We all do some shopping, sightseeing, lazing around, playing at the beaches. How about attending a charitable event which allows you to do some good work and at the same time is a lot of fun too?

The 9th Annual Cruise for the Cause Blood & Bone Marrow Drive Car Show will take place on 13th August, 2011, Saturday at the Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista, San Diego.

Presented by the MAGIC 92.5, one of three radio stations under the Local Media San Diego umbrella, this year the Cruise For The Cause Car Show is expected to receive more than 15,000 people.

At the Cruise For The Cause Car Show, you can expect to see a range of cars such as Lowriders, Tuners, SUV’s, Hot Rods, Customs, classic cars, and even bikes and motorcycles. All vehicle participants have to register by 12th August by paying $20 as entry fee for the car show charity event. You can also check out entertaining concerts and performances by various musicians and bands as well ranging from Rising Star Band, Stranger, BETO to DJ Todd Himaka.

Many children lose their lives because they are unable to receive a bone marrow match. This event aims to raise awareness about this cause and also supports the American Red Cross. If you are in good health, this is great opportunity for supporting the cause by donating blood. Your one good gesture can save a life. Besides a part of the funds raised will be donated to help homeless mothers and their kids and those children who are suffering from cancer.

If you are planning a San Diego vacation in August, do spare some time to attend this event which is for a good cause and do your bit for this noble venture. It will be a uniquely satisfying experience for you. As San Diego receives plenty of tourists in the month of August, it always a good idea to book your rooms in advance and to take advantage of the awesome discounts being offered by various San Diego hotels.

Considered as a Value Price Leader, California Suites Hotel is one of the leading budget hotels in San Diego from where Chula Vista and various other attractions are nearby. The hotel is well-known for providing good facilities at affordable prices which include complimentary breakfast, safe deposit box, large outdoor warm swimming pool, Internet access and more. Besides, California Suites Hotel is also considered as one of the leading extended stay hotels San Diego and offers great rates for extended stay and home away from home kind of environment to people looking for long term stay. In short, the hotel is convenient, comfortable and affordable.

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Carnival rides, concerts, bizarre yet delicious food, special events and so much more make up the San Diego County Fair. All set to take place from 10th June to 4th July 2011 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this hugely popular fair is expected to attract more than a million visitors this year. (The fair will be closed for the three Mondays between except on the 4th of July.)

It is a wholly family-driven event. Check out the concerts of Switchfoot, Neon Trees and other artists. Take part in the fun and exciting pie eating contest, check out skateboarding demonstrations and many more such activities that let you have a great time on a San Diego family vacation. On 4th of July, you can look forward to see some patriotic contests, parade, and dazzling fireworks.

And yes, how can one forget the mind blowing variety of food offerings that one gets to sample at the San Diego County Fair? You can try out as many food offerings as you like because the delicacies available here can’t be found anywhere else. In fact, food is one of the major reasons people come to visit this fair.

Now sample these totally fried avocados, deep fried pop tart with strawberries, deep fried cheese curds, deep fried Mexican ice cream, four pound belly buster burger, cheese on a stick, deep fried brownie, chocolate covered bacon. Apart from casual dining, the fair also provides options for formal dining as well.

And don’t forget to take a ride on the San Diego County Fair Ferris Wheel. The bird’s eye view from this giant wheel overlooking the Pacific is just magnificent. The San Diego County Fair promises a whole lot of fun and entertainment that you would like to visit it again and again. So if you are planning your San Diego vacation between 10th June and 4th July, better not miss this fair.

There are several good hotels in San Diego which offer commendable services at affordable prices. One such hotel known for offering fine services at best of the rates available is the California Suites Hotel. This San Diego hotel provides complimentary breakfast, laundry facilities, large warm outdoor swimming pool, Internet facility and much more.

Another USP of the California Suites Hotel is its location, from where Del mar, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, Old Town, beaches and other attractions are nearby. So that saves a lot of time and money for the guests.

From time to time, the hotel keeps offering handsome discounts to the visitors. Keep checking this San Diego hotel’s website for the latest discounts being offered.

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The month of May is all set to rock San Diego. There are an array of events lined up which will delight both visitors residents. In this post, we are going to discuss two such events which visitors should not miss on their San Diego vacation:

Chocolate Festival

Do you love chocolates? Then surely you wouldn’t like to miss the upcoming Chocolate Festival which is all set to take place at the picturesque San Diego Botanic Garden on 7th May, 2011. Once there, gorge on delectable chocolate tastings brought by various chocolate vendors, enjoy the appetizing demonstrations, the streaming chocolate fountain and lots of children’ activities.

Besides savouring chocolates, you can also enjoy the scenic views of the San Diego Botanic Garden which turns even more breathtakingly beautiful during the spring season. The blossoming flowers, lush greenery, quaint lily ponds and tall bamboo groves add to its beauty.

And since the Chocolate Festival is taking place one day before the Mother’s Day, 8th May, 2011; you can use the occasion to take your mother along and spend some quality time. The festival also offers a range of Mother’s Day gifts. The Chocolate Festival is very much a family friendly event which you must check out if you are in San Diego during first week of the May.

Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo

The 28th Annual Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is all set to take place at the Old Town State Historical Park on 30th April and 1st May, 2011. The colorful Old Town buzzes with so many entertaining activities during this festival.

Listen to the flamenco beats, and traditional Mariachi music, enjoy a chilled beer in the beer garden and watch the LIVE entertainment. And don’t forget the tequila sampling area for tastings.

Cinco de Mayo is also the time to shop for unique items. Explore the colorful shops and specialty stores to buy various items such as jewellery, handicraft, handmade leather and souvenirs. After shopping, get set to satisfy your hunger pangs and taste buds by gorging on delicious food at any of the restaurants there.

And if you have time in hand, also explore the various museums and historic sites that Old Town has to offer. Cinco de Mayo is the event where you can get to experience the history, cuisine and culture of Mexico. This two-day fiesta is free for one and all. Make sure you don’t miss it!

To explore the Old Town and enjoy Cinco de Mayo  and Chocolate Festival to the fullest, book your stay at the centrally located California Suites Hotel, one of the budget San Diego hotels, from where the Old Town and San Diego Botanic Garden are nearby. The hotel offers good services at the best hotel rates which are hard to find anywhere else. The hotel provides an extended complimentary breakfast, free parking, laundry service, large heated swimming pool and more.

California Suites Hotel is also an extended stay hotel San Diego which offers a home away from home kind of services, so that guest can enjoy apartment prices with hotel perks.

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Time to watch some hula-hooping and feather-balancing as the exciting Circus Vargas – The Big One is back in San Diego to entertain the audience. The event which kicked off on 10th February will go on till 11th April, 2011 at various San Diego locations, including Del Mar Fairgrounds, Balboa Park, National City, El Cajon, and Vista.

Circus Vargas – The Big One is a huge draw for kids of all ages. If possible, come early to watch the free preview show and watch Jon Weiss and Laura Weiss, the well-renowned circus performers and hosts of the show, as they teach kids to hula-hoop and balance feather in the center ring and give a preview of how life is like under the Big Top. Circus Vargas is going to present an entirely new show for 2011 which include hula-hooping, juggling, feather-balancing, great music, great performers and more. Watch skilful acrobats and aerialists performing feats which are sure to leave you enthralled.

Besides, there will be colorful clowns which are sure to bring out a laugh. From March 24th to 28th, Circus Vargas will take place at the Del Mar fairgrounds, while the event will shift to Promenade Temecula from March 31st to April 11th, 2011.

Circus Vargas is an event where most talented performers come with presentations and performances which transcend all languages, age and culture. No wonder, Circus Vargas is a delight for both kids as well as adults. If you are planning a vacation in San Diego during March-April, make sure to take your kids to this colorful and exciting event. Your kids will surely love it!

As far as San Diego accommodation is concerned, reserve your rooms in an affordable San Diego vacation rental from where Del Mar Fairgrounds, Balboa Park, Promenade Temecula and other venues are nearby so that it is easier for you commute.

Located just15 minutes away from the San Diego International airport, California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which is known for impeccable services and hospitable staff. The hotel provides free parking, complimentary breakfast, laundry services, Internet access, well equipped rooms with microwave, refrigerator, a large heated outdoor pool and more. California Suites Hotel is also known as an affordable extended stay hotel San Diego which provides home away from home kind of services to the guests. In short, the hotel is convenient, comfortable and affordable!

Photo Courtesy: www.circusvargas.com

Are you fond of dancing and music? Do you want to step into the rhythm of waltzes, polkas and operettas? Then San Diego is the place to be on the New Year as the city is all set to play host to a major dance and musical event in January – the San Diego Symphony: Salute to Vienna.

San Diego Symphony: Salute to Vienna

There is nothing better than watching the heavenly performances of European artists singing and dancing to the tunes of waltzes, polkas and operatic excerpts on the first day of the New Year. Set to take place on  1st, January, 2011, the ‘San Diego Symphony: Salute to Vienna’ is inspired by the Vienna’s renowned NEUJAHRSKONZERT.

NEUJAHRSKONZERT is the classical music New Year Concert which is performed in Vienna  every year and broadcast around the world to an estimated audience of 50 million in 72 countries. However you don’t have to watch it on TV as the San Diego Symphony: Salute to Vienna will recreate the same magic and grandeur at Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego on 1st, January.

While waltz is a ballroom dance, polka is a lively Central European dance. It will be a thrill watching these dance forms with the music of “Waltz King” Johann Strauss II.  Johann Strauss II was an Austrian composer who composed more than 500 waltzes, polkas, and several operettas. Considered as “The Waltz King”, Strauss is credited for the popularity of the waltz in Vienna during the 19th century.

If you haven’t heard the playful compositions of Strauss, this is your chance to come and fall in love with the mesmerizing compositions of the King of Waltz. Various artists such as conductor Mika Eichenholz, soprano Patricia Nessy, and Alexandru Badea will perform at the event.

Make sure you don’t carry your camera, recording devices, food or drinks inside the hall, as these items are not allowed. And remember to book your stay in a San Diego lodging from where you can commute easily to Copley Symphony Hall.

Located at Clairemont Mesa Blvd, California Suites Hotel is a budget hotel which provides fine services at affordable prices. Its services include complimentary breakfast, laundry facilities, spa tub, free parking and more. The hotel is also offering awesome discounts which are valid till January 21st, 2011. Book your rooms as early as possible to avail the tempting discounts.

Make sure you attend this event if you are planning a San Diego vacation during this time. It will be a wonderful way to begin the New Year by watching such breathtaking performances.

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Packed with plenty of exciting events during December, the city of San Diego sure knows how to celebrate the year’s end and begin the new one with hope and excitement. This month’s events include rocking parties, family friendly activities, parades and so much more. Let’s find out more about two popular events slated for this month:

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 2010

Imagine the sight of a fully lit-up over 100 decorated boats cruising on the San Diego Bay! This magnificent spectacle will take place at the 39th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights on 12th and 19th December, 2010.

Dazzling fireworks will light up the whole sky following which, the famous boat parade will kick off. This year the theme of the event is “The Sounds of Christmas”. The boat parade will begin from the east end of Shelter Island, and then move to Harbor Island and finally to Coronado areas. You can catch the best views from the shore along the Seaport Village, Harbor Island, Embarcadero and Coronado. Don’t forget to carry your camera. This is the event where you can click some of the best night shots. More than 80,000 people are expected to attend this extravaganza. Make sure you are also part of the attendees.

Garden of Lights at San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden lights up during December as the dazzling LED lights transform the beautiful garden into a sort of magical wonderland from 9th December to 30th December, 2010. Located in Encinitas, San Diego, more than 100,000 lights will illuminate the beautiful San Diego Botanic Garden renowned for the nation’s largest bamboo collection.

Take a stroll through the lit-up garden. You can enjoy the LIVE music or huddle around the campfire. It’s a wonderful experience listening and singing along with the Christmas Carolers. The beauty of the colorful Poinsettia Garden is a must see. Also, don’t forget to check out the Nutcracker exhibit and enjoy the wagon rides through the Garden.

A slew of entertainment programs are all set to make the evenings truly. Join your children in listening to stories narrated by interesting characters in colorful costumes or enjoy the Mariachi players performing live. In short, each day will offer something new and exciting for your whole family. And of course, Santa Claus will be around to make the children enjoy Christmas in its true spirit. This event is a must watch on your San Diego family vacation.

San Diego receives a large number of visitors in December. Make sure that you book your rooms in advance to avoid the last minute rush. Heavy inflow of tourists means parking problems too. Therefore, to avoid the traffic jams and the parking chaos, stay in a San Diego hotel from where you can commute to the above mentioned venues conveniently. This way you save plenty of time as well as money too.

Known for impeccable services, California Suites Hotel is a centrally located hotel from where major attractions such as Seaport Village, Embarcadero and others are nearby. And even the San Diego International Airport is just 15 minute away from the hotel.

Always believing in delivering the best to the customers, California Suites Hotel provides facilities at affordable prices. The services include complementary breakfast, free parking, laundry facilities and in addition the hotel is also offering awesome discounts and San Diego vacation packages during this holiday season. San Diego will play host to other several activities too apart from these two events. Make sure you are part of the holiday celebration!

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Halloween is just round the corner and it is time to start preparing for the Halloween costumes, parties, and events.  When it comes to events and festivities, the mesmerizing city of San Diego hosts some really great Halloween events. One such event is the Halloween Family day at Balboa Park.

Wondering what you can see at Balboa Park during Halloween? It’s a feast of entertainment and fun with spine-tingling tours, variety of spooky activities, scary storytelling, Halloween scavenger hunt, creepy crafts and lots more at the largest urban cultural park. The best part is of course the free entry to the museums. On 31st October, more than a dozen museums will throw open the doors for kids of 17 years and under.

Adults too have plenty of exciting things lined up for them. They will get discounts on their  Halloween passes. On buying a Stay-for-the-Day Pass, you can gain entry into any of the five museums for a nominal $35.

You can dress up your kids in colorful Halloween costumes and make them participate in the kiddie costume parade at the Natural History Museum. A kiddie costume parade will also be held at the Natural History Museum. Kids with best wildlife costume will win exciting gifts.

Fond of face painting? Then head to the San Diego History Center where you can learn a few tricks of face painting as well as hat making. Did you check out various rail models the last time you visited the San Diego Model Railroad Museum? This Halloween, you can build and  decorate your own glow-in-the-dark steam engine.

How about decorating sugar skulls or skull masks? For this you will have to visit the San Diego Museum of Man where you can also build miniature altars.Interestingly, a doggie costume show will also be held at the Spanish Village Art Center. The winners will receive doggie treats as prizes. Apart from the doggie costume show, there will also be trick-or-treat bag decoration, steam-powered giraffe performance and various free art activities.

If you happen to be on a vacation to San Diego around Halloween, make it a point to take your kids to Balboa Park. Since a large number of tourists will be arriving in San Diego during this festive season, make sure to book your rooms in a good San Diego lodging in advance.

California Suites Hotel is one of the budget hotels in San Diego which has been known for impeccable services and hospitality. During this festive season, the hotel is also providing awesome discounts and San Diego vacation packages to the visitors.

Halloween Family day at Balboa Park is a whole lot of fun for both kids as well as adults. Make sure to attend it!

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The upcoming San Diego Restaurant Week opens the floodgates to lip smacking delicacies at more than 180 of the best restaurants in the city. Both city residents and tourists wait for this week to try out an array of feasts at the best restaurants.

Considered as the largest and the most successful dining event in San Diego County, San Diego Restaurant Week was initiated to make San Diego a top destination for fine dining. Organized by the California Restaurant Association San Diego County, the San Diego Restaurant Week is held twice a year. It will flag off on 19 September and go up to 24 September, 2010.

You can pick a restaurant of your choice during the week and enjoy a three course menu there. There are no tickets, coupons or passes required. Best part of this week long festival is that you get to savor a three-course dinner for merely $20, $30 or $40 per person, depending upon the restaurant you choose. Where else can you get the chance to discover new restaurants all at one place and relish delicious meals at such a reasonable prices?

This gastronomic week also provides a great opportunity to food lovers when they can explore the new eateries as well as revisit the old favorites. However it is advisable to reserve tables at the restaurants in advance.

Starting from downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter to Old Town, La Jolla, Coronado, Del Mar and beyond, food lovers can treat themselves to delicious meals at various restaurants at several places throughout San Diego during the food festival. If you are visiting San Diego during this time, make sure you stay in a San Diego lodging from where all the above mentioned locations are nearby so that you save time on commute.

Located right in the middle of San Diego, California Suites Hotel is one of the leading budget hotels in San Diego which provides tempting discounts,and high value services to their visitors.

Ahead of other budget hotels in delivering the best to their clients, California Suites Hotel many other facilities such as complimentary breakfast, free parking, spa tub, safe deposit box, voice mail, Internet facility and lots more.

San Diego Restaurant Week is a sheer delight for foodies! Don’t miss it!

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Are you fond of racing? The San Diego Bayfair’s World Series of Powerboat Racing is back once again to celebrate the end of summer. This beach festival brings the fastest boats in the world right to the shores of Mission Beach. It is a great event to turn your boring weekend more adventurous by watching the breathtaking racing. Visiting monuments and sightseeing is a normal activity we all do on our San Diego vacation. But why not watch something which can turn the regular boring weekend into something adventurous?

For over 40 years, the World Series of Powerboat Racing is the largest annual family festival and is quite a favorite among race fans. This year more than 160,000 spectators are expected to attend the three day event which will take place from September 17 to 19, 2010. (more…)

Interesting shows, thrilling rides, amazing exhibits and various other activities make Sea World’s Summer Nights an irresistible magnet which attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Located along the Mission Bay district in San Diego, the Summer Nights fiesta at the Sea World has been the center of attraction ever since it started on June 18 this year. Tourists who are on a San Diego vacation can take some time off from their itinerary to visit it any time till Aug. 29, 2010.

The prime attraction of the Sea World is the famous killer whale-Shamu and needless to say, Shamu’s shows are huge draws. There are various shows featuring Shamu such as Believe, Shamu Rocks, and The Shamu Story. Shamu Rocks is a very exciting show in which the popular killer whale -Shamu plays a rock star and jigs to sizzling rock ‘n’ roll music with incredible animation and impressive lighting effects in the background. You would not have seen such exciting rock n roll performance by anyone ever.

Once you are done with the Shamu Rocks, check out the hilarious Sea Lions Tonite and Sea Lions LIVE. Both the shows feature sea lions Clyde and Seamore who entertain the crowds with their mischievous acts.

Interested in a 4-D theater experience? Check out the Sesame Street Presents: Lights, Camera, Imagination. It features the furry red monster Elmo, Big Bird, Bert and some other humorous characters such as dancing octopus, monstrous cookies and more. If your children like watching children’s television, take them to the Sesame Street show. They will love this Sesame presentation too complete with 4-D effects.

Do you love watching circus? Then you shouldn’t miss the Cirque de la Mer at any cost. Cirque de la Mer is very different from the typical circuses. You will view some great acrobatic feats here especially in three different forms – land, water and in the air!

Apart from different shows, Sea World’s Summer Nights also offers amazing rides. Go for a Bayside Skyride which is an amazing ride across the scenic Mission Bay giving you plenty of time to admire the beauty of the area. Want to catch the magnificent views of the San Diego skyline from the top? Then you must go on a Skytower ride. For adventure seekers, there are some really thrilling and spine tickling rides such as Journey To Atlantis, Shipwreck
Rapids, and more.

Sea World’s Summer Nights is an awesome tourist place which appeals to both kids as well as grown ups. So if you are planning to come on a San Diego vacation between June and August, you must include Sea World’s Summer Nights in your itinerary.

For easy travel, book your rooms in a hotel in San Diego from where Sea World is located nearby. In case if you are on a limited budget, you don’t need to stay in a cheap San Diego hotel. Rather there are several good budget hotels in San Diego which provide tightly priced San Diego packages and California vacation packages. California Suites Hotel is the Value Price Leader among budget hotels in San Diego and offers quality services at affordable prices.

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