Ian McKellar)

San Diego beer travel is a new idea that many visitors are just catching on to. There are micro-breweries, brew-pubs, and restaurant-breweries located all over the county. Tour companies have now started offering brewery hopping tours to give you the flexibility of tasting multiple beers without the worry of driving home afterwards. People around the world are flooding into the small coastal city after hearing about what San Diego is doing in the beer industry. With 35 total breweries in the county and numerous medals from international beer competitions, San Diego has placed itself on top of the list of great beer cities to visit in the world.

Breweries: The 35 breweries are located all over the county so when you plan your vacation you should first choose several breweries you would like to visit and then stay close by. The best way to see several breweries in a weekend is to use the mass transportation in San Diego including the Sprinter in North County, the Coaster along the coast, and the Trolley around downtown. Here is a list of several breweries that you will want to visit on your next trip to San Diego.

(Image Source – Chris Radcliff)

Image Courtesy of Chris RadcliffNorth County:

1. Stone Brewery
2. Lost Abbey/Port Brewery
3. San Marcos Brewery
4. Green Flash Brewing
5. Back Street Brewery
6. Oceanside Ale Works
7. Breakwater Brewing Co.
8. Oggi’s Vista
9. Pizza Port Carlsbad
10. Karl Strauss Carlsbad

Downtown Area:

1. Gordon Biersch
2. Oggi’s Mission Valley
3. Firehouse Brewing Company
4. San Diego Brewing Company
5. Mission Brewery
6. Coronado Brewing Company

Beach Cities:

1. Pizza Port Solana Beach
2. Ballast Point Brewing Company Linda Vista
3. La Jolla Brew House
4. Pacific Beach Ale House
5. Rock Bottom La Jolla
6. Pizza Port Ocean Beach

Awards: San Diego has recently come back from the World Beer Cup with a total of 22 medals. Amongst those are nine gold medals including the Top Brewer Award in the Small Brewing Company category that went to Ballast Point Brewery. Another brewery who brought back several medals was AleSmith Brewing Co, they are currently San Diego’s most award-winning brewery.

Events: Not only do San Diegan’s produce some of the best beer in the world, they also love to celebrate their craft brew. San Diego hosts several annual events that draw huge crowds and sell out in advance. Here is a short list of events that draw visitors from all over the United States.

1. San Diego Beer Week – The official week to celebrate craft beer in San Diego. All pubs, restaurants, breweries take part in the festivities along with several other great beer tastings through the week. If you need a week to get away and taste great beer, come to San Diego in November.

2. Stone Brewery Anniversary – The brewery that put San Diego on the world beer map celebrates their anniversary every August with a special release.

3. “30th on 30th” – One of San Diego’s greatest beer neighborhoods gives you discounts for your pub crawl on the 30th of every month on 30th street.

4. Karl Strauss Brewery “Beach to Brewery” – Live music, bike ride from P.B. to the event, and plenty of great Karl Strauss beer on draft.

5. Pizza Port Carlsbad Festivals – Real Ale, Strong Ale, and Belgium festivals that bring the world’s best beer together on draft.

6. San Diego International Beer Festival (June) – Over 150 breweries show up to let you sample their beer. It is impossible to taste every beer that is offered.

7. San Diego Festival of Beer (September) – A great beer festival in downtown San Diego.

When you plan your next beer vacation to San Diego, please remember to drink responsibly and use mass transportation. You can spend an entire weekend in North County using the new Sprinter rail that takes you close to Stone Brewery, Lost Abbey/Port Brewing, San Marcos Brewery, Back Street, Oceanside Ale Works, Green Flash Brewery, and more. In the downtown area, jump on the famous San Diego Trolley and visit Ballast Point Brewery, Gordon Biersch, Oggi’s, The Firehouse Brewing Co., and San Diego Brewing Company. And if that doesn’t cut it, take 25 of your friends on a party bus and try to taste as many beers from different breweries as you can. There are more breweries than listed here and you can find out more information at the San Diego Brewers Guild web page. Cheers!

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Del Mar Horse Races

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Every summer in San Diego, locals and visitors make their way over to the place “where the surf meets the turf,” down at the Del Mar Horse Races for one of San Diego’s most exciting events. Daily thoroughbred races encourage wagering on your favorite horse, wearing your most stylish hat, and attending free concerts, though they are just a few of the highlights at Del Mar from July 21 – September 8. Some people come down to simply experience the excitement while others are already marking their favorites to bet on in the races. Betting can be risky, but the payouts for winning and picking the winning horse are what draw thousands of visitors to the event every day.Thoroughbred in Mid-Air by Lin Mei

Horse races are just one of the many fun events taking place so here is an overview of several other exciting reasons to visit Del Mar this summer.

  • Opening Day: Many San Diegans and travelers talk about this one day all year long and wouldn’t miss it for the world. Large purse races, fancy outfits reliving the 1940’s, great music, and all of your friends soaking up the sun in Del Mar. If you have never been to opening day, make sure to add July 21 your San Diego travel plans.
  • Hat Contest: Although fancy hats are the theme through the entire summer’s races, The Opening Day One and Only Truly Fabulous Hat Contest is well known and gives everyone an excuse to throw on the fanciest hat they can find. The competition has four categories: Most Glamorous, Best Fresh Flowers, Best Racing Theme and Funniest/Most Outrageous. Check out past fashion for some ideas on what you should wear this year.
  • 4 O’ Clock Fridays: If you are a fan of free live music, don’t miss the races on Fridays. After the last race on Friday people rush from the grandstands to grab a good spot for the free concert that day. Bands like Pinback (July 23) and The English Beat (September 3) will be rocking the Seaside Stage at Del Mar. Saturday concerts at the Infield Stage will be hosting great shows as well including Weezer (August 21), The B52s (August 6), and the Reggae Festival (August 14) to name a few.
  • Donut Days: July 24 and August 21 from 8-10am will host the “Donut Days” where you can get a behind-the-scenes look into the life of thoroughbred racing. Guests jockeys and trainers will be speaking while you are watching the horses warm up for their big race that day.
  • Free and Easy Wednesday: Are you on a tight budget this year? The Del Mar Horse Races understands and is helping out by offering free admission on Wednesdays along with a free program and half price beer, soda, and hot dogs at the concession stands. The only trick is that you need to sign up for the free Diamond Club membership which will give you even more great savings.

Wagering: Are you interested in placing a bet on your favorite horse this year? It is a great feeling when you finally pick that winning horse and put a little cash back in your pockets. But how do you know what horse to pick? Here are several tips to get you started in betting on your first Del Mar race.

  • Look at the horse before the race. Lively, alert horses with a bounce in their step and a shiny coat are likely to run better in the race.
  • Check the horses, jockeys, and trainer’s past performance to see how well they have fared at this event in the past or similar races.
  • Betting: Stick with the simple bets to start off with. Pick a horse to win (1st), place (2nd), and/or show (3rd). If the horse you chose comes in the exact position that you picked you will win. If you want to pick two or three horses but not their exact position you can choose to “Box” your bet which means your two horses can come in 1st and 2nd in either order.

Gray Thoroughbred at Del Mar - Lin MeiTransportation: To cut back on traffic and reduce the amount of drinking and driving, the Del Mar Race Track has set up a free bus shuttle service from the Solana Beach train station and drops you off next to the entrance. From Los Angeles and Orange County, take the Amtrak directly to Solana Beach Station. If you are from San Diego, you can easily grab the Coaster anywhere between downtown and Oceanside heading towards the Solana Beach station. Once you arrive you will see the big double-decker buses hauling everyone off to the races. If you are a high-roller this year or in town to celebrate an event, it is a popular choice to roll up to the races in a limousine. Even the Hollywood scene shows up for the fun, continuing the tradition Bing Crosby started back in 1937.

For more information about the event please visit www.DelMarScene.com or www.DMTC.com.

(Image Source – Lin Mei)

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San Diego’s Tourism Industry in 2010

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

San Diego is widely known as one of the country’s prime spots for tourism. Its bright and sunny year-round weather and beautiful, idyllic beaches make for one of the most pleasant vacation destinations during the summer months. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world go to San Diego to relax and take some time off from work and the stresses of everyday life. Even San Diego has suffered from the decline in U.S. tourism caused by the current economic recession. In the last couple of years, business owners and vacation rentals had to come up with new methods of attracting visitors who are not eager to spend a fortune. For this reason, a San Diego vacation is now not only one of the most enjoyable options, but also an extremely affordable one.

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One of the biggest strategies for many business owners in the tourism sector was to slash prices, and this did indeed give them an increased spike in the number of visitors. But in 2010, price slashing is no longer enough (and no longer viable for many businesses and property owners). Business owners in the tourism sector this year are relying, instead, largely on vacation package deals to attract vacationer’s attention. Unable to carry the loss of severely discounting their prices, vacation rental owners and business are sometimes offering treats like complimentary food and recreational activities for the children. These “added value packages” also include such things as spa treatments, complimentary museum or zoo visits, and extra-night stays.

Is This a Good Sign?

The fact that retailers, vacation home owners and vacation rental agencies that are part of San Diego’s tourism industry are cutting back on bargains and relying instead on other methods of attracting clientele is, in fact, a good sign. It means that San Diego businesses and individuals are comfortable taking risks and banking on the improved state of the country’s economy. This isn’t to say that discounting will end entirely. There will always be discount rates in the areas that cater to visiting tourists, but these discounts will not be as big as they were in the previous two years. A recovering economy means that people should be willing to spend more on vacations, and relying on attractions other than price cuts is a necessary step in weaning tourists from drastic bargain deals.

Image Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/SeaWorldBelieve.JPG

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Summer Packages and Attractions

Sea World theme park is one of San Diego’s biggest attractions, and one of the many San Diego enterprises that are relying on special package deals to boost sales this summer. Currently, Sea World is offering a special promotion in which visitors can purchase a child’s admission ticket for only $5 when they purchase a regularly priced adult ticket for $69. The $5 child’s ticket is donated to a wildlife conservation group. The theme park is also offering various vacation packages that give visitors access to other San Diego attractions such as the Hornblower Cruises, Old Town trolley tours, and tours of the Midway museum in the San Diego Bay.

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Aside from the attractions that packages and discount rates offered, San Diego is still banking on its many free attractions to keep visitors coming back. The beautiful year-round Mediterranean weather, the beaches and the surf, the historical landmarks and even some of San Diego’s internationally renowned museums are completely free to the public. As the tourism industry wavers shakily towards recovery, these things will continue to attract people to this southern California city.

Image Source: http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac254/driescludts/california/balboa.jpg

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Underground Activities in America’s Finest City

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Traveling to San Diego over the summer makes for quite an interesting vacation. Not only are there tons of tourists and visitors, but there is also so much for the locals to do! From the famous fair to the world-renowned zoo, and everything in between, San Diego is sure to deliver an exciting vacation experience. For a few options off the beaten path, consider some of these great attractions that America’s Finest City has to offer.

San Diego Fair

For those of you that venture to San Diego during the summer months, you have the option of visiting the exciting San Diego Fair, formerly the Del Mar Fair. Complete with creative fair foods, classic rides, and horse races, the San Diego Fair is a fun day for two, or even a place to take the whole family. There are plenty of events, sampling tables, and animals to visit, as well as deep-fried everything under the sun. The annual San Diego International Beer Festival takes place at the fair, and there are quite a few big-name celebrity acts as well. From comedian Jeff Dunham, to local-based Switchfoot, and the big name country band Lonestar, the shows at the fair this year, as is custom, are sure to attract a crowd.

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Taste of San Diego

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in San Diego during one of the many “Taste of” events, you’re in for quite a treat. From Taste of Downtown, to Taste of Cardiff, many of the neighborhoods and communities are hosting tastings at a variety of local restaurants. They are spread throughout the year, and are a great way to get a taste of tons of different San Diego cuisines. Anywhere from 15 to 80 restaurants open their doors to ticket holders of the event, with small tastes of a variety of their menu items. From frozen yogurt with fresh fruit to a few ounces of beer, these events span a wide range of food items. Be sure to come hungry though, because there are tons of cuisines to entice the palate.

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Hideaway Beach Cafés

One thing you definitely do not want to miss while in San Diego is a trip to one of the many beach cafés. Whether you go for breakfast or lunch, it is always satisfying. From The Beach Grass Café in Solana Beach to Café 976 in Pacific Beach, you are sure to find a filling, healthy, and delicious meal. No San Diego trip is complete without one. For those of you that are health-conscious, San Diego provides some of the most amazing organic and natural options at many of these beach cafés. A few other popular locations include: Pipes in Cardiff, Naked Café in Solana Beach, Kono’s Café in Pacific Beach, and Mission Café with a location in Mission Beach and North Park.

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Grunion Run

A local’s favorite experience, the grunion run is a way to watch nature at its finest. Head down to the beach late at night during high tide (specific times depend on the day of the season) and watch as thousands of grunion fish leave the water to mate on shore. The females burrow themselves in the sand to mate with the males and fertilize their eggs. The eggs are left behind as the grunions head back to the open sea. The slimy creatures are harmless to humans, and are actually caught and consumed by some fishermen. These tube-like fish flop around on shore a few times until they are able to mate and head back home to the ocean. Some of the best locations to watch the grunions mating ritual include Encinitas, Pacific Beach, Mission Bay, and Mission Beach.

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Broadway and Local Theater

The last thing many visitors think of when envisioning a San Diego vacation is a trip to Broadway. However, Broadway San Diego is a huge hit. Shows such as Wicked, The Lion King, and many other popular acts have come through San Diego on their tour, and most of them sell out quite quickly. There are many other theater options if you’d like to leave the beaten path a bit. From Shakespeare in the Park on Coronado, to the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park, you can certainly get your fix of the bard of Avon’s style. Many neighborhoods also have Community Theaters, and summer stage plays outside. With two large stages downtown and dozens of small community theaters throughout San Diego, you are sure to catch a Broadway-quality show right here in Southern California!

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Stand-Out San Diego Attractions

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Though San Diego’s immensity means that some of us have to navigate through sprawling freeways to get to work in the morning, it also makes for an extremely diverse area with activities and attractions for everyone. A broad assortment of beaches, museums, amusement parks, and the absolute best Mexican food above the border makes San Diego the ultimate spot to vacation. Here are some stand-out attractions that any tourist must check out during their stay in San Diego.

Amusement Parks

San Diego has two amusement parks that are sure to please parents and children alike. Sea World is an option that is both exciting and educational. Learn about sea life and arctic birds as you get splashed by Shamu or take a ride down Shipwreck Rapids.

Legoland is another popular amusement park for those who would prefer leaving knowledge of marine mammals to their imaginations. This park totes a greater variety of rides, as well as sculptures and artwork built out of everyone’s favorite childhood play set.

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Museums

Balboa Park is the ideal destination for anyone itching to learn about natural history or Native American cultures, or even just to play a round of Frisbee golf. It is home to 19 different museums and gardens, including the nationally acclaimed San Diego Zoo. It also has regular theater productions at the Old Globe Theatre.

San Diego’s rich history has left it with many notable haunted houses and historic buildings, as well. Among these is the Whaley House in Old Town, the Hotel Del Coronado, Villa Montezuma and the Star of India ship.

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Active Lifestyles

For those of you who enjoy running, swimming, biking and walking, you could not find a better place to do any combination of these activities. Encinitas, in northern San Diego county is considered a Triathlon Mecca for many athletes, while Mission Beach and Pacific Beach offer some great beachside paths for a light or intense run or ride. Even skateboarding and roller-blading are among the popular San Diego activities for visitors and locals alike.

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Beaches

San Diego has a variety of exceptional beaches, though each has its own niche. Mission and Pacific Beaches are popular destinations for those seeking a more cultured experience. Take a stroll down the boardwalk and check out local artists and cafes. If you are around during the evening hours, you will see this area transform into a partier’s Mecca that rivals Manhattan. Oceanside is also known for its boardwalk, as well as the Oceanside Pier with Ruby’s Diner at the end. Carlsbad is famous for its beautifully-kept beaches, while areas just south such as Encinitas and Leucadia, tend to be preferred surfing locations.

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Seasonal Events

One of San Diego’s highest sources for tourism is ComiCon. This is a three day festival held in mid-August where vendors, actors, directors and artists of well-known comic books, animes and cult films gather at the Convention Center. Fans are known for dressing up as their favorite fictional characters and super heroes and gallivanting around downtown.

The San Diego Multicultural Festival, usually taking place in February, is also worth attending. This enormous street fair takes place in the downtown area and showcases many local cultural dance and performance artists.

The city and surrounding area of San Diego are also known for having some of the best holiday-oriented events and fairs as well. From Cinco de Mayo to Halloween, there are festivals to enjoy year-round. The Gas Lamp Quarter hosts a yearly ShamROCK festival and concert for St. Patrick’s day, while Old Town has a lively and vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebration in the oldest part of San Diego. Even Balboa Park livens up for some action with a Haunted Halloween walk in the night.

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20 Free Things to Do in San Diego

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

San Diego is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. The miles of beautiful beaches and good surf, along with its virtually perfect year-round weather make it easy to see why. There are a lot of other great attractions to enjoy, as well, and many of them don’t require you to spend a dime. Here are just 20 free things to do when you find yourself vacationing in sunny San Diego.

1. Enjoy the Surf!

The single and most obvious free activity you can enjoy in San Diego is the surf. Whether you’re an experienced or novice surfer, San Diego has plenty to offer. You can also just swim the waves or a enjoy a few games of beach volleyball with friends, or work on your tan.

2. Walk Through the Historic Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is one of the most quaint and colorful parts of the city. You can enjoy the art galleries, the Victorian architecture and the many great photo-ops you’ll find as you stroll through the streets of the Gaslamp.

3. Play in the Cove

The La Jolla Cove is one of the most spectacular and beautiful natural landmarks in San Diego, or anywhere in the country, for that matter. You can spend hours catching hermit crabs in the tide pools and watch the seal cubs playing in the sand in the section of the Cove designated as Seal Beach.

4. Visit Old Town

If you want to see some of San Diego’s living history, visit Old Town. You can wander through many of Old Town’s historic buildings, including the Stewart House, Estudillo House, the blacksmith shop, Seely Stables and the oldest schoolhouse in the City.

5. Take a Walk Through Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a huge and gorgeous cultural center and park. It has 15 world renowned museums, several of which have free admission one Tuesday out of each month. You can also enjoy just walking through the main promenade, enjoying the colonial architecture and public sculptures, as well as several beautiful gardens that are free to the public.

6. Fly a Kite at Tecolote Shores of Mission Bay Park

If you enjoy kite flying, head over to Tecolote Shores, a 4,600 acre aquatic park where families gather often to enjoy the bay’s breeze and set their kites sailing.

7. Enjoy the Spreckles Organ Pavillion Concerts

The Spreckles Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park contains one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, whose largest pipe reaches up to 32 feet. There are free  concerts at the pavilion every month.

8. Bike on Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay Park is a great place for cyclists, as it has more than 20 miles worth of scenic biking and jogging trails to enjoy.

9. Visit the Olympic Training Center

You can get a free tour of San Diego’s Olympic training center in Chula Vista. The facilities include training tracks and a field for various sport disciplines.

10. Stargaze at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, near Balboa Park, is one of the best places to learn about astronomy. On the first Wednesday of each month, the public can go there and use the giant telescopes set up by the San Diego Astronomy Association, for free.

11. Visit Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a quaint shopping center in the San Diego Bay. You can stroll through the open air shopping center, window shop and look at the art galleries, or you can sit down with a picnic basket in one of the grassy areas near the water and watch the boats coming in and out of the bay.

12. Visit Julian

If you take an hour drive into Northeast San Diego county, you’ll find the small gold-mining town of Julian. It’s a great place to visit to get a taste of California’s past and also sample some of Julian’s famous pies.

13. Hike in the Torrey Pines State Park

If you’re a hiker, or nature trail lover, a visit to the Torrey Pines State Park is a must on your next San Diego vacation. The hiking trail is not too difficult, and is best intermediate hikers and beginners. When you get to the top of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with some awe-inspiring views of the San Diego coastline as seen from the top of the Torrey Pines sea cliffs.

14. Go Bird Watching

Another thing you can do for free at the Torrey Pines Reserve is go bird watching. The State Park is a protected habitat for towhees, thrashers, scrub jays, wrentits and bushtits.

15. Drive to Mt. Laguna

It takes about an hour to drive to Mt. Laguna, but it’s a beautiful scenic drive, and once you’re there you can enjoy a picnic and the fresh mountain air.

16. Sunset at Mt. Soledad

Mt. Soledad, located in La Jolla, is a short uphill drive through one of La Jolla’s neighborhoods. Once at the top, you can sit at the steps of the Veteran’s memorial and enjoy one of the best sunset viewing spots in San Diego. In winter, you can often see the fog layer rolling over La Jolla around dusk.

17. Visit the Point Loma Tide Pools

The Point Loma tide pools let you get close and interact with some colorful sea creatures, including anemones, shore crabs and various kinds of octopi.

18. Walk Along the Big Bay

With 27 miles of waterfront to walk along, the Big Bay is literally San Diego’s largest attraction. You can stroll along and enjoy the scenic view of the boats, public artworks, and the various shops and restaurants.

19. Self Realization Fellowship Gardens

The Hermitage and Meditation Gardens at the Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas are opened and free to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. These are truly beautiful and relaxing gardens that will have you feeling much better by the time you walk out.

20. Bike or Skate Along the Mission Bay Boardwalk
This three mile, picturesque boardwalk spans both Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, and it is a favorite of bikers, joggers, and skaters.

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5 Great Things to See in Downtown San Diego

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

San Diego County is huge. It is almost as big as the state of Connecticut, and reaches out from the East long before you can feel the cool ocean breeze it is known for, spanning 65 miles from North to South and 86 miles from East to West. The city, on the other hand, is a quaint, charming place with an upbeat character and lively locals. Whether you live in the vicinity, or your visiting for the first, second, or fiftieth time, be sure to check out some of the following attractions for a well-rounded Downtown San Diego experience.

Harbor Cruise

Downtown San Diego extends out to the San Diego Bay and Harbor, which means not only are there great seafood restaurants in the area, but also a mini cruise! The Harbor Cruise ship runs every hour on the hour and takes you over to Ferry Landing Marketplace on Coronado Island. The cruise does not take long at all, so it is considered a bit of a touristy trip, but it is always nice to shake things up a bit in your own town.

Padres Game

The San Diego Padres are not known for their World Series performances—primarily because they rarely show up in the Series. The Padres have won the National League title twice, in 1984 and 1998, but they lost the World Series both times.

With the new stadium, they have garnered much more attention from Southern Californians, and the games are always a great time. If you are not staying in the downtown area, do not worry; there are special event trolleys and coasters that run specifically for the increased traffic to the stadium. Additionally, if you want to avoid the high price of beer you normally find at baseball games, you are allowed to drink on the train ride there and back.

Nightclubs

For locals, heading out downtown usually means a night of clubbing. There are quite a few popular spots to hit if you have the wallet for it. Stingaree is one of the most popular spots downtown, and has events with local celebrities such as the Chargers player Shawne Merriman and reality show star Mike “The Situation.”

The Ivy Hotel’s rooftop is another popular place to spend some hard earned cash. Dancers put on a little entertainment sporadically, and there is plenty of room for large groups. With a pool surrounded by space heaters, and plenty of lounge chairs and couches, you are sure to enjoy yourself, and the rooftop view. Some other popular nightspots include SideBar, Thin, and Café Sevilla.

Broadway San Diego

Like any reputable city, San Diego has a lot of great theater opportunities. With two theater venues, The Civic Theater and Balboa Theater, as well as some big time shows, the city becomes a small version of New York’s real deal. Last season included Tony winners Wicked and The Lion King, while this year’s season has an impressive lineup, as well. The 2010-2011 season includes popular shows such as The Color Purple, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Stomp, and Mama Mia. Whether you are Downtown for a family trip or a girls night out, be sure to check out a riveting show at one of these great historic theaters.

Holiday Special Events

Since the downtown area of San Diego is laid out as a grid, it makes for great outdoor events. This approximately six-by-ten block area regularly hosts restaurant tastings, as well as some of the most exciting special events in the county.

The San Diego Mardi Gras party may not rival New Orleans, but it is certainly full of excitement. With plenty of participating restaurants and bars, and generally favorable weather, the party is a success each year.

ShamROCK is the St. Paddy’s Day celebration that begins at 4pm and extends until midnight this year. They have three different bands playing, including an Irish folk band and a No Doubt cover band called No Duh. The twenty-dollar cover fee awards you a wristband that keeps you fed all night, and includes a designated driver program that will shuttle you to any home in San Diego County from 9pm-1am.

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5 Great Museums to Visit in San Diego, CA

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

From old bones to new paintings, San Diego’s got a variety of museums to rival any metropolitan area in the country. With dozens of museums in such a small area, it is difficult to pick the bests, but here are five favorites that locals and tourists should take the time to visit.

1) U.S.S. Midway Museum

The U.S.S. Midway was an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, and was the first ship to be commissioned after World War II. This powerful carrier was also active in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. In 2004, it was donated to San Diego and converted to a historical monument and museum. It sits in the water just off the coast, and invited criticism during the beginning stages due to a variety of concerns. Visit the U.S.S. Midway Museum website at http://www.midway.org/.

Initially many worried that the museum would not attract enough visitors to the area, and might steal the current visitors from other businesses. They also felt it would block the scenery of the bay, and cause harm to the aquatic wildlife in the area. Fortunately, the creators have taken huge steps to be a large part of the community, and to create a protected wildlife habitat. In terms of scenery, the deck is free to everyone, without museum admission, and the incredible popularity of the museum has assuaged all other concerns.

2) San Diego Museum of Man

This fascinating museum of Anthropology collects evidence of the growth of humans both in physical ways and in artistic expression. The preservation of artifacts and the communication of discoveries are essential to the education and development of anthropological research.

The combination of Anthropology, pre-Columbian history of the western Americas, Native American cultures, and Mesoamerican civilizations is not only educational, but also mesmerizing. This museum contains priceless and irreplaceable artifacts from all over the globe. Check out the Musem of Man’s site at http://www.museumofman.org/index.html.

3) Birch Aquarium at Scripps

This aquatic museum got its beginnings in 1903 when a Coronado boathouse was converted into a place for marine biologists to conduct research in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.  Through various name-alterations, building updates, and location changes, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, as we know it, opened in 1992.

This small aquarium museum is located in beautiful La Jolla, overlooking Scripps Beach. It boasts quite a few different exhibits such as the sixty tanks of fish and invertebrates in the Hall of Fishes, a 13,000 gallon tank of tropical reef sharks called the Shark Reef and Tide Pool Plaza, which has small pools where visitors can learn about and touch starfish, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and more. While the aquarium is rather small, they have quite a wide variety of educational and entertaining exhibits including There’s Something About Seahorses, Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge, and the Wonder of Water. View the Birch Aquarium’s website at http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/.

4) Oceanside Museum of Art

Located in downtown Oceanside, with a great view of the Oceanside Pier, this art museum showcases provocative and contemporary exhibitions with worldwide, as well as regional, influences. The museum is located in two buildings that are also works of art. They were designed by two extremely talented local architects to contrast each other perfectly. One is in a typically classical style, while the other combines a variety of contemporary influences.

The OMA offers art instruction at their School of Art, as well as exhibits across the board. Architectural glass, studio furniture, neon sculpture, and art quilts are currently on display. Each gallery is redesigned for new exhibits so visitors are greeted with a fresh change of scenery each time. Concerts, films and lectures can also be found throughout the year, adding to the cultural growth of the community. Visit the OMA website at http://www.oma-online.org/home.html.

5) San Diego Air and Space Museum

This exciting museum showcases the history of air travel, the advancements of space travel during the space race, as well as where we stand with all of this technology today. Located in the old historic Ford Building in Balboa Park, this museum is open to all ages and has exhibits ranging from aircraft shown on the big screen to ground school for aspiring pilots.

The Lockheed Vega 5B from the movie Amelia is currently located in the SDASM; it was donated by the production company as a prop aircraft. Amelia Earhart was known to fly the Vega 5B during her lifetime, and the replica is very educational, as well as fascinating. There are also two different flight simulator rides. One is a training flight simulator that shows the intricacies of flying an airplane, while the other is a full-on, two-seater, full-motion, multi-role aircraft simulation ride. The trip around the circular museum is one of the most interesting trips you can possibly take in such a small area. Be sure to take the kids to this one! Check out the SDASM museum’s website at http://www.aerospacemuseum.org/.

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