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.

The Tilt

San Diego hosts a series of fairs and festivals throughout the year.

Are you ready for some great music!

One of the hottest new bands of San Diego – The Tilt – is all set to rock the stage on May 13, 2013 at Belly Up Solana Beach. The doors will open at 7:00 pm and the event will start at 8:00 pm.

The Tilt is known for giving a fresh feel to Blues. With Jesse Malley being the front vocalist and Jeff Irwin on guitar, the band has the success of their debut album Howlin’, released in January 2013, to its credit. The Tilt has already appeared in different venues across San Diego.

Tickets are available for sale. Ticket price is as follows:

• In Advance – $8
• Day of Show – $8
• Reserved – $14

Tickets once sold will not be refunded, exchanged or transferred.

Note: Only people of and over 21 years are allowed to witness the show.

20^th Annual 2013 Sicilian Festival

Have a Sicilian feel at the streets of Downtown!

20^th Annual 2013 Sicilian Festival is set to take place on May 19, 2013 in Downtown, San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.

The festival serves art, food, music, and tradition of Sicily that Sicilian immigrants brought to San Diego. 

2013 San Diego County Fair

Get ready to play! The Game is On!

The 2013 San Diego County Fair is scheduled to take place on June 8—July 4, 2013 at Del Mar Fairgrounds in oceanfront Del Mar.

This 24-day frolic event will feature those same nostalgic childhood. You will also get to see how these games have evolved over the years. Experience the transformation that technology has brought ranging from board games and pinball, to computers, television and videos.

With different beautiful locations to visit and happening events, San Diego is one of the most desired holiday destinations. This is one vacation spot where you don’t have to go over the top as a wide range of budget hotels in San Diego offer rates that don’t burn holes in your pocket.

California Suites Hotel, an AAA-rated leading budget hotel in San Diego, offers low room rates bundled with a wide range of value added services, including:

• Continental breakfast
• Wireless Internet access
• Large warm swimming pool
• Spa tub and more
• Laundry Facilities
• Free parking
• Safe deposit box

It is an ideal stay for visitors in San Diego as it is in easy reach of all the places worth seeing.

Photo Courtesy: sdrvresort.com

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

Wild Flowers of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

The arrival of spring represents pleasant weather, cool breezy wind, blankets of colorful flowers and greenery at its best!

Bestowed with pleasant weather all year round, San Diego turns even more beautiful as spring season approaches. It’s an ideal time for visitors on a vacation to San Diego, to experience natural beauty at its best and enjoy spring wildflowers in full bloom at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Being the largest state park in California; Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is widely known for its wildflowers, wilderness and hiking trails. It is definitely an ideal place for desert adventure seekers especially in the Spring as the summer heat can get overbearing.

Also, spare a day to go on a Palm Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park which is popular among hikers. This 3 mile trail begins at the Borrego Palm Canyon campground and concludes at the lush palm oasis that takes about 2 and half to 3 hours to complete.

Anza Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is characterized by its varied landscape conditions as you move from one habitat to another. The trail begins with a dry, barren ground where you get to see low bushes and large boulders. If you are lucky, you might get to spot rare bighorn sheep roaming along the cliff side.

When you reach the middle of the trail, you will see green landscapes with water and lush bushes. The trail ends at the Palm Oasis where you can relax, have a picnic and explore the waterfalls.

Check out the visitor center, pen from 9am to 5pm.

Stay in one of the conveniently located San Diego hotels from where Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, beaches and other attractions are nearby.

California Suites Hotel is one of the leading San Diego budget hotels which is located right in the heart of San Diego from where you can get to various tourist destinations easily. Known for its dependable services, this budget San Diego hotel provides continental breakfast, Internet access, large heated swimming pool, free parking, safe deposit box, spa tub and more.

Photo courtesy: allaboutravelling.com

50 acres of hills get covered with a giant blanket of ranunculus flowers during the Flower Fields Ranunculus Season at Carlsbad

March signifies the arrival of spring. It is the time when San Diego city is bursting with blossoming, colorful flowers. March 1st is the beginning of Flower Fields Ranunculus Season at Carlsbad and it will continue till May 13th, 2013.

During this time, 50 acres of hills get covered with a giant blanket of ranunculus flowers. Imagine losing yourself in the lap of nature and seeing an ocean of flowers as far as your eyes can see!

Carlsbad Flower Fields is the place for the entire family where adults can laze around admiring the natural beauty and kids can run and play around. You can stroll in the beautiful gardens, walk through the fragrant sweet pea maze, check out the miniature rose garden and buy saplings, orchids and gift cards from a gift shop. In short, feel the joy of being among colorful flowers in full bloom overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

If you don’t want to walk, you can take the antique tractor wagon ride through The Flower Fields and also listen to the audio commentary telling about the characteristics and history of different flowers.

Are orchids your favorite flowers? Then visit the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse. For kids, the Santa’s Playground is a great hideout with play houses, Doll House and Crooked Treehouse.

And also make sure to visit the Artist Gardens. Here you will be awestruck as to how artists have created paintings using flowers as medium of art. There will also be American Flag of Flowers where red, white and blue petunias are systematically arranged in the shape of a giant American flag.

Visit Carlsbad Flower Fields on San Diego Vacation

If you are coming on a San Diego vacation between March and May, do include a trip to the Carlsbad Flower Fields during your stay. Do visit the city during this time and stay in an affordable San Diego lodging.

Located in Clairemont Mesa Blvd; California Suites Hotel is a centrally located San Diego budget hotel from where Carlsbad, beaches and other attractions are nearby. Being an AAA-approved and a member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, California Suites Hotel is well respected for plentiful services which include free parking, continental breakfast, large warm swimming pool, Internet access, safe deposit box, spa tub and more. Stay in California Suites Hotel to enjoy a Convenient, Comfortable and Affordable vacation in San Diego.

Pic Courtesy: bellcurveoflife.blogspot.com

Annual Ocean Beach Kiwanis Kite Festival – Engage in kite-making, do some decoration and enjoy flying the kites

Ocean Beach Kite Festival

As a kid, you must have enjoyed flying kites. How about learning to make one! It is so much fun.

On 2nd March, 2013, bring your kids to the 65th annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival that will take place in Ocean Beach Recreation Center and Ocean Beach Elementary School at Santa Monica Avenue and Ebers Street from 9 am to 4 pm.

Children will get free kite-making kits and can learn to make kites and get rewarded too. Kids from preschoolers, kindergarteners and 1st & 2nd graders to high school kids will be given prizes for the best-decorated kite.

Engage in kite-making, do some decoration and enjoy flying the kites. A parade to the beach will take place where children can fly their own kites.

It is a complete family-friendly event which you would enjoy with your friends and family. And this is not all. There will be rides, LIVE music, hot dogs, popcorn and arts and crafts.

While on San Diego family vacation, do attend this small family-friendly community event. It is something a little different for the family to participate.

Explore the different beaches in San Diego. Spare a day to spend at the Ocean Beach and enjoy the Ocean Beach Kite Festival.

California Winter Games – Figure Skating

If you are fond of sports, attend the upcoming California Winter Games. It is an Olympic-style competition where California’s amateur athletes of all ages participate in Ice Hockey, Figure Skating and Roller Skating.

Ice Hockey will take place from 15th to 18th February, 2013 and Roller Skating will be held on 16th and 17th February, 2013. And California Winter Games – Figure Skating competition will take place on 2nd and 3rd March, 2013 at the San Diego Ice Arena.

When you plan to come on San Diego holidays in March, do include these events in your itinerary.

For your convenience stay at a San Diego hotel, which is in close vicinity to major attractions. Luckily, California Suites Hotel is also located quite nearby to most of the beaches and various other top tourist spots of San Diego.

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

Being an AAA-approved and a member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the hotel provides good facilities at budget prices such as free parking, continental breakfast, Internet access, large warm swimming pool, safe deposit box and more.

Photo Courtesy: goin2travel.com and flickr

The 19th Annual Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 6:00 PM to midnight

Mardi Gras is a French term which literally translates to “Fat Tuesday.” It applies to the Tuesday that comes before Ash Wednesday. Celebrated worldwide, Mardi Gras attracts hundreds of thousands of people be it New Orleans or Rio. And San Diego is no different.

Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of Downtown San Diego, is celebrated with much fervor, enthusiasm and with a unique flavor of Southern California. This year Mardi Gras will take place on 12th February, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

A grand parade will be held that will travel straight down Fifth Avenue.
Plus, there will be lots of renowned DJs, LIVE bands, dancers and street performers to entertain attendees throughout. The restaurants and the bars in Gaslamp Quarter will also present LIVE entertainment.

More than 40,000 people are expected to be a part of this grand celebration and indulgence. Do come to this rocking event on your San Diego vacation.

You just need to be 21 years or older to enter. And do carry a valid ID.

Come dressed in colorful costumes – wear beads, feathers, masks or whatever you like. Just remember to not change your appearance so drastically that you can’t be recognized through your ID proof check!

To reach the Gaslamp Quarter, you can either drive or take a cab or trolley from your hotel.

To enjoy not just Mardi Gras but also your vacation to the fullest, it is advisable to find a hotel in San Diego which is centrally located.

California Suites Hotel is located right in the heart of San Diego so that makes it easy to easily commute to the Gaslamp Quarter and other various places and San Diego attractions. The hotel provides good facilities at budget price such as continental breakfast, free parking, Internet access, large warm swimming pool, safe deposit box and more.

Being an AAA-approved and a member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, California Suites Hotel provides services and room accommodation in San Diego that are Convenient, Comfortable and Affordable.

Formerly known as the Buick Invitational, the Farmers Insurance Open attracts a large number of golfers and golf enthusiasts.

Mountains, greenery, picturesque views, lawns overlooking the Pacific and golf!

Yes, it is time to tee off as the much awaited Farmers Insurance Open is going to take place from 21^st January to 27^th January, 2013 at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla.

Formerly known as the Buick Invitational, the Farmers Insurance Open attracts a large number of golfers and golf enthusiasts.

The likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have played at the Farmers Insurance Open and created golf history.

The Farmers Insurance Open will kick off on 21^st  January. Opening Round of the Farmers Insurance Open 2013, North and South Courses will begin at 8:30 am on 24^th January.

Subsequently the second and third round of the tournament will take place on 25^th and 26^th January respectively. On 27^th January, 2013, you will see the final round of the tournament.

Watching golf in a coastal setting is a beautiful experience. It is something that will add fond memories to your San Diego vacation. Whether you are inclined towards golf or not, Farmers Insurance Open is something that you will thoroughly enjoy.

Parking

The executive drive parking i.e. Lot B and Lot C i.e. Del Mar Show Park parking lots will be open for the public from Thursday through Sunday. You can get advance parking for $10 per day at Lot B – Executive Drive Parking.

Lodging in San Diego

For a stay in San Diego during the period this event goes on, choose a San Diego lodging which is conveniently located. Some hotels are offering attractive holiday discounts even after Christmas and the New Year.

California Suites Hotel is one such budget hotel in San Diego which is offering attractive discounts till 31st January, 2013.

California Suites Hotel is a short distance away from Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla.

In fact, our hotel is 15 minutes away from all major San Diego attractions. You can park your vehicle at the hotel or take a bus from nearby bus stand.

California Suites Hotel provides FREE parking as well as other value added services and amenities such as continental breakfast, laundry facilities, large warm swimming pool, spa tub, newspaper in lobby, cable with HBO, Internet and lots more.

With rooms set in lush gardens areas, California Suites Hotel also provides convenient, comfortable and affordable extended stay to its guests.