Where Form Follows Function . . . and the Sun

San Diego is known for many things: tacos, beaches, perfect weather . . . but did you know that we are also on the map for remarkable architecture?  Just look at the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge at Petco Park, the longest self-anchored pedestrian bridges in the world, to know that we take architecture seriously.  
 A modern stone path floats over six lanes of traffic suspended by a diagonal monolith that seems to be shooting into the sky, all connected by steel poles that look like they’re curving in midair.  Harbor Drive Bridge is just the tip of the iceberg
 as far as gorgeous buildings and structures go.  Here are some of our favorite places to visit:

First stop is the crown jewel of San Diego, a place we can’t stop writing about or visiting: Balboa Park.  This esplanade has so much beauty and history, it’s impossible to cover everything in just one tour, which is convenient since they offer six different walking tours.  On the first Friday of each month at 10:00am, there is the Architecture Heritage Tour led by the Committee of 100, an organization devoted to preserve the beauty of Balboa Park.  

You can also join the Balboa Park History Stroll, presented by the San Diego History Center (Thursdays 11am and 1pm), for a one-hour tour walking down the park’s El Prado.  The History stroll costs $12 and reservations are recommended.  There are so many diverse edifices, from the Spanish colonial Museum of Man to the 1960s Modern Air & Space Museum, you truly cannot visit Balboa Park enough.

The University of California San Diego might be one of the state’s younger universities but thanks to a stellar medical program, engineering school, and the world famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography, they are one of the top educational facilities in the country.  UCSD is also on the map for having one of the most architecturally daring layouts on the planet.  Their unique buildings offer a history of modernism (from the 1950s to today), and their campus is dotted with larger than life sculptures and installation art pieces.  

The Library that stands in the middle of the school is like its own stunning work of art.  Named after one of La Jolla’s most famous residents, Theodor Geisel, who you might know by his pen name, Dr. Seuss.  The library resembles a futurist tree growing out of the concrete, definitely something you would see in a Dr. Seuss book.  The works of art are part of the Stuart Collection and feature 18 unbelievable pieces from artists all over the globe.  This MAP of the campus will weave you around the distinct buildings and take you by all the works of art; we suggest you do not miss Tim Hawkinson’s ‘Bear,’ a 23 foot tall teddy bear made of stone!

Tour Guide Tim’s ‘Explore San Diego Series’ is an amalgamation of the best tours around San Diego that highlight different neighborhoods and their surrounding buildings.  Their website offers links to specific tours as well as lists of notable stops and locations that architecture and history buffs won’t want to miss.  For example, there’s a link to the Heritage Park Victorian Village tour, which lists the Victorian-style homes and San Diego’s first Synagogue in Old Town San Diego.  

There is also info on the Historical Buildings in Downtown, which offers tours by members of the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation.  The Gaslamp Quarter saw its fastest growth in 1867, when it was built up to redirect the center of San Diego closer to the bay.  There are more than 90 buildings in and around the Gaslamp Quarter that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and your guide will point out notable facts and famous residents of the area, like Wyatt Earp.  

Spend a few days exploring the different pockets of our city and you'll see buildings frozen from the Victorian era, perfect examples of Mid-century Modern, and futuristic structures that look like they defy gravity.  You could even start in Mission Bay, admiring the charming beach cottages and spacious homes on the sand.  Check out our Website for even more amazing examples of California-cool beach homes.  

Music To Our Ears

San Diego has its fair share of outdoor concerts thanks to our ideal weather, beautiful scenery, and diverse cultural make-up.  What better way to enjoy the summer, than packing up snacks, a cozy blanket, and sitting under the sky, enjoying some great music from all over the world?   Here we’ve highlighted our three top picks for a melodic outing.

A San Diego tradition since 1984, La Jolla Concerts By the Sea, is a free event, every Sunday in the Summer until September 6th.  The lush, Ellen Browning Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove, is a beautiful patch of grass overlooking the sea.  From 2 to 4p.m., you can enjoy a wide variety of free concerts, from Rock and Roll to Latin Jazz to Cajun Rock.  You can also help support this event and keep it free by purchasing food onsite.  Bullseye Kettle Corn and Hot Dogs, will be selling their tasty fare (with a portion of proceeds going to the Concerts By the Sea), and the non-profit running the concert series will also be selling Haagen Dazs ice cream bars, chips, and candy.   You can also support these concerts by purchasing a raffle ticket for great donated prizes like gift certificates to local restaurants.  This Sunday, Bill Magee Blues Band, will be getting everyone moving with their classic Rhythm and Blues sound.

Celebrating their 13th season, Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green, boasts the prettiest views in San Diego as well as lively music.  From swing to the blues, this concert series is seriously toe-tapping paired with stunning, panoramic vistas of the city.  Located in Kate Sessions Park, above Pacific Beach, you can see Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.   The concerts run for the next 3 Sundays in a row.  Supported by the Pacific Beach Community, this organization’s goal was to bring music to the community, and inspire a love and appreciation of music in younger generations.  Please note, this park does not allow alcohol or glass containers.  Other than that, feel free to pack a smorgasbord of delicious treats and something to sit or lounge on, as you listen to the tunes from 4 to 6:30p.m.  

We briefly highlighted the San Diego Symphony in our Comic Con post, but any chance you have to attend one of the The Ashford University Summer Pops concerts (running until Labor Day), you should go!  This week, especially, will be very exciting.  This Friday and Saturday, The Divas of Disco Starring Radiance will be singing dance-worthy songs by Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, The Pointer Sisters and more.   On Sunday, Warner Bros. Presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II, which will be a big hit for the kids and the kids-at-heart.   The classic cartoon will be projected on a giant screen, while the orchestra performs the original Carl Stalling scores which highlight bits of Wagner, Rossini, and Strauss, to name a few.  Classical music has never been more fun!  

The outdoor concert series, offers different seating arrangements, from cabaret tables, fold down chairs and lawn seating.  We like bringing a few picnic quilts, and laying under the stars while taking in the talents of this world-famous orchestra.  Gates open at 6p.m. and the concerts begin at 7:30p.m.

We love that there are so many great options for outdoor fun in and around Mission Bay.  Plan your next few Sundays around packing a picnic, gathering up friends and family, and heading to one of these al fresco venues.  It’s no wonder we count down the days until summer starts!

The Missions of San Diego

There are 21 Missions that dot the state of California, and four of them can be found in San Diego County.  Not only do we have four, we can also boast to having the largest Mission (Mission San Luis Rey de Francia) and the oldest Mission (Mission San Diego de Alcala).   Established and built by Spanish missionaries between 1769 and 1833, these Missions are the state’s oldest structures and most-visited historic monuments in California.  

This Saturday and Sunday is the Festival of the Bells, an annual two-day bash celebrating the Mission San Diego de Alcala, also referred to as the ‘Mother’ of California’s Missions.  Alcala was founded by Father Junipero Serra on July 16, 1769.  This Mission is a short 15 minute drive from Mission Bay, and this party is sure to be a big hit with the whole family, even your pet.  The  free event will have craft tables, games for the kids, live music and dancing, and plenty of food. 

In the 18th century, bells were a major form of communication; they announced meals, mass, siestas, warned of danger, and rang to commemorate feasts and weddings.  This weekend all five Mission bells are going to be rung (Saturday at noon), including one that dates back to 1802, during the ‘Blessing of the Bells’ ceremony.   

The fun starts at 10am on Saturday, and from 6pm to 9pm there will be entertaining live music from local bands along with traditional dancing.  On Sunday the festival will open at 11am and close at 5:00pm.  Sunday is when the family pet comes into play.  As part of the traditional activities, there will be a ‘Blessing of the Animals’ at 3pm, so feel free to bring your dog, cat, bird, hamster, or whatever you have for a long-established custom that dates back 800 years.  

Be sure you come hungry, as there will be something for everyone, even an area serving ‘Healthy Bites,’ and smoothies.  And to perfectly beat the heat they are also serving root beer floats.  There will also be a raffle and silent auction to help this historic landmark stay open for future generations.  If you can’t make the festival, don’t worry, the Mission is open everyday from 9:00am to 4:45pm.  

If you are feeling adventurous, you can also make a pilgrimage to the other three Missions in San Diego County.  The Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, the largest of all the Missions, is also known as the ‘King of the Missions,’ and walking around the beautiful grounds it’s easy to see why.  Located close to Oceanside, this Mission was established in 1798, and takes its name from King Luis IX of France.  San Luis Rey is open daily for self-guided tours and has a gift shop offering fair-trade and artisan items.   The museum at the Mission holds the largest 18th and 19th century Spanish vestments (religious clothing) in the US.  

Missions were the first effort by Europeans to colonize the Pacific Coast.  They were used as churches, schools, places of refuge, and sometimes military outposts.  The Santa Ysabel Asistencia was actually built as a sub-mission in 1818 for the Mission San Diego de Alcala, and used as a rest stop for travelers venturing from San Diego to Sonora, Mexico.  The original structure is no longer standing, but the San Ysabel chapel, built in 1924, sits next to the adobe structure that was once the Asistencia.  San Ysabel is about an hour drive north east towards the mountains of San Diego.   They are open daily and during the summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day) they have extended visiting hours (8:00am to 5:30pm).  

Assistencia de San Antonio de Pala, also known as the Pala Mission, was dedicated in 1816, and is the only California mission used as a school and church by Native Americas today.  Sitting at the base of the Palomar Mountains, this Mission was originally built as an extension to the Old Mission San Luis Rey.  At 35 feet tall, the Mission’s bell tower is an exact replica of the one that was destroyed by torrential rains in 1916.  This Mission is closed on Mondays and some Tuesdays, so be sure you check out their website before you make a trip mid-week.  

We love that San Diego’s small beginnings as a fabulous city started a few miles from our headquarters in Mission Bay, at the the Mission San Diego de Alcala.  There is so much rich history surrounding our town and what better way to honor it, than to learn about San Diego’s origins.  

KAPOW! BAM! It's time for a Comic Con Takeover!

In March of 1970 the first Comic Con, originally called the Golden State Comic Book Convention, debuted in San Diego with 145 people in attendance.  Last July, over 130,000 people showed up for the now, world famous, four-day event.  Tomorrow starts Comic Con 2015 and we hear its going to be even bigger than the previous years.  This year’s show is already sold out, but there are still some exciting Comic Con themed events to attend.  

“People watching” during Comic Con is truly an experience all on its own, filled with avid comic book readers, film buffs, and countless celebrities.  Head over to the Gaslamp Quarter in the center of Downtown to take in the crowds; and when you feel peckish, pop into a restaurant for a bite.  

What better place to sit down to some delicious grub and take in the sights, than a restaurant / bar called Werewolf?  During Comic-Con some of the ultra-friendly staff will dress up like their favorite comic book characters, making you feel like you’ve walked into another dimension.  The menu is just as bold as the restaurant’s personality — scrumptious and creative sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and appetizers rule the menu.  They do offer some pretty amazing and still inventive salads for those who want something lighter.  

Known for their tasty desserts like gelatos, cheesecakes, and crepes, Chocolat Cremerie also has a menu with mouth-watering savory items.  Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, this charming and quiet eatery, with an European flair, is the perfect place to take in some delicious fare while you take a break from people watching.  We recommend one of their savory crepes finished with a generous helping of gelato (and, no, we can’t pick one favorite flavor - they are all so good!).  

This summer the San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pop series is having fun with Comic Con too.  At the outdoor venue, Embarcadero Marina Park South, located on the bay side of the San Diego Convention Center, you can set up a picnic and listen to a beautiful . . . video game soundtrack?  Yup!  Tomorrow, at 8pm, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra will perform Pokemon: Symphonic Evolutions, a symphonic take on the popular video game’s melodies.  The symphony will perform with a giant screen behind them projecting action packed Pokemon images and $1 of each ticket goes towards supporting arts education programs.

Saturday, July 11th’s performance is going to be out of this world, as the orchestra performs the film score to the smash-hit Star Trek Into Darkness.  Come early to participate in the Star Trek Costume Contest.  Sign up as you enter, and the judging will begin at 7pm.  What better way to enjoy heart-pounding film score of Star Trek than by literally relaxing under the stars?

For 18 years The Legend of Zelda has been one of Nintendo’s most popular games, and did you know it’s also led to its own Symphony and Chorus?  It’s true, and on Saturday at 7:30pm,  the Zelda Symphony and Chorus is going to perform downtown in the Copley Symphony Hall.  Even if you didn’t grow up playing the action-packed adventure game, you’ll be captivated by the “The Legend of Zelda:Symphony of the Goddesses - Master Quest,” a four-movement symphonic work.  The piece is performed with a larger than life video presentation that has been coordinated to the music.  

Get ready for the largest pop culture event in the United States, happening, right here in San Diego.  Comic Con is all about the die-hard fans who think nothing of donning comic book hero garb and having fun with it.  ‘Fun’ being the operative word here.  Yes, it’s going to be crowded and maybe a little bit crazy, but it’s also going to be a blast!  And, when you’ve had your fill of superheroes and villains, head back to your place at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, for a picturesque end to an absolutely amazing weekend. 

Let's Celebrate the 4th of July!

The 4th of July is one of those holidays where our town can feel like you’re in old-fashioned Main Street, USA.  You can barbecue, talk with locals, catch a small parade and then end the evening with a spectacular fireworks display.  Starting at 9pm, San Diego’s skies light up in all directions with different firework shows along the shore.  Before then, however, here are a few of our highlights for what to do. . .    

Small towns across the US will be having local 4th of July parades, and even though San Diego is a massive city, if you take the short drive to Coronado Island, than you too can participate in this tradition.  Based on how popular this parade is, Coronado suggests you get there early to reserve your spot on Orange Ave, and bike or walk as much as possible (parking is going to be sparse).  This is a military town, so expect precise and exceptional marching bands and poignant floats.  

If you haven’t checked out this year’s San Diego County Fair, than Saturday is a great day to go. Patriotic festivities kick off at 10:30am with the Stars, Stripes, and Stems Floral Design Contest and family-oriented fun like, the pie-eating contest at noon, go until the 9:00pm fireworks.  Comedian and actor Dana Carvey will be performing as the light show winds down at 9:30pm.  And, if you wear your red, white and blues you might win the ‘Most Patriotic Costume’ contest.

What can be more all-American than a barbecue at the beach?    Many of our shores are dotted with fire pits ready to cook hot dogs, s’mores, or veggie shish kabobs.  Fire pits are first come first serve with a few basic rules (fires are permitted from 5am to 12midnight; fires must be extinguished when you leave; you can only burn charcoal, wood, and paper products).  Here is a brief list of some of our favorite beaches and beach-side parks (and, no surprise, most of them are in Mission Bay):

La Jolla Shore is a perfect spot to spend a whole day.  Not only does it have fire pits, but also a grassy park area, picnic tables, a playground, volleyball area, restrooms, and showers. 

Ski Beach in Mission Bay doesn’t allow swimming but it does offer a boat launch, a grassy area with a picnic tables, and of course, fire rings.

Crown Point Shores Park Beach, also in Mission Bay, has picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, and an outdoor rinsing station right next to the water.  

Sunset Point Park (Mission Bay) sits across from Vacation Isle and has a panoramic view of Mission Bay.  Lined with tall palm trees, this beachside park has fire rings, picnic tables and a paved path for bike riding.

Fiesta Island is a man-made island at the heart of Mission Bay with 37 fire rings along the shore line.  The south side of the island is a lease-free dog zone, however we should mention there are no public restrooms on the island.   

The fire pits in Ocean Beach are popular thanks to the beach’s relaxed vibe (as we’ve mentioned before), and their reputation for being very dog friendly.

The beach on Coronado Island has fire pits ready to BBQ on, volleyball courts, a snack bar, and public restrooms.  They are also known for having one of the cleanest shorelines in California.  

San Diego has the gift of being a large city that feels like a sweet, small town.  From Oceanside to San Diego Bay (with Ocean Beach, Mission Bay, Harbor Island, and La Jolla in between!), you can’t miss the fireworks display this year.  So pack a picnic, grab your bike (to avoid traffic) and plan to soak up the sun and then enjoy the fireworks that night.  Here at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, we can’t wait to celebrate this great country we live in and our great town!