One of my favorite things about San Diego is all the diverse neighborhoods located within the county.  All in all, there are more than 100 neighborhoods and one each offers its own unique experience, personality and charm.  While I could go on and on about each, my hands-down favorite is Ocean Beach…well “OB” as us locals like to call it.

With each visit, this town’s laid-back, hippie beach vibe is contagious.  I find myself truly relaxed as I sip mimosas in the sun, in awe with my latest fashion finds and entertained by the diversity of people and personalities that flock to this area. 

To sum it all up, here are my OB highlights, hot spots and favs:

Food

• Whenever friends or family come to visit, I make sure to take them to Tower Two Café.  While the food is just average, it’s the casual beach setting that draws me here…. Ok, and the mimosa beach buckets. (True story: the bottle of champagne comes in a colorful beach pale filled with ice, and it even has a cute little shovel attached!) Here, you can sit in the sun on the outdoor deck and look out into the ocean.  It’s dog- friendly too, so your pup can enjoy the sun, socializing and table scraps.

 

Runner ups:

• Hodad’s has been around for over 40 years and serves some of the best burgers in San Diego, even CNN thinks so.  The catch, it’s so popular that there is almost always a line out the door but the burgers are definitely worth the wait. 
• If you like fish tacos you must go to South Beach Bar & Grill.  This little beach bar has won numerous awards and recognition and in my opinion, serves the best fish tacos I’ve ever tasted…try the Mahi taco, you won’t be disappointed, I promise!!

Shopping

• My go-to for cute shoes or accessories is Lola Luna on OB’s main drag, Newport Avenue.  They always have the best shoes that you don’t see in department stores, which means most people won’t have them.  Also, they always have a sale table outside with $10 shoes… what could be better than that??

Runner ups:

• Dream Girls is one of my newer discoveries and also one of the more expensive places in OB.  It’s located on Newport Ave and they have an amazing selection of
  

  heaven on earth

  good-quality clothes, shoes and accessories so you defiantly get what you pay for.  So far, it’s proven impossible for me to leave this place empty handed.

• Also on Newport Ave. is the Closet.  I like this place for cheap clothes and shoes for nights out or special events.  Since the clothes are always changing to keep up with the latest trends I find that most visits here are either hit or miss.

Activities

• Of course a visit to OB would not be complete without stopping at the beach.  True beach lovers can surf, swim and tan, while those who just  want to take in the view can perch themselves on the boardwalk or walk across the OB Pier for amazing ocean views.  There’s also Dog Beach, a leash free beach area where dogs and their owners can splash through the waves and play fetch on the beach.

Runner ups:

• Every Wednesday from 4-8 pm, (and 4-7pm in winter) OB hosts a fantastic farmer’s market along Newport Ave. Here you can find fresh, locally grown produce and flowers, but there are also delicious food stands with all types of ethnic cuisine (mmm…sambusa) and live music, handmade jewelry and, drum roll please…… llama rides!
• Antiquing… not really my thing but if I was going to take up the hobby, I’d definitely shop in OB where they have the largest concentration of antiques and collectable in all of San Diego. In OB’s Antique District, on Newport Ave. you will find an eclectic array of one-of-a-kind antiques, mid-century modern furniture, fine estate sale items, vintage jewelry and so much more.

Tags: antique, beach, dining, dog, food, ocean beach, Shopping

Categorized under: Beaches & Outdoors, Insider Tips | 2 Comments »

For those of you that want to get out and see San Diego without having to worry about navigating the city streets, Vizit Tours offers four new sightseeing opportunities aboard a vintage Double Decker open top bus. 

Every tour is narrated by a local tour guide that will tell you the history, facts and insider tips about each location throughout the tour. You can even hop-on or -off at any stop and get back on at a later time to complete the tour.  Busses run every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Or, you can catch the one-hour nighttime tour at 6 p.m. 

Tour highlights and stops include:

• The Balboa Park Loop: Seaport Village, Horton Plaza mall, Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo.
• The Old Town and Harbor Loop: Horton Plaza mall, Little Italy, Old Town, Maritime Museum/USS Midway Museum.
• The La Jolla and Beaches Loop: Old Town, SeaWorld, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Belmont Park, La Jolla. **This is the ONLY regularly scheduled sightseeing tour in San Diego that will take you to these beaches.**
• The Night Loop: Seaport Village, San Diego Bay, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter. This one-hour tour is perfect for a date or a fun outing with friends and family; adult beverages welcome so B.Y.O.D. (bring your own drinks).

A couple of weeks ago, I tried out and La Jolla Loop and had a great time! The views of La Jolla are truly breathtaking and I highly recommend an afternoon tour so you can see the ocean glisten in the sun. (I know that sounds corny but it is sooo pretty!)

Prices: Tickets are good for two days and cost $15 per person, per loop or $35 per person for all four loops.

Note: For those of you that want gorgeous views and prime photo opps., I recommend sitting on the top level.  (The views are unbeatable.) But, for those that are interested in learning about the history, facts and insider tips, I recommend sitting inside on the bottom level. (Due to the open top up there, it’s difficult to hear the tour guide on over the wind.)

Tags: balboa park, Gaslamp Quarter, la jolla, little italy, mission beach, ocean beach, old town, pacific beach, san diego bay, seaport village, seaworld, zoo

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1. This weekend is the 4th annual ArtWalk on the Bay, as in San Diego Bay along the downtown waterfront embarcadero. The event will feature live music, wine tastings, kids activities and of course, some of the region’s finest art.  The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Embarcadero Marina Park North (behind Seaport Village).
2. San Diego’s culinary community joins forces for the 5th annual San Diego Restaurant Week, kicking-off this Sunday. More than one-hundred of the city’s top restaurants will offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus for just $20, $30 or $40 per person. Hungry? What a great excuse to eat, bon appétit!
3. This Sunday, the spirit of Brazil comes to San Diego during the Brazilian Independence Day Street Fair & Parade in Pacific Beach. This family-friendly event will feature an amazing display of Brazilian culture with samba dancers, a capoeirea show (the super cool martial arts dance form), costumes, live music, food and a Carnival parade down Garnet Avenue; this free event takes place noon to 6 p.m. and I can’t wait! I’ve always wanted to visit Brazil, now I can get a taste without the expensive plane ride.
4. The 18th Annual Paddle For Clean Water Festival takes place this Sunday at the Ocean Beach Pier from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In an effort to raise awareness about the need for clean water, the San Diego Surfrider Foundation will host this free event with a non-competitive paddle out in Ocean Beach, live music, vendors, a huge raffle, kid zone, beer garden and food.  Special shout out to San Diego’s own Tribal Seeds who will be performing at the event.
5. Did you know that Sunday is National Grandparent’s Day? Well, my grandparents are my two most favorite people in the world, so in their honor, here are some special deals being offered this Sunday:
   

   love my fantastic grandparents!

   Visit the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center where all grandparents accompanied by a paying child will receive free admission; enjoy a Grandparent’s Day brunch or dinner cruise with Hornblower Cruises & Events; experience Grandparent’s Day on the Bay with an introductory kayaking lesson across San Diego Bay to Coronado; or, at the very least just call your grandparents to say hi.

Tags: 5 to try, art, free, live music, ocean beach, pacific beach, san diego bay, san diego restaurant week, things to do, what to do

Categorized under: Insider Tips | 2 Comments »

1. This Saturday and Sunday, over 300 of the world’s best bodysurfers will be in San Diego for the 33rd Annual World Body Surfing Championships.
   

   I wonder if he's competing in the Body Surfing Championships?

   The event takes place from 6:30 a.m. until late afternoon on both days at the Oceanside Pier and Beach in Oceanside. The public can grab a spot and watch as men and women ages 12 – 65+ surf their hearts out for bragging rights as “the world’s best.”

2. Enjoy a weekend of family fun and music at the Summergrass San Diego Bluegrass Festival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The festival features bluegrass bands from around the world, music workshops, kid’s activities and a Kid’s Music camp, food, vendors and even onsite camping. The fun goes down at the outdoor Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in San Diego’s North County from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, but gates open early and stay open late so feel free to arrive early and settle in. Tickets are $17 – $20 per person or $54 for a three day pass; kids 10 and under get in free.
3. This weekend, experience a tropical island getaway during the Sunset Luau at the Catamaran Resort & Spa in Mission Bay.  Doors open at 6 p.m., where you’ll receive a lei greeting and complimentary Mai Tai. Dinner starts at 6:45 p.m. and includes a wide variety of Hawaiian and mainland dishes (and even a slow roasted pig), served buffet style. Following dinner is a thrilling fire and knife dance as well as traditional dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and Hawaii. Tickets are $58 for adults and $25 for children.
4. This Saturday is the 1st Annual Ocean Beach Summerfest from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Dusty Rhodes Park in Ocean Beach. The event will include carnival rides, food, live music, a craft fair and a beer garden. This free event is open to the public, and leashed dogs are welcomed.
5. Hop aboard the San Diego Ferry and enjoy a scenic ride across San Diego Bay to Coronado Island.  The Ferry departs from downtown’s Broadway Pier or the San Diego Convention Center and costs only $6.50 roundtrip.  Once across the Bay, you’ll be at the Coronado Ferry Landing, where a number of shops, galleries, restaurants and live entertainment await.

Tags: 5 to try, coronado, festival, free, mission bay, music, ocean beach, Oceanside, summer, things to do, what to do

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My dad is coming to visit me this weekend and I couldn’t be more excited! I decided to turn our weekend plans into a special “5 to try,” which includes some of our favorite things to do and some new places we’re going to check out. 

I think we’re going to have a great time this weekend and maybe I’ll see you around?

1. Our first stop will be the Fish Market for oysters and cheesy garlic bread, a little tradition of ours. It’s located right next to the airport and since he arrives in the afternoon, the outdoor patio will be a perfect spot for lunch. The restaurant is located right along San Diego Bay and has awesome views of military ships, sailboats and pelicans. I think this will be a great start to the weekend.
2. The Del Mar Races are in full swing every Wednesday – Sunday until September 9, we’ve never been but we’re going to try our luck this Saturday. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and tickets cost $6 for stretch run seating and $10 for clubhouse seats. Wish us luck! In addition to the races, this Saturday at the racetrack is the Craft Microbrew Festival from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will have live music from local bands and tasty taps form over 25 of San Diego’s finest breweries; admission to the festival is free with racetrack tickets. Can’t wait!
3. Of course no trip to San Diego would be complete without a visit the beach. We’ll probably head over to my favorite, Ocean Beach, on Sunday morning to hang out and walk around. It’s a great location for people watching, something my dad and I both enjoy, as well as grabbing a quick bite and shopping…Hmm, I wonder if I can talk my dad into getting me a new pair of shoes??
4. The first time my dad came to visit me in San Diego, we went to Busters Beach House & Longboard Bar in Seaport Village. We had such a great time, that we’ve gone back every time he’s visited and this weekend is no exception. We’ll be there sometime between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the daily happy hour specials, $1 fish taco and $3 Pale Ale, yum! Before we leave, we’ll probably walk around Seaport Village and stay for some of the live music and entertainment.
5. This weekend is the Latin American Festival and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market in Old Town. This free festival takes place Friday through Sunday at Bazaar del Mundo and will showcase really neat, authentic Mata Ortiz pottery, art, music and live art demonstrations. Since my dad has never been to Old Town, this will be a great stop before dinner on Sunday evening. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Tags: 5 to try, craft beer, del mar, dining, free, ocean beach, old town, san diego bay, seaport village, summer

Categorized under: Insider Tips, San Diego Events | 1 Comment »

So much to see, so much to eat and so much to sip this weekend!

1. This Friday and Saturday check out the 3rd Annual San Diego International Beer Festival at the San Diego County Fair where beer lovers can sample more than 300 brews from 17 countries and 20 states.  Of course, some of San Diego’s finest craft brews will be there too; (see Kate’s Get Hoppy post below).  The event takes place in the fair’s Chevrolet Del Mar Arena from 4 -8 p.m. on Friday and noon-7 p.m. on Saturday. Ticket prices range from $20-$43 and include fair admission, a souvenir tasting cup and best of all, a wristband that provides unlimited one-ounce samplings of beer. (And you thought the fair food was something to talk about!)


chili here we come

 

2. The 30th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off kicks-off this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on OB’s main drag, Newport Avenue.  Here, you’ll find  live musical performances on 5 stages, 2 beer gardens, a skateboard exhibition, carnival rides, more than 200 vendors and so much more… oh yeah, and delicious chili!  I don’t know about you, but this is where I’ll be on Saturday.

 

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Tags: 5 to try, beach, birch aquarium, craft beer, cruise, festival, food, la jolla, live music, North Park, ocean beach, san diego bay, san diego county fair, snorkel, things to do

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Car free travel is good for the planet and your wallet.  Sure, you’d love to take the bus to the beach.  But with so many beaches in San Diego, how do you plan your trip?

The friendly team at San Diego’s MTS (the ones behind our rad red trolley and bus service) have put together a quick reference guide for beach goers. 

Route numbers, maps and estimated travel times are all on one page.  So, you’ll never get confused and it will fit into even the most overstuffed beach bag. 

So, grab your sunscreen and ride the bus to Coronado, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach or La Jolla this summer. 

With Day Passes for just $5, it’s easy to save money and go green when you head to the beach.

Tags: beach, car free, coronado, getting around, green, la jolla, mission beach, ocean beach, pacific beach

Categorized under: Beaches & Outdoors, Insider Tips | 2 Comments »