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Planning Your 2012 Vacation

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

As the New Year rolls around, there are resolutions to be made and 365 days of potential adventures that await us. Often these resolutions include finding more time to get away and enjoy the finer things in life with friends and family. If you’re planning on incorporating more adventure into 2012, one of the best ways to get a deal on your plans to get away from it all is to make those plans well ahead of time and choose your activities. Finding the best deals on lodging and fun begins with getting ahead of the game.

Time Your Travels

One of the first steps in planning for your vacations is choosing when to go.

If you have children, you’ll want to map out their school schedules and factor in their spring and summer breaks. Since these are some of the busiest times for travel, getting a jump on reservations can help you glean the best prices and secure your plans well in advance.

Work schedules are also important to factor into your travels. Look at the year’s planning schedule and make sure you’re not choosing to skip town right when a big project is due. Vacations should be about relaxing, not for worrying about tight deadlines and catching up on calls.

Family events are also something to keep in mind. Is there a baby due during a certain time period? Are there weddings already planned or family reunions to be had? Make sure you’re not choosing times when you’ll be absent for important events.

Choose Your Destination and Map out the Fun

Vacation destinations should be fun, exciting, and most of all, full of great adventures and lasting memories. Many vacation spots have built-in family fun such as theme parks or beaches. If it’s just you and a friend or partner, you may be looking for an area full of culture, art, food, and possibly wineries, breweries, or romantic scenery. Although many places offer one or more of these choices, San Diego has it all.

If you’re searching for art and culture, San Diego has you covered. Gorgeous greenery can be found no further than Balboa Park, where museums are speckled throughout the grounds. If you want to find some great food and a little bit of Italian flair, you can check out the artsy and urban historic neighborhood of Little Italy.

Close to the Stone, Ballast Point, and Karl Strauss breweries, any beer lover will find more than enough local brews to keep them busy. Wine tours are also a big hit in Temecula and surrounding areas, complete with horseback riding and hot air balloon rides.

Beautiful beaches run the length of San Diego. From the Mission and Pacific Beach boardwalk down to the laid-back pier of Ocean Beach, surf lessons and sandcastles are in large supply. Or take an ocean harbor cruise and a whale-watching adventure. La Jolla also offers romantic views and upscale restaurants to cater to those looking for a romantic getaway.

If you’ve got kids in tow, you can buy package deals and day passes in advance for amusement parks that can help you plan out entire days of fun and excitement. If you choose to stay in Mission Beach, you’ll be within walking distance of Belmont Park and the Big Dipper rollercoaster right on the water. Hop in the car and in a few minutes you can find yourself at SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. If you want to take a drive up north a bit, you can find yourself at Legoland, Disneyland, or Hollywood.

If music is in your soul, you can plan to catch a show while you’re in town at one of the many music venues in the San Diego area. See a band at the House of Blues, the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater, Humphreys by the Bay, the Belly Up Tavern, or the Casbah.

Planning for the year’s vacations doesn’t have to wait until a month before it’s time to pack your bags. Getting a head-start on the year’s getaways can help your vacations pack more punch. Choosing San Diego can help your downtime go off without a hitch by offering more than enough activities to keep you and your loved ones on the go.

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Mid-Winter Getaways: San Diego

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Looking for a little bit of sand and surf to warm up the season? It might be time to start planning a quick getaway to get you through the winter blues. Melt some of that mid-winter frost by taking a quick escape down to Sunny San Diego. Take a hint from Mother Nature and fly south for the winter—those flocks of birds know what they’re doing.

Luxury Lodging

Begin your southern trek by finding a beach rental that gives you a great view and a chance to kick off your shoes and dig your feet in the sand. San Diego may not be burning up this time of the year, but sunshine still prevails over 70% of the time. Enjoy off-season rates, unpacked beaches, and ice skating through the sunset while the rest of the country hunkers down for the long, cold season.

San Diego has over 60 miles of breathtaking beaches and enough fun to weather any winter season. With a temperate climate in the 60s, 70s, and even 80s, you can enjoy the outdoors exploring Balboa Park, the beach, and even a mid-winter Torrey Pines hike.

A great way to start off your winter getaway is with a trip to the Hotel del Coronado. This national historic landmark is popular with locals and visitors alike, and sits on the gold-flecked sands of Coronado Island. Cozy up with company at a beachfront restaurant and watch a sunset over the rolling Pacific Ocean, and then admire the Downtown San Diego city lights from across the harbor.

Interested in exploring by sea? You can choose from several different cruises and ferry rides that cover San Diego’s harbor and coastline, or take a day trip to Ensenada to see what the country just south of America has to offer.

Off-Season Perks

Because of its beaches, theme parks, and wide variety of activities, San Diego is a notable tourist town. But between seasons, San Diego becomes a quaint, close-knit community. That means that during the off-season, many of the tourist attractions are looking to pass off those extra tickets that normally get snatched up by the out-of-towners during the summer rush. Legoland, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and other attractions are never snowed out, just simply low on tourist numbers. This means great deals for those mid-winter vacationers—and less crowds. Take some time in the Gaslamp Quarter or Seaport Village and you can also get great deals at restaurants, pubs, art galleries, and shops.

Think surfing is only a warm weather sport? Think again. If you want to take a turn on the wave front, sign up for surf lessons all year long. It’s never too late in the year to rent a board and a wet suit and ride the waves. Surf lessons during the off-season are often less packed, which offers more personal attention at a lower price.

Winter-Only Fun

If you’re interested in getting some holiday cheer and watching a show, a game or a parade, catch some of the winter warmth at with these San Diego festivities:

How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre

Playing from November 19 through December 31, the Old Globe Theater puts on a delightful production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Classic holiday fun, this old favorite is fun for the whole family.

Holiday of Lights at Del Mar Fairgrounds

The Holiday of Lights is an amazing light show that you can take in as you drive along a one and a half mile fairground display. This show includes Candy Cane Lane, the Twelve Days of Christmas, and Toyland displays.

San Diego Poinsettia Bowl and Holiday Bowl

For the sports enthusiast, this Poinsettia pre-Christmas bowl features a major post-season football game as fans gather from far and wide to watch this Division I-A college football game. The San Diego Holiday Bowl invites a team from the Pac-10 Conference and the Big 12 Conference to face off in one of the most entertaining games of the post season.

San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade

The Big Bay Balloon Parade is America’s largest parade of its kind. It features more giant balloons than any other parade and draws over one hundred thousand spectators.

For those seeking refuge in the California sunshine, San Diego offers a wide variety of options for off-season jet-setters. With ocean breezes, waterfront walkways and theme parks, San Diego is full of adventure no matter the time of year.

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San Diego Holiday Vacation Ideas

Monday, November 28th, 2011

If sunshine alone isn’t enough reason to vacation in San Diego this year, there are plenty of holiday-themed vacation ideas to justify a visit to America’s Finest City. Whether you are looking for some spectacular light shows, want to root for your favorite team, or are more interested in the arts, you will be hard-pressed not to have something fun to do during your stay in San Diego this holiday season.

Parades: The holiday season always guarantees a handful of parades that are both fun for the entire family and free, making them the easiest events to attend this year. Extravagant floats, marching bands, Santa Claus, and classic cars are all basics you can expect at San Diego’s finest parades.

North Park Toyland Parade, Dec. 3 @ 11am: The 48^th annual parade has over 70 entries to keep you and your young ones engaged when it passes by on the streets of North Park.
La Jolla Christmas Parade, Dec. 4 @ 2pm: The theme of the 54^th annual La Jolla Christmas Parade this year is “Classic Christmas.” The event will set itself apart from the others with an antique aircraft flyover along with the traditional equestrian marchers and decorated floats.
Big Bay Balloon Parade, Dec. 28 @ 10am: Just before the kickoff of the Holiday Bowl in San Diego is the biggest balloon parade west of the Mississippi. New York City has nothing on San Diego; our balloon characters are just as amazingly large. The streets get crowded for this spectacle so show up early and pull up a chair.

Light Shows: Every town has their annual light show but San Diego adds a twist to the traditional show by doing it on the water and creating a 1.5 mile long drive-through light show, to name a couple.

Del Mar Holiday of Lights: Stay in your car for this grand show because it is a drive-through light festival. The Del Mar Fairgrounds are turned into a 1.5 mile long pathway consisting of 400 light displays. It took the staff one month to setup and will take you 15 minutes to drive through.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, Dec. 11 and 18 @ 7-9pm: Don’t let the word “parade” confuse you; the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is not your typical show. The parade creates new meaning for the word “float” by taking place on the bay itself. Boats are decked out in light displays and slowly cruise close to the shore for onlookers to admire.
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, Dec. 10 @ 7-9pm: If you can’t make it downtown or want to see even more boats covered in Christmas lights, head up to Oceanside Harbor for a similar show to the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. The best part is that Oceanside Harbor has fire pits on the beach so you can watch the parade while roasting marshmallows with the family.

Holiday Theater: Planning a vacation around some of your favorite plays is a perfect holiday treat for the family. San Diego has it all with musicals, comedies, and heartwarming stories.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Dr. Seuss and San Diego go hand in hand so it is only right that we host one of the most spectacular renditions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You might still think you are still in Whoville when the curtain closes.
It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play: The final year of the beautiful story on stage in San Diego at the Cygnet Theater. The classic Christmas tale of an angel getting its wings is brought to life on stage in San Diego.
The Santaland Diaries: David Sedaris is not the traditional playwright you are used to during the holidays, but the Santaland Diaries offers a little comical relief to the insane shopping environment around the holiday season. This show isn’t suited for kids but adults will get a kick out of how a man takes an elf job at Macy’s to pay the bills.

Amusement Park Holiday: If you are bringing kids along for the vacation then you must stop by a Christmas celebration at one of the popular San Diego amusement parks.

SeaWorld: SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration really takes holiday spirit to a whole new level. Shamu has a Christmas show, the sky tower is decorated with lights, you can watch the Polar Express 4-D experience, and they even installed a new snow exhibit where kids can actually play in the snow.
San Diego Zoo: The safari animals enjoy the holidays too and the zoo is putting on a “Jungle Bells” celebration this year. Watching the nightly tree lighting or the Dr. Zoolittle “Night Before Christmas” show are sure to get you and the animals in the holiday spirit.
LEGOLAND: The “Holiday Snow Days” are a kid’s favorite in San Diego because they can go build real snowmen, view the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree, watch the nightly tree lighting, and even try their hand at throwing snow balls at targets.

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November Activity Guide for San Diego

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

San Diego is home to some of the best festivals, events, and outdoor activities in the entire United States. While summer time has come and passed, locals know that November offers a jam-packed month of fun. Music, food, beer, racing, and unique festivals bring people in from out of town and give locals some great ideas for weekend outings. Bear in mind this short list of fun activities in the area still doesn’t do San Diego justice as there are so many more small local events in each community that embody San Diego culture—it’s up to you to discover your favorite San Diego festivities! Get started this November with this activity guide.

Dixieland Jazz Festival (Nov. 23-27): Arguably the biggest event that brings in visitors from around the world takes place over Thanksgiving weekend at the Dixieland Jazz Festival. Not many people realize how important traditional jazz music is to the locals here in San Diego, but with five days of fun and music the world gets a little taste of America’s Finest City.
San Diego Beer Week (Nov. 4-13): The newest kid on the block in terms of popular yearly events is the third annual San Diego Beer Week (SDBW). SDBW brings together all of the top microbreweries in the area and throws amazing beer events, parties, and festivals for 10 days straight. There are low key events like a beer-pairing dinner or you can stop by the kick-off festival with live music all day long while you sip suds alongside San Diego’s best beer brewers.
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (Nov. 16-20): Thanksgiving isn’t the only reason to indulge every November. The 8^th annual SD Bay Wine & Food Festival happens before you are feeling the food coma of the holiday season and features all of San Diego’s top food and wine. It is the largest event of its kind in the country and includes 170 wineries and 70 fine dining restaurants showing off their best stuff. There are tickets to specific events and you will need to purchase them in advance to guarantee a spot in the action.
Annual Mother Goose Parade (Nov. 20). The largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi takes place right here in El Cajon. The free event is perfect for all ages, and the parade features over 100 participants showing off their floats, marching bands, equestrians, and much more. Even Santa Claus gets involved in the parade every year.

Thanksgiving Running Events: There are several charity events around Thanksgiving time every year that raise funds to feed the poor and other good local causes. Two of the most popular that happen annually are Father Joe’s 5k and the O’Side Turkey Trot. You can burn the extra calories that the Thanksgiving feast is sure to tack on and help support a charity at the same time. Both locals and visitors love to get outdoors for these fun turkey trots every year.
Goodguys 1^st Del Mar Fall Hot Rod & Custom Car Nationals (Nov. 25-27): Car enthusiasts aren’t left out this November with the Del Mar Fall Hot Rod & Custom Car Nationals taking place in the beautiful beach city of Del Mar. Over 1,500 hot rods, custom, and classic cars will be on show with plenty of activities, exhibitors, food, and even an indoor woodie surf display to provide your family with a fun event this November.
Score Baja 1000 (Nov. 17-20): For the more adventurous types there is the annual Score Baja 1000 off-road race stretching from the lobster town of Ensenada down to the tip of Baja California. Visitors can head across the border to Ensenada to watch the start or finish of the race where there will be some good times in store including cheap beer, fish tacos, and maybe even a bit of tequila.
Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (Nov. 19 – Dec. 31): Every year San Diegans like to honor Dr. Seuss (who lived here in San Diego!) by putting on a spectacular musical of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The Old Globe is going on its 14^th year in a row hosting the most popular musical of the season.
Komen Race for the Cure 5K Run/Walk (Nov. 6): Another run/walk event but this time supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure (formerly called Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation). All of the proceeds will help increase breast cancer research and awareness, including giving mammograms and breast cancer screenings to women who normally aren’t able to afford or access these important preventative measures.

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September Activities in San Diego

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

September is the best month to be in San Diego. The summertime crowds have diminished, baseball and football are in season, weather and water are warm, and there are tons of fun things to do. From catching a ball game to catching a flick, San Diegans are never bored during the month of September. There is a long list of street fairs, several big concerts, home games at the ball park, and waves in the water, so it doesn’t matter if you are visiting the area or live here now; you will have a great time this September.

Sports: Every September baseball season starts to heat up and football season takes off, making San Diego one of the most exciting places to be. Great weather means you can enjoy going down to the big game whether it is for the Padres, Chargers, Aztecs or any of your other favorites. There is nothing quite like watching a ball game down at Petco Park on a Friday night with the rest of San Diego, which is why it is a locals’ favorite thing to do.
Beach Going: All San Diegans know September is the best month for beach going. Surfing, kayaking, sunbathing, snorkeling, or whatever you like to do at the beach, is more fun in September. Kids are back in school which means a lot of the heavy tourist traffic has left the area and locals reclaim the beaches. If you happen to visit San Diego in September, you will get the best of our beaches with great weather, warm water, and fewer crowds compared to midsummer.
Concerts: Just because summer is over in most of the U.S. doesn’t mean we San Diegans think it is. Our summer concert series all run into September because the perfect weather keeps the outdoor venues hosting great artists. This September has a great lineup including Bassnectar, Steve Earle, Marc Anthony, Carlos Santana, Ben Harper, Thievery Corporation, The Kills, and much more. The Belly Up Tavern, Casbah, and House of Blues are the hot spots for listening to great music and having a drink.
Adams Avenue Street Fair: Concerts have already been mentioned but the Adams Avenue Street Fair deserves a spot on this list all by itself. With over 60 musical acts across six stages, every music taste will be satisfied. The best part about the fair is that it is free, so take the entire family.
Julian Fall Apple Harvest: Mid September through October is a great time to head into the mountains where the famous apple pies are created. September is when the apples are being picked, peeled, and baked into delicious apple pies. There are fun events planned daily and plenty of pie to go around.
Del Mar Horse Races: The horse races run into the beginning of September and closing day is almost as fun as opening day. A favorite activity for all the locals, the horse races “where the surf meets the turf” are fun for everyone and you might even win a little money betting on your lucky horse. Just watching all the stylish and goofy hats walking around is half the fun but the really good deals are 4 o’clock Fridays where as long as you make it into the track before the last race starts you can see a concert for free.
Miramar Air Show: The end of September has one of the brilliant spectacles where the best pilots from around the U.S. come to show off their skills. The famous blue angels team does wild maneuvers that will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Take the kids and some ear plugs because it can get a little loud when the jets break the sound barrier.
San Diego Film Festival: Another event at the end of September is the San Diego Film Festival where you can watch movie premieres, mingle with celebrities, and even see your friend’s indie flick make it to the big leagues. It is a fun five days with plenty of events to keep you busy and interested. The film premieres are always followed up by parties that have a reputation for being some of the best in San Diego.

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Organizing a Family Reunion? Make San Diego the Destination!

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Organizing a family reunion can be a challenge. After all, each member of your family is a unique composite of interests, lifestyles, preferences, and generations. You must find a destination that has ample space, predictable weather, and entertainment for all. If you’re looking to pull off a reunion that will be talked about for years to come, make San Diego a family affair.

As one of the top vacation destinations in the country, there’s no shortage of fun activities for visitors of this southern California paradise. With its beaches, mountains, deserts, and palm tree-lined streets, there is an exciting atmosphere for everyone. With dozens of distinctive neighborhoods to explore, the possibilities are limitless.

Beaches

Mission Beach

The best places to stay in San Diego are those that are steps away from entertainment. Group rates at beachside accommodations can cater to any age group, and Mission Beach is the perfect area to seek out fun in every direction. Family members can lie on the beach, stroll the boardwalk, or head to the Belmont Park beachside amusement park to take a ride on the Giant Dipper rollercoaster.

Those interested in trying their hand at water sports can take a surf lesson at the Surfari Surf School or simply hop across the boardwalk to rent a paddleboard and get a workout in the bay.

Pacific Beach

The boardwalk that starts in Mission Beach runs all the way up to “PB” where your group can grab a bite to eat at one of the many beachside restaurants and pubs. Pick up picnic fare at the Pita Pit or grab the kids (and adults) a cool treat at Yogurtland. Hop a couple blocks east and amble through a long line of eclectic shops with everything from high-class dresses to tiki bar trinkets.

Pacific Beach also has some of the best vacation rentals in the city. With breathtaking views and ample patios, patrons can sidle up to a grill or spill out onto the boardwalk and into the sand.

Coronado Beach

Coronado Island is one of the secret gems of the city. With gold-flecked beaches and the Hotel Del Coronado (A National Historic Landmark), Coronado is a spectacular oasis with a village-like feel.

La Jolla Cove

Grab the gang and head up to La Jolla cove where the group can take the steep trek down into the La Jolla Cave, visit shops, rent a kayak and paddle along the coast, or watch jovial seals take over the sand.

Ocean Beach

You’ll find the most laid-back souls of San Diego in the Ocean Beach neighborhood. Walk the pier and watch as surfers duck-dive through the waves below you, or roam around Newport avenue, which hosts many small local shops with beachcomber wares. Drop the kids off at Claytime for ceramics painting, and sample the food at South Beach Bar & Grille for the best fish taco in San Diego (and arguably even the world).

Parks and Attractions

If you’re looking to catch some local attractions, take a day and get the whole family together to explore the life of the ocean up-close and personal at Sea World, trek the expansive San Diego Zoo where the panda bears and the elephant exhibit are big winners, or zip line over the wild animals at the Safari Park.

If you’re looking for something even more exciting, you’re also close enough to take the short trip up to Disneyland, Legoland, and Knott’s Berry Farm.

With its South American charm, Old Town is another favorite place to let a large group run amok and find a little souvenir from their experience. Another popular destination, Torrey Pines State Reserve hosts a web of trails through one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast. Those looking for a steeper challenge can face Cowles Mountain for a thigh-burning trek up to a beautiful view of the city.

Parks

A family reunion isn’t complete without a day at the park. Luckily enough, San Diego has parks covered…expansively. Choose from a long list of gorgeous parks to set your reunion up for success. Some of the most popular include:

Scripps Park – La Jolla hosts one of the most amazing parks in San Diego. Right on the coast, Scripps Park offers views of the ocean, and plenty of sun and shade for large gatherings.
Kate O. Sessions Park – A great bet for large parties, this 79-acre park offers beautiful views of San Diego and plenty of space for activities such as barbecuing, picnics, and kite-flying.
Balboa Park – Situated in the heart of the city, Balboa park is an amazing expanse of activities. Surrounded by the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park has lush gardens, a multitude of museums, a science center, and many hiking trails for trekking around amongst eucalyptus trees above and San Diego squirrels below.
NTC Park – This park is one of the biggest oceanfront parks in San Diego. A great gathering place for families, it includes two ball fields, basketball courts, two picnic areas, playgrounds, and more to give you everything you need for a perfect daytime gathering.

For a reunion organizer in need, there’s nothing that San Diego cannot deliver. With sun, sand, and parks, the city offers each individual a wide variety of options at prices ranging from upper echelon services to the free entertainment of the nature surrounding. Those looking to make waves in their family’s history books will not be disappointed.

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August Events in San Diego

Saturday, July 16th, 2011

In the later months of the summer when “June gloom” has burned off, the temperatures have settled into their seasonal warmth and the sun is a welcome participant in every day’s activities, San Diego can feel like the greatest tropical paradise on Earth. Summer in San Diego brings people from all over the country ready to partake in the sand and the surf. From nightlife that abounds with open-air establishments to the bustling daytime Mission Beach boardwalk and countless beaches, there is a long list of activities fit for every California-goer.

August is an especially rich month for San Diego activities, with something for everyone from sports fanatics to theater buffs.

Film and Music

Through August 28^th, Screen on the Green takes a free film series to the outdoors on Thursday nights at 8 p.m. in beautiful Balboa Park. Bring some snacks and a lawn chair and take in a flick while you soak up the natural surroundings.

The La Jolla Music Society presents the nationally-recognized Summerfest, with over 70 world-class artists and ensembles. Or take in a concert at Humphreys by the Bay. August artists and comedians include the Moody Blues, Lauryn Hill, B.B. King, Colbie Callait, Billy Idol, Cheech and Chong, and Carlos Mencia.

Food

For foodies, the Old Town Grape Stomp is an August 30^th gem. Pick up this first annual festivity at the Plaza del Pasado in the Old Town State Historic Park and savor some wine, food, and grapes, paired with live entertainment. If you enjoy a finely crafted brew, catch Beer-Con, the craft beer conference at the Handelry Hotel on August 27 at 730 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Or round up some local produce and farm-fed fare almost any day of the week at one of the many farmers’ markets that run through the August evenings:

Coronado – Tuesdays from 2:30 to 6 p.m.
Ocean Beach – Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m.
North Park – Thursdays from 3 p.m. to sundown
Mission Hills and Mission Valley – Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m.
City Heights – Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hillcrest – Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Dancing

If shaking your tail feather is more your style, grab a dance class and give it all you’ve got, swing your hips at the Monday Night Swing class at the U-31 cocktail lounge, or shake the salsa at 6:30 in a Dance Motions Studios dance class. Or if you want to try out something less common, learn to clog at 6:45 p.m. on August 1^st at the Balboa Park Recital Hall.

Local Experience

If you want breathe in some of the local history, take a 75-minute historic walking tour of the breathtaking Hotel del Coronado on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

On August 10^th, 23^rd and 31^st, snorkel with leopard sharks and smooth hound sharks at La Jolla Shores. Hosted by the Birch Aquarium, this outing is a fun way to connect with the local wildlife.

Take a stroll through the monthly desert garden tour hosted by Offshoot Tours and see eclectic trees, cacti, and succulents that grow in the warmth of the San Diego habitat.

Sports

If you’re a sports fanatic, don’t miss some tennis action at the Mercury Insurance Open Carlsbad beginning August 1^st, or bet on the ponies when The Turf Meets the Surf as the Del Mar horse racing season gets underway. If baseball is more up your alley, catch the San Diego Padres in action at Petco Park. Also, don’t forget about Southern California’s perpetual playground and hang ten in some of the country’s best surf spots. Test drive a paddleboard on Mission Bay or boogie board to your heart’s content all along the coast.

Looking to watch the action? Head to La Jolla Cove August 7^th and see the largest rough-water swimming competition in the U.S., or be entertained by the Polo Club’s Fernando Gutierrez Memorial Cup on the 14^th (and catch the finals on the 21^st).

No matter what you fancy for fun, August has events specially matched for everyone. From natural water parks to local foods and festivals, every month in San Diego is ripe with special events, guaranteed to make your time in America’s Finest City second to none.

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Cocktails! Top 6 Pacific Beach Happy Hours

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

If you have never visited Pacific Beach then you might not understand how the culture and vibe is completely different than anywhere else in San Diego County. No matter where you’re standing, a quality bar serving cheap drinks and delicious food or appetizers is only a stone’s throw away. The beaches are beautiful and packed with gorgeous people too. With 70% of the days filled with that wonderful San Diego sunshine we have all come to love, the slightly crowded but tight nit community of Pacific Beach is always out and about enjoying the fresh air.

The mornings are refreshing, and locals take advantage of it. You can go on long bike rides on the beach or through the nearby hills, take on some nature hikes, rollerblade down the boardwalk or go for a jog on the beach. But once that sun is high up in the sky and starting its way back down, the entire city really comes to life.

With sunset on the horizon, all of the freshly tanned bodies begin looking for a good place to eat and drink. Pacific Beach is a young community and generally speaking, the people that live there are always looking for a cheap eat and beverage. The bars took notice to their clientele’s demands and now not only does Pacific Beach have the most bars per capita in San Diego, they also have the top ranked happy hours in the county. From half off of everything on the menu to $1.50 pints and tacos, there is always a happy hour available no matter what time of day it is or what you are looking for. There are several great websites trying to keep track of every single happy hour, but this short list of the top 6 will be a good place for you to start your culinary and beverage adventures in Pacific Beach.

1. Cass Street Bar & Grill – Hands down the most legendary bar in Pacific Beach is Cass Street, and they deserve that title for a good reason – awesome happy hour. There is no other place in San Diego where you can get pitchers of microbrew for $7.50. To top it off, they compliment their laid back atmosphere with a shuffle board, pool tables, and great food (for cheap).

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-6 p.m., Tuesday 3 p.m.-Close, Sunday 9 p.m.-Close $2.25 Domestic & $2.75 Microbrew Drafts, $3 House Wine, $7.50 Microbrew Pitchers / Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $4 Bloody Marys, $4.25 Pints, $15 Pitchers of Mimosas.

2. The Tap Room – If you are a beer geek like the rest of us, the Tap Room is your place to sip some suds and revel in happy hour prices. With forty-four unique beers on draft to choose from, you might have to come back a few times before you can try them all. They may not have the absolute lowest prices in town, but no one can beat their selection.

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-7 p.m., $1 Off Pints, $4 Off Pitchers, $3.50 Cocktails, $3.50 House Wine, $2 Off Appetizers.

3. Bar West – The first bar/night club on the list that offers a happy hour late into the night, every night (that they’re open). Great vibes and fun dancing bring out a good crowd here almost every night.

Happy Hour: Thurs-Sat 6-11 p.m., ½ Off all Drinks, $5 Sliders, Daily Bottle Service Specials.

4. Moondoggies Pacific Beach – This place is the epitome of Pacific Beach vibe and culture. A large outdoor patio lets you soak up the sun while you are sipping on their dirt cheap drinks and the multitude of flat screens inside keep all the sports fanatics happy.

Happy Hour: Mon-Thurs 3-7 p.m., Friday 3-10 p.m., $2 Wells, Wines, and Domestic Drafts, $3 Imports/Microbrew Drafts, $7 Pitchers, $10 Microbrew Pitchers, $2-$6 Munchie Menu (Plus Taco Tuesday and Wing Wednesday).

5. Pacific Beach Ale House – Another stop for the beer geek is the PB Ale House where they brew their own beer. A great location, large venue with plenty of seating, and all the beer you could want.

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-6 p.m., Thursday 10 p.m.-Close, $3 House Beers, Wines, and Wells, ½ Off Appetizers.

6. Sinbad Café & Hookah Bar – A different option on the list if sports bars aren’t your thing and you are looking to really relax, head over to Sinbad Café. Smoke a hookah and sip on the cheapest drinks in town.

Happy Hour: Monday & Wednesday All Day, all Week 4-8 p.m., $1.50 Domestic Drafts, $2.50 Import Drafts, $2 Shots & Cocktails, $4.50 Appetizers, $1.25 Tacos.

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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 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)

North 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!

Tags: beer enthusiasts, breweries in san diego, san diego travel info
Posted in Activities & Events, Food & Dining, Vacation Ideas, Vacation Planning | No Comments »

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.

(Image Source)

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.

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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.