Peddling Around the City

San Diego was named the 13th “Healthiest City in America,” and considering there are nearly 20,000 cities in the US, that’s quite an accomplishment.  In honor of getting outdoors and being healthy, we’ve mapped out some great “two – wheel” adventures for you.  Beach cruisers and perfect weather are always a winning combination, and San Diego was made for biking.   

Of course we’re partial to the 27 miles of bike trails in Mission Bay.  The beauty of cycling here is that the calm bay waters and quiet sidewalks aren’t filled with crowds of pedestrians.  Then, on the Pacific Ocean side the bustling boardwalk of Belmont Park, has some of the best people-watching in the city.   This is car-free, relaxing fun with quintessential Californian views.  The paved bike paths are great for families as these lanes connect to Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Ocean Beach; so, there’s great sightseeing as well. 

If you’re taking a morning or lunchtime ride and need a snack, check out the Swell Café (open from 7:00am to 4:00pm) for artisan in-house roasted coffees, fresh smoothies and healthy food.  A few blocks down is the Olive Café (open from 7:00am to 5:00 pm), which serves breakfast all-day, hearty sandwiches, and wraps. 

For those who want a beautiful, leisurely ride with a bit of history thrown in, check out the Silver Strand on the Coronado Peninsula.  This easy, 10-mile ride is not too crowded, parallels the beach and has a front and center view of the historic Hotel del Coronado.  This ride is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cyclist-friendly routes in California, but in our opinion it IS the most beautiful.  The trail is a narrow piece of land between the beach and San Diego Bay with stunning views no matter where you look.

Café 1134 at the north end of the trail is a great place to stop to grab some food or a cold drink.  This is a cozy spot, beloved by locals, that isn’t too pricey and offers delicious salads,  paninis, and friendly service. 

For those who are fans of all things cultural and resplendent architecture, then check out the bike trails in Balboa Park.  Ride along the wide streets with a corridor of trees that provide permanent shade, then, park your bike to explore some of the intricately planned gardens.  This enormous park (1,200 acres!), with 17 museums and a world famous zoo, could easily be both a bike ride and a day trip (and it’s only a 10 minute drive from Mission Bay).  A majority of the park’s streets are closed to cars so you can bike and enjoy the diverse architecture at a slow, safe pace.

Located on the west side of the park, Evolution Fast Food has a great vegan burger menu that’s so delicious, even meat-eaters will be a fan.  Plus, they have refreshing juices and smoothies, the perfect thirst quenchers for a day of biking. 

It’s easy to see why San Diego would be voted one of the most salubrious cities in America, especially with so many outdoor activities available.  Spend an hour or a day cycling through the many bike trails that wind through lovely San Diego neighborhoods.  Stay local and bike Mission Bay, venture out to the lovely Coronado Peninsula or explore the grand Balboa Park, anywhere you chose to go will be gratifying and memorable, so bring your camera.    

Surf's Up, San Diego!

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer and we can’t wait to hit the beach.   Perfectly timed for the holiday weekend, the San Diego Surf Film Festival starts today and in honor of the ultimate ocean sport, we are highlighting some of our favorite surf spots.  Whether you enjoy catching a wave or just want to be spectator, San Diego has some diverse and fun options.  

Starting tonight until May 23rd, La Jolla will host the 4th annual San Diego Surf Film Festival.  This festival highlights not just independent film making, but also those who are passionate about our oceans and of course, surfing.  Over 20 international films will be shown, along with Q&As from filmmakers, live music, and art exhibits.  There will also be a group beach clean up in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, as part of the festival activities, for those want to help keep our coastlines beautiful.  Check out their Schedule for events and tickets.  

Tourmaline Surfing Park is bordered by 75 feet high cliffs and is beloved by locals for the long, gentle, rolling waves.  An ideal place to learn to surf, or catch some waves with a long board or kite surf, this beach offers something for everyone.  There is a designated area for swimmers so if surfing isn’t your thing you can still enjoy this small piece of heaven.  Located just one mile north of Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier, you’re not far from shops and restaurants if you want to take a break from hanging ten.  

For more advanced surfers, or those who like watching the pros do their thing, Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma, is your ideal destination.  Intricately carved coastal bluffs, sea caves and arches meet ocean waters and offers stunning views.  The different coves and wave breaks make for strong and slightly dangerous tides, which draw the experienced surfers.  The cliffs also offer a beautiful park where you can take in the sunset and gorgeous view of the Pacific.  Bring your camera, this is one of California’s most beautiful beaches.

For those who want to hang 10 with old-school surfers from back in the day, and have some quality time with your dog, then Ocean Beach is your perfect fit.  The unofficial motto of O.B. is ‘Keep O.B. Weird.”  Like the locals, the waves are mellow and it’s not unusual to see drum circles on the beach, especially at sunset.  For those who want to enjoy the beach with “Man’s Best Friend,” then check out Ocean Beach’s special designated areas where dogs can roam free without a leash.  

What better way to spend Memorial Day than soaking up the rays on San Diego’s beaches?  This weekend you can enjoy surfing in the theater, as a spectator, as a beginner or a pro.  Set up camp with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then hit the waves or relax on the sand, what ever floats your boat.  

Ready for a Little Adventure?

This week’s post is dedicated to exploration and we’re not talking about just exploring the streets of San Diego.  From space to land to the sea, we’ve got adventure on the mind.  Thankfully, our lovely city has everything you need for a daring and unforgettable good time.

Let’s start with underwater exploration.  The ocean waters are warming up, and now is perfect time to snorkel or scuba dive at La Jolla Cove.  This is, with a doubt, the most popular and beautiful place to explore life under the sea, and we suggest you get a dive in before the busier summer months.  The north-facing beach means its waters are calm and crystal clear and the sea life (sea lions, seals and fish) has grown accustomed to its many human visitors.  Just remember, this is a protected area so there’s no touching the marine life. 

From underwater exploration to exploring the open seas; what conjures up sailing around the ocean more than historical pirates?  We’ve highlighted the Maritime Museum a couple of times (like Here and Here), and there’s a good reason: they have great activities for the whole family.  This Saturday and Sunday are their Pirate Days, a boisterous event everyone will love, complete with a pirate costume contest for the tots.  The kids will love the carnival games, the treasure hunt, and the crafts.  The parents will enjoy the knot tying, rope making, and sword fight demonstrations.

San Diego has many parks that you can get lost exploring in, but one of our favorites to explore comes with a stunning view.  Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in Soledad Park gives you a 360-degree view of the city and is a beautiful tribute to those veterans who have served this country.  The memorial sits 822 feet above San Diego and honors more than 2,700 veterans with plaques for each one.  There are open grass areas, perfect for picnics, and descending nature walks to get close and personal to the wildlife.  At the top, gazing north, look for the cliffs of Torrey Pines and to the south, Coronado and Mexico. 

On Saturday, May 16^th, the San Diego Air &Space Museum will have its 12^th annual Space Day Celebration.  Not all of us can explore space in real life, but this will be your chance to touch a meteorite, talk to space experts, and design your own space patch.  As part of the special day, the museum’s space galleries are open for viewing, including a flown Apollo spacecraft, moon rocks, and space suits.  Kids can build and fly a paper rocket and grab a free poster on their way out.  This will truly be a fascinating event.  The fun starts at 10 am and goes until 2 pm.  Kids 17 and under are free with a paid adult. 

 Whether you want to explore subterraneous worlds or outer space (vicariously, of course), San Diego, is the place to be.  Mission Bay can be your base camp to ultimate adventure.  Just be sure you’ve packed your snorkel mask, sea legs, hiking boots, and space helmet. 

Flowers, Chocolates, Brunch:It's Time for Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day is this weekend, and if you happen to be celebrating with a long weekend in or around Mission Bay, then we have some tips to make it even more memorable.  True, it doesn't get better than celebrating on the beach, but just in case, we have some more suggestions from gifts to activities to food.   Even if you're not with mom this weekend, you'll enjoy exploring some of our favorite spots for flowers, chocolate and fun.

First thing's first, if you need to find the perfect gift, then the San Diego Bay Flower Company is going to be your best bet.  This local shop not only offers inventive and lovely bouquets, but also has a charming boutique filled with cards, candles, beauty products, and jewelry.  In fact, this small shop is a great place to pick up a gift not just for mom, but also for a hostess, birthday girl or friend.  Their bouquets are well known for being jam packed with beautiful blooms and not just full of leaves and fillers.  Anything you take away from here is bound to put a smile on someone's face.

If mom has a sweet tooth, then look no further than The Elegant Truffle.  In fact, this spot is a must-visit for anyone who's a fan of chocolate, baked goods and coffee.  The Elegant Truffle was opened by a former finance executive who wanted a different pace of life, and she found it with creating traditional Belgium truffles, as well as other sweets.   There is a rotating menu, but you'll always be able to find "candy bar cookies" (giant, freshly made cookies dipped in chocolate) and the "diet cakes" (fat free angel food cakes made with little sugar and flour).  Samples are given out freely so each customer can decide on exactly the perfect treat.  

For an enjoyable, free activity that's heavy on the fun (and one that mom doesn't have to plan) check out the 67th Annual OB Kite Festival.  Located in Ocean Beach at Dusty Rhodes Park, from 10am to 4pm, this is the perfect spot to spend some quality family time.  There will be amazing kite demonstrations from professionals, carnival rides and a craft fair.  The festival will also provide free materials for the littles ones to make their own kites, and there will even be a contest for the best decorated one.  Food trucks will be parked there for breakfast and lunch breaks.  

When it comes to Mother's Day activities, how can you go wrong with one entitled the "Garden Party of the Century?"   Leave it to historic Balboa Park to create a perfect Saturday (May 9th to be exact).  The Garden Party commemorates the city's centennial celebration of the Panama- California exhibition of 1915, which at the time celebrated the newly opened Panama Canal.  Not only is the event free, but they have a full day's schedule with master gardener demonstrations, flower show, guided garden tours and horticulture lectures.  For those who want to soak it in with less structure, there will also be a wide variety of music to enjoy, art to take in and kid-friendly activities.  Check out their Website for more details.  

With a name like World Famous, you better delivery, and fortunately, this beach-side restaurant does!  Situated on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, you can gaze at the Pacific Ocean and people watch at the same time.   World Famous has a casual beach-vibe, which makes it great for large groups and kids.  They also have a killer brunch menu, and this Mother's Day they have crafted a very special menu.  Their Maine Lobster Benedict and Epic Berry French Toast are not to be missed.  They are also known for their signature Bloody Mary, for those who need an extra little kick during brunch.  

For a second Mother's Day brunch option, The Patio on Lamont Street is also a favorite.  They are known for being super dog friendly, and pooches make themselves right at home in their spacious outdoor eating area.  The restaurant has a modern feel with super friendly service.  But the true star of the Patio is their menu.  Massive gooey cinnamon rolls are a must order to start.  Their greek yogurt parfait is lovely to look at and the perfect option for a light eater.  For those with a voracious appetite,  try the smoked pork belly burrito or Bourbon Dutch pancake.  Ideally, you'll go with a group and share different plates, because it's hard to decide on just one option here.

 Looks like we've got mom, and everyone else in the family covered this weekend.  San Diego actually makes it really easy to celebrate anytime of the year.  And, like most things in the city, all the action is just a hop, skip and a jump from Mission Bay.

Let's Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French at the battle of Puebla.  It’s not Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16^th), as some might think, but it was an important victory that led to their ultimate freedom.  No matter its origins, it’s gained a reputation as the ultimate party day with nonstop fun here in the States.  Like any celebration, San Diego likes to do it right, and we’ve listed some of our favorite Mexican-themed activities for the next week.

If ever there’s a time to visit historic Old Town San Diego, it’s this weekend for the Fiesta Cinco de Mayo.  The 32^nd annual free festival, a San Diego tradition since 1983, will be three days (May 1^st to the 3^rd) of music, food and guaranteed fun.  There will be three live music stages, a low rider car show and equestrian performances.  This is a family-friendly event and there will be stagecoach rides and interactive games for kids to play.  Authentic Mexican food as well as ice-cold cervezas  and high end tequilas will be available for purchase.

For those wanting to celebrate Cinco de Mayo bright and early and in a healthy way, then the Cinco de Mayo Trail Run in Poway is for you.  This is a completely off road 5K, 10K and kids race and the course will take you along Lake Poway Trail and through the foothills.  There will be live entertainment and Cinco de Mayo-themed fun, as well as food and drinks at the finish line.  Tickets start at $10 for children and $45 for adults and proceeds go towards helping the Valley Elementary Education Foundation.  Registration opens at 6:30am and the first race starts at 7:30am. 

We had to highlight a favorite Mexican restaurant and El Indio was the obvious choice for us.  The world’s first tortilla machine was made in the basement in the mid-1940s, which increased production from 30 dozen tortillas per day to 30 dozen tortillas per hour!  That isn’t the only invention in this restaurant’s claim to fame.  Story goes, the taquito was invented here as well.  It’s no wonder El Indio has been recognized both locally (San Diego Magazine, SanDiego.com) and nationally (USA Today, Coastal Living Magazine).  They are also famous for sending care packages to the armed forces and have even sent food to the White House.  Oh, and we recommend everything on the menu.

To honor Cinco de Mayo with cultural flare, stop by Centro Cultural de la Raza, a cultural arts center focusing on Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino arts.  Located in beautiful Balboa Park, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4:00pm (closed on Mondays).  Ballet Folklorico dancing classes and educational tours are available for children.  The staff is made of volunteers and a suggested donation is requested, although technically entry is free.  Check their calendar on the website, as they offer diverse classes and special events after hours.

Tickets are still available for the crowd-pleasing band, Mariachi El Bronx, at the Belly Up in Solano Beach.  Mariachi El Bronx is a mix of punk rock (emphasis on rock) and classic mariachi music from Mexico.  Their shows get people moving with their vocal harmonies and classic mariachi style horns.  The Los Angeles-based band dresses in the traditional “charro” (or Mariachi) suit for added flare.  Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an entertaining mash up of American and Mexican culture.  Tickets start at $25. 

San Diego is the perfect city to really soak up Cinco de Mayo.  Mission Bay Vacation Rentals is the perfect home base for you to celebrate the different Cinco de May events around San Diego.  From charity races, to eating, to rocking out to live music, this Cinco de Mayo will be your best one yet. 

Partying with Planet Earth

Today is Earth Day, and San Diego is the perfect place to celebrate this weekend!  Our town is surrounded by, both rolling mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, which makes it easy to appreciate this gorgeous planet.  We've compiled a list of diverse ways to honor Earth Day, from learning about gardening to sailing the open waters to roaming the hills and valleys.

For three days this weekend (April 24th to 26th), The San Diego Museum of Art, will hold its 34th annual fundraiser, Art Alive.  The museum's permanent collection is uniquely brought to life by creating over 100 floral interpretations of the art.  There will also be activities, such as an art lecture on Saturday and a floral arranging class on Sunday.  Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 4:00pm, will also have a museum-wide flower hunt, a children's reading area and floral-inspired art projects.

Bring the whole family this Saturday (9:00am to 3:00pm) to Cuyamaca College, as it hosts the 22nd annual Spring Garden Festival.  The free festival will turn the college, which is home to the renowned Ornamental Horticulture program, into a green-haven, where you can learn about sustainability and how to take care of this earth for future generations.  There will be a composting demonstration, a lecture on urban farming, and tips on water conservation in the gardening.  There will also be over 50 artisans and vendors selling their crafts and food.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego will host its first annual Earth Day on the Bay this Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  The museums wants to ensure everyone is available to participate in an Earth Day celebration, so entry will be free.  The Wyland Foundation will provide a mobile learning experience with a 4D interactive theater called the Wyland Clean Water Learning Experience, which teaches visitors about ways we can keep our oceans clean.  On top of all the fun, the museum will also offer $5 historic, 45-minute bay cruises.

If you want to celebrate Earth Day in its purest form, than look no further than Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, located just five miles from Mission Bay.  Tecolote Park is a narrow coastal valley that offers picnic areas, tall trees to climb and hikes for kids and adults.  There is plenty of open space and it's easy to appreciate this untouched patch of San Diego.  Considering its proximity to downtown, it's a quiet and peaceful retreat.  Stop by the visitor center to get more facts about the flora and fauna and see if a park guide is available to point out edible plants and recent animal tracks.  

Mission Bay is the ideal place to start celebrating.  We've got sandy beaches, grassy fields, tumbling ocean waves and the glassy waters of the bay.  Whether you want to honor Earth Day in a museum or appreciate the planet in the great outdoors, you're bound to find some activity that suits you, all close to Mission Bay Vacation Rentals.

As Seen on TV: Eats & Treats in San Diego

Ever watch the Food Network when they review restaurants and think, "I want to go there?"  Well, turns out, Mission Bay is a stone’s throw from quite a few of these famed eateries.  Our neck of the woods has been featured for some of the country’s best barbeque, cupcakes, burgers, and pho.  Read on for where to go for San Diego’s most famous (and diverse) restaurants.  

Hodad’s restaurant was actually featured on two Food Network’s television programs: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Best Thing I Ever Ate.  So, why all the attention?  Two words: Bacon Burger.  There isn’t just a burger with a few strips of skinny bacon, but rather a patty made of the breakfast meat.  Hodad’s is always packed, especially on the weekend (insider tip: call your order in and get it to go), thanks to the giant and delicious portions of everything.  Be warned, even the mini cheeseburger is enormous by everyday standards and one basket of Frings (onion rings and French fries) could probably feed four people, so come hungry.

Pho (pronounced “fuh”), is a popular Vietnamese soup made from broth, noodles and meat, and Ocean Beach’s OB Noodle House & Sake Bar’s pho received national acclaim.  Guy Fieri, host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, recommended the pho and tofu lettuce wraps, raving about the “expert blend of spices” and “unbelievable flavor.”  But, you don’t have to just trust him, locals line up for the affordable and amazing food.  OB Noodle House is actually known in San Diego for their garlic chicken wings, and if you’re a fan of spicy food, then this dish is not to be missed.  OB also has tasty vegetarian selections. 

Who would have thought that one of the best Southern BBQ sandwiches would hail from San Diego?  Phil’s BBQ’s El Toro tri-tip sandwich was featured on Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America and for good reason.  Loaded with perfectly cooked, tender beef and marinated in a tangy barbeque sauce, this sandwich is both messy and delectable.  Phil’s BBQ was also featured on another show, Man Vs Food, because of their dinosaur-sized ribs seasoned in their signature top-secret rub and sauce.  If you’re going just for the ribs, you might want to call ahead and make sure they haven’t run out, thanks to their reputation, this item is in high demand.

For those with a sweet tooth, look no further than the winners of 2013’s Cupcake Wars, Pure Cupcakes.  Known for both inventive flavors and rave reviews, these cupcakes are made only with the purest of gourmet ingredients.  Their menu offers staples such as salted caramel and passion fruit and toasted coconut, and some flavors that change daily.  Monday and Tuesday feature the Spiced Carrot, which was one of the stars of Cupcake Wars.  Their website offers their monthly menu, along with detailed descriptions of their unique creations.  For example, the Rol-E-Ol-Ee-O has a photo of this rich cupcake and lets you know it’s a not-to-be-missed rich dark chocolate cake with caramel butter cream, caramel center and hand dipped in dark chocolate (trust us, it’s amazing).  

As you can see, these restaurants have a little something for everyone.  We love that you can plan a stay in Mission Beach and take a culinary tour of nearby food joints featured on different TV shows.  Now’s your chance to check out the real deal and see for yourself why each one had time in the spotlight.