Celebrate 4th of July with fireworks & family friendly events in San Diego

Over the years, various fun-filled summertime activities have become part of the 4th of July celebrations. And the city of San Diego hosts plenty of family friendly events and activities on this day:

Escondido July 4th Celebration and Fireworks

Set to take place on 4th July at the Grape Day Park, Escondido from 4:30 to 9:30pm, the Escondido July 4th Celebrations would include lots of FREE entertainment. Magicians will thrill everyone with their tricks and there will be musical performance.

Bring a blanket, head to the Grape Day Park and have a picnic with your friends and family. You can buy refreshments from there. However bringing alcohol, pets, barbecues and tall chairs to the park are not allowed.

Escondido’s annual July 4th Celebration has over the years pleased both adults and kids alike. It instills the feelings of patriotism and love for the great nation among people.

Old Town San Diego July 4th Celebration

If you want to experience an old fashioned kind of celebration, then head to the Old Town State Historic Park in Old Town between 11am and 4 pm. Once there, enjoy wagon rides, watch the parade, participate in period games, listen to patriotic music being played at concerts, take part in pie eating contest, enjoy delicious food and check out the crafts and activities that give a sneak peek of early San Diego.

If you happen to be on a vacation to San Diego in the first week of July, be a part of any of these events as they all promise great family entertainment.

To enjoy to the fullest your holidays in the city, consider choosing a hotel in San Diego that is centrally located. Regarded as a value price leader amongst budget San Diego hotels, California Suites Hotel is located close to Old Town, Escondido and various other tourists’ destinations.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, Facilities at California Suites Hotel include continental breakfast, cable with HBO, large warm swimming pool, free parking, wireless internet access, laundry facilities, safe deposit box and more.

Pic courtesy: kbps.org

Breathtaking Blue Whale Watching

San Diego offers some of the best whale watching in the world.

During winters between late December and March, whale watching is quite common as grey whales migrate to the warm water lagoons of Baja California. However in the past 4-5 years, the Summer Blue Whale Migration has allowed us to spot these mammals during the warm summer months and fall period too.

Come and spot the giant blue whales as they migrate to the waters off Newport Beach and make Southern California waters their home. The blue whale is more than 90 feet long and weighs around 170 tonnes. No wonder, it is the largest creature on earth. Along with blue whales you can also get to view finback whales (the second largest whale), humpback whales, minke whales, sea lions and dolphins.

Till the beginning of 20th century, blue whales were found in abundance. However, they were on the verge of extinction due to hunt expeditions. But with the efforts of international community, blue whale sightings have increased. In the summer of 2012, more than a thousand of blue and finback whales were spotted.

The sheer size of the whales is hard to imagine. During the summers, many whale watching cruises are available. One of the whale watching cruises is offered by Newport Landing Whale Watching.

So take a break and plan a vacation to San Diego and don’t miss out on a whale watching cruise.

Some of the things that you need to carry on your whale watching trip are:

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Camera to capture beautiful creatures
• Binoculars
• Jacket because summer or winter it can get chilly as you leave the shore

Don’t forget to book a San Diego accommodation in advance during the busy summer.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which provides good services at affordable prices. The best part is that California Suites Hotel is centrally located. Needless to say, most of the beaches, Balboa Park, shopping centers, and other major attractions are a short distance away.

Our facilities include continental breakfast, large warm swimming pool, cable with HBO, wireless internet access, free parking, safe deposit box, laundry facilities and more.

Picture Courtesy:  Newportwhales.com

Family Friendly San Diego County Fair

What can be the best activity to beat the scorching summers in San Diego?

Head to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and attend the fun fiesta at the San Diego County Fair. Touted as one of the most popular summer events in the city, this unique fair is going to take place from 8^th June to 4^th July, 2013.

Food

The highlight of the San Diego County Fair is the unique, scrumptious food you get there. In fact for many visitors, food is one of the prime reasons they visit this fair. Have you anywhere tried deep fried Klondike bars or chocolate dipped pickles?

Rides

How can a fair be complete without rides and carnival games?  San Diego County Fair guarantees some of the best rides. Enjoy around 39 fun, spine-tingling rides at the Fun Zone.  For younger kids, there is Kiddieland which has over 40 rides.

Exhibits

Check out various exhibits displayed at the fair ranging from gems, fine arts, beautiful jewelry, and minerals.

The finest woodwork is on show at the Design in Wood where you can find violins, furniture and a variety of wood products. At the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower & Garden Show, check out specimen blooms, landscaping, and floral designs.

Fond of photography? Check out the displays of black-and-white and colored photographs at the Exhibition of Photography.

Animal exhibits

Another factor that makes San Diego County Fair unique and popular is the interactive experience you can have with the animals here. Check out sheep and goat pasture, cattle pasture and pig pen.

Kids would love the outdoor activities at the San Diego County Fair. Let them have a great time playing fun games such as bean bag toss, onion toss, cherry tomato eating or squash toss at the AgriFair.

Your kids would enjoy such traditional games and you too would be happy!

Concerts

The fair is packed with concerts and entertainment options to keep the crowds entertained. Laugh your heads off at the Comedy Night, listen to gospel music at the Gospel Festival, and enjoy Coors Light Rock On Series and Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Heineken Grandstand Stage.

If you plan to spend your summers on a San Diego vacation, do attend the entertaining San Diego County Fair. Fair will be closed only on the first three Mondays i.e. June 10th, 17th and 24th, 2013.

To have a great summer holidays in San Diego, preferably stay in a San Diego lodging which is centrally located. Located in Clairemont Mesa Blvd, California Suites Hotel is centrally located budget San Diego hotel from where you can conveniently commute to Del Mar Fairgrounds as well as other venues.

Known for impeccable services, California Suites Hotel provides fine services such as continental breakfast, wireless internet access, large warm swimming pool, free parking, safe deposit box, and attractive discounts.

Colorful Cinco De Mayo

Quintessential Mariachi music, flamenco beats, great food and entertainment! The 30^th Annual Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo promises great fun and much more.

To be held from 3^rd to 5^th May, 2013 in Old Town (the birthplace of San Diego); the Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican spirit, culture and history. Considered as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration north of the border, this event is a window to the rich heritage, history and culture of Mexico.

Music and dance will fill the air at the 3-day extravaganza. Enjoy the flamenco beats, and the Norteno flairs – a genre of Mexican music. Not to forget the Mariachi music – the quintessential sound of Mexico.

Dating back to hundreds of years, Mariachi music celebrates the struggles, the joys and the pride of Mexican people. A typical Mariachi music band plays music using violins, trumpets, guitars, round-backed guitar called the vihuela and a Mexican folk harp.

Apart from music and dance, go and explore the museums, check out the specialty shops and buy souvenirs or unique items ranging from jewelry, handmade leather items and bric-a-brac typical of the Mexican culture.

Enjoy riding the stagecoach, chill out in the beer garden or sample tequila in the tequila sampling area.

As for food, you can try out authentic Mexican delicacies at any of the 20 restaurants in Old Town.

This three-day FREE festival guarantees a spectacular array of activities and entertainment that is sure to delight you and the entire family. If you want to experience great Mariachi music, sample Mexican tequila and savor authentic Mexican cuisine, then the Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is the place to be in.

If you are coming on San Diego vacation with friends or family, you can include Cinco de Mayo event in your traveling plan.

For your convenience, stay in a hotel located close to Old Town. Regarded as a value price leader amongst budget hotels in San Diego, California Suites Hotel is located in the middle of San Diego from where Old Town and many other attractions are a stone’s throw away. From the hotel, you can commute easily to all these destinations and enjoy such colorful festivals to the maximum.

Being San Diego’s AAA rated San Diego hotel, California Suites Hotel makes your stay comfortable and memorable one with continental breakfast, Wireless Internet access, large warm swimming pool, free parking, safe deposit box, spa tub and more.

Pic Courtesy:  laprensa-sandiego.org

San Diego Vacation during Del Mar National Horse Show

Elegance, Excitement, and Excellence await you in San Diego this April!

The 68th Annual Del Mar National Horse Show 2013, one of the oldest and most celebrated events in San Diego, is set to take place on April 18–May 5, 2013 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena.

Plan your San Diego Vacation during this period and be a part of this ever-engaging event. The whole event is divided into three weeks based on the type of activities and shows:

• Western Week: April 18–21, 2013

The major attraction of the Western Week is the “Night of the Horse”, to be held on April 20, at 7:00 pm. Night of the Horse will be followed by a free concert that will feature country music’s, Herrick.

• Dressage Week: April 25–28, 2013

The Dressage Week features qualifying competitions for Intermédiaire Championships and the USEF National Grand Prix. Dressage competition – Evening of Musical Freestyles – is set to take place On April 27.

• Hunter/Jumper Week: April 30 – May–5, 2013

Hunter/Jumper Week hosts $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar that features excitement and nail-biting competitions.

Over 3,000 horses from different breeds will display their speed and stamina at the equestrian complex in coastal Del Mar. The acts of reining, elegant dressage moves choreographed to music, spins, sliding stops, trick riders, comedy acts, daredevil show jumping, thrills and spills. will grip the audience.

Don’t miss the excitement. Book your tickets NOW. Lodging in San Diego is no more a matter of worry as California Suites Hotel – one of the leading budget hotels in San Diego – is offering attractive discounts this season. Choose California Suites Hotel for your lodging in San Diego and save high on your budget.

An AAA-approval and membership of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce earn California Suites Hotel huge reputation in San Diego. Moreover, it offers plentiful services including free parking, continental breakfast, large warm swimming pool, Internet access, safe deposit box, spa tub and more.

Pic Courtesy: InlandSoCal.com

Picturesque San Diego Botanic Garden

Bamboo groves, desert gardens and a tropical rainforest – all in one place! It can only happen in the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.

San Diego Botanic Garden was once the private property of Ruth Baird Larabee. In 1957, she donated her estate to the County of San Diego. Earlier known as Quail Botanical Gardens; the garden name was changed in 2009.

Spread over 37 acres, it has got the largest bamboo collection in the United States.

San Diego Botanic Garden has miles of garden trails, palms and around 3,000 varieties of subtropical, tropical and California native plants. Come and explore the breathtaking bamboo groves, lush succulent gardens, check out the herb garden, view different plants from all over the world and enjoy picturesque views.

Other highlights include a subtropical fruit garden, California native plants, firesafe landscaping and Mediterranean landscapes. Once there, check out the beautiful fuchsias, cacti, hibiscus, cork oaks, wildflowers, perennials, brugmansias and lots more.

The spectacular variety of trees, diverse topography and the microclimates you see here is hard to find anywhere else. San Diego Botanic Garden can arguably be called the only place where you can transit from a tropical rainforest to a desert environment in minutes.

If you want to see plants that grow in the Canary Islands, the San Diego Botanic Garden has a garden devoted to it. Interested to know the plants and flowers that grow in the Himalayas? Check out the special garden dedicated to it.

Visit San Diego Botanic Garden on your Vacation to San Diego

The climate-specific gardens are based on different geographic regions ranging from Central America, Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and more.

San Diego Botanic Garden keeps hosting different events throughout the year. In December, the San Diego Botanic Garden will play host to Garden of Lights when the beautiful garden is transformed into winter wonderland with
dazzling lights illuminating the whole place.

If you are planning a San Diego vacation in the coming months, do spare a day to come and relax in this picturesque garden. As the holiday season is soon approaching, lots of San Diego accommodations are offering great discounts and offers on daily room stays and extended stays.

Located in Clairemont, California Suites Hotel is the Value Price Leader among budget hotels in San Diego. Strongly believing in customer satisfaction, California Suites Hotel’s motto is to make the stay for guests Convenient, Comfortable and Affordable. Our services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Come and spend a day in the lap of nature at the San Diego Botanic Garden!

Photo Courtesy: sandiegan.com

Photo Courtesy: sandiegoreader.com

San Diego invites all beer lovers for San Diego Brewers Guild’s third installment of San Diego Beer Week 2012 (SDBW). Started on November 2, 2012, it is a 10-day celebration concluding on November 11, 2012. San Diego Beer week is featuring 40-plus local craft breweries and promoting the popular brewing culture of San Diego.

Attend the San Diego Beer Week 2012 to enjoy a host of events –beer gardens, festivals, live music and entertainment, over 100 of the finest beers and tasteful food from local brewpubs and other popular restaurants.

There will be more than 63 events during San Diego Beer Week 2012 including Beer Release, Pint Night, Firkin/Cask, Beer Brunch, Tap Takeover, Beer Dinner, and Meet the Brewer et al. Check official website for details.

San Diego Beer Week 2012 will conclude with The Beer Garden @ The Lodge at Torrey Pines on Sunday, November 11, 2012, 12 pm to 3 pm. The tickets cost $75.00.

Don’t miss the closing event as the guests will be offered a variety of tastings of beer and food pairings prepared by best local chefs and different craft brewing companies including:

San Diego Beer Week 2012 is concluding on November 11, 2012.

• Stumblefoot Brewing/Stone Brewing Company – Chef Paul McCabe, Delicias
• Karl Strauss Brewing Company / Aztec Brewing Company – Chef Anthony Sinsay, Burlap
• Lightning Brewery/Monkey Paw Brewery – Chef Amy DeBiase, The Shores Restaurant
• Lost Abbey Brewing/AleSmith Brewing Company – Chef Nick Brune, Local Habit
• Societe Brewing/New English Brewing Company – Chef Kyle Bergman, Ritual Tavern
• Manzanita Brewing Company/Hess Brewing – Chef Lance Repp, Sky Room at La Valencia
• Rock Bottom Brewery San Diego/Wet n Reckless Brewing – Chef Jeffrey Strauss, Pamplemousse Grille
• Rock Bottom Brewery La Jolla/Green Flash Brewing Company – Chef Hanis Cavin, Carnitas Snack Shack
• Pizza Port Brewing OB/San Diego Brewing Company – Chef Daniel Boling, The Lodge at Torrey Pines
• Ballast Point Brewing Company/Mother Earth Brewing Company – Chef Gunther Emathinger, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
• Oggi’s Brewing Company/Coronado Brewing Company – Alex Carballo, Stone World Bistro

Don’t miss it! San Diego Beer Week 2012 is heading towards its conclusion. California Suites Hotel – one of the prime options amongst budget San Diego motels and hotels – will take care of your San Diego lodging. We will make your accommodation in San Diego affordable. It is an AAA-approved hotel and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce.

California Suites Hotel is known for its world-class services including:

• Large heated swimming pool
• Air-conditioned public areas
• Complimentary newspaper in lobby
• Cable with HBO
• High speed Internet access
• Spa tub
• Laundry facilities
• Continental breakfast
• Safe-deposit box

Photo Courtesy: sdbw.org

Source: sdbw.org/beer-garden

The Del Mar Racetrack begins its Thoroughbred Racing Season at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in oceanfront Del Mar.

It’s summertime where the turf meets the surf, and that means exhilarating races, big wins, and great music.

Del Mar Horse Racing excitement returns to the Del Mar Racetrack on July 18 through September 5 (except Labor Day and Tuesdays), as the Del Mar Racetrack begins its Thoroughbred Racing Season at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in oceanfront Del Mar.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will celebrate 75 years as a world-class racing and entertainment destination this summer. The seaside track’s seven-week meet – filled with fast horses, free concerts and big weekend events – will commence on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

One of the summer’s most anticipated events – Opening Day at Del Mar Horse Racing– is likely to welcome more than 46,000 celebrities, socialites and party-goers to the track to kick off the season in Kentucky Derby style with “The One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest,” again showcasing Southern California’s wildest and most glamorous creations.

Besides world-class Thoroughbred racing, Del Mar is known for its incredible lineup of summer entertainment. This season, the track will welcome big name performers to the Seaside Stage for its Summer Concert Series. Race-goers can enjoy free shows from a lineup of performers.

The $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic will take place Sunday, August 26 and is expected to attract many of the country’s top jockeys, trainers and Thoroughbreds for Del’s Mar’s richest and most prestigious race.

The 2012 season event calendar will also feature fan favorites such as the Gourmet Food Truck Festival, Miss Cougar Del Mar Contest, microbrew festivals and the annual Reggae Festival.

The track’s Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday, July 22, but families can get their share of the action and enjoy kid-friendly activities in the Infield every Saturday and Sunday throughout the meet.

Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesday through Sunday, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post changes to 4 p.m.

Del Mar Horse Racing is one of the spectacular events that take place in the San Diego city. If you are planning a San Diego beach vacation between July to September, do attend this event.

To make sure your San Diego holidays enjoyable and convenient, try to find a San Diego hotel from where Del Mar and other tourist spots are nearby.

California Suites Hotel is one such San Diego lodging from where most of the attractions including La Jolla, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, beaches, shopping centers and Del Mar are nearby.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is well known for its impeccable services and hospitality. Our services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

If you are fond of horse racing, do not miss Del Mar Horse Racing!

Sources include:
sandiego.org
delmarscene.com/music/dmtc_2012_press_release.htm

Photo Courtesy: ali.sdsu.edu

The 33rd Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival for eclectic fun in the sun, shopping, festival nosh, surf and beachfront entertainment.

The Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival has been a vibrant community tradition for more than three decades, attracting tourists and San Diego natives alike to sunny Ocean Beach each year. It will take place at the Ocean Beach, Newport Ave on 23rd June, 2012  from 10am.

This year at the 33rd Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival for eclectic fun in the sun, shopping, festival nosh, surf and beachfront entertainment.

There will be festival activities for all ages and interests including:

* Five stages of continuous live music
* Chili Cook-Off
* Beachside Beer Garden & Spirits
* Food vendors and local restaurant fare
* Community Mural Art Project
* Artists Alley
* Wonderland Children’ Area
* Unique handcrafted merchandise: clothing, accessories and more
* Skateboard Exhibition from Ocean Beach Surf & Skate Shop
* Climbing Walls
* Raffle with prizes from more than 20 local businesses

Best part is it is a FREE event which promises lots of fun. Everything about the OB Street Fair will be special this year because it is the occasion for celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Ocean Beach.  If you are coming on a San Diego vacation in June, come to this event to celebrate with the thousand others!

For your convenience, stay at a hotel in San Diego which is in close proximity to the beaches, where most visitors flock to in the summer time.

Regarded as a value price leader amongst budget San Diego hotels, California Suites Hotel offers all facilities to make your stay comfortable and a memorable one.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel offers fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large heated outdoor swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

The biggest advantage is that the hotel is close to almost all beaches and other top attractions as well such as Old Town, Sea World, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and shopping centers. As San Diego receives a large influx of tourists in June, try to book your rooms in advance.

Sources include:

yelp.com
oceanbeachsandiego.com

Photo Courtesy: myspace.com

Automobile aficionados and aviation enthusiasts can tighten their seatbelts for Annual American Heritage Car Show

Automobile aficionados and aviation enthusiasts can tighten their seatbelts for two exciting events lined up in San Diego in late May and early June.

The 15^th Annual American Heritage Car Show is set to take place Saturday, May 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and will provide a visual treat of out fabulous vehicles in a beautiful setting, Grape Day Park, Escondido, CA. With close to 250 vehicles parked on grass, this is one of the nicest car shows anywhere.

Start the day off at 9am with a delicious pancake breakfast. Then, walk the park to find your favorite car, while listening to a DJ spinning classic rock ‘n roll tunes. Buy some raffle tickets and you might win a fabulous prize. Local car dealers sponsor this show, which benefits the non-profit Escondido History Center. They’ll be on site with some new cars for you to see, too. Vendors offer a variety of merchandise, but you don’t need to spend any money to enjoy the American Heritage Car Show. Spectators are free, and so are tours of the Escondido History Center.

This year’s show honors local builder Randy Clark of Hot Rods & Custom Stuff. Entry for spectators is free and vehicle entry is $25. No dogs or alcohol allowed.

For aviation enthusiasts, the 17^th Annual Wings Over Gillespie air show is set to provide a great time for the whole family on the weekend of June 2-3, 2012. As “A Salute to 100 Years of U. S. Marine Corps Aviation”, the 17^th Annual Wings Over Gillespie air show is again planning to feature the awesome howl of airplane engines such as WWII bombers, F4F Wildcat, the TBF Avenger, the A6M Zero, the SBD Dauntless, and many more “Flying Museums” including the only remaining of their type, the Northrop N9M Flying Wing and the F3F Flying Barrel.

Also on hand will be USN/USMC helicopters and other static displays, Navy SEALs, special military and law enforcement vehicles and equipment, and much more. The gates open for the air show performance from to 9 am to 4 pm, at Gillespie Field in El Cajon on the show days.

The Air Show is a unique family, vacation day event with a special KidsZone area. Amusements, rides, entertainers, games and prizes, face painters, education displays, a great variety of food and beverages, and SHADE, will be abundant for the entire weekend. We will also feature a Beer Festival to add to the festivities of a great summer weekend for all. With the new SR-52 extension that now connects to SR-67, Gillespie Field is now more accessible than ever.

The air show is a glorious commemoration of American History:
- 70th Anniversary of WWII
- 70th Anniversary of Doolittle Raid
- 70th Anniversary of Battle of Midway
- 100th Anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation
- 100th Anniversary of El Cajon
- 70th Anniversary of Gillespie Field

If you are planning a San Diego vacation in late May and early June, do not miss out on the heritage car show and the air show. Make your room reservations in a San Diego hotel which is centrally located. Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which offers easy and convenient access to all the top attractions of San Diego. All the popular beaches including Harbor Beach, La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach are nearby. Even shopping centers, Balboa Park and other major attractions are a few minutes away.

Well-known for its hospitality, California Suites Hotel provides fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Main source for content: Yelp.com/Events
Main source for content: Air Group One of the Commemorative Air Force

Photo Courtesy: new-car-automotive.blogspot.com