Films Al Fresco

Summer evenings in San Diego are the perfect setting to catch an outdoor movie.  As the sun sets and the temperature dips to the high 60s, its an ideal climate to snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy a favorite flick with the stars shining overhead.  You can catch one of these outdoor film series throughout the week and many are free.

"Summer Movies in the Park" is a film series that began in 2007 as a way to encourage locals to enjoy their neighborhood parks.  The movie nights have grown from four communities around San Diego County to 44 this year.  All movies start at dusk, or about 15 minutes after sunset, and we suggest you go early to lay claim to your area with blankets and chairs.  And, "Summer Movies in the Park" is a great time to grab your favorite Picnic Dinner.  The movie nights run until October 29th and most are on Fridays and Saturdays (with one Thursday night showing).  Check their calendar HERE for details on which films are being shown where and get updates on their Facebook Page.  

The Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Point Loma is home to the Liberty Station Movie Nights every Tuesday until August 30th.  The Movie Pavilion opens at 5:00 PM and you can bring chairs and blankets to save your spot.  Their extensive bar opens at 6:00 PM where you can choose from 40 types of craft beer on tap.  Movies are free but we also recommend eating at Stone Brewing, as their menu features an artisanal, natural approach to food and they are the largest restaurant purchaser of small-farm organic produce in San Diego County.  The movie starts at 8:30 PM, and if you do want to eat at the restaurant, Stone Brewing suggests saving your seats first, then see the host and let them know you're planning on seeing the movie and then they'll make sure your meal is over before the film begins.  

Balboa Park has so many picturesque settings that it only makes sense that they also offer a free movie night.  "Film in the Garden" features movies every Monday evening in August at 7:45 PM.  The screen is set up on the Botanical Lawn, east of the San Diego Museum of Art.  Bring your coziest blanket, a picnic meal and arrive early, as these spots get snatched up quickly.  An interesting twist to the traditional movie series, these films are chosen according to different art exhibits at the Museum of Art.  For example, the first film on August 1st, "How to Make an American Quilt," ties in with the "Quilts and Color from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston" exhibit which runs through September 5th.  

For those who can't escape to Italy this summer, you can enjoy a bit of Italian culture thanks to the "Little Italy Summer Film Festival."  Presented by the Little Italy Association and the Cinema Little Italy, the films run every Saturday night until August 27th.  Doors open at the Amici Park Amphitheater at 7:30 PM and the films begin at 8:00 PM.  All movies are chosen from classic Italian cinema and have English subtitles for those who don't parla italiano.  There is a requested $5 donation for entry.  With our climate being very similar to the Mediterranean it will be easy to sit back and pretend you're actually in Italia.  

Our last suggestion for an outdoor movie is actually for adults 21 and over, as it involves a special wine pairing that will match the movie shown that night.  The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla is a charming library with art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, studio art classes and in the summer home to "Flicks on the Bricks."  Every Thursday in August a different film is shown at 7:30 PM, beginning on August 4th.  The movies are screened on the patio of the Athenaeum and appetizers are served that also compliment the wine and a different creative cocktail each week.  Movies are $22 for non-members of the Library.  

Our city was made for spending time outdoors and we have so many lovely and diverse settings to set up camp and enjoy a film.  There's still plenty of time this summer to book a fabulous vacation home with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and there's still plenty of time to plan an evening or two outside watching an equally fabulous movie al fresco.

Picnics + Concerts = A Perfect Summer Evening

With clear skies, perfect weather, and plenty of beautiful lawns, San Diego is the perfect city for a picnic.  It's also the perfect town to catch some toe-tapping tunes for free.   This week on the blog, we've lined up some of the summer's best concert series and where to go to get a delicious picnic-style meal beforehand.  Picnics and harmonious tunes have never been more enjoyable.  





Pioneer Park is unique in that it sits atop a pioneer cemetery that dates back to the 19th century.  Starting today (July 8th) until July 22nd the "Mission Hills Summer Concerts in the Park" will kick off its summer season of free music.  From 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM you can lay out a blanket or chairs and enjoy this community tradition.

Vanoos Grillette in Mission Bay is the local's secret and the perfect place to get a meal-to-go before heading to Mission Hills.  This little gem of a spot makes authentic Mediterranean food as well as American deli sandwiches.  We suggest ordering a pita sandwich or a speciality wrap and a few appetizers, like hummus and grilled pita wedges and spinach cheese pies.  





Tucked away on the north east corner of Balboa Park is charming Bird Park, which has free concerts every other Saturday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  The Bird Park Summer Concerts will run on July 9th, 23rd and August 6th.  This series has been going on for over a decade and the park's wide open space draws in hundreds of locals.  

Just north of Balboa Park is a Whole Foods Market on University Avenue, perfect for picking a wide array of food and drinks to go.  Choose from hot prepared food or fresh pre-packaged sandwiches and cheese and fruit boxes.  From healthy greens to decadent baked goods, there's something for everyone here.  





"Point Loma Summer Concerts" free shows are so popular that the series provides free parking and shuttle service (click HERE for details).  Opening night is tonight and the concerts run until August 5th at Point Loma Park, and takes place every Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.  Catering is available on-site but bringing a picnic meal is also encouraged.  

Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe in nearby Liberty Station is a great option for picking up that picnic meal.  As you can guess from the name, all bread is made in-house and locals pop in to buy loaves regularly.  The drool-worthy sandwiches are addictive and the bakery treats like scones, brioches and cookies will bring you back, whether there's a free concert nearby or not.  





Last summer we highlighted La Jolla's free concert series, and this year it's still on our list for places to be every Sunday.  A tradition since 1984, stake out your favorite spot in Ellen Browning Scripps Park overlooking La Jolla Cove and enjoy music from from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  "La Jolla Concerts By the Sea" runs through September 4th and will feature such musical genres as old-fashioned Rock'N'Roll, Blues, and Swing.  

There will be hot dogs and snacks to purchase, but if you feel like adding a few gourmet treats, then stop by Bristol Farms, the high-end grocery market.  The cafe inside the market offers soups, salads, sandwiches to go.  Don't forget to peruse the cakes, cookies and artisan chocolates, for a sweet end to the meal.  





Nestled in University Heights is the Trolley Barn Park, named for the old streetcar barn that housed the neighborhood trolley in the early 1900s.  Every Friday (until August 5th) Trolley Barn Park is also home to free concerts, part of the "University Heights Summer in the Park" series.  The music begins at 6:00 PM and winds down around 8:00 PM.

On your way to University Heights, stop at Bread & Cie to grab some speciality sandwiches and French sweets like macarons and petit fours.  They also have a delectable selection of muffins, pastries, and cinnamon rolls for those with a bigger sweet tooth, as well as sumptuous salads for the healthy eater.  Bread & Cie also has a kid's menu perfect for children with small appetites.





Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park hosts free concerts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  The "Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts" provides family-friendly entertainment in a historical setting and goes until September 1st.  Click HERE for more concert details.

Located a few minutes from Balboa Park is Mona Lisa Italian Foods, which might not be an obvious choice for a sack meal, but their deli makes arguably the best Italian subs in the city.  Classic sandwiches are made with imported cheeses and meats for an authentic touch of Italy.  Their market also sells produce (apples, pears, bananas) and snacks to round off the meal.   






Enjoying a meal al fresco while taking in a free concert is the perfect recipe for a lovely evening.  Call Mission Bay Vacation Rentals today to book your summer stay, conveniently located in the center of all the fun.  We've done the planning for you, wicker basket and gingham tablecloth not included.

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.  

Surf's Up, San Diego!

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer and we can’t wait to hit the beach.   Perfectly timed for the holiday weekend, the San Diego Surf Film Festival starts today and in honor of the ultimate ocean sport, we are highlighting some of our favorite surf spots.  Whether you enjoy catching a wave or just want to be spectator, San Diego has some diverse and fun options.  

Starting tonight until May 23rd, La Jolla will host the 4th annual San Diego Surf Film Festival.  This festival highlights not just independent film making, but also those who are passionate about our oceans and of course, surfing.  Over 20 international films will be shown, along with Q&As from filmmakers, live music, and art exhibits.  There will also be a group beach clean up in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, as part of the festival activities, for those want to help keep our coastlines beautiful.  Check out their Schedule for events and tickets.  

Tourmaline Surfing Park is bordered by 75 feet high cliffs and is beloved by locals for the long, gentle, rolling waves.  An ideal place to learn to surf, or catch some waves with a long board or kite surf, this beach offers something for everyone.  There is a designated area for swimmers so if surfing isn’t your thing you can still enjoy this small piece of heaven.  Located just one mile north of Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier, you’re not far from shops and restaurants if you want to take a break from hanging ten.  

For more advanced surfers, or those who like watching the pros do their thing, Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma, is your ideal destination.  Intricately carved coastal bluffs, sea caves and arches meet ocean waters and offers stunning views.  The different coves and wave breaks make for strong and slightly dangerous tides, which draw the experienced surfers.  The cliffs also offer a beautiful park where you can take in the sunset and gorgeous view of the Pacific.  Bring your camera, this is one of California’s most beautiful beaches.

For those who want to hang 10 with old-school surfers from back in the day, and have some quality time with your dog, then Ocean Beach is your perfect fit.  The unofficial motto of O.B. is ‘Keep O.B. Weird.”  Like the locals, the waves are mellow and it’s not unusual to see drum circles on the beach, especially at sunset.  For those who want to enjoy the beach with “Man’s Best Friend,” then check out Ocean Beach’s special designated areas where dogs can roam free without a leash.  

What better way to spend Memorial Day than soaking up the rays on San Diego’s beaches?  This weekend you can enjoy surfing in the theater, as a spectator, as a beginner or a pro.  Set up camp with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then hit the waves or relax on the sand, what ever floats your boat.