Catching a Bite

The San Diego coastline is dotted with some remarkable piers. We have the longest wooden pier (Oceanside) and the longest concrete structure (Ocean Beach) on the West Coast.  Our piers aren’t just for taking in breathtaking vistas, we’ve also got some great food joints on some of them as well.  Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and longer days (Daylight Saving Time won’t kick in until November 1st) with a leisurely meal outside.  

Oceanside has the second longest pier in San Diego (1,942 feet long) and is the farthest north pier in the county.  A quick 40 minute drive north from Mission Bay will take you to an expansive beach with a pier that has an old-time feel, but don’t be fooled, this sturdy structure was built in 1988.  The retro look has a lot to do with the 1950’s style diner, Ruby’s, located at the very  end of the pier.  Ruby’s consistently delivers thick, delicious shakes, tasty burgers and fries.  However, Ruby’s secret weapon is their unbelievable breakfasts.  From their French toast made from thick slices of their cinnamon rolls or hearty omelettes stuffed with thick-cut bacon, cheese, avocado and served with ‘housemade’ salsa, you cannot make a wrong choice here.   They’re open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (except on Friday and Saturday they close at 10:00pm) and breakfast is served until 11:30am.  

San Diego’s longest pier is the T-shaped structure in Ocean Beach, which was constructed in 1966.  Step back in time at the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe, which sits halfway down the pier. Here you will find a no-frills cafe, with a friendly staff and generous portions.   Order the perfectly sweet chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast or the enormous breakfast burrito.  For lunch try the famous lobster tacos while you take in views of surfers below.  An added bonus: locals claim that this is the best coffee in Ocean Beach.  Keeping in tune with OB’s party vibe, the pier is open 24 hours, however the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

Our southern most pier in the city and on the West Coast of the United States can be found at Imperial Beach.  On clear days, as you stroll down the pier, you can catch a glimpse of Mexico and Los Coronados Islands.  The Tin Fish is a tasty restaurant at the end of Imperial Beach Pier, with panoramic views of the ocean.  Casual fare like fish and chips (waffle fries) are served in baskets with their savory home made sauce.  All the fish tacos are amazing, and for the adventurous eater, you do not want to miss the grilled calamari tacos.   Open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, The Tin Fish will make you feel like you’re eating in the middle of the ocean. 

Although not technically over the water, Pier 32 Waterfront Grill, made our list thanks to their  their delectable food and views of the marina and harbor.  You can dine inside, but our choice is always to eat al fresco, especially with the outside heat lamps that ensure comfortable eating, no matter how chilly it might get.  Feast on garlic fries or any one of the grilled sandwiches.  This is a place you’ll want to bring the little ones for sure, as they have a giant sand box next to the restaurant where they will enjoy playing.  They’re open for lunch from 11:00am to 2:00pm Monday through Thursday, Friday from 11:00 to 7:00pm, and on Saturday and Sunday they’re open from 9:00am to 7:00 pm.

There’s nothing quite like sitting over the ocean, feeling the sea breeze, and enjoying a delicious meal.  You might even consider a Pier Pilgrimage so you can sample all of these great restaurants.  If you’re staying in Mission Bay at one of our Vacation Rentals you’ll be surrounded by all these enjoyable eateries, not to mention the gorgeous views that await at the end of these piers.

Oktoberfest in San Diego

We are at the height of celebrating Oktoberfest which means it’s time to fill your stein with foamy drafts and tucking into warm, doughy pretzels this weekend.  This ‘holiday’ stems back to the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) on October 12 in 1810 in the state of Bavaria.  However, there’s more to this ‘fest than drinking beer, especially in San Diego.  There are some great family-oriented activities that will be enjoyed by herr, frau and kinder alike.

Although Ocean Beach doesn’t have a lot in common with the thick forests of Bavaria, this Friday and Saturday (October 9 and 10th), the base of the pier will be turned into a German village on the shore.  This is the 11th year Ocean Beach has hosted O.B. Oktoberfest, and this year promises to be the best one yet.  The two-day festival begins Friday at 4:20pm and goes until 11pm that night.  The fun begins again on Saturday at 9am with a 2K family run, which benefits the Ocean Beach Community Foundation, which promotes local youth sports.  

 Friday’s festivities will be geared toward the 21-and-over crowd with live music and a beer garden complete with German microbrew tastings.  Saturday morning kicks off will two races, the family 2K ($25 covers a family of six people) or the 5K, which starts at 10:00am and has a $30 fee.  Entry in the races will gain you access to the day’s activities and those runner who are over 21 will receive two complimentary beers.   

A traditional German band will be playing  ‘Oom-Pah' music to get the crowds in the mood for a fun-filled day.  The whole family will love the different contests, such as the annual Sausage Toss Competition for a chance to win $10,000, as well as the food and craft vendors.  There will  be a shuttle running from the beachside festival to various locations around San Diego to cut down on driving (check out the map HERE for more info).  The $5 entry fee is good for both days.  

A short 20 minute drive east of Mission Bay is El Cajon and their three-day Oktoberfest party.  From October 9th to the 11th, you’ll feast on bratwurst, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and pastries, listen to the Guggenbach-Buam band (who flew in from Germany!), and sample their German beers (if you’re over 21, of course).  No Oktoberfest is complete without the Chicken Dance.  That’s right, this funny song has been part of the German celebration for the last two decades.  The kinder will love the colorful folk dances, all the sing-alongs, and the Kid Zone.  There will be games, contests, craft booths, and more, that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Bavaria.  If you are under 21 or active military duty, the event is free, for everyone else it’s $5 to enter.   

 Next Sunday, October 18th, you can take part in a truly unique way to celebrate Oktoberfest at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.  You can celebrate with the animals, while having a delicious dinner buffet in the Nairobi Village and listening to live music from 5:00 to 7:00pm.   The regular entry fee is required in addition to the meal price, (Safari Park member’s pay $44.95 for adults and $18.95 for kids, while adult non-members are $57.95 and non-member kids are $31.95), but when else can you say that you celebrated a Bavarian holiday that dates back over 200 years while gazing at an African savannah?

 If you want to indulge in authentic and delicious German fare on a non-Oktoberfest day, than head over to Kaiserhof, a German pub and restaurant that feels like you’ve entered a  cottage in the Black Forest.  Even if you don’t normally crave sauerkraut (their’s is especially yummy though) and goulash, this place is worth a visit for the charming, warm atmosphere alone (but the food is darn good, too).  Although there are many notable items on the menus (the bar menu differs a little from the main restaurant), the apple strudel is a not-to-missed item.  And, did we mention they have an extensive selection of German beers on tap?    

 This is the perfect weekend to be brushing up on those few Deutsche words that you might know (like ‘danke schoen!’) and getting ready for some hearty German dishes.  Mission Bay Vacation Rentals can be ‘home base’ you as you hit all the festivities.  Remember, this might be the only time of the year where the ‘chicken dance’ is mandatory fun, so you won’t want to be left out.  

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. 

Time for Some Tropical R & R

Aloha!  If you want to explore the exotic beauty of Hawaii and other Polynesian islands, you don’t need a six-plus hour flight, you can stay in San Diego to experience it all.  This weekend you can get to know the culture, food and activates found on the Islands.  

The Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA) is bringing the magic of Hawaii to Mission Bay.  This Saturday and Sunday (September 26 and 27) Ski Beach will be transformed into an Islander cultural event you will not want to miss.  The theme this year is “Heroes of the Pacific”  and the cultures of the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia people will be showcased at this free event.  The fun starts Saturday at 8:45 PM with a procession and a traditional conch shell call and winds down with the Devotion Band playing at 3:10 PM.  Sunday starts with a traditional worship service at 8:00 AM and ends with the Nonosina dance from Tahiti at 3:00 PM.  

There will be delicious food, heart-pounding music and stunning dance performances, as well as tons of vendors in case you want to get your shop on.  Look for the different specialty crafts unique to each culture for the kids.  Parking might be a little tight, so the event has organized shuttles ($1 each way) to take you from designated lots to Ski Beach.  Check out their Facebook Page for more info.

For an authentic and delectable taste of Hawaii, head to Leilani’s Cafe.  They specialize in breakfast and lunch (they close at 3:00 PM), and are known for their friendly atmosphere and creative takes on Hawaiian fare.  Everything here is truly ‘ono’ (Hawaiian for scrumptious), but we would recommend the Hilo Style Loco Loco (hamburger patty over spicy fried rice topped with gravy and two eggs) and the Spam Musubi Leilani Style (spam and scrambled eggs rolled in seaweed).  The family-owned restaurant feels like you’ve stepped onto the island and you have even more ‘ohana’ (family).   

Paddle boarding originated on the Pacific Islands and dates back over a hundred years.  What better way to enjoy our gorgeous weather and beautiful city than to spend some time at sea gliding on the water?  Bliss Paddle Yoga (in Mission Bay) is a paddle boarding company that offers rentals along with lessons for beginner paddle boarders and even yoga lessons on a paddle board (for the adventurous).  The company’s goals are to promote healthy and happy lifestyles both inside and out, and they will make sure you are comfortable, no matter at which level you are at.  Paddle boarding is a great way to work out, find your zen, and soak up the rays.

A tasty Hawaiian dessert that’s all the rage is 'shave ice' as they say in Hawaii (as opposed to ‘shaved ice’).  The ice is literally shaved and not crushed the way it is in a snow cone, so it melts in your mouth.  The Kona Ice Truck in Pacific Beach serves the perfect shave ice with  luscious flavors like kiwi, Pink Lemon Sour, and salted caramel, as well as classic like Blue Raspberry, watermelon, and pina colada.  This food truck also gives back to the community; they have currently donated over $27 million to humanitarian organizations all over the US.  Check out their Facebook page to find where the truck is parked.  Be warned: it’ll be nearly impossible to decide which flavors to choose. 

You don’t need to leave the 'Mainland' to enjoy Polynesian and Pacific Island culture.  So pack your favorite Hawaiian shirt and sandals for a mini holiday at one of our Luxurious Homes in Mission Bay.  You will be telling us ‘Mahalo.’  Aloha!

Delightful & Altruistic Dining

The modern San Diego restaurant scene is known for innovation and spinning comfort food into delicious delicacies; we are a town that knows how to eat.  Starting on Sunday, September 20th, over 180 restaurants will be participating in San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW) for the next eight days.  Many exclusive and five-star restaurants will be offering a prix fixe lunch or dinner menu selected from fans’ and chefs’ favorites.

First thing’s first, with so many dining options, where to begin?  There is a detailed Search System where you can choose a restaurant by genre, location, price or by name.  With so many fabulous participants, we’ve decided to help narrow down your search time by suggesting some of our best-loved places, all conveniently located near Mission Bay, of course.  Great joints that we’ve already mentioned, like Cannonball and The Patio on Lamont Street, are included in the SDRW list, but here are four more choices that guarantee enticing food and will maybe become your new favorite eatery.

Bo-beau kitchen + bar is a cozy, romantic Ocean Beach eatery that is known for its perfect mix of French and Mediterranean menu.  This hoppin' bistro allows you to eat al fresco or in one of the intimate dining rooms inside.  You cannot go wrong with any of the options on their three-course Restaurant Week menu ($30).  

One of the best deals of SDRW can be found at the tasty Greek joint, Cafe Athena.  A $20 three-course meal offers delectable choices like homemade ‘hummos,’ lightly baked Tilapia and light and flakey baklava.  It’s easy to see why this unassuming Pacific Beach cafe is a beloved spot for locals.

 The popular Pacific Beach Backyard Kitchen & Tap will require multiple visits during Restaurant Week, as they are one of the few places offering a two-course lunch ($15) and a three-course dinner ($30).  And, while all the food is amazing, and there are no wrong decisions, one of the dessert choices during dinner is the not-to-be-missed S’More’s Pie.  

Another restaurant that is offering both lunch and dinner prix fixe options is the charming Mission Beach bakery, The French Gourmet.  For $15 you can select a two-course lunch with choices like house pate, steak pommes frites, or creme brulee.  The three-course dinner (at a bargain price of $20, we might add) lets you chose from classic French fare like escargot, Cabernet braised short ribs, and Ratatouille.  

 By frequenting these restaurants, you will not only be getting great prices on delicious food, but you will also have the opportunity to help in a great cause.  Sysco will donate $1 to the San Diego Food Bank for every photo you post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  The San Diego Food Bank’s Food 4 Kids Backpack Program provides weekend food packages to  elementary school students from low-income households who are at risk of hunger.  First, chose your restaurant from the SDRW list, order from the Restaurant Week prix fixe menu, take a photo of you in the restaurant or of your meal (you can be creative as you like), tag the restaurant and then use the hashtag #Food4Kids.  

Restaurant Week allows you to sample some of San Diego’s finest eateries for a fraction of the price.  Check out the SDRW Website for more info; they also have a page where award-winning chefs share some of their most Requested Recipes.  Let Mission Bay Vacation Rentals be your starting off point for an appetizing foodie vacation, you will not be disappointed.  

Par for the Course

With perfect weather and gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder San Diego boasts over 90 beautiful gold courses and Gold Digest minted our town one of “the top 50 golf destinations in the world!”  San Diego has even hosted a U.S. Open, at legendary golf course Torrey Pines, and the United States Golf Association announced that the US Open will return to Torrey Pines in 2021.  The best part about golfing in San Diego, is that you can enjoy the sport no matter what level you play.    

We’ve already mentioned Tiki Town Adventure Golf at Belmont Park, however, if you’re looking for miniature golf in the area, this really is The place to go.  Golfers of all ages can navigate an indoor and outdoor course that takes them on an island adventure complete with tiki idols, lost temples, and an erupting volcano.  A round of 18 holes will set you back $8, and they are open until 8:00 p.m. during the week and 10:00 p.m. on the weekend.  Check out their Website for specifics and coupons.

Boomers! San Diego is where to go if you are looking for a classic miniature golf course along with a few more family-friendly attractions thrown in for a whole day’s worth of fun.  Test your skill against windmill hazards and water obstacles for $10 a game (kids ages 5 and under are free).  This place is chalk full of fun, complete with kid-friendly carnival rides and a game room.  You can also take a spin on the high-speed Go Karts or for warmer weather test out the Bumper Boats, which come with their own water cannon.

It’s no wonder that Mission Bay Golf Course is a favorite spot for locals and visitors; you can’t beat their location (46 acres right on the bay) or their prices (prices range from $10 to $29).   This course has many claims to fame (this is where Tiger Woods won a Junior World title), but their most note-worthy is this is the only golf course in San Diego with night lighting and LED Glow balls.  Test your hand at night golf for $10 during the week and $12 on the weekend.  If you don’t have time for an entire 18-hole game, then rent a large bucket of golf balls for $10 and set up at the practice range.   With a friendly staff and a par 58 executive course, the Mission Bay Golf Course is always a win.

The Coronado Golf Course mixes old school charm and killer views of San Diego bay.  This waterfront course has a flat topography and winds around the quaint neighborhood and past Hotel del Coronado.  Considering how famous this course is, the $35 fee for weekday play and $40 fee for weekends, are very reasonable.  Tee times can be hard to come by unless you book your tee time in advance HERE or you can show up early for the daily lottery at the starter booth.  For those who want to perfect their stroke, you can book an individual golf lesson with one of the six golf pros at the Course, individual lessons start at $60 for a half hour.  

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a hundred times, San Diego has it all.  Where else in the world can you golf by the sea, close to an urban downtown setting, in the desert or in the mountains?  Our courses are spread through out the entire county, but of course we’re partial to the courses close to Mission Bay.  Whether you’re an old pro or a complete beginner, we think a golf retreat is the perfect way to wind down the summer.  

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.