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

Spend Memorial Day weekend at Sea World San Diego, and enjoy an evening of fireworks at Mission Bay.

Sea World is one of the prime attractions of San Diego. No matter what time of the year you visit San Diego, a trip to Sea World is a must.

In summer, Sea World enthralls its visitors with spectacular fireworks. The Sea World Fireworks Show will take place on Memorial Day weekend 26^th and 27^th May, 2012 tentatively around 9:50 pm, and on 28^th May, 2012 tentatively at 8:50 pm.

Spend Memorial Day weekend at Sea World San Diego, and enjoy an evening of fireworks at Mission Bay.

Summer time in Sea World means good times as the park transforms after dark with extended hours and seasonal nighttime only shows. Feel the amazing energy of Shamu Rocks, the SeaWorld’s killer nighttime show. Shamu- the famous killer whale is a major attraction and is a huge draw.

Or share a laugh with the hilarious Sea Lions Tonite show. It features sea lions- Clyde and Seamore who enthrall the audience with their mischievous acts. And finally let your spirit soar during the “Into the Blue” fireworks finale.

Sea World Fireworks Show is a complete family-friendly event. If you are planning a vacation to San Diego in May, do attend this event. It would be fun spending a day with your family at the mesmerizing Sea World.

Public Transportation: 

SeaWorld is easily accessible by public transportation.

As far as San Diego lodging is concerned, choose a San Diego hotel which is centrally located. Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which offers easy and convenient access to all the top attractions of San Diego.

Sea World, Balboa Park, Old Town, La Jolla, Little Italy, shopping centers and all the popular beaches are nearby. Well-known for its hospitality, California Suites Hotel provides fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large heated outdoor swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Source includes: Yelp.com Events

Photo Courtesy: examiner.com

People of all age groups including amateurs, professionals to children will participate in this annually held Oceanside Beach Soccer Championships.

The Beach Soccer Championships in Oceanside is the largest beach soccer festival on the west coast and the third largest in the world. It will take place on 5th and 6th May, 2012 at the Harbor Beach, Oceanside.

This event brings youth and adults of all ages for a weekend full of excitement and fun under the sun on Harbor Beach, one of the widest beaches in the county. The beach is located next to Oceanside Harbor.

Visitors are greeted with the many activities that are part of the event such as Beach Wrestling, Beach Volleyball, Beach Tennis, Capoeira and Samba. Celebrities are frequent participants of the Beach Soccer Championships in Oceanside such as Joy Fawcett, Shannon McMillan, Tom Dooley & John O’brien. They all come for some soccer and some fun under the sun.

People of all age groups including amateurs, professionals to children will participate in this annually held Oceanside Beach Soccer Championships. If you are coming on a vacation to San Diego in the first week of May, do attend this event and cheer players of different age groups. Come in your flip flops so that you feel comfortable walking on the sand, enjoy the game and have fun at the beach.

As summer vacations are mostly about beaches, make sure the San Diego accommodation you choose is near the beaches.

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 is centrally located. All the popular beaches including Harbor Beach, La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach are nearby. Even shopping centers, Balboa Park and other major attractions are a few minutes away.

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

Page Source: sandiegocoastlife.com
Photo Courtesy: greaterlongbeachsoccerclub.com

Western Week runs April 19-22, Dressage Week is April 26-29, and Hunter/Jumper Week concludes the show May 1-6.

In its 67th year, the 2012 Del Mar National Horse Show will run Thursday, April 19, through Sunday, May 6, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena. The Del Mar National Horse Show continues to be among the most respected, distinguished and popular equestrian events on the West Coast. Consisting of three distinctly different equestrian disciplines – Western, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper – the Del Mar National represents the best in competitive opportunities for serious and world-class equestrians and is unrivaled in its entertainment appeal for everyone.

Western Week runs April 19-22, Dressage Week is April 26-29, and Hunter/Jumper Week concludes the show May 1-6.

Western Week

Each week of competition features its own signature Saturday night event: During Western Week, the”Night of the Horse” on Saturday, April 21, promises an evening full of action, celebrities, color and top-notch entertainment. A variety of equestrian disciplines will demonstrate the theme of the evening, “Why We Love Horses.” Bo Derek, actress and talented horsewoman, will bring dazzle and glamour to an already star-studded evening.

Also featured during the “Night of the Horse” will be Ramon Becerra’s dramatic liberty act magnificently illustrating the history of man and horse through a graceful performance, including elegant and difficult maneuvers. The Horse Whisperer satirical comedy routine will have the audience rolling in the aisles as they watch a horse train a dog!

There will also be Sandy Collier, the only woman to ever win the National Reining Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity; riding her horse Stressolena and will do dizzying spins, slides, and an array of fast moves, all choreographed to music. After the show, everyone will have a chance to meet the performers and get autographs and photos. This promises to be a “Night of the Horse” to remember!

Dressage Week

Dressage Week will be from April 26^th to 29^th, 2012. You needn’t be an expert in the sport to be astonished and awed by the “Evening of Musical Freestyles” dressage competition on Saturday night, April 28. Olympic and World Champion pairs demonstrate the artistry, athleticism and awe-inspiring collaboration between horse and rider to the delight of your eyes and ears! Local resident, Olympian and World Cup Champion, Steffen Peters, will bring his nearly flawless horsemanship to the arena once again, riding Akiko Yamazaki’s magnificent horse, Ravel, along with other stellar mounts such as Weltino’s Magic. Among other notables attending this year’s show are World Class competitor, local resident, and former Olympian, the legendary Guenter Seidel.

Hunter/ Jumper Week

Hunter/ Jumper Week, May 1-6, features the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar, which caps off the three weeks during an evening filled with exciting speed, agility and nail-biting competition on Saturday, May 5. Some of the best riders and horses in the nation will have you on the edge of your seat as they negotiate a difficult course of jumps exceeding five feet in height and width.

Make sure, you do not miss this exciting event on your vacation to San Diego. The success of a vacation depends a great deal on hotel. Try to find a San Diego hotel from where you can commute to different locations easily.

To enjoy Del Mar National Horse Show thoroughly, preferably stay in a San Diego lodging from where Del Mar Fairgrounds is nearby. California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which is centrally located and offers fine services. From the California Suites Hotel, Del Mar Fairgrounds is hardly a short distance away. Hence it will be convenient for you to reach the venue on time and find easy parking.

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

Source: http://equestremagazine.com/blog1/2012/02/03/67th-annual-del-mar-national-horse-show/

Photo Courtesy: gellens.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

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/

Get ready all you foodies and wine lovers. It is time to please your taste buds! The upcoming San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is all set to take place at the Embarcadero Marina Park North from 17th November to 21st November, 2011.

More than 170 winemakers and around 70 well known chefs will participate in this event along with authors, gourmet food producers, and celebrity chefs. There will be media personalities too. This action packed event will include wine tasting and cooking classes, Wine Dinners, Celebrity Chef Luncheon, and of course the Grand Tasting Event.

This 5 day event promises a whole lot of fun. You get to taste the finest wines and food, meet renowned chefs, chat with authors of cookery books, and lots more. Some of the participating winemakers include Kevin Hall, Michael Richmond, Richard Gumerman, Justin Mund, Joseph Carr, Jon Emmerich, Kristian Story and many more. Some of the participating wineries include Bernardo Winery, Bourassa Vineyards, Tres Agaves Products, Quady Winery, Ranchita Canyon Vineyard and more.

If you want to thoroughly enjoy San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival and its wonderful wines and food during your vacation to San Diego, stay in a good San Diego accommodation that is near the Embarcadero Marina Park North so that you can commute easily.

When it comes to affordable San Diego hotel is concerned, the California Suites Hotel scores above all budget hotels for its room rates. Have a great time at this wonderful San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival and come back to the cozy fully equipped rooms overlooking lush green gardens with beautiful tropical plants and flowers. The California Suites Hotel also provides a complimentary buffet breakfast, laundry facilities and a large warm outdoor swimming pool and free parking. Have a great time at the fair and enjoy your stay in the city!

Photo Courtesy: flickr.com

It is said that a visit to San Diego is incomplete if you have not visited the colorful and beautiful Old Town. And in the month of October, this lively place is hosting a colorful event called The Old Town San Diego Art Festival.

Imagine the pleasant San Diego weather, delicious food, wine, LIVE entertainment and arts and crafts! Add to that, the charm and history of Old Town. Wouldn’t that make any day a memorable one? And the upcoming Old Town San Diego Art Festival guarantees to delight its visitors with this and much more. Set to take place on 1st and 2nd October, 2011, the Old Town San Diego Art Festival features more than 150 artisans, fine crafts, and contemporary artists. This amazing festival takes place along the San Diego Avenue from Conde Street down to the San Diego State Historic Park in Old Town.

It is a delight walking down the streets of Old Town and looking at those art sculptures, which are as astonishing as you would find in museums. Besides check out fine art paintings, antique jewelry, glasses, rare photographs which will be dotting the streets of Old Town. This is your chance to meet up with some of the nationally and internationally renowned artists and some of the budding artists. The Old Town San Diego Art Festival is a wonderful two day event which will help you know more about the colorful culture, vibrant art and history of Old Town. So if you are planning a vacation to San Diego in the last week of September or the first week of October, do attend this marvelous event.

As far as San Diego accommodation is concerned, better stay in a budget San Diego hotel which offer good services. California Suites Hotel is one of the leading budget hotels in San Diego which offers finest services and facilities required to make your stay pleasant and comfortable one. Its warm outdoor heated swimming pool is one of the best you can find.

Besides, Old Town is hardly a stone throw away from California Suites Hotel, so it will save your time and money on commute whenever you visit the historic Old Town. The California Suites Hotel offers complimentary breakfast, laundry facilities, Internet access and every necessary facility that would make you come back to this hotel again and again.

So don’t miss to experience the charm of Old Town on your San Diego vacation!

Come Spring and San Diego plays host to some very energetic and colorful events and activities. With Easter around the corner, the people of San Diego and tourists who are planning a vacation to San Diego are looking forward to some great celebrations with chocolate making, egg decorating and egg hunting.

The mountains, beaches and canyons of San Diego anyways make the place a tourist’s delight with plenty to do. A serene and inexpensive visit to the Cabrillo National Monument, Mount Soledad or Mount Helix on Easter Sunday is enough to give you and your family a wonderful time out.

But is Easter complete without following the tradition? Leading hotels and restaurants are lining up a host of fun activities, ranging from chocolate and truffle making, to egg making classes and egg hunting sprees.

Diving enthusiasts and their families can have a great day out on Easter Egg Hunt near the Marine Canyon at the La Jolla Shores. Prizes will be given to the buddy teams that find the most eggs. While the divers head down to the water the younger attendees will be treated to a Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. Similarly, activities including an Easter egg hunt, the Easter bunny, jumpies, live entertainment, food and beverages including a beer garden, are going to take place on April 23 at San Diego Harley-Davidson, where admission is free.

And of course, Easter brings forth the best options for indulging yourself in some delicious brunch or dinner. Choose from some of the San Diego’s finest restaurants and book your table online – many of these establishments serve up special Easter brunch, lunch or dinner menus. In fact, right at the time of choosing an affordable San Diego accommodation for your Easter vacation, pick any one of the San Diego hotels which is centrally located at a convenient distance from the popular restaurants.

The San Diego Zoo is another great place to visit during Easter and Spring Break. Spring is the time when the Zoo gets new members with many animals giving birth and you can see some adorable baby animals in their infancy. To enjoy the thousands of butterflies flitting and floating around you in our tropical greenhouse exhibit, Hidden Jungle, reserve your rooms in a San Diego hotel which is located near the Zoo. This will let you spend maximum time on your favorite activities without wasting hours on commute.

Located just minutes away from the San Diego Zoo and some of San Diego’s finest restaurants, California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which is known for impeccable services and hospitable staff. You also get to enjoy a host of value added services such as free parking, extended 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 other words, you will have the best of both worlds – save money on accommodation with some great discounts and also save money on commute, thanks to the hotel’s great location.

Photo Courtesy: http://www.discoversd.net/

Ever heard of amazing German beers? Well, if you haven’t yet got the taste of German beers, then this is your chance to sip some at the upcoming Oktoberfest in San Diego.

San Diego dedicates the month of October to celebrate its German heritage just as it marks March as the month for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and its Irish heritage. Organized by the German American Societies of San Diego, this traditional festival will be held in El Cajon in San Diego.

German cuisine is not just about beer and sausages. Germans like elaborate, well-prepared and well-served food. At Oktoberfest, you will find several diverse dishes to satisfy your taste buds such as sauerkraut, schweinsbraten, ox-on-the-spit, Labskaus, bratwurst, schnitzel, potato pancakes, potato salad, soups with cabbage and peas and of course, the famed German pastries and tarts made with fresh fruit in a wide variety.

Besides enjoying great food and beer, the fest also offers a great lineup of musical entertainment. A popular band from Bavaria named Guggenbach-Buam is set to perform at the Oktoberfest dressed in traditional clothing with a variety of German music.

You can do plenty of exciting things at this fest such as singing and dancing to the beats of polkas and waltz, watching German folk dance, participating in several games, competing in contests, taking kids to the Kids’ Zone, buying some nick-knacks from vendors and craft booths and so on. The admission fee for 21 years and older is $5 and if you are younger than 21, the entry is free.

This popular traditional festival will take place over the first two weekends of October. If you are planning to come on a vacation to San Diego between 1st and 10th October, make sure to attend this festival.

Although San Diego has plenty of hotels, it will be convenient for you to stay in a San Diego lodging from where El Cajon is nearby so that you don’t waste much time on commute.

Located just 15 minutes away from the San Diego International Airport, California Suites Hotel is one of the leading budget hotels in San Diego. Known for good services and hospitable staff, the hotel provides awesome discounts and great San Diego vacation deals and packages.

In October, do come to El Cajon and bring your whole family too, to experience a real German Oktoberfest.

Photo Courtesy: www.sdnn.com