San Diego's Biggest Fan

Spend Memorial Day Weekend with one of San Diego's founding fathers, John Diedrich Spreckels (known to his friends as J.D.).  Since he was born in 1853, you won't exactly be able to spend time with J.D. himself, but thanks to many of his generous contributions to the city, you can still enjoy his legacy.  There are some terrific activities going on right now in his namesake park, the theater he helped build, and the colossal organ in Balboa Park.

J.D. was responsible for turning San Diego from a sleepy village into the beautiful city it is today.  He brought the Arizona Railway to the coast, making San Diego the hub, and helped transform Coronado Island into a resort town complete with Hollywood movie stars.  After buying the horse powered San Diego street railway system he changed it to electricity, helping the city move into the future.  Needless to say, he was the wealthiest man in San Diego, and one of the city's biggest fans. 

In 1912, he built a beautiful theater (christened Spreckels Theater, of course), to bring vaudeville to San Diego, which later became a movie palace and then transformed into the performing space it is now.  The theater was the first modern commercial playhouse west of the Mississippi and is now home to the San Diego Ballet, lavish musicals and even the occasional rock concert.  Spreckels underwent a massive renovation in honor of its centennial birthday which uncovered marble sculptures and the original box office.  Currently playing is the classic Broadway musical "42nd Street," a tap-dancing extravaganza, that will be running through mid-June. 

Spreckels Park, home to the Coronado Flower Show, hosts weekly summer concerts in the gazebo every Sunday at 6:00 PM.  The series begins this Sundy, the 29th, with a performance by the Coronado Community Band, a multi-generational band made up of all volunteers.  Parking can be a little tough right before the music starts, so we suggest going a few hours early in order to snag a close spot and to enjoy the picturesque park.  There are picnic tables throughout, mature trees that offer the perfect amount of shade, and a massive playground that even grown-ups will want to explore.  The park was donated by J.D. in 1927, as he owned the entire island of Coronado, for locals to enjoy the quaint island.  Judging by how well-maintained the park is, it's safe to say Mr. Spreckels would be proud of his Coronado community today.

One of the most spectacular contributions from J.D. is the Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park.  The outdoor organ is made up of 4,725 pipes, ranging in size from 32 feet to the size of a pencil.  This is one of the largest outdoor pipe organs in the world.  The Spreckels Organ was donated in 1914, and since 1917 has hosted free weekly Sunday concerts.  This Sunday, May 29th, from 2:00 to 3:15 PM is a very special tribute to David Bowie.  Sitting outside, watching the organist play on an organ that is housed in a vaulted, embellished gables, listening to magnificent music, is an unforgettable experience, one we know J.D. would love.

J.D. was a visionary who saw the potential that little San Diego had.  This weekend, there will be plenty to do, thanks to John D. Spreckels.  Move into one of Mission Bay Vacation Rentals for a long weekend and start exploring the sites and sounds that San Diego has thanks to Spreckels. 

Music To Our Ears

San Diego has its fair share of outdoor concerts thanks to our ideal weather, beautiful scenery, and diverse cultural make-up.  What better way to enjoy the summer, than packing up snacks, a cozy blanket, and sitting under the sky, enjoying some great music from all over the world?   Here we’ve highlighted our three top picks for a melodic outing.

A San Diego tradition since 1984, La Jolla Concerts By the Sea, is a free event, every Sunday in the Summer until September 6th.  The lush, Ellen Browning Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove, is a beautiful patch of grass overlooking the sea.  From 2 to 4p.m., you can enjoy a wide variety of free concerts, from Rock and Roll to Latin Jazz to Cajun Rock.  You can also help support this event and keep it free by purchasing food onsite.  Bullseye Kettle Corn and Hot Dogs, will be selling their tasty fare (with a portion of proceeds going to the Concerts By the Sea), and the non-profit running the concert series will also be selling Haagen Dazs ice cream bars, chips, and candy.   You can also support these concerts by purchasing a raffle ticket for great donated prizes like gift certificates to local restaurants.  This Sunday, Bill Magee Blues Band, will be getting everyone moving with their classic Rhythm and Blues sound.

Celebrating their 13th season, Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green, boasts the prettiest views in San Diego as well as lively music.  From swing to the blues, this concert series is seriously toe-tapping paired with stunning, panoramic vistas of the city.  Located in Kate Sessions Park, above Pacific Beach, you can see Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.   The concerts run for the next 3 Sundays in a row.  Supported by the Pacific Beach Community, this organization’s goal was to bring music to the community, and inspire a love and appreciation of music in younger generations.  Please note, this park does not allow alcohol or glass containers.  Other than that, feel free to pack a smorgasbord of delicious treats and something to sit or lounge on, as you listen to the tunes from 4 to 6:30p.m.  

We briefly highlighted the San Diego Symphony in our Comic Con post, but any chance you have to attend one of the The Ashford University Summer Pops concerts (running until Labor Day), you should go!  This week, especially, will be very exciting.  This Friday and Saturday, The Divas of Disco Starring Radiance will be singing dance-worthy songs by Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, The Pointer Sisters and more.   On Sunday, Warner Bros. Presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II, which will be a big hit for the kids and the kids-at-heart.   The classic cartoon will be projected on a giant screen, while the orchestra performs the original Carl Stalling scores which highlight bits of Wagner, Rossini, and Strauss, to name a few.  Classical music has never been more fun!  

The outdoor concert series, offers different seating arrangements, from cabaret tables, fold down chairs and lawn seating.  We like bringing a few picnic quilts, and laying under the stars while taking in the talents of this world-famous orchestra.  Gates open at 6p.m. and the concerts begin at 7:30p.m.

We love that there are so many great options for outdoor fun in and around Mission Bay.  Plan your next few Sundays around packing a picnic, gathering up friends and family, and heading to one of these al fresco venues.  It’s no wonder we count down the days until summer starts!