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.   

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.  

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!

Lucky Charms in San Diego

Our golden city on the coast couldn’t be more different than the overcast, emerald green isle of Ireland, but this weekend it will be all about Irish traditions.  San Diego might not be known for strong Gaelic ties, but this town takes celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day seriously.  True, we have almost a week until the 17^th of March, but this weekend is when the fun really begins. 

Starting bright and early at 7:45am, the 35^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run will take place on Saturday, the 14^th.  This run has something for everyone no matter your fitness levels.  In addition to the 10K, there is also a 2- and 4-mile walk/run.  The route winds around Mission Bay, so along with gorgeous weather, you’re going to have just as gorgeous scenery.  Everyone who finishes will receive a medal and t-shirt, and since the event is sponsored by Domino’s Pizza, there will also be free . . . you guessed it, pizza.  An award will be given for the best “Irish Themed” running getup, so feel free to channel your inner leprechaun.   Not feeling up for the run?  You can always cheer on those who are running to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital and get a kick out of the more festive  runners.

Downtown San Diego has the largest parade west of the Mississippi, all it’s in honor of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.  The annual St. Patrick’sDay Parade this Saturday features bagpipes, high school marching bands, police and fire department units, dancers, equestrian units, and of course, floats.  This year’s theme is “Celebrating Faith and Freedom,” and to commemorate this theme, there will be a flag raising ceremony at 9:45am in Balboa Park near 6^th Ave and Juniper St.  The parade starts at 10:30am and will be guaranteed fun for the whole family.  Did we mention it’s free?

In conjunction with the parade, there is also the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Balboa Park.  Food and craft booths, along with two beer gardens will be ready to go at 9:00am.  Two hours later, at 11:00am, the toe-tapping live entertainment on two stages will begin; Irish Step Dancers, traditional Celtic music, Irish folk singers, and Irish rock bands will provide free entertainment until 5:30pm. At the corner of Sixth and Quince, there will also be an authentic Celtic Village meant to resemble 1582 with performers recreating Irish history.  To top off the fun, the Festival also offers a Kids Zone.  Let the little ones play games, pet llamas, get their faces painted, enjoy the rides, and learn more about Ireland’s fascinating history. 

In conjunction with the parade, there is also the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Balboa Park.  Food and craft booths, along with two beer gardens will be ready to go at 9:00am.  Two hours later, at 11:00am, the toe-tapping live entertainment on two stages will begin; Irish Step Dancers, traditional Celtic music, Irish folk singers, and Irish rock bands will provide free entertainment until 5:30pm. At the corner of Sixth and Quince, there will also be an authentic Celtic Village meant to resemble 1582 with performers recreating Irish history.  To top off the fun, the Festival also offers a Kids Zone.  Let the little ones play games, pet llamas, get their faces painted, enjoy the rides, and learn more about Ireland’s fascinating history. 

There might not be a pot o’ gold waiting at the end of the rainbow this weekend (there’ll be too much sun and absolutely no rain), but a good time will be had by all.  Mission Bay, once again, is at the center of it all.  Let your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations start early this weekend and continue through the actual holiday on the 17^th.  You might need a few days of resting on the beach anyway to recover from the weekend.