The Show Must Go On

You might be surprised to know that San Diego has a world-famous reputation for original theater and many Broadway-bound musicals make their debut here.  In addition to The Old Globe’s always stellar line up, there are many theater companies and different stages where you can catch amazing productions of smash hits or soon-to-be-classics.  Here are some of our favorite companies and events you’ll want to keep an eye on.

UC San Diego is not only home to Birch Aquarium and stunning architecture, it is also home to the La Jolla Playhouse.  Founded in 1947 by legendary movie stars Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer, this not for profit professional theater has been lauded with countless awards over the decades.  In fact, they have been the chosen venue for 75 world premiere theater pieces, like the musical Jersey Boys, a staple on Broadway and later a movie directed by Clint Eastwood.  Any show that runs here has been carefully selected, so even if you haven’t heard of it, chances are you’ll love it and it will go on to become a theater classic.  From February 2^nd to the 28^th, the Playhouse will be performing the black comedy, "Guards at the Taj."  This is an existential piece that critics and audiences have been raving about all over the country (this show commonly needs to extend its run to accommodate the crowds).  Tickets at the La Jolla Playhouse start at $20. 

The San Diego Repertory Theatre (known as San Diego REP), is a slightly more subversive but just as entertaining as the La Jolla Playhouse in their productions.  Even their location in downtown San Diego is very unique.  You’ll know you’ve reached the Lyceum Theatre, home to San Diego REP, by a sunken entrance in Horton Plaza and a towering, colorful mosaic monolith in the center.   The intimate theater is known for experimental plays (one past production was entitled “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”), as well as re-staged favorites.  The REP was founded in 1976 and its mission is to “feed the curious soul.”    Currently showing is the hilarious romantic comedy, “Outside Mullingar,” a play written by the Oscar-winning writer of “Moonstruck.”  Tickets start at $31 and the current play will run until February 14^th.    

Lest you think theater is only for the grown-ups, San Diego also has some options for families with young children as well.  The San Diego Junior Theatre is an independent nonprofit organization which started in 1948.  Famous alumni from this company include Dennis Hopper, Raquel Welch, and Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell.  The theater which houses the SDJT is worth a visit alone, as all productions are in the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park.   Each production is chosen with the mindset of entertaining both young children and the parents who accompany them.  There are currently two shows this weekend (January 22 to 24^th), with productions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  The popular children’s book from 1972, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” has been re-imaged for the stage.  There is also the musical “Ivy + Bean,” based on the 10-book series of the same name.  If you can’t make this weekend, check their calendar, as they always have something up their sleeve.

For the past 31 years, San Diego has been participating in an incredibly special event known as the “Plays by Young Writers.”  Every year playwrights under the age of 18 submit their original work in hopes of being selected to stage their pieces as complete productions (costumes, sets, et al) at The Old Globe Theatre.  This year four plays were chosen and the winners’ ages range from 11 to 18.  Two different programs will be available to see, one geared towards an audience of 11 and older, and the other for an audience of 16 and older.   Tickers start at $20 and opening night is this Saturday, January 23^rd, and will run until January 31^st.   

Whether you are a true theater lover, or just like to catch the occasional show, our town has something for everyone.  The fact that we have a theater company just for children is one of the many examples of San Diego having it all.  If attending the theater is on your agenda, might we remind you that Mission Bay is just minutes from La Jolla, downtown, and Balboa Park, so it makes sense to start with booking one of our dramatic homes for your stay.    

Training Day

Last week we highlighted car-related activities in the city, so this week we thought we'd continue with the transportation theme with a post dedicated to trains and trolleys.  Considering southern California has a reputation for being car-obsessed, we have some amazing mass transit options for getting around.   Whether you are a Ferroequinologist (yes, there is a word for people who study trains) or just a fan of seeing the sites without worrying about parking, we've got you covered with train-related fun in San Diego.

Starting off small, really small, you can pay a visit to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park.  Although everything here is tiny, and the museum is a small space located on the lower level of Casa de Balboa Building, this is the world's largest accredited model railroad museum.  It's filled with intricate scenes of not just trains but of the bridges they cross and canyons they traverse.  There is a detailed version of the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Train Line that is 1/87th of the actual size, and the Pacific Desert Lines that is 1/160 of the actual size, one of the largest miniature train scenes in the world (talk about oxymorons!).   The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children (14 to 6), $5 for military (with ID), and kids 5 and under are free.  The impressive tiny details and computer-controlled trains will keep kids and kids-at-heart enthralled.  

The shiny Red Trolley that bips around downtown is not just a great way to get around they're also an entertaining way to take in the city while you sit back and relax.  Three different trolley lines cover over 51 miles of tracks and with 53 stations to stop at getting around town is both convenient and easy.  We're fans of the nifty green line which will take you from Gaslamp Quarter up to Seaport Village then onto to Old Town and to the Fashion Valley Mall; all great destinations that allow you to avoid parking in these normally busy areas.  Single Rides for adults are $2.50 and multiple-stop day passes start at $5.  

Located 30 minutes north of Mission Bay is the Poway Midland Railroad, a vintage railroad station that is owned by the city and run by community volunteers.  Adults can take rides for $1.50 and kids for $0.50 on Saturday and Sundays, check out their Facebook Page for updated train schedules.  There is an electric mix of different trains you can take for a spin, like an electric trolley from the 1890s, a San Francisco street cable car from 1906, and a 1950 Fairmont Speeder Train.  It's evident that the volunteers running it love what they do, and the little ones will enjoy the short rides around this small historical gem.  

San Diego has a sophisticated commuter train system that runs east and west (the SPRINTER inland rail) and north and south (the COASTER), and rivals any cosmopolitan city.  The difference with our commuter train is that the ride comes with stunning views as it hugs the California coast.  For a fun half day trip, we recommend hopping on the COASTER at the Santa Fe Depot downtown and taking it up to the Oceanside Transit Center, a few blocks from the ocean and their lovely pier.  Walk along the water and then have lunch at Ruby's at the end of the pier for delicious burgers and shakes, and keep your eyes open for dolphins and whales.  

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum pays tribute to San Diego's rich railroad history with two original antique train stations.  Twenty minutes east of Mission Bay in La Mesa is a small train depot that dates back to 1894.  It's run by volunteers and features a vintage locomotive, box car, and caboose that you can walk in and explore on Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.   The PSRM has a larger outpost in Campo, 60 miles east of San Diego, which is also run by volunteers who are passionate about trains and their history.  Trains run out of a restored depot, which seems to appear out of nowhere as you drive up to the desert location.  You can book rides on the weekends, with tickets starting at $19 for adults and $9 for children.  Train enthusiasts will love getting a closer look at the different train cars at the yard, and kids will love climbing onto the massive vehicles for a ride through the desert.  If you get there early enough, the train conductor usually offers peaks inside the engine car and gives a little tutorial about how they run.  

San Diego has something for 'railfans' (yes, another official word for train enthusiasts) and those who just love convenient transportation.  But, once you get a look at the elaborate details and sheer power of these machines (both in miniature and actual size), you might feel the urge to break out the books and study ferroequinology.  Use Mission Bay Vacation Rentals as your home base, and start mapping out your different locomotive trips and stops all within San Diego.  

Round Round Get Around

Cars and beach cities go hand in hand, if you don’t believe us, just check out all the songs the Beach Boys wrote about cruisin’ around.  San Diego is no exception!   Our city has plenty of attractions for car enthusiasts, avid drivers, and those who like to feel the wind in their hair.   

Feeling the rush of adrenaline as you navigate hairpin turns on an indoor kart is something both amateur racers and enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.  K1 Speed is the premier location for semi-professional electric kart racing and they have a new location in downtown San Diego.  Races start at $20 (after an initial $6 annual fee that covers helmet rentals), and you can buy multiple races at a discounted price ($35 for two, $45 for three, $75 for five, $100 for eight).   They are open seven days a week, and thanks to an indoor course, the weather won’t affect the good times.  Adult karts can hit speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, while the Junior karts will hit 20 miles per hour.  

For a slightly slower pace, but still heavy on the fun, San Diego has some great options, where even the little ones can get behind the wheel.  Boomers!  has an outdoor course where you can race around a track for $8 a ride.  Belmont Park has two automotive rides: Krazy Kars is perfect for little drivers (at least 42 inches tall), and Overdrive Bumper Cars is a modern take on an old-fashioned classic.  Both attractions are $4 a ride.  

‘Gearheads’ and history buffs will love visiting the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park.  The museum has an impressive permanent collection that includes a 1911 Ford Model T, a 1932 coupe Cadillac, and a 1990 Ferrari Testaroosa, to name but a few.  “Steve McQueen” is one of the fascinating exhibits on display now.  The actor was one of the biggest movie and television stars of the 60s and 70s, but his love for racing both cars and motorcycles, almost had him walking away from Hollywood.  Tickets start at $9 for adults; $6 for seniors, military, and students; $4 for kids ages 6 to 15 (children under 6 are free).   The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Those who want to get behind the wheel of the real thing, you’re in luck, San Diego has some of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world.  Explore California is a site that posts free maps and guides of the whole state, including Three Different Routes you can enjoy in our town.  These curated drives allow you to fully experience three very diverse neighborhoods at your own pace.   

The new San Diego Visitor’s Information Center, located close to downtown, has gone one step further in creating a 59-mile scenic drive that winds through San Diego, highlighting 27 notable stops.  Driving the entire course without breaks would take about three hours, however, we recommends taking a few days, exploring all the man-made and natural wonders you’ll see.    The map costs all of 50 cents, and the staff at the Information Center are all very helpful and informative.  This route has truly been well thought out, as every quarter mile of the drive is marked with a blue, yellow and white sign adorned with a seagull.  

From the towering city skyline to the tree-lined streets of some of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods to the sparkling Pacific Ocean, this drive is like a ‘Best of San Diego,’ as seen from a car.  

If you’ve got the need for speed, love taking the driver’s seat, or just want to ‘Get Around,’ like the Beach Boys sing, San Diego is the perfect place!  Enjoy all the behind-the-wheel thrills from racing go karts, getting up close and personal with historic automobiles, or just putting your car in drive and hitting the open road.  Book a four or five day stay with us in Mission Bay, and you’ll be in the perfect location to zip around town.  

Checking Off New Year's Resolutions

The year is winding down (that was fast!) and it’s time to contemplate goals for 2016.  According to Nielsen (the global information company, known for the television Nielsen ratings), seven of the top ten most popular New Year’s Resolutions can be checked off the list by booking a vacation at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals.  Hard to believe?  Let’s break it down.   

Traveling More is on the list, and booking a flight to invariably sunny Mission Bay, San Diego, definitely counts.  Even if Mission Bay is somewhere you can drive to, getting out of the house and spending time in a new environment is always invigorating and helps one reset their hectic schedule.  Making picturesque San Diego your first stop in the new year is a no-brainer.  

Staying Fit and Healthy, year after year, is always at the top of the list.  Gyms are usually the winner here, with memberships spiking in January; but how many of us keep going for the rest of the year?  Forget exercising indoors, Mission Bay is packed with fun activities on land and water that will keep your heart rate up.  There’s a reason San Diego is always voted one of the top ‘Fittest’ cities in the U.S.  

Hop on a beach cruiser and ride down the Mission Beach boardwalk or among the calm waters of Mission Bay.  Take in the fresh air as you mountain bike around Torrey Pines or Tecolote Canyon.  Grab your running shoes and you can trace the same biking trails on foot.  Want a little more zen in your physical pursuits?  Head to an outdoor yoga class in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, or Ocean Beach.  

Needless to say, we’ve got plenty of exercise options that involve the deep blue sea.  Snorkeling and SCUBA diving are great ways to burn calories while exploring a new world.  You can rent kayaks and paddle boards for a spin around the bay or the open waters.  Our coastline is a surfer’s paradise for beginners or seasoned riders.   Mission Beach Surfing School offers not just surf lessons, but kite and wake surfing, as well as stand up paddle boarding.   Pacific Surf School will let you book private or group classes, rent paddle boards, or book a yoga class on top of a surf board.  Chances are, at least one of these will qualify as Learning a New Hobby.  

Losing Weight (especially those pesky holiday pounds) is usually at the top of the list of most New Year’s Resolutions.  With all the outdoor fun in Mission Bay, the weight will melt off without even trying.  On top of the exercising, San Diego is one of the best cities in the world for healthy and delicious clean eating.  Our town has its pick of great farmer’s markets and farm-to-table restaurants, where the food is salubrious, fresh, and tasty.  Peace Pies in Ocean Beach, is an uber-casual vegan cafe (blink and you might walk past it) with an amazing menu that even seasoned meat-eaters will love.   True Food Kitchen is a popular national chain at the Fashion Valley Mall, that researches the vendors they use to ensure delicious, healthy and organic menu options.  

It’s easy to Enjoy Life to the Fullest when you are Spending Quality Time with Family and Friends in a gorgeous location with perfect weather.  Spend a day at Belmont Park with your loved ones and you will definitely be living life to its fullest.  From a fast-paced plunging rollercoaster, to scaling rock walls, or navigating a ropes course suspended in mid-air, the adrenaline will be high as will the fun factor.  Make memories while playing miniature golf, or cheering on your loved ones as they attempt to surf the FlowBarrel.  After exploring our beautiful town and charming neighborhoods, you can always repose on a lounge chair or sunbath on the sand while Reading a New Book.  

We told you, Mission Bay Vacation Rentals is going to take care of your resolutions this year!   Call today to book one of our wonderful homes for your first vacation of 2016.  After a busy holiday season your family and New Year’s Resolution list will thank you!

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.'

Festive Parades and Processions

This weekend you will not want to miss out on the Holiday parades (with a Californian twist) happening on both land and water.  Two things San Diego has in spades are boats and pets, thanks to our neighbor, the Pacific Ocean, and the hundreds of parks scattered all over the city.  It’s only natural that our town has found a way to incorporate these two while celebrating this festive season.   
On Saturday, December 12, Mission Bay will be treated to a sea-faring show with the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights.  You’ll be enchanted as these brightly decorated boats sail around the bay, beginning at Quivira Basin.  The festivities begin at 6pm, and we recommend you watch it from Crown Point and the east side of Vacation Island, or the west side of Fiesta Island.Another recommendation would be that you grab dinner before hand at Dan Diegos Euro Cafe and Pub, for cosy comfort food from the British Isles.  Dig into hearty beef Shepard’s Pie or Dan Diegos Burger (which includes corned beef, caramelized onions, and bacon).  Just be sure you leave room for their famous bread pudding.  No matter your previous opinions of Bread Pudding, this sweet thick, gooey dessert will make a fan out of anyone.   

For a heart warming and hilarious holiday activity, head over to Gaslamp Quarter downtown for the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade.  This offbeat parade is open to all furry, feathered and scaled pets, and is always good for a laugh as well as cooing over some of these adorable participants.    Try and guess who will win the prize for Best Costume, Best Costume Duo, and Best Ugly Sweater!  The parade begins at 3:00 pm at 410 K Street and photos ops will be plenty as the critters and their owners pass under the iconic Gaslamp Quarter archway towards MLK Promenade Park.   

If you’re feeling a bit peckish and in the Gaslamp Quarter, head over to Meze, a modern, Greek fusion restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating, in case you have a dog accompanying you.  Flavor abound with their take on french fries (tossed in garlic, fresh parsley, and topped with feta cheese), Fiery Feta Dip, as well as their version of a Greek Taco (try the gyro or falafel option).       For those who are more adventurous, order the octopus, either as a salad or as a small hot plate, which is always grilled to perfection.  

The 44th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a grand affair that takes place this Sunday, the 13th, and next Sunday, the 20th.  100 vessels will be neatly decked out in their holiday finest as they sail around Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the ferry landing in Coronado.  The theme this year is "Christmas Around the World" and these boats will receive a festive makeover complete with sparkling lights, garland, and maybe even full-sized Santa Sleigh.  The boats start their sail at 5:30 and will be gliding past spectators until around 7:30.  Catch the procession from the north or south ends of the Embarcadero, the park behind Seaport Village, or along the pathway of the Coronado.  Visit their WEBSITE for more details about where the route will follow and the best times to see everything.

If you want to have a tasty, casual seafood dinner, head over to Islander for incredibly fresh fish.  Locals come here for their raw oysters and seafood chowder, which can be addictive.  For those wanting a thick cut of delicious fish, the menu gives you plenty of options.  You chose the type of fish (like halibut, swordfish, or even shrimp) and tell them how you would like it ordered (as a burrito, grilled, fried or in a salad).  

Part of the enjoyment of this hectic season is spending time with family and friends and having fun.  What better way to keep this season merry and bright, than to watch a cavalcade of lights on the water and an uproarious procession of pets and owners strutting their stuff?  Book a vacation with Us (Mission Bay Vacation Rentals), at one of our Bay Side Homes, and create memories together this Holiday Season.  

'Tis the Season for Fun!

The holiday season is upon us, which means twinkling lights, spreading joy, and maybe buying a gift or two.  There won’t be a shortage of Santa sightings this month, from parades to tree lightings, the big guy in red will be all over San Diego.  As temperatures drop to the 50’s in the evening (burr!), you’ll want to bundle up in a light sweater and sip on some piping hot chocolate or wassail, while you stroll through the holiday cheer our town has planned.  

Santa is making appearance at all of the Holiday Parades happening this weekend, starting with the Toyland Parade & Festival on Saturday at 11:00 am.  This is the 52nd year for the trendy North Park and Hillcrest neighborhood’s festival, which will wind down around 3:00 pm.  Next, you can head over to Ocean Beach for the 36th annual OB Holiday Parade which begins at 5:05pm.  This parade will not only feature classic cars and the Point Loma Marching Band, but also the SD Roller Derby Dolls, who will be gliding down street in their outrageous get ups.  On Sunday, December 6th, La Jolla will be hosting their Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, complete with photo ops with Santa and crafts for the little ones.  The parade starts at 1:30 pm and all the fun will go on until 5:00 pm.   

If brightly lit Christmas trees are your favorite part of the season, then you won’t want to miss the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village on Saturday, December 5th.  Santa drop by at 4:00 pm saying hello to all the good girls and boys, and to help light the 25 foot tree (that’s actually made up of over 1,000 poinsettias) at 5:30 pm.  The festivities will go on until 8:00 pm, which will give you plenty of time to wander through the holiday vendors, sip on hot mulled cider, and sing along with the live music. 

Balboa Park will transform into a Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 4th, and Saturday, December 5th, for the park’s 38th year celebrating December Nights.  Along will the thousands of brilliant lights winding through the grounds, there will also be delicious food and gorgeous music from all over the world.  One of the highlights of December Nights is that many of the museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.  This is something that the whole family will want to see, and the park has designated an interactive area just for children across from the Botanical Building.  The merriment begins on Friday at 3pm and on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm.  

While you are in the Balboa Park neighborhood in the evening, consider a stop at Eclipse Chocolate, a charming bistro, that also has an impressive menu of hot chocolates.  Yes! there’s a whole section on the menu devoted to different combinations and infusions for their specially crafted drinking chocolate.  Considering Travel & Leisure magazine awarded them with ‘America’s Best Hot Chocolate’ title, this would also be a great stocking stuffer, as they sell packaged versions of their popular, chocolaty drink.   They also sell an assortment of chocolates, caramels and sweets, that would be make lovely hostess gifts or the perfect treat to bring to a holiday party.

December is a magical month in San Diego.  Our town is packed will so many holiday activities,   there’s no missing out on the festive spirit and constant fun.  Why not start the celebrating this weekend by booking a stay at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals?  You might even consider spending the month with us at the beach for a truly relaxing holiday season.  And, don’t worry, Santa will know where to find you.