Night Shift in San Diego

A southerner once visited San Diego and remarked, 'Your weather is perfect, even the outside is air conditioned.'  This really is the ideal town for outdoor fun, especially in the summer and the best part is the entertainment doesn't end with the setting sun.  Last week we highlighted where to go to catch a movie outside, this week we've decided to give you the scoop on some other nighttime activities you can only do in our town.    

Balboa Park is taking advantage of the season's weather and extending their hours every Friday until 8:00 PM with their "Balboa Park After Dark" nights.  There are nine museums who are extending their hours (the Museum of Man will stay open until 8:30 PM), and The San Diego Museum of Art is offering a special $5 admission fee for later entries.  While the Museum of Photographic Arts (or MOPA) won't be open later on Friday, they are offering extended hours on Thursday for those who can't make it on Friday.  The appeal doesn't stop there, the Park will also offer some of the city's finest food trucks and free music to liven the mood.  Check out their WEBSITE to find out which trucks and live music will be there each week.  These longer hours will run until September 2nd.  

In honor of its centennial year, the San Diego Zoo is extending their hours to 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM through September 5th.  Their "Nighttime Zoo" is a lively celebration that packs the last few hours of the day with music, dancers, and acrobats.  Albert's Restaurant will also be open later so you can grab a bite before you head out on the open-air deck overlooking the waterfall in the Lost Forest.  The restaurant will also have specialty cocktails created just for the Zoo's 100th birthday.  Music will include everything from traditional mariachis to a brass band to old fashioned rock 'n' roll.  Dr. Zoo will also be there presenting his signature informative and zany shows on zoo creatures.  Around 8:30 a puppetry parade of enormous proportions will close out the night.  

"Flight Night at Draft!" is a creative summertime concept from Draft, Belmont Park's delicious restaurant located on Mission Beach's boardwalk.  As we've mentioned BEFORE, Draft is known for serving over 100 different types of craft beer, and with "Flight Night" they've made a drinking menu where you can sample four different beers on tap.  Every Tuesday the fun begins with their "In-Flight Entertainment" at 6:00 PM with live-music, then "passengers" can select which flight they want to take.  There's "First Class" ($15), "Business" ($12), and "Coach" ($10) where patrons can create their perfect combination of drinks.  Draft even offers "In-Flight Snacks" with specialty pretzels and nuts.  Even if you don't want to test out the beer samples, a meal at Draft is a great way to wind down the day.

Contact Mission Bay Vacation Rentals to start planning a summer vacation where the fun continues into the night.  Take advantage of the season, the climate, and all our city has to offer!  After all, we wouldn't want to take for granted the fascination some visitors have with our "air conditioned" outdoors.

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. 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

San Diego’s most famous destinations are getting into the 'Holiday Spirit' with larger than life celebrations.  From real snow to 40 foot tall trees to acrobatic elves, this year, you will not want to miss out on all the happiness leading up to Christmas Day.   In fact, there will be 'kids jingle belling and everyone telling you, be of good cheer.'

Petco Park has been transformed into a 'Holiday Wonderland' (running now through December 23rd) that will incite plenty of 'oohs' and 'ahhs.'  Maybe you’ve visited the colossal stadium to root for the Padres, but chances are you’ve never seen it like this before.  For its second year in a row, from 4:30 to 9:30 pm, the park will be covered in thousands of glowing lights and in the middle of the field a 40 foot tree will hold center stage creating a spectacular display that will enchant and delight.  Tickets start at $20 for adults, $10 for kids (children under 3 are free), and check out their website for info on military discounts.  For $25 you can get a printed out photo with Santa and a commemorative Padres’ ornament.  There will be a ‘Polar Express’ train circling the field ($5 per ride), allowing you to take in all the wonder.  Concession stands will be open for those who might get a little hungry, and the merchandise stores will also be open to buy last-minute Christmas gifts for the sports fan in their life.



 

LEGOLand Holiday Snow Days & Winter Nights is truly an unbelievable sight!  LEGOLand will have a blanket of snow this year, making it look like its Scandinavian country of origin more than Southern California. There will be so much snow, visitors will be able to build snowmen (accessorized with LEGO parts, of course), throw snow balls at colorful targets, ride snow tubes down the hill, and pretend for a day that it is going to be a white Christmas.  Visitors of all ages will love the Holiday Light Show, which coordinates animated lights with favorite holiday tunes, for a festive  mix of sight and sound.  Families will love posing with the life size Santa and his reindeer or in front of the 30 foot tall Christmas Tree made entirely of brightly colored LEGOs.  In the evening, fireworks will light up the sky from December 26 to the 31st.  Mark this me on your calendar, as the snow will officially melt on January 4th. 


 

In our opinion, you can't visit the San Diego Zoo enough times, and this week's annual  'Jungle Bells' celebration is the perfect excuse to go.  The zoo will be chock full of festive activities until Christmas Day.  Pay Santa a visit at his Igloo set up and bring a camera!   The kids will love Dr. Zoolittle's telling his wacky version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  Take a ride on the Holiday Train and zig zag around the park, passing by many of the new animal-shaped light sculptures scattered around the park just for Jungle Bells.  Before you leave, before you check out the elves literally flying through the air, performing stunning acrobatic feats on a trampoline.  Live music and carolers will provide the perfect holiday soundtrack as you wander through this wild Winter Wonderland.  Don’t forget to tag photos your share on social media with the hashtag #sdzjunglebells for a chance to win a behind the scenes look at Polar Bear Plunge.

 

Call us today and book a home in Mission Bay, centrally located to all the Christmas fun!  You'll be able to spend a day at each activity and still have time to unwind with a walk along the bay or on the beach boardwalk.  After a week in Mission Bay you'll have no doubts that 'it's the hap-happiest  season of all.'

Kids Free San Diego!

Around 30 years ago, the San Diego Zoo started to offer free entry for kids during October to boost sales during a normally slow month.  That tradition has now expanded to over 100 companies over San Diego county for the entire month of October.   “Kids Free San Diego” offers everything from free food to free museum tours and even rides on the Amtrak train for kids with an accompanying paid adult.  

Most companies restrict the deal to two free children for every one adult, except for the San Diego Zoo, which only specifies that the amount of children per paying adult must be within reason.  Either way, it’s an amazing opportunity for friendly family fun that doesn’t break the bank.  

Check out a complete list of participating companies HERE and specifically which museums (there are over 40!) which will have free entry HERE.  Note that some places, like the Birch Aquarium, require you either download or print out the coupon in order to take advantage of the deal.  A lot of places define a child as ’12 and under,’ however some places like the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park limit the age to '11 and under.’  

If you’ve ever wanted to book a week for the family at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, now is the time.  There are enough fun activities and meals to last beyond a seven-day stay.  Below is a list of our favorite picks:

 Belmont Park

Our favorite amusement park is chock full of deals this month!  Kids will receive an Unlimited Ride wristband with the purchase of one full priced adult Unlimited Ride wristband.  With the purchase of an adult unlimited laser tag wristband, one child will also receive an unlimited laser tag wristband.  Kids will love the free cotton candy they get when an adult buys an ice cream cone at The Sweet Shoppe.   You must print out the Coupon (HERE) to redeem these goodies and more!

Restaurant Deals

If you visit the Patio on Lamont during breakfast, kids will get free pancakes with the purchase of an adult breakfast.

If you’ve ever wanted to try the delicious and upscale Brazilian barbecue, Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, then this is the month to do it.  Children receive one complimentary  dinner with the purchase of an adult full-priced churrasco dinner, or entree.

For ‘shopaholics,’ Bloomingdales is letting kids eat free at their cafe.  So the whole family will benefit when you need to take a break from a shopping spree for some grub.

Museums & Culture

As we mentioned before, there are over 40 museums taking part in this amazing deal.  Balboa Park will be especially fun for the whole family, as most of their museums will offer up to two free children’s entry for every one paying adult.   You can visit as many museums as you like, just be sure you print out a coupon for the museum you want to visit.  Here are a few that we are especially excited about sharing with the kids:  

The New Children's Museum

USS Midway Museum

Japanese Friendship Garden

San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Family Entertainment

For every one adult full-priced ‘Adult Hopper’ ticket bought to LEGOLAND, you will get one free ‘Child Hopper’ ticket.  The ‘Hopper’ tickets allow you entry to LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Water Park, and SEA LIFE Aquarium.  

The San Diego Zoo started it all and the fact that they let more than two children in per one paying adult is pretty awesome.  Just note that the Zoo as well as the San Diego Safari Park define children as 11 and under.  

For educational fun, the lovely Birch Aquarium in La Jolla will engage visitors of all ages.  Just be sure you print out your coupon before you go.  

On the Sea

Two kids can ride free with Flagship Cruises and Events per paid adult for all one and two-hour San Diego Harbor Tours.   

October will be the month that the whole family should learn to surf thanks to Surf Diva La Jolla, where every private surf lesson bought for an adult or child, another child will receive a free private lesson as well. 

Everyday California offers tours and rentals for kayaking and snorkeling, as well as paddle boarding and surfboard rentals.   For every paying adult, one child will be free.    

The whole fam will love taking a gondola cruise through San Diego Bay from the Gondola Company.  Up to four kids ride free for every paying adult couple.   

Take a one or two-hour cruise on Hornblower Cruises and two kids will ride free per adult.   

 By Land & Air

The Amtrak Pacific Surfline train hugs the coast of Southern California for stunning views as it makes its way to San Diego.  This month, one child will receive a free ticket per adult. 

For the truly adventurous,  Corporate Helicopters are offering one free child ride per paying adult for a 30-minute ride over San Diego, but you will need to have a minimum of two adults booked per ride. 

Take a ride on one of San Diego’s charming trolleys through Old Town or La Jolla and Mission Bay on the Old Town Trolley Tours.  For every paying adult, one child will be able to ride for free. 

A Bird's Eye View of San Diego

With such diverse terrain (desert, ocean, mountains, etc.), San Diego is home to countless distinct animals, such as our wide variety of birds.  Our fine, feathered friends that populate the sky can be found in the city, in nature, in zoos, and in museums.  Here we highlight our favorite places to observe and enjoy these dazzling creatures.

An urban myth that has floated around San Diego for decades, about a pandemonium (or flock) of wild parrots that escaped a pet store, turns out is mostly true.  Though, we don’t know how San Diego became populated with thousands of parrots (up to 13 different species!), we do know that since they don’t migrate south for the winter, you can catch a glimpse of them or hear their distinct squawk all year round.  There are regular sightings in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Ocean Beach.  They are also known to flock to the trees at Lindo Lake Park in Lakeside, about 30 minutes east of Mission Bay.  

To learn about this beautiful creature, you could also volunteer at the Parrot Education and Adoption Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and educating the public about these magnificent and highly intelligent birds.

    

The San Diego Audubon is a helpful resource for those who enjoy competitive or amateur bird watching.  The society has handy digital maps that tell you exactly where to go for bird watching and which birds you might spy.  There are three listed areas close to MissionBay that you can check out.  The rocky shoreline at Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla is recommended for the upcoming colder months.  The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve at Crown Point in the heart of Mission Bay, is an excellent place to spot gulls, skimmers, and waterfowl.  At low tide, in the morning, the San Diego River Estuary offers hours of ideal time to spy shorebirds on the mudflats.  Check out the Audubon’s website for stunning shots of birds in flight around San Diego and upcoming events for bird lovers.

Thanks to the San Diego Zoo and their sister property the Safari Park (who we highlighted last week), there have been  amazing feats in animal conservation, especially with birds. 

The California Condor, the largest flying bird, almost faced extinction, when in 1987 they were declared extinct in the wild.  However, thanks to careful care and breeding, especially at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the condor has been reintroduced to the wilds of Arizona, Utah, California and Baja California. The Native Americans referred to it as the thunderbird and regarded them as symbols of power, and after one glance at this magnificent creature,  you’ll be sure to know why.  When you visit the Safari Park, be sure to include the Condor on your list of must-see animals.  

The San Diego Zoo is filled with hundreds of spectacular birds, but our two favorite spots to visit house the world’s smallest birds, and the one of the oldest bird aviaries in the state.  The San Diego Zoo’s Hummingbird House has been described as entering a fairy world with the tiny, brilliantly colored birds zooming past you.  Photo ops abound in this quaint little aviary, complete with waterfalls and exotic plants.  

Owens Aviary is one of the oldest exhibits at the San Diego Zoo - - built in 1937 and remodeled in 1999.  There are over 200 birds and 41 different species that fly around the 82 foot tall aviary and frolic through the trees.  Multilevel walkways allow you to snake through the recreated rainforest, which is home to birds that are native to Southeast Asia.  It’s literally a jungle in there.  

For those who might not want to chase the real thing in nature, there is the ‘Birds of the World’ exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum, in Balboa Park.  The exhibit features breathtaking photographs of birds on every continent and runs through September 13th.  Fourteen award-winning wildlife photographers captured these remarkable images of birds in living their everyday -- yet truly beauteous -- lives.  You won’t want to miss it!     

Soaring through the skies of our great city are some of the most impressive birds in the world.  From the dazzling parrots to the majestic cranes, one can spy these birds in their natural habitat or volunteer your time towards helping them.  Mission Bay Vacation Rentals is smack dab in the center of all the avian-themed action, so why not plan a bird-themed vacation.  After all, birds of a feather . . .    

Hey, San Diego, Take a Walk on the Wild Side

As most of you know, one of the most famous zoos in the world is just down the street from Mission Beach.  The San Diego Zoo covers just about 100 acres and next year will celebrate it’s 100^th anniversary.  What makes the San Diego Zoo different from other zoos isn’t that it is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals or its renowned botanical collection, but that it is one of the largest zoo-based research centers in the world.  This isn’t your typical animal housing facility.  The San Diego Zoo is part of the larger San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research which is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered wildlife and habitats.  Whether you’re a first time visitor or local who knows it by heart, you won’t want to miss what they have planned for the next few weeks.

The San Diego Zoo’s Play Days (March 28^th to April 15^th) are a must for any animal lover.  The Play Days offer a chance to learn from animal experts and see some exotic creatures up close, and the Zoo is extending it’s hours (9 am to 7 pm) to make sure everyone has plenty of time to enjoy all the fun.  Below we’ve listed some of the highlights we are looking forward to . . .

Ever wonder about the Tasmanian devil, or what it takes to care for a polar bear?  From 9 am from 2:30 pm, animal keepers and experts will chat about the animals they care for and share fun and fascinating facts.  Why is it some animals have spots anyway?  Well now you can find out when you learn about more common spotted creatures like cheetahs, or some of the more unusual animals like the spotted hyena and spotted otter.  And, in case you aren’t familiar with the serval (an adorable medium-sized African cat), they’re included in the presentations as well.  

 The Koalafornia Boardwalk will be the center of the live entertainment during the Play Days.  Costumed creatures, like Harry Lion, Churchill the Polar Bear, and Monty Meerkat will be making appearances at 1, 2 and 3 pm for photos and to greet the smaller zoo fans.  Enjoy live music from 12:30 to 2:30, and don’t miss the informative and hilarious Dr. Zoolittle, who will be performing (and teaching) at three different shows during the day.           

With Easter around the corner, head over to Skyfari East (11:00 am to 4:00 pm), for a photo op with Peter or Paula Cottontail.  The giant bunny will be waiting in a basket-shaped photo booth for a commemorative photo.  The Cottontails are there now for pictures and will stick around until April 5^th. 

For those wanting a more interactive experience, there will be special feeding times to give guests a chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar and the playful bonobo (formerly called the pygmy chimpanzee).  Want a more educational experience?  Starting at 3:30 pm over at the Price Center, wildlife researchers will give an inside look at their jobs and what the zoo is accomplishing to further protect mother nature.

As you can see this isn’t your average zoo; the San Diego Zoo truly offers something for everyone.  Located in gorgeous Balboa Park just a few miles from the beach, the Zoo is like entering a colorful, enchanted world.  With Mission Bay as your home base, consider stopping by the Zoo a few times to really soak in the magic and love for the animals.