Lighting Up the Sky

Fireworks and the 4th of July go together like San Diego and sunny skies.  This year you won't be able to look up into the night's sky without seeing a fantastic display of pyrotechnics.  On Monday, July 4th, we've got you covered for where to go and what to see.

For those who might want a little more history in their observance  of America's Independence, head to Historic Old Town for "An 1800s Fourth of July."  From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Old Town will be hosting a slew of activities that will date back to the early 19th century, back when Old Town was actually the new part of town.  A brass band will begin the festivities followed by patriotic speeches and a flag raising ceremony.  There will be a parade around the plaza and historical crafts, games, and contests that all date back over 200 years.  Join in the egg toss, cow chip throwing (yes, that kind of cow chip!), cherry pit spitting, and a delicious pie eating contest.  Park staff and volunteers will be dressed in period costumes and will be roaming the grounds to answer any questions or explain more about the history of the area.

San Diego usually has the latest in firework innovation and technology, which is yet another reason why our town is simply the best.  Here are four different destinations you can chose to sit back and take in the electrifying light shows:

For those who want to spend the day in lovely La Jolla, you can hang out at the beach and then make your way to Ellen Browning Scripps Park for the celebration which will begin at 8:00 PM.  This picturesque park will get crowded so we suggest arriving early to enjoy the sunset and then hang out for the fireworks, which begin at 9:00 PM.  

Leave it to unique Ocean Beach to coordinate their firework show with music at a local radio station. There will be free parking through out the neighborhood, like at Main Beach Parking Lot and Ocean Beach Pier.  Bring a picnic and a radio and tune into KyXy 96.5 at 9:00 PM to enjoy music to go along with the firework display, which will be shot off the pier.  Check out their website HERE for more details on the fun.  

The Maritime Museum will also be a great place to spend the afternoon exploring the different exhibits and then staying to watch the fireworks aboard one of their ships.  They are offering a picnic dinner from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ($35 for adults, $18 for children) and if you want to arrive right before the show starts there are discounted tickets for 8:30 PM entry ($10 for adults, $8 for children), so you can enjoy the fireworks while floating on a historic vessel.    

The grand show stopper will be the "Big Bay Boom!" in downtown San Diego, the largest fireworks show in the county.  This is a free event and to accommodate the crowds the Port of San Diego has set up free parking lots with a shuttle service to Harbor Island and Shelter Island.  Fireworks will be lit simultaneously on barges placed in six different locations in San Diego Bay, creating a horseshoe display of booms and exploding lights.  The show starts at 9:00 PM and will last for 17 minutes.  

Mission Bay will be the perfect place to set up camp during the 4th of July, with convenient vacation rentals scattered all over Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Mission Bay.  If going out on Monday evening is too overwhelming you can always catch a glimpse of some of these shows from the comfort of your vacation rental home.  Either way, this is going to be an exciting year to spend by the sea.  

Sand Sculptures + Historic Ships = One Epic Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is the last holiday hurrah of the summer, and although it was originally meant to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers, it’s usually known for relaxing and lots of fun.  This year, there’s tons to do in San Diego, especially in our bustling downtown area.  

 Building sand castles and carving out moats at the beach is a right of passage for anyone who visited the ocean in their youth.  This childhood activity is taken to new heights this weekend as the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge makes its way to Downtown San Diego.  Instead of scooping up sand with a plastic bucket, the city is importing over 300 tons of sand to ‘B’ Street cruise ship terminal pier, to get ready for this massive, four-day event.  From Friday the 4th to Monday the 7th, you can buy a ticket to see World Masters descend from all over the globe to chisel, mold and shape the sand into stunning works of art.  

Admiring the larger than life sand sculpture won’t be the only activity on the pier.  Live bands and singers will be performing all weekend and grommet food trucks will be serving some tasty bites.  The kids will also enjoy their own sand box to play in, rides, and even classes to teach them how they can create their own works of art at the beach.  Tickets range from $6 to $19, and the event is from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (except on Saturday, it ends at 9:00 p.m.).  This will truly be an unforgettable extravaganza, and the perfect way to end the summer.  And, did we mention that a portion of the proceeds goes toward art education programs for kids?

A short walk from the Sand Sculpting Challenge is the Maritime Museum, a favorite of ours because their activities are great for kids and adults of all ages.  On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, they will be hosting the Festival of Sail, the largest ‘Tall Ship’ festival on the west coast.  You’ll be able to see San Diego harbor fill up with majestic ships, some meticulously recreated to look like historic replicas.  

The fun starts at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 5:00 p.m., with general admission tickets going for $5 to $7.  But, this isn’t just watching ‘Tall Ships,’ there will be a ‘Kid Zone’ from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a petting zoo, jump house, and crazy activities.  There will also be a ‘Beer Garden’ for the adults.  A free-to-the-public vendor area will have crafts, goodies, and art for sale.  Cannon demonstration and ‘battles’ will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time, while the ‘Flyboard’ and ‘Hoverboard’ demonstrations will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the future.  

With all that’s going on this weekend, if there was ever a time to take the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Trolley, this would be the time.  Efficient, fun, and more importantly, you can eliminate the stress of where to park in the city.  If you opt for the trolley, the County Center/ Little Italy trolley station is the closet one to the Sand Sculpting and Maritime Museum.  Check out this Info Page which lets you know where you can park your car for free while you explore the Downtown area.   

Of course, you will also want to reserve some time to just kick back and relax at the beach before you go back to school or work.  That’s where Mission Bay Vacation Rental comes in.  Our properties are scattered all over the shoreline and bay, and all are perfect places to unwind and repose.  So after you’ve explored Downtown San Diego this weekend, you can end your holiday weekend with some R&R with us.  

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.