San Diego's Biggest Fan

Spend Memorial Day Weekend with one of San Diego's founding fathers, John Diedrich Spreckels (known to his friends as J.D.).  Since he was born in 1853, you won't exactly be able to spend time with J.D. himself, but thanks to many of his generous contributions to the city, you can still enjoy his legacy.  There are some terrific activities going on right now in his namesake park, the theater he helped build, and the colossal organ in Balboa Park.

J.D. was responsible for turning San Diego from a sleepy village into the beautiful city it is today.  He brought the Arizona Railway to the coast, making San Diego the hub, and helped transform Coronado Island into a resort town complete with Hollywood movie stars.  After buying the horse powered San Diego street railway system he changed it to electricity, helping the city move into the future.  Needless to say, he was the wealthiest man in San Diego, and one of the city's biggest fans. 

In 1912, he built a beautiful theater (christened Spreckels Theater, of course), to bring vaudeville to San Diego, which later became a movie palace and then transformed into the performing space it is now.  The theater was the first modern commercial playhouse west of the Mississippi and is now home to the San Diego Ballet, lavish musicals and even the occasional rock concert.  Spreckels underwent a massive renovation in honor of its centennial birthday which uncovered marble sculptures and the original box office.  Currently playing is the classic Broadway musical "42nd Street," a tap-dancing extravaganza, that will be running through mid-June. 

Spreckels Park, home to the Coronado Flower Show, hosts weekly summer concerts in the gazebo every Sunday at 6:00 PM.  The series begins this Sundy, the 29th, with a performance by the Coronado Community Band, a multi-generational band made up of all volunteers.  Parking can be a little tough right before the music starts, so we suggest going a few hours early in order to snag a close spot and to enjoy the picturesque park.  There are picnic tables throughout, mature trees that offer the perfect amount of shade, and a massive playground that even grown-ups will want to explore.  The park was donated by J.D. in 1927, as he owned the entire island of Coronado, for locals to enjoy the quaint island.  Judging by how well-maintained the park is, it's safe to say Mr. Spreckels would be proud of his Coronado community today.

One of the most spectacular contributions from J.D. is the Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park.  The outdoor organ is made up of 4,725 pipes, ranging in size from 32 feet to the size of a pencil.  This is one of the largest outdoor pipe organs in the world.  The Spreckels Organ was donated in 1914, and since 1917 has hosted free weekly Sunday concerts.  This Sunday, May 29th, from 2:00 to 3:15 PM is a very special tribute to David Bowie.  Sitting outside, watching the organist play on an organ that is housed in a vaulted, embellished gables, listening to magnificent music, is an unforgettable experience, one we know J.D. would love.

J.D. was a visionary who saw the potential that little San Diego had.  This weekend, there will be plenty to do, thanks to John D. Spreckels.  Move into one of Mission Bay Vacation Rentals for a long weekend and start exploring the sites and sounds that San Diego has thanks to Spreckels. 

Taco Time!

San Diego is home to the best tacos in the country and we're ready to stand by that statement.  Tacos date back to the 1700s and are so popular they have books written about them and even have a day of the week associated with them.  A simple corn tortilla filled with different grilled or fried meats and veggies sounds simple enough, but not all tacos are created equal.    



With hundreds of restaurants to chose from, it can be hard to know where to start, that's why San Diego TacoFest is such a brilliant idea.  TacoFest is happening this Saturday (May 21st) downtown and for any taco lover this is a dream festival.  Twenty of San Diego's best taquerias will be serving their signature tacos.  Pace yourself and wonder Waterfront Park experimenting and deciding who has your favorite.  Doors open at 11:00 AM, and live music begins at 11:15 AM.  This isn't your average food festival, as it will also include five Luche Libre wrestling matches (first one starts at 12:40 PM) from Tijuana's Baja Stars.  There will be various music groups performing, culminating with a performance by legendary rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot (who hits the stage at 8:45 PM).  This is a 21 and over event and advance tickets start at $20 and day-of tickets are $25 (note: ticket prices do not include food or drinks).  Click HERE for a list of participating vendors.      



TacoFest had us thinking about our Favorite Taqueria's and even though choosing your favorite taco joint in this city is like choosing your favorite child (impossible!), we compiled a list of five favorites according to neighborhood.    



La Jolla
The Taco Stand is a small, casual taqueria in a strip center that serves generous-sized and incredibly tasty tacos.  If you're only going to order one taco make it the al pastor, but it you have room for two, then order the grilled spicy shrimp.  The al pastor is perfectly cooked with pineapple for a unique flavor that has fans returning just for that taco.  They offer salsas but chances are you won't need them, so take a bite first before you add any.  Parking can be a little tough in the neighborhood, but after such a filling meal, you won't mind walking a ways to get to your car.    




Pacific Beach
Taco Surf Taco Shop is exactly that: a taco shop for surfers who love tacos.  Covered (literally from wall to ceiling) in surf boards, you'll find locals waiting in line next to tourists who want simple, delicious food.  Their carne asada taco is what puts them on the map, but they are also known for their grilled fresh fish taco and  tortillas.  Local tip: if you're staying in the area in one of Mission Bay Vacation Rental's homes, then we suggest a return visit for their breakfast burrito.  

North Park
For those who crave an unconventional gourmet taco, then head over to City Tacos.  While some of the best taquerias look like hole-in-the-walls, this one stands out for being new and tidy.  However, don't be fooled by their trendy exterior, taco-snobs alike love their modern take on the simple taco.  They've found creative uses for strawberries and caramelized pineapples that do not disappoint.  Tacos run on the small side, but are just as delectable.  City Tacos also prides itself on using fresh local produce and the finest ingredients (and it shows!). 





Downtown
To call Las Cuatro Milpas unassuming would be a huge understatement, but this taqueria has locals driving from all over the city and waiting in line for authentic street tacos.  Sure the neighborhood isn't fancy, but even the pickiest foodies will make the trip for their homemade tortillas and famous chicken taco.  There isn't a website, the menu is small, it's cash only, but this restaurant has been serving happy customers since 1933.  Their staff is lightning fast at making and serving their famous tacos.    








Chula Vista
For a taste of Tiajuana's tacos without venturing south of the border, then head over to Tacos El Gordo.  The long lines in this no-frills taco joint are well worth the wait.  You'll fall in love with the reasonably priced tacos that melt in your mouth.  Tacos El Gordo has an unusual system where food lines are divided by what meat you want in your taco.  You'll notice the carne asada and spicy pork will be the longest and we suggest you start with these.  Normally if you're alone and want to try more than one taco, the server will also make you a taco with a different meat (so you don't have to wait in another line).  Or, if you go with a group you can divide into different lines and conquer.    




A Taco Tour of San Diego would be a no-brainer, but one that will take a few days.  Book a stay with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and start exploring all the taquerias.  There's nothing wrong with celebrating Taco Tuesday every day of the week.    

San Diego Pride

 Call us partial, but San Diego (especially Mission Bay) is one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the world.  Any chance we get to cheer on our town, and its locals, we dive right in.  This week we’ve compiled a list of incredibly fun ways to show our support to our picturesque community while having fun at the same time.  Trust us, this weekend will be brimming with excitement.   

Start the weekend off by showing your support for Ocean Beach and their 68^th Annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival on Saturday, May 14th.  The Festival is free and sponsored by the Ocean Beach Kiwanis Club.  It will be held at the Dusty Rhodes Park (as it is Every Year), from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  This is the oldest children’s kite festival in the United States and the day will be packed with family-fun activities, such as the kite building and decorating station (where all the materials will be provided).  There will be prizes for the best decorated handmade kite, and this can be one that you make ahead of time.  Like every year, there will be professional kite fliers and demonstrations that will give a new appreciation to the world of kite flying.  To round off the fun there will be food, live music and a beer garden.  

 

Celebrating a 100-year anniversary is a big mile stone and the San 

Diego Zoo is planning quite the party to commemorate their

centennial this Saturday.  That evening the Zoo will close early and 

the party will move to Spreckels Organ Pavilion so the whole town

can help ring in the occasion.  This free event is the Zoo’s way to 

thank San Diego for a great 100 years and we can show our support

by attending and enjoying all the festivities.  It kicks off at 6:00PM

 and ends at 10:00 PM, and will be filled with live music, dancing,

and unforgettable fun.  As a treat for fans, many of the museums in

 Balboa Park will offer free entry, such as the San Diego Museum 

of Art, as a way to show their comradery to the Zoo.  This will be a

 fun evening for the whole family, with crafts, face painting, animal

 ambassadors introducing exotic and adorable animals to everyone. 

There will be many of San Diego’s most famous and delicious food

 trucks parked and ready to serve the masses.  The Centennial

also has some surprises up their sleeve, and you will not want to 

miss the live orchestra performing at 8:00 PM.  As we mentioned 

this party is free but they do ask that attendees RSVP (click 

HERE) so they have an idea of how many people will show up to 

support and celebrate this impressive birthday.   

If you want to root for some talented athletes, then visit Fiesta 

Island is in Mission Bay for the two-day ‘Beach Soccer Jam’ 

(May 14 and 15).  This isn’t your average soccer game, it’s a faster-

paced version of the world’s most popular sport.  The soccer ball

 flies back and forth at such a quick pace that there are usually 

around 60 shots at the goal in a game and scores hover around 10 

and 11, as opposed to 1 or 2.  This Jam has been dubbed the ‘soccer

highlight show,’ and players will usually perform acrobatic kicks

 and jumps, since sand has softer landing than grass.  Spectators 

won’t get bored at this sport!  The Jam will also include a

 ‘Brazilian Jam Festival’ complete with Brazilian Samba dancers 

(including their extravagant, feathered costumes) and Capoeira

dancers.  There will be a DJ providing some jams and a beer

 garden. The games go from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, plenty of time

to drop in over the weekend to show your support for the different 

teams. 

Amgen, the biotech company, has dedicated itself to finding a cure

 for cancer, and one way is through the 8-day bike race, Amgen 

Tour of California.  For the  first time in the race’s history San

 Diego is hosting day 1 of the Tour, which will cover about 800 

miles and end near Sacramento.  This is American’s biggest staged

 race and riders are made up of national and international 

champions, as well as Olympians.  The event will be broadcast to

 millions all over the world, but if you are in Mission Bay this 

Sunday (May 15th), you’ll have a chance to cheer the racers on in

person.  For ‘Stage 1’ of the race, Mission Bay will actually be the 

starting point as the riders traverse all over the city before heading

 east to the desert and then finish back where they started.  If you

 want to show your support for this great race and these

tremendous athletes, we suggest arriving around 11:00 AM

 so you’ll have time to see them start their ride.  For more 

information, check out their WEBSITE. 

From your favorite zoo to amazing athletes this weekend it’s all 

about showing your love for our city.  At Mission Bay Vacation

Rentals we love supporting our gorgeous community and

 residents. Book a stay with us and see how great it feels to live 

like a local.      

Mother's Day Out

It’s time to celebrate Mom’s this Sunday!  In addition to the customary flowers and brunch (we still love Our Favorites from last year), we’ve got some other suggestions for a great weekend.  From flower festivals to chocolate celebrations and even some charitable activities, we know you and mom will have plenty to do.  

    

Everyone knows about the San Diego Zoo's extensive animal research and preservation program, as well as their unique collection from the animal kingdom, but did you know they have a world-renowned botanical garden throughout their grounds?  Thousands of rare plant species are integrated all over the park and this Saturday and Sunday (May 7th and 8th) the Zoo is celebrating their impressive flora with the Garden Festival.  The adults will love the Botanical Walking and Bus tours guided by an experienced horticulturist, and the kids will love the scavenger hunt and craft area.  And, everyone in the family will love the fascinating carnivorous plant exhibit in the Lost Forest area.  In case you want to go home with a botanical gift, they are having a plant sale with a horticulturist on hand to help chose the best plant for you.  Check out the schedule HERE, because the days will be jam-packed with must-see events.        

Mother’s Day wouldn’t be complete without some chocolate, and the San Diego Botanic Garden is hosting a Chocolate Festival on Saturday (May 7th) that will take care of any sweet craving you or mom might have.  From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you can try and buy dozens of divine chocolate confections, enjoy dipping treats in the chocolate fountain, and drool as you watch chocolate demonstrations.  Tasting tickets will be sold for $1 which will allow you to sample different delectable desserts.  There will be loads of children’s activities and music through out the day, and food from Isaac’s Catering, so feel free to come hungry.  Another plus: vendors will be selling not only chocolate, but other Mother’s Day  gifts like candles, beauty products and accessories.           

Start Mother’s Day off early and by doing some good with the San Diego Mother’s Day Run happening in Mission Bay on Sunday, May 8th.  This is the fourth annual Mother’s Day Run and check-in is bright and early at 7:00 AM.  Proceeds for the race will go to the San Diego Rescue Mission, which has been helping the homeless by providing not only food and shelter, but also medical needs, childcare, vocational training, and rehabilitation for over 60 years.  There will be three course options: 10K, 5K, and a Kids’ 100M dash, and all races will be held at DeAnza Cove Park.  Start the morning off with a lovely run (or jog or walk, all levels of runners are welcome), taking in the beautiful views of the cove, knowing you are helping people out.  Tickets for the race run between $35 and $45. 

For a more leisurely walk on Sunday, head over to the Coronado Visitor Center and Historical Association and Museum for their Coronado Historical Tour.  Every year different houses on the historic island will be opened to the public from the spectacular to the charming.   This year’s theme is “Coronado Home By the Sea,” and six different homes will be ready to view that represent this theme in either interior design, architectural style, or both.  The tour is from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and tickets start at $40.  The Historical Association exists to preserve Coronado’s storied history and to encourage the public’s appreciation for the small landmarks that dot the island. 

This Mother’s Day there’s plenty to do to get out and enjoy the holiday, especially with the cooler temps.  With Mission Bay Vacation Rentals as your home base, you’ll be central to all the action, and at the end of the day, will have a relaxing place to retreat.  Something we know you and mom would enjoy.