Checking Off New Year's Resolutions

The year is winding down (that was fast!) and it’s time to contemplate goals for 2016.  According to Nielsen (the global information company, known for the television Nielsen ratings), seven of the top ten most popular New Year’s Resolutions can be checked off the list by booking a vacation at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals.  Hard to believe?  Let’s break it down.   

Traveling More is on the list, and booking a flight to invariably sunny Mission Bay, San Diego, definitely counts.  Even if Mission Bay is somewhere you can drive to, getting out of the house and spending time in a new environment is always invigorating and helps one reset their hectic schedule.  Making picturesque San Diego your first stop in the new year is a no-brainer.  

Staying Fit and Healthy, year after year, is always at the top of the list.  Gyms are usually the winner here, with memberships spiking in January; but how many of us keep going for the rest of the year?  Forget exercising indoors, Mission Bay is packed with fun activities on land and water that will keep your heart rate up.  There’s a reason San Diego is always voted one of the top ‘Fittest’ cities in the U.S.  

Hop on a beach cruiser and ride down the Mission Beach boardwalk or among the calm waters of Mission Bay.  Take in the fresh air as you mountain bike around Torrey Pines or Tecolote Canyon.  Grab your running shoes and you can trace the same biking trails on foot.  Want a little more zen in your physical pursuits?  Head to an outdoor yoga class in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, or Ocean Beach.  

Needless to say, we’ve got plenty of exercise options that involve the deep blue sea.  Snorkeling and SCUBA diving are great ways to burn calories while exploring a new world.  You can rent kayaks and paddle boards for a spin around the bay or the open waters.  Our coastline is a surfer’s paradise for beginners or seasoned riders.   Mission Beach Surfing School offers not just surf lessons, but kite and wake surfing, as well as stand up paddle boarding.   Pacific Surf School will let you book private or group classes, rent paddle boards, or book a yoga class on top of a surf board.  Chances are, at least one of these will qualify as Learning a New Hobby.  

Losing Weight (especially those pesky holiday pounds) is usually at the top of the list of most New Year’s Resolutions.  With all the outdoor fun in Mission Bay, the weight will melt off without even trying.  On top of the exercising, San Diego is one of the best cities in the world for healthy and delicious clean eating.  Our town has its pick of great farmer’s markets and farm-to-table restaurants, where the food is salubrious, fresh, and tasty.  Peace Pies in Ocean Beach, is an uber-casual vegan cafe (blink and you might walk past it) with an amazing menu that even seasoned meat-eaters will love.   True Food Kitchen is a popular national chain at the Fashion Valley Mall, that researches the vendors they use to ensure delicious, healthy and organic menu options.  

It’s easy to Enjoy Life to the Fullest when you are Spending Quality Time with Family and Friends in a gorgeous location with perfect weather.  Spend a day at Belmont Park with your loved ones and you will definitely be living life to its fullest.  From a fast-paced plunging rollercoaster, to scaling rock walls, or navigating a ropes course suspended in mid-air, the adrenaline will be high as will the fun factor.  Make memories while playing miniature golf, or cheering on your loved ones as they attempt to surf the FlowBarrel.  After exploring our beautiful town and charming neighborhoods, you can always repose on a lounge chair or sunbath on the sand while Reading a New Book.  

We told you, Mission Bay Vacation Rentals is going to take care of your resolutions this year!   Call today to book one of our wonderful homes for your first vacation of 2016.  After a busy holiday season your family and New Year’s Resolution list will thank you!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

San Diego’s most famous destinations are getting into the 'Holiday Spirit' with larger than life celebrations.  From real snow to 40 foot tall trees to acrobatic elves, this year, you will not want to miss out on all the happiness leading up to Christmas Day.   In fact, there will be 'kids jingle belling and everyone telling you, be of good cheer.'

Petco Park has been transformed into a 'Holiday Wonderland' (running now through December 23rd) that will incite plenty of 'oohs' and 'ahhs.'  Maybe you’ve visited the colossal stadium to root for the Padres, but chances are you’ve never seen it like this before.  For its second year in a row, from 4:30 to 9:30 pm, the park will be covered in thousands of glowing lights and in the middle of the field a 40 foot tree will hold center stage creating a spectacular display that will enchant and delight.  Tickets start at $20 for adults, $10 for kids (children under 3 are free), and check out their website for info on military discounts.  For $25 you can get a printed out photo with Santa and a commemorative Padres’ ornament.  There will be a ‘Polar Express’ train circling the field ($5 per ride), allowing you to take in all the wonder.  Concession stands will be open for those who might get a little hungry, and the merchandise stores will also be open to buy last-minute Christmas gifts for the sports fan in their life.



 

LEGOLand Holiday Snow Days & Winter Nights is truly an unbelievable sight!  LEGOLand will have a blanket of snow this year, making it look like its Scandinavian country of origin more than Southern California. There will be so much snow, visitors will be able to build snowmen (accessorized with LEGO parts, of course), throw snow balls at colorful targets, ride snow tubes down the hill, and pretend for a day that it is going to be a white Christmas.  Visitors of all ages will love the Holiday Light Show, which coordinates animated lights with favorite holiday tunes, for a festive  mix of sight and sound.  Families will love posing with the life size Santa and his reindeer or in front of the 30 foot tall Christmas Tree made entirely of brightly colored LEGOs.  In the evening, fireworks will light up the sky from December 26 to the 31st.  Mark this me on your calendar, as the snow will officially melt on January 4th. 


 

In our opinion, you can't visit the San Diego Zoo enough times, and this week's annual  'Jungle Bells' celebration is the perfect excuse to go.  The zoo will be chock full of festive activities until Christmas Day.  Pay Santa a visit at his Igloo set up and bring a camera!   The kids will love Dr. Zoolittle's telling his wacky version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  Take a ride on the Holiday Train and zig zag around the park, passing by many of the new animal-shaped light sculptures scattered around the park just for Jungle Bells.  Before you leave, before you check out the elves literally flying through the air, performing stunning acrobatic feats on a trampoline.  Live music and carolers will provide the perfect holiday soundtrack as you wander through this wild Winter Wonderland.  Don’t forget to tag photos your share on social media with the hashtag #sdzjunglebells for a chance to win a behind the scenes look at Polar Bear Plunge.

 

Call us today and book a home in Mission Bay, centrally located to all the Christmas fun!  You'll be able to spend a day at each activity and still have time to unwind with a walk along the bay or on the beach boardwalk.  After a week in Mission Bay you'll have no doubts that 'it's the hap-happiest  season of all.'

Festive Parades and Processions

This weekend you will not want to miss out on the Holiday parades (with a Californian twist) happening on both land and water.  Two things San Diego has in spades are boats and pets, thanks to our neighbor, the Pacific Ocean, and the hundreds of parks scattered all over the city.  It’s only natural that our town has found a way to incorporate these two while celebrating this festive season.   
On Saturday, December 12, Mission Bay will be treated to a sea-faring show with the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights.  You’ll be enchanted as these brightly decorated boats sail around the bay, beginning at Quivira Basin.  The festivities begin at 6pm, and we recommend you watch it from Crown Point and the east side of Vacation Island, or the west side of Fiesta Island.Another recommendation would be that you grab dinner before hand at Dan Diegos Euro Cafe and Pub, for cosy comfort food from the British Isles.  Dig into hearty beef Shepard’s Pie or Dan Diegos Burger (which includes corned beef, caramelized onions, and bacon).  Just be sure you leave room for their famous bread pudding.  No matter your previous opinions of Bread Pudding, this sweet thick, gooey dessert will make a fan out of anyone.   

For a heart warming and hilarious holiday activity, head over to Gaslamp Quarter downtown for the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade.  This offbeat parade is open to all furry, feathered and scaled pets, and is always good for a laugh as well as cooing over some of these adorable participants.    Try and guess who will win the prize for Best Costume, Best Costume Duo, and Best Ugly Sweater!  The parade begins at 3:00 pm at 410 K Street and photos ops will be plenty as the critters and their owners pass under the iconic Gaslamp Quarter archway towards MLK Promenade Park.   

If you’re feeling a bit peckish and in the Gaslamp Quarter, head over to Meze, a modern, Greek fusion restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating, in case you have a dog accompanying you.  Flavor abound with their take on french fries (tossed in garlic, fresh parsley, and topped with feta cheese), Fiery Feta Dip, as well as their version of a Greek Taco (try the gyro or falafel option).       For those who are more adventurous, order the octopus, either as a salad or as a small hot plate, which is always grilled to perfection.  

The 44th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a grand affair that takes place this Sunday, the 13th, and next Sunday, the 20th.  100 vessels will be neatly decked out in their holiday finest as they sail around Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the ferry landing in Coronado.  The theme this year is "Christmas Around the World" and these boats will receive a festive makeover complete with sparkling lights, garland, and maybe even full-sized Santa Sleigh.  The boats start their sail at 5:30 and will be gliding past spectators until around 7:30.  Catch the procession from the north or south ends of the Embarcadero, the park behind Seaport Village, or along the pathway of the Coronado.  Visit their WEBSITE for more details about where the route will follow and the best times to see everything.

If you want to have a tasty, casual seafood dinner, head over to Islander for incredibly fresh fish.  Locals come here for their raw oysters and seafood chowder, which can be addictive.  For those wanting a thick cut of delicious fish, the menu gives you plenty of options.  You chose the type of fish (like halibut, swordfish, or even shrimp) and tell them how you would like it ordered (as a burrito, grilled, fried or in a salad).  

Part of the enjoyment of this hectic season is spending time with family and friends and having fun.  What better way to keep this season merry and bright, than to watch a cavalcade of lights on the water and an uproarious procession of pets and owners strutting their stuff?  Book a vacation with Us (Mission Bay Vacation Rentals), at one of our Bay Side Homes, and create memories together this Holiday Season.  

'Tis the Season for Fun!

The holiday season is upon us, which means twinkling lights, spreading joy, and maybe buying a gift or two.  There won’t be a shortage of Santa sightings this month, from parades to tree lightings, the big guy in red will be all over San Diego.  As temperatures drop to the 50’s in the evening (burr!), you’ll want to bundle up in a light sweater and sip on some piping hot chocolate or wassail, while you stroll through the holiday cheer our town has planned.  

Santa is making appearance at all of the Holiday Parades happening this weekend, starting with the Toyland Parade & Festival on Saturday at 11:00 am.  This is the 52nd year for the trendy North Park and Hillcrest neighborhood’s festival, which will wind down around 3:00 pm.  Next, you can head over to Ocean Beach for the 36th annual OB Holiday Parade which begins at 5:05pm.  This parade will not only feature classic cars and the Point Loma Marching Band, but also the SD Roller Derby Dolls, who will be gliding down street in their outrageous get ups.  On Sunday, December 6th, La Jolla will be hosting their Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, complete with photo ops with Santa and crafts for the little ones.  The parade starts at 1:30 pm and all the fun will go on until 5:00 pm.   

If brightly lit Christmas trees are your favorite part of the season, then you won’t want to miss the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village on Saturday, December 5th.  Santa drop by at 4:00 pm saying hello to all the good girls and boys, and to help light the 25 foot tree (that’s actually made up of over 1,000 poinsettias) at 5:30 pm.  The festivities will go on until 8:00 pm, which will give you plenty of time to wander through the holiday vendors, sip on hot mulled cider, and sing along with the live music. 

Balboa Park will transform into a Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 4th, and Saturday, December 5th, for the park’s 38th year celebrating December Nights.  Along will the thousands of brilliant lights winding through the grounds, there will also be delicious food and gorgeous music from all over the world.  One of the highlights of December Nights is that many of the museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.  This is something that the whole family will want to see, and the park has designated an interactive area just for children across from the Botanical Building.  The merriment begins on Friday at 3pm and on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm.  

While you are in the Balboa Park neighborhood in the evening, consider a stop at Eclipse Chocolate, a charming bistro, that also has an impressive menu of hot chocolates.  Yes! there’s a whole section on the menu devoted to different combinations and infusions for their specially crafted drinking chocolate.  Considering Travel & Leisure magazine awarded them with ‘America’s Best Hot Chocolate’ title, this would also be a great stocking stuffer, as they sell packaged versions of their popular, chocolaty drink.   They also sell an assortment of chocolates, caramels and sweets, that would be make lovely hostess gifts or the perfect treat to bring to a holiday party.

December is a magical month in San Diego.  Our town is packed will so many holiday activities,   there’s no missing out on the festive spirit and constant fun.  Why not start the celebrating this weekend by booking a stay at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals?  You might even consider spending the month with us at the beach for a truly relaxing holiday season.  And, don’t worry, Santa will know where to find you.   

San Diego 'Hike-about'

If you want to skip all the post-Thanksgiving shopping madness and burn off some of those pie calories then head to the great outdoors for some fresh air and beautiful scenery.  San Diego is not called “America’s Finest City” just because of our sparkling beaches, our mountains and forests are just as inviting.  We’ve highlighted some of our favorite hikes this week, so you know exactly where to go and what you’ll see.

Torrey Pines, just north of La Jolla, is the perfect place to hike with over 2,000 acres to explore.  On Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, rangers are available to give tours.  Torrey Pines is a reserve not a park, so dogs are not allowed (except for service dogs), in order to help protect the eco system.  For first time visitors, it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve listed some of our favorite easy trails below. 

Walk through Whittaker Garden (which has markers that identify the local flora) to start the Parry Grove trail for a short half-mile loop.  Parry Grove is known for their California wildflowers in the colder, wet months.

You can combine this short hike with the High Point Trail by walking up the stairs, or just head to the High Point trail for a nice walk with the oldest tree grove in the reserve.  Some of the tall trees shading the trail are over 200 years old. 

Yucca Point Trail is an easy hike that is little over a mile with a gradual elevation change of about 200 feet.  One point of the trail offers access to the beach and either way you walk you are treated with lovely views.

Another easy trail that won’t take too long to hike is the 1.3 mile Razor Point Trail, which also offers dramatic vistas.                                                                                                                                 

The Beach Trail is a little steeper than some of the other easy trails, but is still manageable and only ¾ of a mile.  This is a fascinating trail for budding geologists as you can observe the diverse changes of the rocks and terrain as the trail winds from the shore to the forest.

Guy Fleming Trail is 0.7 of a mile and also offers breathtaking views, making it easy to spot dolphins and whales in the winter months.

Twenty five minutes from Mission Bay is Mount Cowles, the highest peak within San Diego city limits, located in Mission Trails Regional Park.  This hike is so popular, it sees more visitors scaling to the top every year than Japan’s Mount Fuji.  It’s such a gradual incline, it is a good beginner’s trail, however there isn’t much shade so be sure to pack a hat and sunblock during sunny days.  This three-mile hike is ideal when the sun is setting, where you can take in the colorful sunsets and city lights as the night grows darker.

Also located in Mission Trails is the Oak Canyon Trail, another popular hike, in the 5,800 acre regional park.   The path is lined with tall sycamore trees and because of some steep switchbacks, is more of a moderate climb in difficulty.  However, the views of Lake Murray, the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego and Mexico, make it worth it.  With some even pacing, anyone can push through to the top. 

To really get outside of the city, head over to Los Penasquitos Canyon (about 20 minutes north of Mission Bay) for a tranquil stroll through rolling hills and a babbling brook.  The trail that meanders through the canyon is about five miles long, and has a waterfall about 3 miles in, so if you don’t want to make the entire trek, you can turn around at this point.   The paths are wide and safe for the whole family, and keep your eyes peeled for deer that wander around. 

From exploring the trails at sea level to climbing the highest mountain in the city, and everything in between, San Diego has some of the most gorgeous hikes in the world.  For the cooler fall months (mid-60s is chilly for us), heading outside for a brisk hike is the perfect way to enjoy our great town.  Book a stay at one of lovely properties at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and start enjoying Mother Nature. 

Kid Tested & Adult Approved Eateries

With a world-famous zoo, sunny beaches, and a toy-themed amusement park, it's no wonder families flock to San Diego (and these are just a few of the kid-orientated options our town has to offer!).  Sometimes it's hard to plan on where to go for a sit-down meal with a young brood that satisfies both young AND older taste buds. Here are a few of our favorites that are casual, offer delectable fare, and best of all, welcome rambunctious little ones. 

Corvette Diner is a popular retro food joint that promises not only a tasty meal but also a rockin' party every time you visit. Servers dress in '50s garb from head to toe (beehives and all) and will even occasionally break out in song and dance, encouraging audience participation.  Portions are generous and it's hard to choose between the yummy salads, every type of hot sandwich, or pastas.  Don't forget to order one of their old-fashioned fountain drinks (like an egg cream) or thick milkshakes in one of their creative flavors (like Banana Berry Bingo).  The kids will especially love the attached arcade that offers everything from classic skeeball to modern day guitar hero. Come hungry, and we suggest you make reservations for weekend evenings.

For a family-friendly California-take on the classic beer garden, head to Station Tavern. Indoor and outdoor picnic tables give it a laid back feel, while the sandbox and playground will keep the kids happy as you wait for your food.  The kids’ menu's prices start at $3.50 and they also have a great selection of local brews, which will keep any parent happy.  Known for delicious burgers and tater tots, you also don't want to miss the amazing garlic fries and The Yardbird (a free range chicken smothered in pepper jack cheese and house made barbecue sauce).   “Station” (as locals refer to it) opens at 11:00 a.m. and is closed on Mondays. 

Waypoint Public has an inventive menu (thanks to Executive Chef, and Top Chef contestant, Amanda Baumgarten) and a designated kids’ area complete with AstroTurf and a white picket fence.  Waypoint is known for its impressive beer selection (over 100 choices that are either on-tap or bottled), and most are locally brewed.   The staff not only know their drinks, but they are also great with kids.  It's hard to make a wrong choice with the impressive menu (think pub fare with inventive twists) but we highly recommend the “BLT Deviled Eggs” as a starter and the hearty and enormous "Waypoint Burger."  Call ahead to reserve a table next to the kids’ area. 

One of our favorite things about Beaumonts in La Jolla is that their kids’ menu offers small portions for tiny eaters ('Little Bowl of Fruit') and larger options for big kids with bigger appetites (chocolate chip pancakes with fruit).  The kids’ menu is also geared toward picky little eaters ('Oodles of Noodles are plain noodles with butter with Parmesan) as well as kids with healthy appetites ('Mini' house salads).  Adults are going to love the exotic flatbreads (Wild boar, anyone?), mouth-watering sides (goat cheese mashed potatoes, yes please!), and delicious entrees (the braised lamb shank with mint chimichurri is divine!).  This place is great for foodies and foodies-in-training.  

We've mentioned The Wave House in Belmont Park before, but as far as great food with a kid-friendly environment goes, this place is a clear winner.  Not only is the food great, but there's always some kind of thrilling entertainment thanks to the FlowBarrel wave machine located just steps from the tables. Sitting outdoors you have clear views of surfers braving the man-made waves, which will enthrall patrons both young and old.  Kids can nosh on fish and chips while grown-ups can enjoy the blackened cod sandwich, and everyone can share the nachos and truffle fries.  

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and this is the perfect time to pack up the whole family and book a home from Mission Bay Vacation Rentals.   Of course our housing options have lovely kitchens, but for those meals when you want a break from cooking, we've got you covered.  Picking a kid-friendly dining experience doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fine dining or a good time for everyone in the family.

Exploring an Aquatic Ecosystems

Of all the many ecosystems you can explore, very few let you spy on their natural state as the tide pools along the shore.  Formed when water is trapped in depressions on rocky shorelines, and fully exposed at low tide, these mini-worlds are filled with fascinating tiny creatures and beautiful flowering plants.  November to March is the optimal time to explore the many tide pools of San Diego, and here are just a few that we love to visit.

Flat Rock, at Torrey Pines State reserve, is named for the horizontal slab of rock that look like it's emerging from the ocean during high tide.  During low tide it is a captivating tide pool filled with sea anemones, mussels, hermit crabs, and sea stars.  A visit here requires a bit of a hike, but one that’s lined with tall pine trees and a cool ocean breeze.  

For those wanting to explore a smaller rocky intertidal zone (a fancy word for an area that is under water during high tide and above water in low tide), than check out Shell Beach in La Jolla.  Located at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps park, this tide pool gets big crowds during the weekend because of the occasional seal which suns itself atop the reef so we recommend visiting during the week.  

We love the tide pools under the Ocean Beach Pier (at the foot of Newport Avenue) because they are so accessible.  They’re a close drive from Mission Bay and do not require a hike, so it's easy to explore with little ones.  If they look too crowded or the tide isn’t low enough, you can always grab a bite on the pier or at some of the great eateries in Ocean Beach and wait for better conditions.  

At the north end of Pacific Beach, you’ll find Tourmaline Surfing Park's tide pools,  which are carved into the sandstone.  This is not your typical pool, as it does not see as much flowing sea water over the rocks, so you’ll find different marine life here than at a traditional tide pool.  

One of the more famous tide pools in San Diego is at the base of Point Loma, below the lighthouse of Cabrillo National Monument.  Like Flat Rock, this reef also requires a hike, but the vast area and unique formations are well worth a visit.  Ideally, you’ll get there as soon as the park opens at 9:00 a.m. to avoid excessive waiting, as the parking lot will close temporarily when the tide pools get too crowded.   Stop by the park’s visitor center for an educational slide show about the pools before you make the trek.  There are also rangers wandering around who can offer tips and interesting facts about the area.  

Birch Aquarium in La Jolla offers two ways to explore these under water communities.  The first is at their Preuss Tide-Pool Plaza on site, where they have recreated the ecosystem in three different pools.  There are glass windows that look into the complex intertidal worlds and docents are also averrable for any questions you might have.  The Plaza sits above La Jolla and also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego.

The Aquarium also offers ‘San Diego Tidepooling Adventures,’ where you can visit Dike Rock, just north of the Scripps Pier, and learn about this amazing environment.  A trained naturalist will explain exactly how all these creatures can survive in such contradictory climates (wet and dry in both salt water and fresh, depending on the rainfall).  You must be at least 2 years old for this tour and pre-purchased tickets are required ($12 for Aquarium members and $15 for non-member). 

All visits should be planned during low tide, and you can track the tide schedule HERE.  Tide pools are known for being slippery and the rocks can have very jagged edges, so non-slip shoes that you won’t mind getting wet are ideal.  Always face the ocean when walking and examining so you are aware of unexpected and approaching waves.  

Remember, tide pools are a very fragile eco-system, and while they provide fascinating entertainment for us, we must be careful not to get too close to the animals living there.  These areas are protected so no poking or picking up sea creatures, or taking ‘souvenirs’ (this includes  shells, which are where hermits crabs call ‘home’) with you.  You can truly observe these eco-systems in their most pure state when observing and not touching.  We want these pools to last forever so we need to make sure we tread lightly when visiting.

Looking closely into the clear waters on these rocky reefs is like spying on life forms on another planet.  The San Diego coastline is brimming with these pools that can captivate both adults and children.  Spend a fews days with us, at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, exploring these dazzling and delicate ecosystems.  

Saluting Our Soldiers

With a US Marine Corps base in north San Diego county, and an United States Naval Base downtown, San Diego is definitely a ‘military town.’  With that in mind, this is going to be the perfect place to celebrate Veterans Day next week on November 11th.  Even if you won’t be able to honor veterans next Wednesday, there are plenty of ways to pay tribute to them any day of the year.  Here, we've highlighted a few places to visit on Veterans Day and beyond.

 Originally a holiday meant to commemorate the end of World War I, when on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month all major hostilities ended in 1918, Veterans’s Day was actually called Armistice Day for many decades.  In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks had the idea to expand Armistice Day to honor all veterans and not just those from World War I.  Two years later, Armistice Day in the United States encompassed all veterans, thanks to Weeks, who is known as the "Father of Veterans Day."  In 1954 Congress officially changed the day’s name to Veterans Day.  

The San Diego Veterans Day Parade is a San Diego tradition planned and organized by 'Veterans Week San Diego,' an all-volunteer group who want to honor those who have served our nation.  Visit the website HERE for specifics on where to catch the parade route.  The theme of the parade will be honoring 'America's Greatest Generation' and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the ending of World War II.  The mile-long parade will begin at 11:00 am (and is expected to end around 1:30 pm) at North Harbor Drive and West Broadway and will run past the USS Midway.

 As soon as the parade winds down, you’ll want to head over to the USS Midway for a full day’s celebration.  Visitors will have the chance to serve the community with the San Diego Blood Bank Blood Drive, taking place on Veterans Day at the Midway starting at 10:00 am.  If you make your appointment in advance HERE and donate blood, admission to the Midway is free that day.  The 70th anniversary of the end of WWII is the main influence the festival, with live music and entertainment and vintage war planes flying overhead.  There will be food, prizes and give-aways, and a special ‘Kidz Zone.’  Along with active military, admission is free to all veterans with a veterans ID. 

 If you can’t make it to the historic aircraft carrier on the 11th, you will definitely want to make a trip out to the Navy Pier another time.  Although it was constructed during World War II, the USS Midway did not go into operation until one week after the war ended.  At the time of its completion until 1955, it was the largest ship in the world.  It operated for almost 50 years (1945-1992) and had over 225,000 (wow!) sailors serve aboard the ship.  There are over 60 exhibits to visit, including original sleeping quarters, the ship’s jail, and flight control deck.  Check out the Air Wing, where you can climb into a cockpit and see what it felt like to sit in the pilot’s seat.  For the more adventurous, there are three flight simulators you can take for a spin and really feel like you’re racing through the air.  For some authentic military grub, visit the Fantail Cafe, which features items from its original 1945 menu.  There is also a 90-seat theater which plays a 15 minute multimedia film about the history of this great ship.

Another option to pay homage to veterans is a stop to the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park.  All branches of the military are covered here and is a home to all veteran groups.  There are military artifacts from World War I all the way to Desert Storm, like the first American flag that fell in the Philippines in World War II.   Military photographs and artwork that date back to the Civil War to present day are part of the permanent collection.  Take a living history tour with a veteran docent and hear first hand, what occurred in some of these historic battles.  The museum, housed in a former chapel of the Naval Hospital, is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Veterans Day celebration in downtown San Diego is a touching way to recognize those who have sacrificed for our country's freedom.  Next week, book a stay with us and take your time attending the Veterans Day Parade, visiting the USS Midway and the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.  Mission Bay Vacation Rentals would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to those who have served in the armed forces.