Today is October 1, which means for the next 30 days kids and families can enjoy:

Free admission into the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park during Kid Free Days. All children ages 3 – 11 will receive complimentary admission into both parks for the entire month.

Free admission on any one- or two-hour Harbor Cruise of San Diego Bay with Hornblower Cruises & Events. Complimentary tickets will be provided for up to two children, ages 12 and under, per each paying adult for the entire month.

Half-priced admission into four museums in Balboa Park: the Mingei International Museum, the Museum of Man, the Museum of San Diego History and the Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) will offer half-priced admission every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Note: this offer is actually valid through May 31, 2010 with some blackout days effective after October 31; please check museums to verify for half-priced admission days.

Tags: balboa park, cruise, deals, free, harbor, museum, san diego bay, wild animal park, zoo

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Want to see the BIGGEST movies for free this summer? 

Now through Sept. 7, you can see IMAX flicks for free at The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park by printing out a Summer Splash coupon and paying regular gallery admission – $10 for adults, $8.75 for kids and seniors. 

The Summer Splash IMAX movies are:

ADVENTURES IN WILD CALIFORNIA - Careen down an icy raven; skysurf on thermals above the clouds; swim through the oceans with otters; explore the heart of a thirty-story tall Giant Sequoia and ride one of California’s biggest, surfable waves in this virtual  Golden State expedition. (Showing daily July-Aug.)

UNDER THE SEA – Be transported to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, including South Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Coral Triangle islands of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, for face-to-face encounters with mysterious sea creatures. (Showing daily July-Aug.)
 
LEWIS & CLARK – The journey of exploration that shaped a nation is re-created in this film.  (Showing Aug. 1-9)
 
EVEREST – The true story of climbers who found strength in tragedy on the world’s highest mountain. (Showing Aug. 10-16)
 
JOURNEY INTO AMAZING CAVES –  Explore unusual caves, including ice caves in Greenland and underwater caves in the jungles of Mexico.  (Showing Aug. 17-23)
 
MYSTERIES OF EGYPT -  Journey through the Land of the Pharaohs against the wondrous backdrop of the sweeping Nile and the majestic Giza pyramids.  (Showing Aug. 24-31)

Tags: balboa park, deals, film, free, summer

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While it is a good bet that on any given night of the week you’ll find me in one of San Diego’s numerous 24 hour Taco Shops, that doesn’t mean that I don’t like to “suit up” and head someplace nice for dinner every once in a while. There are so many options in town that I almost don’t like going to the same place too often, because I want to try them all!

With the economy the way it is these days, everyone is watching their pennies. A lot of times that is reflected in the places we eat and the activities that we do. Fine dining restaurants have definitely seen this reflected in their dining rooms over the last year.

So..I was super excited to hear about a new website promoting prix-fixe, 3-course meals at fine dining restaurants throughout San Diego county. To my knowledge, there isn’t anything else like this around the country! Ingrid’s List has begun working with a number of fantastic restaurants in the region to bring $30 and $40 prix-fixe meals to those of us who might be a little short on the cash, but still wanting to dine with The Joneses.

It’s truly simple. Log on to the Ingrid’s List website and see which restaurants fall under what pricing. Pay online and print out a certificate at home. Then just call the restaurant to make your reservation (this is fine dining after all!) and tell them that you’ll be using an Ingrid’s List gift certificate. Upon arrival you’ll have your choice of a few different options for each course. In a sense, this is like a year-round Restaurant Week for fine dining!

My stomach is growling just thinking about it!

Tags: deals, dining, drinks, food

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Ahh, Friday in July.  The weather is gorgeous.  Are you looking forward to the weekend?  

With sunshine like this, there’s no way you should consider kicking it off indoors.

Naturally, there are lots of outdoor cocktails to be had in San Diego but, I’d suggest reaching for the sky and heading for the roof. 

Yes, you should beat a path to the newest downtown rooftop lounge…Siren at the Se San Diego. 

I’ve heard that every weekday from 5-7 p.m. they serve up half-price specialty cocktails like the St. Germaine, prosecco and aloe juice Silver Leaf or the Studio Sutra with VeeV, blueberry and cucumber – regularly about $11, yours for $5-6  – and free tray passed appetizers like mini Kurobuta corn dogs and Hamachi fish tacos.

A few other rooftop happy hours where you can kiss the week goodbye in style:

• Tuesday-Friday from 5-8 p.m. Stingaree has half-price signature cocktails and wines by the glass, $5 wells, $3 beers.
• Next door at Lounge Six, from 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, they’ve got $3 drafts, $4 bottles and half-off wells.
• Even higher, 22 stories high actually, Altitude has $5 premium wells, $4 domestic drafts and half-off artisan flatbreads from 5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Over in PB, Firehouse has $3 drafts, $4 wells, $3 house wines and half-off appetizers from 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday - and ocean views all day, every day.

Tags: deals, downtown, drinks, food, happy hour, pacific beach, rooftop bar

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Did you ever want to be a sailor?

Well, beginning July 15, you’ll get your chance because Wednesdays are Sailor Days this summer at the Maritime Museum on San Diego Bay. 

Every Wednesday through August 26, the historic Star of India and all the other ships in the museum’s collection will offer hands-on activities designed to give you a taste of the sailing life.

Adults and kids can make rope for sailing, move cargo around the decks, raise and lower the huge sails, tie sailor’s knots, climb through a steam engine and much more.

Kids are also invited to take part in a scavenger hunt through the ships, searching for fun historic maritime facts and then choosing a prize from the museum’s treasure chest.

The best part?  Sailor Days activities are included with regular museum admission – $14 for adults and $8 for kids. 

Plus, when you book tickets online in advance and choose the Discovery package, you’ll get a free one-hour historic boat cruise on San Diego Bay aboard the Pilot. (You also have the option to purchase tickets at the door and add the boat tour for $3.)

Tags: deals, downtown, maritime museum, san diego bay, summer

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Summer vacation is officially here and SeaWorld has awesome deals to save you money when you visit Shamu and friends:

• score an adult ticket at the kids’ price and get a second visit free
• AAA members show your membership card and get an adult ticket at the kids’ price and a kids’ ticket at half price
• if you live in the area, spring for the SeaWorld Fun Cardand get free repeat admission to SeaWorld through the end of 2009
• and, especially appropriate as we head into the Independence weekend, the Here’s to the Heroesprogram provides free single-day admission to SeaWorld service members and as many as three direct dependents. 

When you visit this summer through Aug. 30, keep your fingers crossed as you enter the gates.  One lucky group is chosen each day to be the SeaWorld VIP Guests of the Day and win free tickets to the Dolphin Encounter, Quick Queue passes for all the rides, reserved seats at all stadium shows and an extra special shout out during Shamu’s show.

Tags: deals, seaworld, summer

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I’m having a Calgon moment and a bubble bath won’t cut it.  I need something stronger.

What’s a girl to do when only a technicolor cocktail with an umbrella will suffice?

Follow the lead of generations of Californians and embrace Tiki culture, of course.  That way, I can take an exotic getaway - just for a happy hour (or two) – and I don’t even have to leave the Gaslamp Quarter much less blow 1000 bucks on airfare to Tahiti.

So, I’m heading to Mister Tiki’s Mai Tai Lounge for their $5 on Fifth happy hour specials. 

Just five smackers will buy me my choice of fun island-inspired drinks like the Haole Mai Tai, Lilikoi Mojito or Coconut Kiss Martini.  And, my guy – he’s not a big umbrella fan- can enjoy a large Sapporo for the same price. 

Of course, the South Seas – like happy hour – are not just about the drinks. 

Mister Tiki’s deals cross over to the sushi bar where for five bucks you can choose from California, spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail, shrimp tempura or vegetarian rolls.  And, $5 PuPu specials offer modern takes on Tiki fare with crispy shitake & goat cheese wontons, spiced chicken potstickers, chicken lettuce wraps, tempura baby shrimp and calamari fries.

It’s a proven fact, PuPus are far superior to appetizers in elevating one’s mood.  And, tropical cocktails will make your happy hour happier than most other drinks.

Mister Tiki $5 on Fifth specials, Monday-Friday from 5-7 p.m. 

Mai Tai, take me away!

Tags: deals, downtown, drinks, food, happy hour, tiki

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Friday again and I’m looking forward to happy hour.  This week, I’m thinking about heading to The Fleetwood for their Power Hour from 5-6 p.m.  The $4 you-call-its are calling my name.

You can’t beat that price and I really like being able to sidle up to the bar and order whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.  Plus, they’ve got some of the most inviting patio seating in the Gaslamp Quarter.  Think comfy couches and low tables.  Perfect for relaxing and people watching.

And, if I decide to stay for dinner, their 3 for $30 dinner specials look amazing.  Tomato bisque, grilled salmon with kalamata tapenade and creme brulee.  Or ahi poke, braised short ribs and house-made carrot cake?  Yes, please!

What’s even better?  The Power Hour happens every day.  So, if I don’t hit it up later today, I’m definitely going on Tuesday – that’s when they have their amazing Crab Night with all you can eat snow crab legs for just $19.95.  Mmm…crab legs.

Tags: deals, downtown, drinks, food, happy hour

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Well, its Friday.  Today, after work, I think I’m going to treat myself and hit up Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

How can I afford to sip and nosh at a ritzy steakhouse when it’s not a birthday, anniversary or other big-time occasion?

I’m hip to their ”5 for 6 ’til 7” deal and you should be too. 

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly, Fleming’s offers five appetizers, five wines and five awesome cocktails all for just $6 each. 

So, order up some tenderloin carpaccio, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and a basil lemon drop.  Or splurge on jumbo lump crab cakes, a buttery Chardonnay and a Ketel One white cosmo. 

With locations in the Gaslamp Quarter and in La Jolla, Fleming’s is convenient no matter where you’ve spent your day in San Diego.  And, since the “5 for 6 ’til 7″ deals are good every day of the week, you don’t have to even wait until Friday to celebrate. 

So, go ahead.  Get happy.  Celebrate Tuesday. Or Wednesday.  You might just see me there!

Tags: deals, downtown, drinks, food, happy hour, la jolla

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Did you know San Diego Bay has 34 miles of scenic coastline dotted with restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, parks and marinas?  That’s a whole lotta waterfront fun, right downtown. 

What’s even more amazing?  This urban playground is serving up the savings this summer!

These “This is a Good Day” deals include:

• up to 30% off room rates (based upon availability and restrictions) at the 15 San Diego Bay hotels
• more than 100 entrees under $18 at participating San Diego Bay restaurants
• free admission for kids under age 12 with paid adult admission for San Diego Bay attractions like the USS Midway Museum, Hornblower Cruises and Events, San Diego Harbor Excursion and the Maritime Museum of San Diego
• other special offers like a VIP Shopping Pass at Seaport Village and a two-for-one night stay for boaters at Sun Harbor Marina in America’s Cup Harbor.

So, this summer, get out there and make it a great day on San Diego Bay!

Tags: deals, dining, downtown, free, hotels, san diego bay, Shopping, summer

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