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. 

Shakespeare in San Diego

There are so many ways to spend a beautiful San Diego evening, one of which is to spend an evening out at an amazing restaurant and then at one of the greatest theaters in the county. Built in 1935 (after the Globe Theatre in London, where Shakespeare himself saw many of his plays performed), The Old Globe Theatre is a San Diego staple.  Also called the Simon Edison Centre of the Performing Arts, the beautiful tudor replica is made up of three stages, and is located in the heart of Balboa Park.  The Globe always has spectacular productions, and the next two months’ productions are going to add to its stellar reputation. 

This week, until July 26th, is the Shakespearean comedy Twelfth Night a classic tale of mixed identity, romance with a proper dose of hilarity.  This play is light-hearted fun and truly showcases ‘The Bard’s’ talent for elaborate word play.  Famed stage director Rebecca Taichman has created imaginative, modern sets that are visually stunning and will transept you to a magical world full of merry and wit. 

Starting on July 1st to August 2nd is the entertaining and uproarious Cole Porter musical, Kiss Me Kate, a modern take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.  Filled with toe-tapping tunes, clever dialogue and lively dance numbers, this production has been newly staged by Tony award-winning director, Darko Tresnjak.  This is one of the greatest musical comedies ever staged and you won’t want to miss your chance to enjoy it.  

But, before you catch a show, you’ll want a delicious pre-theater meal and The Prado, located a short walk from the Globe, is the perfect choice.  Dine on creative small bites like the Seared American Kobe Beef Sushi Roll and entrees like the Pan Roasted Sea Bass while gazing at the Japanese Gardens.  They are known for having the prettiest outdoor dining space in San Diego. 

After the show, you might be craving something sweet, and Extraordinary Desserts (also close to the Globe) is the place to go.  Choose one of their decadent desserts like the Blueberry Cheesecake Coffee Cake, the  Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts or the Creme Brûlée Aux Fruits Rogues — tart shells painted with white chocolate then filled with vanilla creme brûlée and topped with a fresh berry (yum!).  If you’re craving something savory, try the sea salt kettle chips or the avocado bruschetta.  They absolutely live up to their name, and they’re open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. 

If you want to grab a cocktail after the show and like to keep things very casual, then visit Nunu's, a local dive bar that’s been around for over 50 years.  This watering-hole is near the theater, always has great tunes playing, and sometimes you can catch cast members hanging out after a performance at The Old Globe.  Nunu’s is known for its cozy booths, friendly staff, and hearty bar (fried) food.  This joint isn’t fancy, but it is fun.

We can’t think of a better way to spend a night in San Diego than eating dinner al fresco, catching a play at our favorite theater, and ending the night with either dessert or hanging out with locals at an old-fashioned dive bar.  At Mission Bay Vacation Rentals we love any excuse to hop over to Balboa Park, which is just a few minutes away.  And if Shakespeare could see this Globe Theatre, we're sure he would have packed his bags and moved in a heartbeat.