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Top 3 Annual San Diego Events

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

America’s Finest City is not just a hot spot for surfers and scantily-clad sunbathers; it also hosts some of the nation’s most popular events that bring in people from all over the world. San Diegans love to celebrate music, movies, food, and even comic books, among other things. The top three annual events may be different in each person’s eyes depending on what interests them, but there are several that stand out as the most popular every single year. For the top three, we chose events where both the locals and visitors have a great time. From dressing up in star wars costumes at the San Diego Comic Con to wagering the last of your savings and wearing ridiculous hats at the Del Mar Races, San Diego knows how to put on a great show.

Top 3 Annual Events in San Diego

  • San Diego Comic-Con International: Comic professionals and fans have been filling the San Diego Convention Center to its max every year since its beginning in 1970. The event had over 130,000 in attendance in 2010 and all of downtown was packed with additional visitors just coming to look on at the spectacle. Everyone gets in their best comic outfit and heads down to the world’s fourth largest comic convention where they hope to rub shoulders with famous artists, actors and characters throughout the day. Visitors can catch a glimpse of upcoming feature films, get autographs from comic professionals and actors, stop by workshops and seminars, and all meet up for one crazy night at the Masquerade. The event usually takes place every July but the past few years have sold out far in advance. Plan on buying tickets a year in advance and if you don’t get them in time you can still head downtown for some great sightseeing with Klingons roaming the streets.
  • Del Mar Racing Season: The famous summer race track down in Del Mar draws horse racing fans from all around the world. The summer series runs for 37 days starting in mid July and consistently sees crowds of 40,000 or more. “Where the turf meets the surf” is the slogan for a race track that was started by Bing Crosby in 1937 and has a history of hosting famous horses from Seabiscuit in 1938 to Zenyatta in 2010. Opening Day is a local favorite where everyone gets dolled up and sports their best hats, bringing back the style from the race tracks’ heyday. Locals, visitors, and celebrities all show up to watch the world’s finest thoroughbreds race for top dollar stakes. Unlike Comic Con, you don’t need to buy tickets in advance and you can even catch popular concerts for free if you attend the 4 O’clock Fridays shows down at Del Mar.
  • Farmers Insurance Open: What most people still think of as the great Buick Open has a new sponsor but the same great golf that has brought people to San Diego for years. The “West Coast Swing” of the PGA Tour takes place on the Torrey Pines Golf Course in the beautiful beach town of La Jolla. Bubba Watson won in early 2011 and took home over one million dollars but the entire last decade was ruled by Tiger Woods himself, winning a total of six tournaments and setting several course records. Although the tournament takes place every January, San Diego is well known for beautiful weather year round which makes for a perfect weekend of golf.

Annual Events – Honorable Mentions

  • Street Scene: One of the largest music festival in the United States and historically located downtown San Diego had a rough two years and it is still undecided if it will be back. If it is, Street Scene would easily make its way up to our top three events in San Diego. The festival takes place downtown with several stages over a three-day period and hosts some of the most popular bands alongside incredible underground musicians. Stay tuned this summer to see if it makes its comeback because it is truly a San Diego event everyone must experience.
  • San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon: If running, or walking for a very long time, is your thing, don’t miss the unique marathon winding through downtown with live music set up at every mile marker during the race. It is like street scene stretched out over 26.2 miles. The Rock n’ Roll marathon comes every summer and is a great place for starters to test out their legs while rocking out to music.
  • San Diego Wine and Food Festival: All of your favorite restaurants, chefs, and wineries join up for a delicious event showcasing the best of San Diego and California. With VIP tastings, exclusive after parties, and a chef competition, you will be in for a fun filled weekend downtown. The event is held every November and brings people in from all over the world to taste what San Diego has to offer.

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Best Mexican Food Restaurants in San Diego

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

San Diego has a lot of different restaurants to choose from, but it’s a great idea to sample a lot of Mexican cuisine while visiting the area because you can get a taste of some real, authentic Mexican food unlike any you’ve ever encountered. San Diego’s close proximity to Mexico has a lot of influence, of course, so the area has some of the best seafood tacos and Tijuana-style Mexican food that America has to offer.

These recommendations are based on authentic Mexican food rather than American or Tex-Mex style Mexican food. And most are cheap or inexpensive, although there is some gourmet Mexican thrown into the mix.

Super Cocina – 3627 University Avenue, San Diego

Super Cocina offers some of the best home-style Mexican food available, prepared by Mexicans who bring their own family recipes into the rotation of over 100 dishes that change daily. You may not be able to return the next day (or week) to eat the same dish twice, but this means their food is always fresh and you’ll be forced to try other equally wonderful dishes. Located east of North Park, past the 805 Freeway, this is one Mexican Food Restaurant you can’t pass up.

Super Cocina is a buffet-style restaurant, so this is the place to try a lot of samples, as well as get some good recommendations, before loading up your plate. You’ll find plenty of meat on the bone cooked in rich and flavorful sauces and spices, in addition to rice and bean-based side dishes, rather than the tacos and burritos you might be expecting.

Tacos El Paisa – 3096 National Avenue; 840 South 47th Street; 2494 Imperial Avenue, San Diego

Since Tacos El Paisa may have the best mini street tacos San Diego has to offer, plan to order three or four. The juicy carnitas tacos melt in your mouth, and the carne asada and adobada also come highly recommended. You order from a street cart, bring your order over to a truck where the food is prepared inside, and they bring it to you at your outdoor seating location. The top-notch salsa and condiment bar is also served to you right at your table, so you can add as much or as little as you like as you go along, with a chance to customize everything to your liking.

Las Cuatro Milpas – 1875 Logan Avenue, San Diego

Don’t let the long lines, peeling paint, or limited menu options dissuade you. Las Cuatro Milpas has been serving authentic, old school Mexican food for over 75 years, and you can’t find this style of food at any other hole in the wall Mexican joint. While the atmosphere has room for improvement, the long lines full of San Diego locals are an indication of how much the food is worth the wait, and the six or seven items on the menu make it easier to order. The traditional tacos are simple and the rolled tacos are authentic. Every order is served with warm tortillas, which go wonderfully with the chorizo rice and beans as a side dish.

El Cuervo Taco Shop – 110 West Washington Street, San Diego

For the best hole in the wall San Diego neighborhood Mexican joint, visit El Cuervo Taco Shop. While dozens of San Diego taco shops have more or less the same menu, the food here has a thoughtful preparation through which you can taste a difference, placing it above your average hole in the wall. For basic Mexican food that the locals prefer, a tasty salsa bar, low prices, and reliable service, El Cuervo is your best bet.

Cockteleria La Playita – 5185 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego

In the tiny Cockteleria La Playita, you can sit at the small counter sipping on a seafood cocktail as you watch a single person prepare your food on a four-burner stove. The small menu offers seafood items only, but everything is extremely fresh, flavorful, and simple. The fish tacos are not your usual fish taco, served with breaded fish instead of battered and lettuce instead of cabbage. The ceviche is some of the best in San Diego, and the ceviche tostada comes highly recommended.

Ranas Mexico City Cuisine – 9683 Campo Road, Spring Valley

Although not in the heart of San Diego, the food at Ranas Mexico City Cuisine is worth the drive and is considered the best East County Mexican food available. Although it is located in a strip mall, the food is authentic Mexico City style cuisine, as the restaurant’s name suggests, and they have an extensive menu coupled with great service. This is a great choice if you want to get away from the “hole in the wall” style Mexican joints you’ll find all over San Diego and have a casual sit-down dinner. The cochinita pibil, alambres, and al pastor tacos are all great recommendations, or simply try one of the main entrée choices.

Candelas Restaurant – 416 3rd Avenue, San Diego

For gourmet Mexican food, fine dining, and unique authentic dishes, Candelas Restaurant is the top choice in San Diego. Fine dining and Mexican food don’t always go hand in hand, so Candelas is not to be missed if that’s the combination you’re looking for. Candelas is in a great location just a few blocks away from the Gaslamp Quarter. You can enjoy appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, desserts, and cocktails, and the portion sizes are larger than what you would expect from the gourmet portion sizes found in many American restaurants, making Candelas a distinctly central-Mexico experience.

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Tour San Diego Museums

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

San Diego has an abundance of museums, with fifteen museums in Balboa Park alone, making it the perfect city for touring museums whether you’re vacationing in San Diego or a full-time resident. February is Museum Month in San Diego, and admission to any museum is half price during this time.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park, a large park and community area north of the city center, is home to the San Diego Zoo, outdoor parks and gardens, and several performing arts centers, in addition to its fifteen museums, making it the nation’s largest urban cultural park. Admission to the park grounds is free, including the botanical building and outdoor gardens. The park offers a seven-day passport for admission to the zoo, museum, and other attractions, or a one-day pass that allows visitors admission to five of the museums, not including the zoo and other attractions.

Museums and Exhibits in Balboa Park:

  1. Centro Cultural de la Raza – a multidisciplinary arts center dedicated to education about Mexican and Latino cultures.
  2. Japanese Friendship Garden – an outdoor tour area with a Zen meditation garden, exhibit house, koi pond, bonsai exhibit, ceremonial gate, and wisteria arbor.
  3. Marston House – a 1905 arts and crafts museum on five acres of English and California gardens.
  4. Mingei International Museum – exhibits of historical and contemporary folk art, craft, and design.
  5. Museum of Photographic Arts – displays over 7,000 works that exhibit the history of photography, with a focus on social documentary and photojournalism.
  6. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center – a planetarium, IMAX Dome, and over 100 hands-on science exhibits.
  7. San Diego Air and Space Museum – includes a collection of worldwide historic aircraft and spacecraft, a GPS satellite, and interactive exhibits.
  8. San Diego Art Institute Museum of the Living Artist – Focusing on local art, the museum opens a new exhibit of a local artist every four to six weeks and showcases local jewelry and children’s art from San Diego schools.
  9. San Diego Automotive Museum – an exhibit of more than 80 historic and famous cars and motorcycles.
  10. San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum – visitors can both learn about and participate in San Diego-based sports in the nation’s largest multi-sport museum.
  11. San Diego History Center – artifacts, costumes, textiles, arts, and one of the largest collections of photographs in the west exhibit the rich history of the development of the San Diego area.
  12. San Diego Model Railroad Museum – the world’s largest operating model railroad museum contains a toy train gallery and four large-scale model railroad layouts depicting the railroads of the southwest.
  13. San Diego Museum of Man – a building inspired by Spanish colonial and mission-style architecture showcases the anthropology of people and places from all over the world.
  14. San Diego Natural History Museum – in addition to hosting traveling exhibits, the natural history museum has a focus on the biodiversity of Southern California and includes a 3D movie theater that plays films about the natural world.
  15. San Diego Museum of Art – hosts art exhibits from all over the world, in addition to the works of old European masters, 19th and 20th century American art, Asian collections, and Latin-American art.
  16. Timken Museum of Art – Includes the Putnam Foundation’s collection of European old master paintings, American paintings, Russian works, and special exhibits.
  17. Veterans Museum and Memorial Center – inside the Old Navy Chapel, this museum celebrates veterans of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and Wartime Merchant Marine with artifacts, photographs, documents, memorabilia and artwork.
  18. The WorldBeat Center – with art, music, dance, and education, the center celebrates and preserves African, African-American, and other indigenous cultures of the world.

As if Balboa Park didn’t have enough historical culture to offer, San Diego County houses over 90 museums, including:

The Maritime Museum of San Diego: exhibits at the Maritime Museum include The Star of India, the deepest diving submarine in the world, the San Diego Navy exhibit, and public and private sailing adventures, located at 1492 North Harbor Drive.

The Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego: exhibits over 4000 works of painting, sculpture, film, and photography created after 1950, between its two locations in San Diego and La Jolla. The museum’s European bistro creates breakfast and lunch from locally-grown organic ingredients. Address: 1100 Kettner Boulevard (downtown)

The Museum of Making Music: visitors can experiment with music hands-on using a variety of instruments, in addition to viewing a display of hundreds of vintage instruments and musical artifacts and listening to audio samples of recorded music. Address: 5790 Armada Drive in Carlsbad

For more info on San Diego museums and an undated list of events and current exhibits, go to http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors/WhatToDo/Museums.

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Dog Parks in San Diego

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

San Diego is a very dog-friendly city, with over thirty dog parks and leash-free zones across the county. The City of San Diego has designated off-leash areas so that dogs can run free, play, and socialize with other dogs. Dog parks are also a great place for dog owners to play with their furry friends and socialize with other dog owners.

Many San Diego city parks also allow dogs on leashes not longer than eight feet outside the leash-free zones, including on trails and canyons within city parks. There are a few rules that dog owners are asked to follow when bringing their pooches to both the city parks and dog parks:

  1. Dogs must be leashed until they are inside the leash-free zones.
  2. Puppies are not welcome at the parks until after they’ve received all of their required vaccinations.
  3. Adult dogs must be up-to-date on their vaccinations.
  4. Dogs are not allowed on any athletic field at any time.
  5. Dogs must wear a current license from the county department of animal services.
  6. Owners are required to pick up after their dogs. Some parks provide doggie bags and some don’t, so please come prepared with a supply of plastic bags to use for cleaning up after your dog.

Following is a list of the San Diego City Dog Parks and their locations, plus some basic information about each:

  1. Nate’s Point Dog Park: 2500 Balboa Drive. City employee Nate Wells used his free time to transform this unused, overgrown area into a beautiful 2.3 acre dog park in 1996. One of the most popular dog parks in San Diego, it is completely fenced in and includes drinking fountains, picnic tables, trees, and shaded areas. Nate’s Point is located inside Balboa Park.
  2. Grape Street Dog Park: at Grape Street & 28th Street. This unfenced dog park is open during the day from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
  3. Fiesta Island: in Mission Bay Park, this is a great place to take your dog to the beach. The island allows dogs anywhere outside the fenced areas. Open from 6am to 10pm every day, the park features a 5.2 mile paved path around the island for dog walkers.
  4. Morley Field Sports Complex: 2221 Morley Field Drive. Also in Balboa Park, located northwest of the tennis courts, this dog park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  5. Rancho Bernardo Dog Park: 18448 West Bernardo Dive. Next to the Rancho Bernardo Community Park, this 2.66 acre dog park is unfenced and includes a separate parking area for the dog park users.
  6. Kearny Mesa Community Park: 3170 Armstrong Street. Near the Kearny Mesa Recreation Area, this one-acre dog park is open from 6:30 am to 10pm and is lighted at night. The park also has a water station for dogs and water fountains for people.
  7. Dog Beach: on Voltaire Street in Ocean Beach, at the west end of the San Diego River Floodway, also called the Ocean Beach Flood Control Channel. This area is open 24 hours a day with access to the beach and ocean so dogs can swim.
  8. Cadman Community Park: 4280 Avati Drive in Clairemont. In fall, winter, and spring, the leash-free area of the park is open from 7:30 am to 10am and 4:30 pm to 7pm. In summer, the dog park is open from 7am to 9:30am and 5pm to 7:30 pm. The leash-free area is unfenced and adjacent to the baseball field, so the dog park is closed during Little League games on Saturday mornings in the summertime.
  9. Capeheart Park: at the corner of Felspar and Soledad Mountain Road. This one-acre dog park has its own parking area and two fenced turf areas: one for small dogs only and one for all dogs. The park also has a doggie water station, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and benches.
  10. Doyle Community Park: 8175 Regents Road, behind the Doyle Recreation Center. Although the park is not lighted, it is open 24 hours a day. It also features two fenced turf areas: one for small dogs only and one for all dogs.
  11. Dusty Rhodes Neighborhood Park: on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between Nimitz and West Point Loma. This one-acre park may soon be expanded to five acres with a dog water station and drinking fountains.
  12. Maddox Neighborhood Park: 7815 Flanders Street. The .65 acre park has a turf area, walkway, and drinking fountain.
  13. Nobel Park: 8820 Judicial Drive, near the Nobel Fields and Athletic Area. The park has a parking area for dog park users and two separate areas for small and large dogs.
  14. Rancho Penasquitos Park: at Salmon River Road and Fairgrove Lane. Open year-round from dawn until dusk, this one-acre park has two fenced turf areas: one for small dogs and one for all dogs.
  15. Torrey Highlands Park: at Lansdale Drive and Del Mar Heights Road. This one-acre dog park has a turf area and a mulched area, open 24 hours a day.

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Whale Watching in San Diego

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Each winter the waters off the San Diego coastline are briefly inhabited by gray whales as they migrate between nutrient-rich waters in Alaska and their breeding grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Typically, the whales first appear in mid-December and will be seen through March. During this time, it’s become a popular for families to take whale watching trips and spot a few of the 26,000 whales as they swim by.  (Image by wjklos )

Finding gray whales as they make their 10,000-mile migration is helped by their large size (they grow to around 50 feet long), slow swimming speed (5 mph) and limited time spent diving. Since gray whales don’t swim too far off shore they can be seen from land and the best vantage points are at higher elevations like Torrey Pines State Beach and Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma. But for up close and personal views, head out to sea on one of the many whale watching expeditions. Here is some information about a few different San Diego whale watching operations:

Bike, Hike, Kayak Take a guided kayak tour out of La Jolla Shores and paddle about a mile off shore and meet up with the whales as they swim by. Expect to get wet and do a lot of paddling as you make your way out to sea. To keep warm from water splashes, Bike, Hike, Kayak provides everybody with wetsuits and booties, but it’s also recommended to wear water-safe shoes and a bathing suit. Kayaking experience isn’t necessary. Children under 8 years old cannot join and the ability to swim is a must. The cost of the 3-hour tour is $60 for single kayaks or $55 per person for tandem kayaks.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps and Flagship Cruises & EventsFlagship Cruises and Events joined with the Birch Aquarium to create a narrated, educational experience as you look for gray whales. Supplementing the narration, passengers receive a fact sheet about gray whales. Flagship launches two trips per day (9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.) and weekday rates are $30 (adults), $25 (seniors and military) and $15 (children), but on weekends add $5 to the adult and senior prices. If you’re a teacher and want to take your students on a whale watching trip, call for group rates.

Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup ExperienceSail in style onboard the ‘America,’ which claims to offer a seasick-free trip and the guarantee for a whale sighting. Last year the ship carried 4,300 guests on 110 whale watching trips and will travel off shore up to eight or nine miles to live up to their whale spotting guarantee. ‘America’ passengers can bring their own lunch and drinks for a “picnic on the ocean.” The trip lasts four hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and costs $65 for adults and $34 for children (ages 12 years old and younger) on weekdays and $85 for adults and $44 for children (ages 12 years and under) on weekends.

Hornblower whale-watching cruisesThe Hornblower offers two, 3.5-hour departures per day and already boasts a half-day trip this year which passengers saw over 50 gray whales and a pod of about 2,000 common dolphins. Don’t get too excited about that result because a normal trip means seeing six to 10 gray whales (which is still a very successful day). If you want to see a detailed list of each day’s sights check out their whale watching report. Hornblower also guarantees a while sighting or it will issue a voucher for another trip. Weekday rates are $34 for adults, $17 for children ages 4 to 12 and seniors/military are $29, while weekend prices are $39, $19.50 and $34, respectively.

Whale Watching Tips

Before you embark on your next whale watching trip, talk to the company you’re going out with and ask about what they recommend to bring, including food, drinks and proper clothing. In case you forget to ask, here are a few good tips to remember. (Image by Cabby14)

1. Some boats allow you to bring food onboard, while others ask that you purchase food from their galley. It doesn’t hurt to pack a lunch for your family; if you have to leave it in the car, then you have a snack on the way home.

2. It is best to dress in layers because boats go a few miles off shore where it can get windy and the temperature can be 10 degrees colder than on land. Wear close-toed shoes with traction since you’ll be walking around on a pitching deck and it might get slippery.

3. Bring binoculars because there is no guarantee your captain will be able to maneuver his boat very close to the gray whales. But when those up close moments happen, have your camera or video camera in hand to document the experience. Whales spout, breach (jump out of the water), spy hop (pop their head up vertically to see above the water) and you’re encouraged to capture all their actions.

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San Diego’s Best Romantic Restaurants

Friday, February 18th, 2011

While the majority of tourists spend too much money on restaurants downtown, we’ve hand-selected six restaurants throughout San Diego that are worth every penny for a romantic night out. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to woo on your first date, an elegant Valentine’s Day dinner, or a comfortable night out with the one you love, any one of these restaurants is sure to deliver. (Image by Bengt Nyman)

The Marine Room ($$$$) – La Jolla

Located surfside at La Jolla Shores, The Marine Room boasts 70 years of exquisite cuisine and “elegant dining on the surf.” With monthly Taste of the Season menus at $50 a person, fine dining service, and delicious libations by their in-house Mixologist, this restaurant is an easy favorite. Be sure to make a reservation in advance so you can enjoy your meal with front row seats to the crashing surf. The Marine Room offers lovers an upscale environment to enjoy delicious dishes and each other’s company.

Firefly Grill & Wine Bar ($$$) – Encinitas

Warm decor, strong drinks, local wine, and exquisite cuisine make Firefly Grill & Wine Bar a no-brainer for this list, even if it is up in North County. Tucked off El Camino Real in Encinitas, this neighborhood gem is a combination of excellent service, clever dishes, and carefully selected wines, under the guidance of owner Jim Barasso, and Chef Paul Rinaudo. To catch a casual happy hour before the main event, consider starting in the bar for half-priced small plates, wines, and martinis any time between 4:30-6:30, 7 days a week. If you want to wine and dine your date to your fullest potential, choose from a variety of entrees from $17-$29 a plate, or moderately priced bottles from $28 – $145.  If you’d rather not make many decisions, Firefly Grill and Wine Bar offers a weekly three-course PrixFixe menu from Monday to Thursday at $30 a person, and a weekend four-course Tasting Menu from Friday through Sunday around $45 a person.

Harney Sushi ($$) – Old Town

For a fun first date or a lively evening out, couples rarely think of heading to Old Town. Harney Sushi is a small space, dimly-lit, with a casual atmosphere and an upbeat vibe. A premier sushi bar and restaurant, the unique pairings by Harney’s team of chefs are always sure to surprise and please your palate. With an ever-changing specialties menu, the fish is always fresh and the flavors are always vibrant.

Cucina Urbana ($$) – Banker’s Hill

Affordable lunch, Happy Hour deals, upscale dining, and late night munching: Cucina Urbana has it all. A warm and rustic Italian kitchen and wine shop with a farmhouse-feel, this Banker’s Hill restaurant is sure to please the harshest critics. Couples can experience the fun vibe of dining out, stripped of the pretention and high price tag. Offering specialty pizzas, in-house infused vodkas, and a wide array of California-inspired twists on traditional entrees, all for under $20 each, it’s no wonder this place is always so packed. You and your date can take a seat at the bar and chat it up with the knowledgeable bartenders, or find an isolated table away from all the excitement. Owner Tracy Borkum and Chef Joe Magnanelli combine the freshest local produce and a commitment to sustainability to create a delicious menu that is (almost!) guilt free.

Bleu Boheme ($$$) – Kensington

For an epic culinary experience that takes you back to the old-world bohemian and artistic style of France, Bleu Boheme is the place for you. Couples can enjoy affordable French Cuisine in a beautifully decorated space with a warm and welcoming ambiance. Choose from a variety of French reds and whites, as well as Belgian beer favorites such as Chimay and Duchesse de Bourgogne. Offering an incredibly affordable “Bohemian” three-course tasting menu at $22 during Happy Hour, your night out with your loved one doesn’t have to break the bank. The neighborhood restaurant also serves a wide array of French-influenced favorites such as cheese and meat boards, escargots, and a variety of dishes focusing on local Carlsbad black mussels.

Anthology ($$$) – Little Italy

Just a stone’s throw away from the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy provides us with Anthology, an urban-themed musical lounge, bar, and restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Signature cocktails’ names are inspired by musical greats (Day Tripper, Purple Rain, etc.) and their dinner menu includes local favorites such as Ahi Sliders, and Carlsbad Blond Oysters. For classic San Diego-style dinner and music, Anthology provides the best of both worlds in one location.

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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.

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Top 10 Holiday Activities in San Diego

Monday, December 13th, 2010

San Diego may never have a white Christmas, or even cold weather during the holidays, but the community still knows how to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit every year. The light displays are some of the best in the nation and multiple parades and free events give families a lot of opportunities to get together during the holidays. Local businesses compensate for not having any cold weather by creating outdoor ice skating rinks where people can have a unique experience of ice skating under the sun. Santa rides a surfboard here in San Diego, so grab your bathing suit and join in the Southern California spirit this holiday season. (Image Source)

  1. December Nights – The 33rd consecutive December Nights festival will take place December 3rd from 5-10pm and December 4th from noon-10pm. This is the largest community event of the holidays and it is both a ton of fun and free. The festival features cuisine from around the world, light displays, theatrical and musical performances, children’s rides, and free admission to museums from 5-9pm both nights. This is a great way to get in the spirit of the holiday season and enjoy some family time in your local community.
  2. La Jolla Christmas Parade – The 53rd annual La Jolla Christmas Parade will continue the holiday tradition on December 5th starting at 2pm. Kids will have a chance to say hello to Santa Claus, watch beautifully decorated floats pass by during the parade, and watch the Christmas tree lighting. The live music and delicious food will be sure to spread the holiday cheer during one of San Diego’s finest annual parades.
  3. Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade – Another great event for the whole family is the 3rd annual Holiday Pet Parade in the famous Gaslamp Quarter. Dress up your pets and enter them into the competition or just visit downtown to see the cute animals in their finest holiday outfits. The festivities and competition start at 3pm on Sunday December 12th. Visit their website for an official pet entry form.
  4. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – The best thing about having great weather during the holidays means that we can head outdoors to enjoy spectacular Christmas light shows. The 39th annual Parade of Lights hosts the best light display in San Diego and is completely free. The family can take a blanket down to the Embarcadero and enjoy the show on Sunday December 12th or Sunday December 19th.
  5. Holiday of Lights Drive Through – The largest animated drive-through light show on the west coast is at the famous Del Mar Racetrack and is bigger than ever this year. The event will have over 400 elaborate light displays set up for you to drive through in the warmth of your own car. The show runs from November 25 – January 2, 2011 and keeps the holiday spirit alive on the beautiful San Diego coast.
  6. Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays – The annual tradition of decorating your home with lights has turned into somewhat of a competition in certain San Diego neighborhoods. Entire neighborhoods join in the fun and deck out their homes with extravagant holiday light displays. Although their electricity bills are skyrocketing, the popular neighborhoods are a great way for a San Diego family to walk through their community and enjoy the magnificent light decorations. Here is a list of several neighborhoods that “light up” every year: http://sandiego.about.com/od/thingstodo/a/holiday_lights.htm
  7. Outdoor Ice Skating – San Diego may not have the best winter weather, but we still know how to celebrate the season. The city has four temporary ice skating rinks that are set up outdoors during the holidays so families can enjoy a little winter while soaking up California sunshine at the same time. There are at least four annual outdoor ice skating rinks that usually open around Thanksgiving and run through Christmas.
  8. Big Bay Balloon Parade – Don’t miss your chance to witness America’s largest balloon parade; right here in San Diego. You may not be attending the popular Holiday Bowl football game at Qualcomm Stadium, but the entire family can still enjoy the free ($15 for grandstand tickets) parade featuring marching bands, drill teams, holiday floats, and the world’s best balloons. The event is December 30, 2010 and kicks off with the annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals and a 5K run.
  9. Holiday Charity Run – The holiday season is a great time of year to give back to your community and work off some of those extra calories by signing up for a charity run. There are multiple events during late November through December that will get you out and about with the entire family. Here are four popular annual events you can try:
  10. How The Grinch Stole Christmas!– The Old Globe Theater brings to life one of the most popular holiday fables ever told.  The annual musical production attracts both kids and adults alike and brings out the holiday cheer in everyone. Dr. Seuss would have loved to see his story come to life in his hometown of San Diego. Don’t miss the most popular annual production at the Old Globe Theater.

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Outdoor Ice Skating in San Diego

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

Most people around the world would never imagine that San Diego loves ice skating. We prove them wrong every year with not just indoor ice skating rinks, but several outdoor venues where people can experience skating under the warm San Diego sunshine. From skating next to white sandy beaches to watching Shamu perform next door, San Diegans love to ice skate and there are plenty of options this holiday season. Get the entire family out for a fun day of skating, shopping, and sunshine at these outdoor ice skating rinks in San Diego.

Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado: Arguably the most popular ice skating event of the year takes place oceanfront at the famous Hotel Del Coronado. What more can you ask for than a spectacular ocean view, ice skating under the sun, and fine dining and shopping within walking distance. Just hop over the Coronado Bridge and spend a day with the family in Coronado, the city that truly embodies the San Diego spirit. The “Skating by the Sea” event is going into its sixth year and is easily the most unique Southern California experience around. Take a trip down to Coronado for a day on the ice and beach simultaneously. (Image Source)

Admission: Three-hour sessions cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids ages 10 and under. The two-hour matinee session costs $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 10 and under. Skate rentals are available for $5.

Dates Open: 11/24-12/17: Daily 2pm-5pm & 6pm-9pm. Matinee Saturday & Sunday 11am-1pm.

12/18-1/2: 2pm-5pm & 6pm-9pm. Daily Matinee 11am-1pm.

12/2, 12/9, 12/16: 6pm-9pm Disco Nights; free skate rentals with disco attire.

SeaWorld Ice Skating Rink: This year marks the 2nd annual SeaWorld San Diego ice skating rink. “Where the season meets the sea,” is the theme this year. The entire park will turn into a winter wonderland highlighted by the 5,000-square foot ice rink surrounding the 30-foot “Fanta-sea,” decorated tree. The real ice rink is surrounded by pine trees, giving you a true winter experience under the San Diego sunshine. Even the toddlers can join in the fun with a smaller rink designed for kids 3 and under. Santa, Shamu, and ice skating are all waiting for you at SeaWorld San Diego this holiday season.

Admission:         Ages 4 & Up: $10/hr or $20/day (including skates)

Ages 3 & Under: $5/hr or $10/day (including skates)

Dates Open: Daily 11/20-1/2

Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink: Thirty miles east of downtown San Diego is a hidden gem at the Viejas Outlet Center. Just off of Interstate 8, the Indian reservation casino and shopping mall host one of the finest outdoor ice skating rinks in San Diego. You can spend your day enjoying the outlet shopping, ice skating, and maybe even a little gambling. There are several fine dining restaurants in the area so you never really have to leave. Everyone who has been to the holiday event in the past has raved about how much fun it is for the entire family.

Admission: $12/person for 90 minutes including ice skate rentals

Dates Open: Daily 11/11-1/2 from Noon-10pm on weekends and weeks before/after Christmas.

5pm-10pm on weekdays all other weeks.

Sycuan’s Fantasy on Ice (Ice Rink at Horton Square): The most popular urban ice rink in San Diego is located just behind Horton Plaza; a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The rink is shadowed by the NBC 7/39 building at 225 Broadway and there is a good chance you might end up on the evening news showing off your skills. This rink is smaller than a standard hockey rink, but it makes up for its small size with a perfect location. You have easy access to parking at the mall next door and after 6pm the street metered parking is free. You can spend your day shopping, sightseeing, and ice skating in perfect San Diego weather. Since it is real ice, be careful if you’re planning on skating during a hot day because it will be a little wet. The best time to go is once the sun has dropped and you can throw on your winter jacket. (Image Source)

Admission: Adults – $14, Children (12 & under) – $12. Price includes ice skate rentals.

Dates Open: 11/8-1/9 – Public sessions are open from 10am-10pm daily.

Closed on Christmas day and closes at 5pm on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Winter Skatefest at Otay Ranch Center: The Otay Ranch Center turns its food pavilion into a 1,500 square feet skating rink with artificial ice. This is a great option for the south San Diego County folks who want to spend a day with their family shopping and ice skating during the holidays.

Admission: $5/person for 20 minutes. The price includes skate rentals, making this a great value if you just want to hit the ice for a short time.

Dates Open: 12/11-12/24 Monday-Saturday 12pm-8pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.

More Ice Skating Options in San Diego

The following ice skating rinks are indoors but all of them provide a great opportunity for the family to get out and ice skate during the winter. They have great holiday themes, special events with pro skaters, and even adults only parties on ice. These are the four most popular ice skating rinks year around in San Diego.

Ice Town La Jolla at UTC Mall: General admission is $13, including ice skates. Public sessions are available Monday-Sunday from 10am-10pm, but check the website for an updated schedule.

Kroc Center Salvation Army Ice Arena: From December 15-31 the admission is only $5 for the holidays. This is probably the lowest price in all of Southern California.

San Diego Ice Arena: General admission is $12, child (12 & under) is $10, including ice skate rentals. Check the website for specific hours of public sessions and special events such as adult night on Tuesdays.

Winter Wonderland at the Iceoplex in Escondido: The best value in town at only $10 for an all-day pass including ice skate rentals and unlimited re-entry.

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Overview of San Diego Beach Communities

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

San Diego County has 70 miles of Pacific coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state of California, and the country in general. Here is a brief overview of the beach communities that line the San Diego coast, all of which have their own unique setting and atmosphere.

Oceanside

Oceanside is the site of the famous Mission San Luis Rey, which was built by Spanish missionaries in the early 19th century. Today, Oceanside is the third biggest city in San Diego. Its north side borders Camp Pendleton, which is one of the largest military bases in the United States. Oceanside has eight beaches, a large pier that makes for a pleasant stroll, and a small harbor. Oceanside has been experiencing a dramatic growth since the 1970s, and its downtown area is currently being developed, with new apartment buildings, restaurants and hotels being built. Oceanside’s economic base is its commercial and industrial sectors.

Carlsbad

Carlsbad is a quaint coastal town located just south of Oceanside. It has beautiful, clean beaches and a picturesque downtown area where you’ll often find locals jogging, biking, or sitting in the patio of a local café enjoying the sun. There are some great jogging trails on the Carlsbad State Beach, and there are several nearby resorts and great shopping boutiques. Carlsbad is also the home of the famous Legoland Theme Park, a favorite with kids.

Encinitas

Encinitas is located about 25 miles north of downtown San Diego. It’s a beach city that includes the smaller communities of historic Encinitas, new Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Olivenhain. Encinitas’s most famous beach is the beautiful Moonlight Beach. It’s a fairly wide beach that narrows as you walk south and the sea cliffs begin. Encinitas’s biggest industry is the growing of ornamental flowers, poinsettias especially.

Solana Beach

Solana Beach is south of Encinitas and it offers 1.7 miles of beautiful coastline. Fletcher Cove is its most famous beach and is a great spot to watch the sunset. Solana Beach’s Cedros Avenue Design District is a colorful commercial district that offers great shopping, dining and some of the best live music venues in San Diego County.

Del Mar

Del Mar is one of the wealthier beach towns in San Diego, and many famous celebrities have purchased homes there, including the likes of Brad Pitt and Tony Hawk. Del Mar has many upscale residential communities and resorts. The San Diego County Fair happens every year at the famous Del Mar Fairgrounds, which also host the Del Mar Racetrack, where horseracing aficionados gather every year. Del Mar is one of the few places where the rare Torrey Pine grows.

La Jolla

La Jolla is a small, very wealthy and famously exclusive costal city that is not technically incorporated into the City of San Diego, but is located in San Diego County. La Jolla’s downtown area is very diverse and features plenty of upscale boutiques and restaurants. Downtown La Jolla is just a few blocks away from the beach. The La Jolla Cove attracts a lot of visitors, with its beautiful tide pools and the famous Seal Beach. Other La Jolla attractions include the Birch Aquarium and the Torrey Pines State Reserve. La Jolla is also the home to the University of California’s San Diego campus, as well as many of the country’s most renowned scientific research centers, namely in the biomedical field.

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach (or PB, as it is more commonly called) is one of the best barhopping spots in San Diego. There is a lively party atmosphere on weekend nights, and always something to do. You’ll find some great breweries and restaurants in Pacific Beach, and can visit the nearby Mission Bay Park, a 4,500 acre water park near Mission Beach, where you can picnic in the grass or venture out into the water and try something new.

Coronado

Coronado Island is located in the middle of the San Diego Bay, and it is one of the most popular vacation beach communities in the country. It has an idyllic beach and a relaxing environment that’s perfect for unwinding and catching up on your down time. Coronado is renowned for its world class hotels and resorts, especially the historic Hotel Del Coronado, which has hosted a long list of famous celebrities, from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna, and was the setting for the classic comedy film “Some Like it Hot”.

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