Summer has officially begun and when you're in San Diego that means planning all activities around the Pacific Ocean. Right now there are some exciting happenings going on centered around the ocean that will educate, entertain, and fill you with wonder. Get up close and personal with some underwater behemoths or try to spy the miniature octopuses hidden in tiny shells or set sail on the open water searching for the earth's largest animal.
Situated on the San Diego Bay in the center of the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is the Living Coast Discovery Center, a non-profit zoo and aquarium. The Living Coast that allows visitors to learn about the environment while exploring the aquatic and dry mini-ecosystems they have built. Running through September 5th is "Passport to the Pacific," which offers a small sampling of of the animals and habitats found in and around the Pacific Ocean. "Passport to the Pacific's" goal is to bring awareness to the intricate and sometimes delicate world of the largest ocean on earth. The exhibit includes a look at the newly expanded turtle lagoon and exotic animals such as the scarlet macaw and the blue tongue skink from Southeast Asia. The Discovery Center is also home to an array of birds, rays, crustaceans, and cephalopod mollusks, also know as the octopus. Adult admission is $14 and $9 for seniors, students and children (children under 3 are free). Be sure and ask about the discounts for military and first responders (fire, police, EMT) and their families.
Another exhibit that celebrate the oceans' creatures is "Whales: Giants of the Deep" at the San Diego Natural History Museum (or theNAT). Also running until September 5th, this interactive exhibit will feature the latest in whale research and technology and mixes scientific discoveries with ancient storytelling and history. This is literally a massive event, with two full-size sperm whale skeletons (including a 58-foot male) and a life size replica of a blue whale's heart that children can actually climb in and explore. Works of art, both old and contemporary, will be on display from the people of the South Pacific, who have always had strong ties to these graceful giants. There will be video portholes to look in and see recorded footage of the whales underwater. Check out the area dedicated to the haunting songs of the whales, which also includes scientific data explaining how we can identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean. Entry into the museum is $19 for adults; $17 for seniors, students and military; $14 for youth ages 7 to 17; $11 for children ages 3 to 6 (children under 2 are free).
It's only natural that you will want to get out and explore the real thing after these museum visits, and now is actually the perfect time. The largest group of blue whales (2,000 to 3,000) feed off the California coast during the summer months and Hornblower Cruises offers a special "Summer Whale Watching" tour until September 4th. The blue whale is the earth's largest creature that has ever existed and having the chance to see one in person is thrilling and unforgettable. The four-hour cruise will also take you past notable San Diego landmarks and explain some local environmental efforts that are currently underway to protect the Pacific and its creatures. There is live narration on marine life from a volunteer naturalist from theNAT and if you don't see a whale, you will receive a return pass for another boat ride. Tours run on Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday and adult pricing starts at $65.
It's time to dive right in to all the summer fun in San Diego. Our town is filled with people who are passionate about not only preserving our natural wonders but educating everyone on simple ways we can contribute. So start with booking a stay at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then set out to explore the fascinating world of the Pacific Ocean.
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.
