Whale watching is an annual ritual of San Diego which has now become known the world over. The reason is that the migration of California gray whales from the chilly Alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons of Baja California is a unique natural phenomenon specific only to this region.

If you are a nature lover, and especially fond of watching marine life from up close, whale watching is a delightful adventure which you will enjoy with your family and kids. A San Diego vacation planned around this time is never complete without a whale watching cruise.

As the winter gently slips into spring, thousands of these “peaceful giants of the sea” come within a few miles of the San Diego coast on their 5,000-mile southern journey. It is a natural wonder that these whales travel the longest distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis and they birth and rear their young in the placid warm lagoons of Baja California.

From mid-December to mid-April, San Diego offers a great lineup of whale watching events. Book your rooms in advance in a conveniently located San Diego hotel and plan out an itinerary where you can enjoy some of these cool events.

Next Level Sailing and the Maritime Museum of San Diego - a unique 4-hour whale watching experience aboard the139-ft. long sailing yacht America, a historic replica of the world’s first America’s Cup winner (on going, December 17, 2011 – April 15, 2012)

Birch Aquarium at Scripps and Flagship Cruises & Events – Narrated, 3.5-hour whale watching cruises out of San Diego Bay (on going, December 26, 2011 – April 15, 2012)

Hornblower Cruises and Events – A 3.5-hour deluxe whale watching adventure cruises in partnership with San Diego Natural History Museum, (on going, December 10, 2011 – April 15, 2012)

H&M Landing – Daily 3-hour whale watching cruises (on going, mid-December through mid-March) and 6-hour cruises (on going, late December through May)

OEX Dive & Kayak Centers – A 2.5-hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour (on going, December 15, 2011 – March 1, 2012)

Adventure RIB Rides – A thrilling fast paced whale watching excursion aboard an authentic 30’ Navy SEAL Rigid Inflatable Boat (R.I.B.) (on going December 17, 2011 – April 15, 2012)

La Jolla Kayak – Close encounters with grey whales and other marine life including sea lions, garibaldi and leopard sharks through 2.5-hour tours along the La Jolla coastline and through La Jolla’s incredible Sea Caves (on going, mid-December through the end of the season)

H&M Landing Special Expedition - An 11-day seagoing expedition to some of Baja California’s most remote islands and breathtaking coastal areas. Expedition includes whale watching, nature walks, beach combing, snorkeling and dune and marsh explorations (February 24 – March 6, 2012).

If you are looking to have close encounters with San Diego’s incredible marine life this March, choose a San Diego lodging which is located near the beaches. California Suites Hotel is a leading budget San Diego hotel which is known for its hospitality and fine services at affordable prices.

Guests can enjoy continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more. The California Suites Hotel is ideally situated from where all major attractions including Balboa Park, Sea World, Birch Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo are nearby.

Photo Courtesy: missionbeach.com

The races begin near Sea World and the Ingraham Street bridge, head North along Mission Bay for 2000 meters and finish at Crown Points Shores.

4,000 athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs from across the United States will participate in this premier rowing event in San Diego on 31^st March and 1^st April, 2012. The Crew Classic has long been the marquee regatta for rowing and was established in 1973. For many rowers, the Crew Classic is the highlight of their competitive rowing careers and a competition for future Olympians, as well as for those new to the sport. Ranging in age from 14 to 84, rowers compete each year in over 100 races in various divisions. The master level (over age 21) is the fastest growing segment of the sport. Many master rowers are novice rowers, while others are reliving their college and club experiences.

In addition to the outstanding racing, the San Diego Crew Classic offers a festival atmosphere with music, a trade show and alumni tents. In addition, this year, two new events are being added. The Brew & Crew Fest on Ski Beach featuring 20 different beer stations presented by Karl Strauss and KPRI. The event is priced at $40 per 3 hour session with 10 tasters included. Also there will be the new Family Festival area which will cater to families looking for an affordable day on the bay with a kids zone and artist booths. A massive Jumbotron is located adjacent to the merchandise and alumni areas for a perfect view of the races, including the starts which are 2000 meters away. The finish line is opposite the giant Stewards Enclosure tent for all to see along Crown Point Shores.

Location
Crown Point Shores on Mission Bay

Race Course
The races begin near Sea World and the Ingraham Street bridge, head North along Mission Bay for 2000 meters and finish at Crown Points Shores.

San Diego receives a large number of visitors in March and April. Make sure to get your hotel bookings done in advance. Choose a San Diego hotel which offers good services at affordable prices. California Suites Hotel is a Value Price leader among hotels in San Diego which offers fine services. Guests can enjoy continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more. The California Suites Hotel is ideally situated from where all major attractions including Mission Bay, Sea World and other tourist destinations are nearby.

Springtime in San Diego means colorful flowers in full bloom, lots of greenery, pleasant weather and happy faces. The month of March is a great time to visit the beautiful city of San Diego. Here are two fairs which you must attend on your San Diego family vacation around this time of the year:

La Mesa Antique Street Faire

Ladies - get ready to indulge in some fun shopping! More than 100 antique dealers from all over the country are going to present their antique collections in La Mesa. The annual La Mesa Antique Street Faire is going to take place at the La Mesa Blvd. between Spring Street & Third Street on 25th March, 2012 from 9am to 4pm.

You can buy genuine antiques and collectibles, check souvenirs at local specialty shops, enjoy LIVE music, entertainment and relish a hearty meal or delicious snacks at restaurants or pubs.

Annual Rolando Street Fair

There is one more fair that will take place in San Diego on the same day- the annually held Rolando Street Fair i.e. on 25th March, 2012. The 16th annual Rolando Street Fair will be held at the Rolando Blvd. between El Cajon Blvd. and Solita Avenue in San Diego. It is a free event which guarantees fun for people of all ages.

More than 100 vendor booths and non-profit community organizations will participate in the event which always attracts a good number of visitors. Once there, you can buy unique items, check out arts and crafts, enjoy LIVE shows and some gripping performances, try out some fabulous delicacies and do lots more.

Especially for music lovers, Rolando Street Fair promises a lot. Performers such as Steph Johnson, Ambrosia and Cathryn Beeks will be present at the event to enthrall the audience. If you are wondering, how to keep the kids busy, drop in at the Kid’s Corner which will have carnival rides, face painting, a climbing wall and other fun activities for children.

As far as San Diego accommodation is concerned, choose a hotel which is centrally located so that you can spend most of your time in exploring places rather than on commuting.

California Suites Hotel is one such San Diego hotel which is ideally located from where La Mesa, Rolando village or other major attractions are nearby. Approved by AAA, California Suites Hotel is the leading budget hotel known for providing fine services at affordable prices such as continental breakfast, heated large swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

When you come to San Diego in March, enjoy the beauty of this lovely city and attend these charming events.

Photo Courtesy: secretsinsandiego.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade & Irish Festival is an event which attracts visitors from across the United States.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival is an event which attracts visitors from across the United States.

San Diego may not boast of much Irish history like other cities, but it celebrates Irish festival with fervor and enthusiasm. St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival is an event which attracts visitors from across the United States.

The 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is going to take place on 17th March, 2012 in Balboa Park. This year the theme of St. Patrick’s Day is “Celebrating the Spirit of Ancient Ireland”.

In this event you can watch a spectacular parade which includes drill teams, roller skaters, marching bands, floats, dancing groups, clowns, bagpipe contingents, equestrian entries, police and fire department units, scout troops, antique cars and more. The Parade kicks off at 10:30 am from Sixth Avenue and Juniper Street.

After the parade, the Irish Festival will kick off and you can treat yourself to enthralling music by well known folk singers, savor delicious food at food booths, have a good time at an authentic Celtic Village and enjoy ice cold beers, wines and spirits at the two beer gardens. Wondering what the children will do? This is a complete family event where you can have a great time with your kids. There will be a Kids Zone where children can enjoy rides, games, face-painting and more.

If you are on a vacation to San Diego in the month of March, do attend this event. On 17th March, apart from attending St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival you should also visit the bars to enjoy some great Irish beer and whiskey.

San Diego receives plenty of visitors in March. Make sure to get your hotel bookings done in advance. Choose a San Diego lodging which offers good services at affordable prices. California Suites Hotel is a leading budget San Diego hotel which is known for its hospitality and fine services. Guests can enjoy continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more. The California Suites Hotel is ideally situated from where all major attractions including Balboa Park, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo are nearby.

On St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival don’t forget to wear a shamrock on your collar or some green clothing.

Photo Courtesy: travel.usnews.com

San Diego is renowned for its museums, beaches and pleasant weather. This beautiful city also boasts of hosting high class sports events. Whether its baseball, rugby or a kite festival, San Diego city is always buzzing with events and activities. Here are two sports events which you can enjoy on your San Diego vacation in March:

Ocean Beach Kiwanis Kite Festival

Did you enjoy kite flying in your childhood? If you did, then this is the best time to get another great kite flying experience with your kids. And even if you haven’t done kite flying earlier, the Ocean Beach Kiwanis Kite Festival provides a superb opportunity to kite flying enthusiasts to learn the art of kite flying and pick up skills on how to make a good kite.

The upcoming Ocean Beach Kiwanis Kite Festival at the Ocean Beach Recreation Center on 3rd March, 2012 is considered the oldest kite festival for children in the USA. Ocean Beach Kite Festival is a free event for everyone. Your kids can learn how to make a simple kite and win prizes as well.

Besides there will be a carnival, street fair, music and nourishing food.

Ocean Beach Kiwanis

California Winter Games – Figure Skating

If you love figure skating, then don’t miss the California State Games, an Olympic-style competition in which amateur athletes of all ages can participate. During this time of the year, California Winter Games take place which include Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, Skiing, and Snowboarding.

On 3rd and 4th March, 2012, you can enjoy figure skating at the San Diego Ice Arena in Mira Mesa, San Diego.

As far as San Diego accommodation is concerned, choose a hotel in San Diego which provides good services at affordable prices. Surrounded by beautiful tropical plants and flowers, California Suites Hotel provides decent services at unbeatable prices. AAA approved, the California Suites Hotel provides continental breakfast, cable with HBO, heated large outdoor swimming pool, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and lots more. In short, it is complete value for money.

Best part of California Suites Hotel is its location. Whether you want to go Ocean Beach, Mira Mesa or any other attractions such as Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter which you can reach within 15 minutes or so.

Photo Courtesy: southbayvisitorsguide.com

Want to rock the night and party Gaslamp style? Join the rocking jamboree called Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter on 21st February, 2012. Always celebrated on a Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is a hugely popular event that attracts thousands of revellers each year. Imagine people clad in colorful costumes, music, dance and the bonhomie. Wouldn’t you like to be a part of it?

If you have never attended Mardi Gras, you have missed one of the most colorful carnival parties celebrated in the streets of the historic district of San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter.

Mardi Gras will begin at 6pm and continue till midnight at the Fifth Avenue in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego. Be a part of this fabulous outdoor celebration where you can enjoy a spectacular grand masquerade parade, groove to the music by the top Electronic and international DJ’s present there, enjoy LIVE music performances by bands, have cold beverages and collect as many beads as you can. There will be street performers throughout the Gaslamp Quarter to entertain people.

Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter never stops before midnight whether rain or shine. Proceeds from the event will also benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Association.

If you are on a vacation to San Diego in February, attend this event to have the time of your life. In order to make the most of your stay in San Diego, try to choose a good San Diego lodging.

Ideally located in Clairemont Mesa Blvd, California Suites Hotel is the leading budget San Diego hotel from where Gaslamp Quarter, and various other tourist hotspots such as Old Town, La Jolla, Balboa Park are nearby. This makes it easy for guests to commute to different destinations without wasting much time on traffic and parking.

Always believing in customer’s satisfaction, California Suites Hotel provides fine facilities which includes continental breakfast, spa, heated outdoor swimming pool, free parking, Internet access, laundry facilities, cable with HBO, 24 hour security and more.

Photo Courtesy: sandiego-answers.com

Lots of interesting events keep taking place in San Diego throughout the year. Here are some of the events which will take place in the month of February:

Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival

Are you fond of dancing? Then do attend the Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival. It is going to take place from 10^th to 12^th February, 2012 at the Coronado High Performing Arts Center in Coronado. Over 150 talented dancers and musicians from all over the world will participate in the event. You can check out around 18 traditional performances from different countries such as Sahar Dance Company from Middle East, World Music Odissi Dance Academy from India, Bollywood Tranz from India, Flamenco Arana from Spain,Blue Ming Chinese Dance Company from China and more. If you are really inclined towards dancing, don’t miss this event.

Mexican Modern Painting

Are you inclined towards paintings and arts and crafts? Then Mexican Modern Painting exhibition is a must for you. Set to take place till 19^th February, 2012 at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, this exhibition showcases paintings from the renowned Andres Blaisten Collection during the period of 1907 and 1962. You can check out the works of various artists such as Maria Izquierdo, David Alfaro and more.

So if you are planning to come to San Diego, make sure to choose a good affordable San Diego hotel and book your rooms in advance.

California Suites Hotel is the leading budget hotel in San Diego which offers unbeatable rates for all the its facilities to make guests feel at home. Enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool and spa tub, continental breakfast, laundry facilities and well furnished rooms equipped with microwave, Internet access, refrigerator and more.

From the California Suites Hotel, various other top hotspots are nearby. This will make it easy for you to commute to the venue.

Photo Courtesy: indianetzone.com

The 39th Annual California Open Wildlife Art Festival and Decoy Carvers Competition will take place on February 11 & 12, 2012 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at the McMillan Event Center in beautiful San Diego, CA.

California Open Wildlife Art Festival will feature more than 150 artists and carvers, many of whom will compete for ribbons.

Artists and wood carvers from the United States, Canada and Japan will showcase their work. Featured work will include the traditional hunting decoy, considered an American art form.

Carvers are encouraged to freely express themselves and not be limited by rules. In an effort to simplify the rules and encourage competition, yet still attempt to honor the spirit of the classic working decoy.

This festival is organized by Pacific Southwest Wildlife Art. The PSWA has taylored the event and rules to be as follows:

• Enter what you have made and use for hunting.
• Decoys must self right and have a means of anchor attachment.
• Judges will emphasize simplicity and field markings.

Other than 1st, 2nd and 3rd BOS, all other entries will be available for sale to the public for $175. These carvers will receive $150 and PSWA will retain $25.00.

If you are planning to attend the California Open Wildlife Art Festival in San Diego, check out California Suites Hotel.

California Suites Hotel is the leading budget hotel in San Diego which offers unbeatable rates for all the its facilities to make guests feel at home.

Enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool and spa tub, continental breakfast, laundry facilities and well furnished rooms equipped with microwave, Internet access, refrigerator and more.

During winters when most of the regions become unbearably cold, San Diego offers a respite from chilly cold and gives you a wonderful opportunity to run along the beautiful route and enjoy the lovely views of the coastline.

Come, be a part of it!

Source:
www.pswa.net/
www.iwfca.com/

Photo Courtesy: zvents.com

Do you enjoy running and jogging? How about running along sandy beaches and through the picturesque Carlsbad Village on your San Diego vacation? It will be a heady experience.

Set to take place on 22nd January, 2012, the Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon attracts participants from all over the world. More than 10,000 runners and walkers are expected to take part in the event not only from the USA but also from various other countries.

There will be two races. One is the 26.2 mile course and the other is 13.1-mile. Both marathons will begin and end at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real, Carlsbad. While the Carlsbad Marathon will flag off at 6 a.m., the Half Marathon will begin at 7:30 a.m.

The participants will run along the Oceanfront Pacific Coast Highway, lagoons, sun-kissed beaches and through the beautiful Carlsbad Village. If you get tired or need any help, there will be support stations to help you catch your breath. Plus at every mile, there will be LIVE bands to motivate you to carry on. Apart from all this, the breathtakingly beautiful views of Pacific Ocean are sure to lift your spirits. There will be scores of spectators and volunteers along the course to cheer you on.

The Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon also helps to raise money to support various charities. Participating in this marathon will not only be fun but will help a social cause.

San Diego is at its charming best during winters. New Year celebrations may have ended but the number of tourists coming to San Diego in January has not dipped. So if you are planning to come to San Diego, make sure to choose a good affordable San Diego hotel and book your rooms in advance.

California Suites Hotel is the leading budget hotel in San Diego which offers unbeatable rates for all the its facilities to make guests feel at home. Enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool and spa tub, continental breakfast, laundry facilities and well furnished rooms equipped with microwave, Internet access, refrigerator and more.

From the California Suites Hotel, Carlsbad and various other top hotspots are nearby. This will make it easy for you to commute to the venue.

During winters when most of the regions become unbearably cold, San Diego offers a respite from chilly cold and gives you a wonderful opportunity to run along the beautiful route and enjoy the lovely views of the coastline. So be a part of it!

Photo Courtesy: activemug.com

Join hundreds of football lovers on 28th December, 2011 at 5 p.m as the Holiday Bowl kicks off at the Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego. Teams from the Pac-12 conference and the Big 12 conference will compete against each other in a pulse-racing match.

The match will be aired on ESPN as well as broadcast on ESPN Radio Network. But as we said in our previous posts, what is the fun of watching such an interesting match on television. The excitement is in being there at the stadium, shouting, screaming and cheering for your favorite team.

Holiday Bowl is an annual college football bowl game that has been played in San Diego, since 1978. After Bridgepoint Education replaced Pacific Life as the Holiday bowl’s title sponsor in the year 2010, Holiday Bowl is officially known as the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.

A large number of football fans are expected to attend the game, and hence getting parking at the Qualcomm Stadium will be tough. If you plan to drive to the stadium, be there as early as possible. The parking lot at the stadium will open at 8 a.m. Best is if you try to carpool with some people so it saves parking space. The stadium parking lot is expected to close almost two hours before the match begins.

If you don’t have a car or can’t rent one; then come either by a bus or a trolley. It is advisable that you find out alternative traffic routes when attending the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl as Interstate 15 to Friars Rd will remain congested due to heavy traffic and major delays.

You can buy the tickets for the 34th annual Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl from the bowl’s ticket office at Qualcomm Stadium – Gate A, or by calling (619) 283-5808. You can also purchase tickets through TicketMaster.com. But keep in mind that Ticketmaster tickets do not qualify for annual recurring memberships, so those who wish to become members should call or visit the Holiday Bowl office directly.

If you are coming all the way to San Diego to attend the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, prefer to stay in a hotel in San Diego from where Qualcomm Stadium is nearby.

Located in Clairemont Mesa Blvd, California Suites Hotel is a Value Price Leader among budget San Diego hotels. Qualcomm Stadium and other major tourist hotspots are hardly a short drive away from the hotel. This will enable you to reach at the Qualcomm Stadium early and get easy parking.

Known for impeccable services, California Suites Hotel provides continental breakfast, heated outdoor spa and pool, high speed Internet, cable with HBO, free parking, 24-hour front desk, safe deposit box and more. Besides the hotel is also offering irresistible discounts for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Now that is icing on the cake!

Hopefully all you football fans will not miss this superb upcoming match on your vacation to San Diego!

Photo Courtesy: http://www.poinsettiabowl.com/