Posts Tagged ‘san diego holiday events’

10 Most Romantic Spots in San Diego

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Best Valentine’s Day Date Locations

America’s finest city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains, and parks. With the abundance of natural beauty available to us, you can imagine how many romantic spots there are. You can spend quality time with a special someone enjoying a vibrant sunset, tasting America’s best apple pies, or even sipping on some locally produced vino. Next time you are trying to impress a date, take them to one of these ten magnificent locations right here in San Diego’s back yard. (Image by stevekc)

  1. La Jolla Cove: Hands down, the favorite of locals is to enjoy the natural beauty of La Jolla Cove. You can rent a tandem kayak and spend your day wandering around the cove gazing at schools of fish, leopard sharks, seals, and even an occasional group of dolphins playing in the waves. The local coffee shops and restaurants are a perfect way to end a wonderful day of playing in the ocean and watch a spectacular sunset.
  2. Mount Soledad: Over 800 feet above sea level is a mountain that offers visitors a 360 degree view of San Diego. Located in La Jolla, it is home to one of the most well known monuments in Southern California, the Mount Soledad Cross and Veteran’s Memorial. Although the cross is slightly controversial, the open air park surrounding it is unquestionably the best viewpoint San Diego has to offer. Enjoy the downtown skyline to the south, vast Pacific Ocean to the west, quaint beach towns to the north, and snow capped mountains to the east.
  3. Coronado Gondola Rides: Coronado Island is already one of San Diego’s top destinations for couples, but you can make that extra effort to be romantic by reserving a traditional Venetian gondola ride. You can experience the romance of Venice right here in San Diego, weaving your way through the canals of Coronado. It is as close to the real thing as possible with a traditionally clothed gondolier, Italian music, champagne, and a one of a kind sunset that only Coronado Island could offer its visitors.
  4. Kate Sessions Park: Just north of the famous Mission Bay is a large recreation park atop a small hill; just high enough to give you panoramic views of the bay and downtown San Diego. The spacious park is a popular hangout for recreation clubs playing sports on the weekends or families and friends having a barbecue in the perfect Southern California weather. For couples wanting a romantic evening, bring a picnic basket and a bottle of wine to the top just in time for a sunset that reflects off of the magnificent bay and downtown skyline. If you plan in advance and stay until dark, you can catch a free fireworks show from Sea World across the bay.
  5. Wine Tasting in Temecula: San Diego is home to California’s second most popular wine country, the Temecula Valley. Impress your date with an all day trip out to Temecula, either visiting one of your favorite vineyards or bouncing between a few of them. Sipping on some wine with miles of grape vines and a backdrop filled with mountains will guarantee a romantic day.
  6. The Prado at Balboa Park: In the heart of San Diego is Balboa Park, built in 1915 for the World Fair. The Prado area is a pedestrian walkway lined with museums with old mission style architecture. Once the sun begins to set, the park begins to glow like nothing you have ever seen before.
  7. The Bahia Belle: One of the cheapest and most romantic spots in the area is aboard a Mississippi style stern wheeler. The vessel moves slowly through Mission Bay between the Bahia and Catamaran hotels. For only $6, you can enjoy lovely music, sip some cocktails, and watch the sun set over the bay.
  8. Julian Apple Pie: Locals all know where the best apple pies come from: Julian. The small mountain town about one and a half hours away is home to Mom’s Apple Pies, the best pie shop in all of the United States. Make it a romantic day and meander around the antique stores and apple pie shops. When the temperature begins to drop, order a glass of the finest apple cider you will ever taste.
  9. Sunset Cliffs: San Diego is home to some of the most spectacular sunsets, but only one place holds the crown as the top spot. Drive out on the Point Loma peninsula and park your car right on the cliffs. There are 68 acres of walkways overlooking the bluffs with amazing surfing far below. Take a seat on the sandstone and watch the sun slowly disappear while turning the sky into a painting like mural full of vibrant colors.
  10. Drive-in Movie: A long lost tradition for a romantic night out is to pull your car right up to the movie, turn your radio to the proper channel, and lower the bed of your truck where you can cozy up and enjoy a show under the stars. Only two drive-in theatres still exist, in Santee and South Bay.

Halloween in San Diego

Friday, October 8th, 2010

October is one of the best times to visit San Diego because of how many great events are planned around Halloween. Maybe it is the influence of Mexican culture (Dia De Los Muertos) or the great weather in October, but Halloween in San Diego is one long party. Haunted houses, haunted theme parks, and raging Halloween parties all await you in San Diego. This holiday is fun for all ages, and sometimes you can catch the adults getting more into it than the kids.

Haunted Houses:

The Haunted Hotel in Gaslamp Sep. 24 – Oct. 31, 2010: Known as the scariest haunted house in San Diego, the Haunted Hotel will get a scream out of even the bravest souls. Zombies, clowns, chainsaws and much more await you in the deep basement of an old San Diego building. Ranked in the top 13 haunted houses in America, you better bring a change of underwear if you plan on going through the Haunted Hotel. Tickets cost $15-$17.

Haunted Trail at Balboa Park Sep. 24 – Oct. 31, 2010: If you thought a haunted house was scary, wait until you venture out onto this trail where insanely scary folks are waiting for you and attacking you from all directions. Wide open space can be much scarier and when it is pitch black out you have no idea what is coming your way, or maybe even following you. This mile long trail is known to scare the living daylights out of everyone, so it isn’t for the faint of heart. Tickets cost $15-$17.

Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Dates Open Sep. 24 & 25, and Oct. 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, and 21-31: By far the largest Halloween attraction that is sure to scare all walks of life is at the Del Mar “Scaregrounds”. With three different attractions on the property, you can pick and choose or test yourself by taking on all three frightening haunts. The “Haunted Hayride” is a one-of-a-kind attraction where riders have no control of where they go and they must simply let the ghosts and ghouls attack them. Next, try your luck in “The House of Horror,” where blood curdling screams, intense lighting, and chainsaws await your arrival. Finally, see if you can find your way through “The Chamber” which has the largest “spinning tunnel” that will surely scare you and get you lost. Tickets Cost $15-$28.

Monster Manor Ghastley Studios, Dates Open Oct. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 27-31: The new favorite scare in San Diego takes place in Mira Mesa, where the famous Ghastley Studios are recreated. You will walk through the haunted studio set while actors are filming scary films with extreme realism that will make you want to turn around and run. The Ghastley Studios were famous for actors and crew mysteriously disappearing from the set in the early 20th century, and now it is your turn to see if you can survive the realistic horror film industry. Tickets Cost $12.

Adult Parties:

10th Annual Dos Equis XX Monster Bash Oct. 30, 2010: If you are looking for the biggest Halloween party in San Diego, this is for you. The craziest costumes will be here, competing for the $3,000 grand prize. The party is known for its seductive themes and with ice cold Dos Equis flowing all night, people are bound to get a bit crazy. Tickets Cost $25.

Heaven & Hell 2010 Oct. 30, 2010: Located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this is another massive Halloween bash featuring provocative costume dancers on three separate dance floors, one of which is outdoors. Headlining the music at this party are the super popular artists Fedde Le Grand and Wolfgang Gartner.  Get your tickets fast because this event sells out every year. Tickets Cost $40.

Halloween 2010 at the Hard Rock Hotel Oct. 30, 2010: 3 floors, 5 venues, and 10 DJs are setting up at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego for one killer Halloween party. Last year Playboy had a hand in making this one of the craziest parties of the night and this year they only plan on going bigger and better. Tickets Cost $45.

7th Annual Halloween Ball at The Prado in Balboa Park Oct. 30, 2010: The Prado in Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s top venues and DJHere hosts the Halloween Ball once again this year. DJHere always puts on a killer show and 2010 will not disappoint. A costume contest, over 20 bars, and 3 rooms with music set up will create one of the biggest parties of the year. Get your tickets and arrive early, because this event is packed with San Diego’s hottest adults and craziest costumes. Tickets Cost $45.

Halloween Ball at The Prado 2010 Teaser from DJhere Productions on Vimeo.

Halloween Heat Freeze Frame at the Belly Up Tavern Oct. 30, 2010: The Belly Up is consistently voted one of the best concert venues in San Diego and always puts on a great show. Their annual Halloween party is unique from the others because it takes you back to the 80’s with what they call “80’s Heat Freeze Frame.” They are known for their killer 80’s costume parties, and now they put a Halloween twist on it that should result in one great party. Everyone loves classic 80’s songs and dressing up; and it is even better on the beaches of San Diego. Tickets Cost $25.

Holiday Events for San Diego Vacation Rentals

Monday, December 1st, 2008

San Diego is a beautiful place to spend a winter getaway. The weather is warm, and the holiday spirit can be seen everywhere you look. From Balboa Park to Seaport Village, something is always going on during the holiday season. If you plan on spending the holidays in a San Diego vacation rental, take advantage of everything the area has to offer – see a parade of lights, go ice skating, see a play or ballet and of course, go shopping! Here is list of a few special holiday events that you can catch during the winter months.

Balboa Park December Nights, December 5 from 5 to 10 p.m. and December 6 from noon to 10 p.m.

This popular holiday event, the largest free community festival in San Diego, includes carolers, live entertainment, dance performances, children’s rides, a re-creation of a traditional Native American, free admission to more than 80 of the Park’s museums and cultural organizations and delicious foods from around the world. This year, December Nights is proud to present Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” live on stage at the Tony Award®-winning Old Globe theater. www.balboapark.org/decembernights

Wild Animal Park 20th Anniversary of the Festival of Lights, 4 to 9 p.m., December 13–23 and 26–30, 2008; and January 2 and 3, 2009.

This year marks the final year of the annual Festival of Lights celebration. For the occasion, new holiday and animal-themed light features have been specially created for the Wild Animal Park, including Snow Hill (open daily, 4–8:30 p.m.), new craft activities, a Light Magic Show in Discovery Station, and a Black Light Puppet Show in Benbough Amphitheater. www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar

Seaport Village Surfing Santa, 879 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA, December 14 at 12 p.m.

Take pictures with surfing Santa! He’ll arrive by watercraft in front of the Pier Café. Sporting his board shorts and flip flops, Surfing Santa will pose for free photos with guests on his life-size surfboard and wave until 4 p.m. Stay for holiday shopping, musical entertainment, face painting, fanciful balloon sculptures and the marvelous Seaport Village Historic Carousel. www.seaportvillage.com/entertainment

37th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, December 13 and 21

More than 100 private boat owners decorate their boats with holiday lights and sail along the waters of San Diego Bay.  Great views are available on dry land from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Marina Park and Coronado’s Ferry Landing. www.sdparadeoflights.org

Ice Skating at Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, November 22 to January 1

Ice skate with the Pacific Ocean just yards away, or watch the Lambs’ Players perform an “An American Christmas” in the ballroom Dec. 9th-30th, except the 25th (6:30-9:30pm).Performed by 30 artists from the award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre, the show includes a delicious 5-course meal in the Grand Ballroom. Tickets run between $110-$145 per person, depending on the date.

Holiday of Lights at Del Mar, Del Mar Fairgrounds, November 27 – January 4, 2009

The largest animated drive-through light show on the U.S. West Coast, it includes more than 400 brilliant holiday light displays. www.sdfair.com/holidayoflights

La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival, December 7 in downtown La Jolla

The event includes marching bands, floats, equestrian units, vintage automobiles and Santa Claus himself. www.ljparade.com

To view Penny Realty’s holiday San Diego Vacation rentals visit www.missionbeach.com today!