Father Knows Best

The first Father's Day began on the West Coast (in Spokane, Washington) and this weekend our own West Coast city is going to host some fantastic happenings all over the city that the whole family will love.  The weather forecast is going to be perfect, sunny skies and the timing couldn't be more ideal.     




Baseball has been America's sport since the late 1800s and what better way to celebrate Dad than to take in a ballgame at Petco Park?  Over here at Mission Bay we are definitely fans of the San Diego Padres and all things baseball.  Our home team is playing the Washington Nationals today (June 16th) through Sunday (June 19th).  If you go for Saturday's game, be sure and stick around after the game for a spectacular fireworks show.  Sunday's game is full of multiple promotions  and activities such as KidsFest, Military Appreciation and Father's Day.  Click HERE for tickets and more information.  







The San Diego Wooden Boat Festival has been a Father's Day tradition since 1990 and began as a tribute to one father who had a passion for the art of crafting boats made of wood.  Koehler Kraft Boat Yard has been building mahogany sports fishing boats since 1938 and was run by Clarence Koehler Sr., a wooden boat enthusiast.  Koehler passed in 1986 and his family organized the Wooden Boat Festival four years later as a way to share his love with others.  The Festival will run all day Saturday (from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and Sunday (from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM).  Come and take in the beautiful, well-maintained wooden crafts up close, some meticulously restored and others are newly built using the hand-crafted skill.  There will be live music, activities just for kids and a raffle with items donated from local businesses.  Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for kids ages 6 to 12, and children under 6 are free.  Proceeds from the festival will go to benefit local charity, The Harbaugh Charitable Foundation.    







Whether you're in the market to buy a boat or not, you won't want to miss the San Diego International Boat Show.  The show starts today and runs through Father's Day, June 19th, and is going to be a great activity for the whole family.  The Boat Show hours vary depending on the day, click HERE for specifics.  Entry is $15 for adults (kids 12 and under are free), and with entry there are going to be a bevy complimentary activities for visitors of all ages.  The "Try It Cove" will offer guests a chance to test out stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing lessons.   For those who don't want to get wet, visit the "Sailing Simulator," where you can test out your sea legs on dry land.  A SCUBA diving station will be available for those who want to really take the plunge.  Kids will love the art area and even adults will have DIY clinics on boat maintenance and repair.   Come hungry as there will be gourmet food trucks, a barbecue hosted by the Rotary Club, and craft beers from Anchors & Ales Garden.  





With the sun shining down on us this weekend, San Diego is going to be packed full of entertaining dad-approved activities.  Spend time outdoors enjoying quality family time whether its on the water or dry land.  Set up camp in Mission Bay with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then start planning the fun.  

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Did you know that the San Diego Padres are only one of two Major League Baseball teams that originated in California?  No imports here.  The Padres season is about to kick-off and to celebrate we’re blogging about the classic American pastime: baseball. 

In our opinion, Petco Park, located in downtown San Diego, is the most beautiful baseball stadium in the world.  A relatively new acquisition to our lovely city (it opened in 2004), the open-air ballpark offers stunning views of the city while you cheer on the Padres.  At game time over 40,000 people make their way to watch their favorite team, do the wave, and wait for the umpire to yell, ‘play ball!’  The food at Petco Park will not disappoint.  Besides the hot dogs, popcorn, and beer, you can enjoy savory steak sandwiches, healthy salads, tacos, and seafood.  Getting there could not be more convenient thanks to the San Diego Coaster and Trolley (the perks of living in an organized city). 

 

Baseball games and snacks go hand in hand, and no game would be complete without a soft, giant pretzel.  Turns out pretzels can be tasty and good for you, if you get them from the San Diego Pretzel Company.  Their all-natural, artisan, hand rolled soft pretzels have been around since 1995, and are low in fat and made with vegan ingredients.  For those who are connoisseurs of the East Coast pretzel (both New York and Philly style), these pretzels are as authentic as it gets, and they’re a high source of protein to boot.  Their factory is located a little bit south of downtown, and is open to the public.

For the quintessential baseball stadium food, the hot dog is king.  If you can’t make it to a Padres game in Petco Park, you can still enjoy some of the best hot dogs in the country at Daddy’s Hot Dogs.  Known not only for fresh, delicious food, Daddy’s is famous for making everyone feeling like family.  

Be sure and say “hello” to Daddy and also, know, you shouldn’t ask for changes to the menu, you just need to trust the chef.  Not a meat-eater?  No problem, they have the tastiest veggie dogs you’ll ever try.  One thing you won’t find anywhere else is the “I don’t see what I want” Dog.  Daddy will cook up a custom dog that he creates on the spot.  

Just because you don’t play for the Padres, doesn’t mean you can’t perfect your swing.  At Brickyard Cages, one of San Diego’s most state-of-the-art in-door training facility,  players of all ages can practice hitting both baseballs and softballs.  Their staff is made up of experienced instructors and the Brickyard offers individual and group lessons and clinics.  Open seven days a week, this is the ideal place for competitive training or just good old-fashioned fun.  And, don’t be intimidated by the most technologically advanced pitching machines around, Brickyard is tailored for people of all abilities. 

The Padres have been part of California since 1969 and their amazing stadium is at the heart of San Diego.  Mission Bay is a hop, skip, and a jump from all the baseball action.  Even if watching a game isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives to having fun and still taking part in America’s favorite past time.