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

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

One of the most eagerly awaited events, Mardi Gras is back in Gaslamp Quarter!

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.

Annual pre-Christmas holiday bowl game brings thousands of football lovers together

Get ready to watch the popular game, all you football lovers. The San Diego County Credit Union’s Poinsettia Bowl is set to take place on 20th December at the Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley at 5 p.m.

Sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union; the largest locally owned financial institution in the area; the eighth annual Poinsettia Bowl will match a team from the Mountain West to compete against Brigham Young University if it is bowl-eligible.

This annual pre-Christmas holiday bowl game brings thousands of football lovers together.

Visitors coming on a San Diego vacation this December, must catch up on this fabulous event. The game will be aired on ESPN as well as broadcast on ESPN Radio.

VIP Parking
Try to come as early as possible as the parking lot fills up fast. You can also buy VIP parking passes for $40 each. This will ensure that you will get the parking space no matter what time you arrive at the stadium. VIP parking features a secure space inside the main gates of the stadium.

Apart from Poinsettia Bowl, you can also look forward to many other Christmas events and festivities that take place throughout San Diego.

But first of all, book a good and affordable accommodation in San Diego as early as possible, as holiday season is round the corner and rooms get filled pretty fast.

Located in Clairemont Mesa Blvd, California Suites Hotel is a beautiful lodging in San Diego that provides affordable stay. Until the end of year 2012, California Suites Hotel is offering attractive discounts.

Our prices are the best in the industry and we provide fine services which include cable with HBO, free parking, laundry facilities, continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, high speed Internet access and more.

More importantly, our hotel is close to Qualcomm Stadium and other places of interest such as Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and beaches.

If you are a football fan, do not miss San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl!!

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

Legoland California is one of the main attractions in San Diego for kids and adults of all ages.

Located in Carlsbad (California) around the Lego toy brand, the miniature park and theme park Legoland California is one of the main attractions in San Diego for kids and adults of all ages.

Amusements at Legoland

Legoland offers a day full of excitement, happiness, colors, adventure and lots of action to the visitors. The thrill begins at the front entrance where a 9-foot, bright red LEGO dinosaur welcomes you to a joy ride.

The park has different fun zones including:

Dino Island –Dino Island has a mini steel roller coaster – Coastersaurus – that curves and dips around huge models of Lego dinosaurs.

Duplo – Duplo brand – especially designed for children aged 1½ to 5 years –features several Duplo themed and water-oriented attractions.

Fun Town – A role-playing amusement area, Fun Town features activities for adult skills or professional identities, which include Volvo Driving School, Volvo Junior Driving School, Lego Factory Fire, Academy, Flight Squadron, Sky Patrol, and Skipper School

Miniland USA – Miniland USA – a scale model miniature park – features outstanding architecture and symbols from America and other parts of the world. The cities included at Miniland are Legoland Miniland New York City and Legoland Miniland Washington DC.

Castle Hill – Castle Hill – a medieval castle-themed area – features Dragon roller coaster, Knights Tournament ride, Hideaways, and Royal Joust.

Imagination Zone –Imagination Zone allows visitors to ride a Wild Mouse-style roller coaster – Technic Coaster-Test Track. Visitors can choose from three different 4-D movies – Bob the Builder, Spellbreaker, and Clutch Powers.

Pirate Shores – Pirate Shores – a popular splash park – features six water-oriented rides and other attractions including Splash Battle, Soak ‘N Sail, Treasure Falls, Swabbie’s Deck, Captain Cranky’s Challenge, and Pirate Reef.

Land of Adventure – This is the newly introduced feature theme park, designed to replicate the 1920s in Egypt.

Legoland Water Park – Located next to the buildings in Fun Town, it is the water park area in Legoland California, which was opened on May 28, 2010.

For tickets and other details visit http://california.legoland.com/.

San Diego Lodging

Planning to visit Legoland California but worried about accommodation in San Diego?

Put your worries to rest as California Suites Hotel – one of most preferred San Diego budget hotels – offers comfortable lodging services. An AAA-approved hotel and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, California Suites Hotel offers 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

Visit Legoland California and make your San Diego vacation even more memorable.

Photo Courtesy: mytripolog.com

San Diego is not just popular for its beautiful beaches and exotic locations but is also known for a wide range of restaurants where you can tickle your taste buds with world’s best cuisines and delicacies.

California Suites Hotel with its affordable San Diego lodging and proximity to some of the best restaurants in San Diego, is an ideal accommodation for your San Diego vacation.

Here are some of the renowned restaurants that will make your trip memorable:

The Prado At Balboa Park

Enjoy a delightful blend of regional signature delicacies with a variety of traditional cuisine.

Situated in the historic House of Hospitality in the heart of San Diego’s famous Balboa Park, The Prado Restaurant offers a perfect mix of finger-licking cuisines and world-class service standards with an unmatched ambience. It is a 400-seat restaurant with two dining rooms – a cocktail lounge and an outdoor terrace with a stunning view.

Enjoy a delightful blend of regional signature delicacies with a variety of traditional cuisine. The cocktail lounge – Tapas Bar – presents lighter menu including margaritas, sangria, beer, wine and other beverages throughout the day. Don’t miss the live music played in the lounge during the nights.

The Godfather

Started in 1974 as The Godfather Restaurant by Chef  Isidoro Balistreri and his wife, it offers you the treasured recipes of Northern and Southern Italy. Located just 3 minutes away from California Suites Hotel –the preferred budget hotel in San Diego – The Godfather restaurant invites you to celebrate the Old Italian tradition of gourmet cuisine, fine wine and entertainment.

Islands Fine Burgers

Islands Fine Burgers – a casual dining restaurant chain – specializes in hamburgers and specialty drinks. Founded in 1982 with a basic philosophy – serve great, fresh food with friendly service in a fun atmosphere – Islands Restaurants offer a simple, original menu featuring gourmet hamburgers, specialty drinks with a tropical theme. You can reach Islands Restaurant within 2 minutes of the California Suites Hotel.

Aladdin Restaurant

Located right opposite California Suites Hotel, Aladdin Restaurant serves healthy, fresh, creatively prepared, premium quality Mediterranean cuisine. It also offers plenty of healthy, scrumptious salads, vegetarian meals with Mediterranean flavors, melt-in-mouth shish kabobs and delicious appetizers like hummus, tabouleh, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and more.

Khan’s Cave – Asian Tavern and Grill

Khan’s Cave Grill & Tavern offers a great fusion of the best Asian Fusion and Chinese Food in San Diego. Situated only 5 minutes away from California Suites Hotel, Khan’s Cave offers full bar with 20 premium beers on tap and over 30 wines by the glass.

The place also offers Bar & lounge for casual gatherings, HDTVs for sports, quiet dining room for dinners or sit-near-our-fire pits on the patio with pets. You can also enjoy the Lounge Bites and Tapas selections here with happy hour pricing options.

Stay at California Suites Hotel during your extended stay San Diego and enjoy dining at world-renowned restaurants. An AAA-approved hotel and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, California Suites Hotel offers world-class services – 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, and safe-deposit box.

MCAS Miramar Air Show is a complete entertainment with extravagant fireworks and astonishing performances.

The US military air show is one of the largest and most spectacular air shows that honor the US military, and one of the most spectacular events in the San Diego calendar.

Set to take place from 12th to 14th October 2012 at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, the 3-day MCAS Miramar Air Show lets you watch some spellbinding display of courage and skill. This year, the US Army Golden Knights, regarded as the world’s best parachute team, will bring the skies alive with their breathtaking aerobatic displays.

The US Navy Blue Angels are also set for a dazzling spectacle. At the MCAS Miramar Air Show, you get to see military performers from all branches of the United States Armed Forces as well as civilian performers performing in front of a huge audience.

Other performances include F/A-18 Super Hornet, AV-8B Harrier and more and the Great Wall of Fire event is mentioned in the “Guinness Book of World Records” in 2000 for “Longest Wall of Fire”. The MCAS Miramar Air Show is a complete entertainment with extravagant fireworks and astonishing performances.

Don’t miss it! Entry is FREE to the event. Try to arrive early to avoid long queues. Day show performances begin from 9:00am to 4:00pm and the twilight show on Saturday will take place from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.

You can bring your blanket, sit in an open paved area and watch the show. Preferred seating areas are open for paid admission only. If you are coming to San Diego for holidays, do attend this event. As far as lodging in San Diego is concerned, there are plenty of hotels which provide good facilities at affordable prices.

California Suites Hotel is one of the leading San Diego budget hotels which is located right in the heart of San Diego. From the hotel, you can commute easily to Miramar and most of the popular tourists destinations such as Balboa Park, Old Town, La Jolla, Gaslamp Quarter and lots more.

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

Even if the weather does not behave, the MCAS Miramar Air Show is every bit worth attending.

Photo Courtesy: fleetweeksandiego.org