Category: Neighborhood Spotlight

There is a lot to do in Del Mar, such as going to the San Diego County Fair, summer horse races, and the beach.

About 1.6 million people attend the San Diego County Fair each June and July. While there, you can eat various foods such as French toast bacon, fried pizza, deep fried nachos, fresh fried chips, lasagna and grilled cheese sandwiches, many different types of hamburgers and hot dogs, deep fried twinkies, ice cream, and kettle corn.

You can also attend concerts, take part in a variety of rides and games, view livestock, and visit halls where you’ll see products like sharpeners, slicers, peelers, woodworking, gems, minerals, quilts, and sewing demonstrations. The 2017 San Diego County Fair runs June 2-July 4 and features a “Wild, Wild, West” theme.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is the place to watch horse racing each year from late July through early September. Gather at the seaside racetrack to bet on your favorite horses and maybe even get a look at famous stars who often come to the track from Hollywood, located just over 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Del Mar. Enjoy free concerts after each of the Friday races.

The city also has popular beaches: North Del Mar City Beach, considered by many as San Diego’s finest beach; South Del Mar City Beach, a long, cliff-lined, and isolated area that is great for long walks or jogs; and The River Mouth (Dog Beach), which is broad, wide, and dog-friendly.

Del Mar Village offers outdoor shopping, a dining promenade, and many art galleries surrounded by sculptures and fountains. At the Farmers Market on Saturday, there are organic and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, flowers and orchids, international cuisine, eggs, seafood, cheese, hummus, guacamole, bread and baked goods including gluten free products.

At Del Mar Plaza, there are spectacular ocean views and more than 30 fine shops, boutiques, and restaurants for your enjoyment.

If you like golf, the Grand Golf Club will challenge you with its rolling hills and many bunkers hidden within those hills. Nearby La Jolla features the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which hosts the professional Farmers Insurance Open each February.

Del Mar Dining
Americana Restaurant
Beesalt Balcony
Board & Brew
Brigantine Seafood Restaurant
Bully’s
Burger Lounge
China Café
Del Mar Pizza
Jake’s Del Mar
Milton’s Deli Restaurant
Pacifica Del Mar
Sbicca
Searsucker
Seasalt
Smashburger
Taste of Thai
Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant
Villa Capri

Del Mar Attractions
Beaches & Parks
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Del Mar Farmers Market
Del Mar Golf Courses
Del Mar Plaza
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Del Mar Village
Dog Parks
San Diego County Fair
San Dieguito Lagoon

Located in the South Bay area of San Diego County, Chula Vista is the second largest city in the county and the 14^th largest in California.

The U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, which opened in 1995, has facilities for archery, beach volleyball, canoeing/kayaking, cycling, field hockey, rowing, rugby, soccer, tennis, track & field, triathlon, and cross-training for various winter sports. Athletes are provided housing, dining, local transportation, recreational facilities, and professional development programs.

Music enthusiasts enjoy Sleep Train Amphitheatre, one of the largest live-music concert venues in San Diego. The outdoor facility can accommodate approximately 20,000 people and offers about 25 events per year. This summer’s lineup includes the Dixie Chicks (July 15), Kenny Chesney (Aug. 4), Snoop Dogg (Aug. 27), and the Doobie Brothers (Aug. 30).

In the heart of historic downtown Chula Vista is Third Avenue Village, featuring shops, restaurants, businesses, services, a boutique bed and breakfast, and rental halls. Activities along Third Avenue include a weekly Farmers Market, the Lemon Festival, Village Street Fair, Holiday in the Village, and the Starlight Parade.

The Chula Vista Marina provides boaters with a peaceful atmosphere away from the busyness of downtown. The area is a tropical paradise with spectacular sunsets.

Aquatica, Sea World’s Waterpark, offers three different slides, a beach with 43,000 square feet of sand, and a large wave pool. Tying into Aquatica’s sea-life theme, dozens of freshwater turtles make their home in the park.

Golf is also a popular South Bay activity. Courses include the San Diego Country Club, Eastlake Country Club, Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course, and Salt Creek Golf Club.

Chula Vista Dining
Canada Steak Burger
Ciao Italian Restaurant
El Patio Restaurant
Island Restaurant
Jersey Mike’s
Karina’s Mexican Seafood
LaBella’s Pizza Garden
La Quinta Grill & Cantina
Lolita’s Taco Shop
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Mi Terra
Miguel’s Cocina
Olive Garden
Rubio’s
Sushi House
Teriyaki Grill
Vega Café
Zorba’s Greek Restaurant

Chula Vista Attractions
Aquatica, Sea World’s Water Park
Chula Vista Library
Chula Vista Marina
Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course
Eastlake Country Club
Lemon Festival – August 7
Len Moore Skate Park
Living Coast Discovery Center
Otay Valley Regional Park
Salt Creek Golf Club
Sleep Train Amphitheater
The US Olympic Training Center
Third Avenue Village
Weekly Certified Farmers Market

La Jolla is one of the most popular beach locations in California because of its beautiful coastline and spectacular views. It’s surrounded by the ocean with the slopes of picturesque Mt. Soledad in the background.

The La Jolla Cove is a favorite spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving, as well as providing a nice area for biking and kayaking. La Jolla Shores features a long, wide beach with soft sand, clean water and gentle waves, and is a great spot for families, sunbathers and beginner surfers.

La Jolla Village is near the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in San Diego. There are many easy hikes about two miles long that will take about an hour to explore and offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Closer to the La Jolla Village area, the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail runs from La Jolla Shores beach to the La Jolla Cove. This is another easy walk in a very scenic area.

The Birch Aquarium is the public outreach area for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and has more than 400,000 visitors each year. It features more than 3,000 animals representing 380 species and is located on a hilltop with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.

Shopping in La Jolla ranges from inexpensive items to the most expensive and luxurious brands in the world. You may even see some American celebrities in downtown La Jolla.

Golf is also a popular activity at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla Country Club Golf Course, and the Spindrift Course at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. The Farmers Insurance Open includes the top golfers in the world and normally takes place the last week of January at Torrey Pines Golf Course.

La Jolla Dining
Alfonso’s of La Jolla
Bubba’s Smokehouse BBQ
Burger Lounge
Café LaRue
George’s At The Cove
Lean and Green Café
Little Korea
Marine Room
Mary’s English Kitchen
NINE-TEN Restaurant
Pizza on Pearl
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
Rimel’s Rotisserie
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza
Smash Burger
The Shores Restaurant

La Jolla Attractions and Events
Fourth of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
La Jolla Half Marathon
La Jolla Music Society
La Jolla Playhouse
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus
Relay for Life of La Jolla
The Farmers Insurance Open

Nestled in a forest, the beautiful mountain town of Julian is about a one-hour drive from San Diego. Among other things, it is famous for its apple pie, gold mining, and hiking.

Each year, Julian hosts its Apple Days Celebration in early October. During the month, 10,000 apple pies a week are baked, when tourists come from all over Southern California to enjoy the fall colors, cool breezes, and frontier-town atmosphere.

Mom’s Pie House, located on the town’s main street, is the place where visitors gather to enjoy apple pie, ice cream, and coffee. During the fall season, when Julian attracts its most visitors, the line sometimes goes out the door as people wait to have Julian’s most popular treat.

Julian is also known for its Gold Rush Days, which normally take place the last weekend in May. The event celebrates the discovery of gold in 1869 in the community and invites visitors to learn more about its history, with entertainment including gold panning, tomahawk throwing demonstrations, skits, candle dipping, and more.

In the winter of 1869, former slave Fred Coleman discovered gold in a small creek just outside of Julian. Within a few weeks, more than 800 prospectors from all over the country were headed to Julian in search of gold.

Hiking and biking are also popular in and around Julian. Trails range from the Stonewall Peak Trail, which can be finished within a couple hours, to the much more challenging Three Sisters Waterfalls Trail that is recommended only for very experienced hikers.

Downtown Julian features specialty shops lining the historic streets, including the Bird Watcher gift store and the Julian Cider Mill, which features jams, jellies, and a variety of nuts. The entire main street is only a few blocks long, so visitors can see all of the stores even if they take their time at each location.

The streets of downtown Julian additionally feature horse-drawn carriages where you can ride through the area in 20 minutes. There is also a western-era cowboy demonstration that takes place each weekend afternoon.

Julian Dining
Apple Alley Bakery
Buffalo Bill’s Restaurant
Candied Apple Pastry Company
Granny’s Kitchen
Heroes
Jeremy’s on the Hill California Bistro
Julian Café and Bakery
The Julian Grille
Julian Tea & Cottage Arts
Miner’s Diner
Mom’s Pie House
Poncho Villas
Romano’s Italian Restaurant
Rongbranch Restaurant
Soups & Such Café
Wynola Pizza & Bistro

Point Loma is a beautiful historic area of San Diego that features many fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean along with multi-million dollar mansions in the exclusive area known as La Playa.

It is also the location where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed on Sept. 28, 1542, marking the first time that a European expedition had set foot on what later would become the West Coast of the United States. Now the site of the spectacular Cabrillo National Monument, it has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in the U.S. Here, too, resides the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which opened in 1855.

Point Loma is a peninsula jutting into the ocean that also features the surrounding Harbor Island and Shelter Island areas. Because of its coastal location and yacht marina, Point Loma has many sportfishing excursions, whale watching tours, sailing adventures, and harbor cruises.

The Liberty Station area of Point Loma is a waterfront urban village in the redeveloped Naval Training Center that includes hotels, restaurants, shops, a park, the historic Sail Ho Golf Course, and the Naval Training Center Promenade. It is the home to 50-plus museums, galleries, artist and design studios, dance companies, and other organizations.

The Midway area of Point Loma includes Kobey’s Swap Meet, the city of San Diego’s largest weekend outdoor flea market. Also in the Midway area is the Valley View Casino Center (Sports Arena), offering concerts, UFC, indoor soccer, ice hockey, Disney on Ice, and other events.

There is also a much-visited tide pool near the Lighthouse, where low tide shows off such underwater features as sea anemones, crabs, and many other sea creatures. If you like to go surfing, the western edge of Point Loma at Sunset Cliffs features a great area to do so.

The Harbor Island area has a shoreline path with a steady ocean breeze that lets walkers, joggers, skaters, and bikers enjoy the magnificent views of the San Diego skyline, Coronado Island, and the Big Bay. Several grassy areas are ideal for picnics. Harbor Island is also great for enjoying the city lights by night; several fireworks shows on the July 4, Independence Day; and the boat Parade of Lights in December.

Shelter Island is the home to Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites, which features summer Concerts By The Bay. This concert series has close to 50 programs this summer, including two performances by the Beach Boys on Sept. 20. Also on Shelter Island is the Yokohama Friendship Bell, a large bronze bell that was a gift from the city of Yokohama, Japan in 1958 to commemorate its sister-city relationship with San Diego.

Point Loma Dining and Pubs
Bali Hai Restaurant
Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe
Corvette Diner
Fathom Bistro, Bait and Tackle
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
Miguel’s Cocina
Mitch’s Seafood
Modern Times Beer
Phil’s BBQ
Pizza Nova
Point Loma Seafoods
Pummaro Pizzeria
Slater’s 50/50
Supannee House of Thai Restaurant
Tender Greens
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
The Pearl

Point Loma Venues
Cabrillo National Monument
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Harbor Island
Humphrey’s Back Stage Music Club
Liberty Station
NTC at Liberty Station
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Sport Fishing
Point Loma Tide Pools
San Diego Whale Watching
San Diego Youth Hostel
Shelter Island
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Valley View Casino Center (Sports Arena)

Balboa Park is celebrating the 100th anniversary of hosting the 1915 Panama-California Exhibition by upgrading exhibits and having special events throughout the year.

Upgrades include expanding the Japanese Friendship Garden and reopening the California Tower – which provides 360-degree views of San Diego – after it was closed for 80 years. There are also improvements such as new lights along the El Prado area and nearly 40 new signs to help you find your way around the park.

Balboa Park covers more than 1,000 acres and offers 15 museums, various gardens, arts and international culture associations, plus the San Diego Zoo. The park’s museums feature displays of art treasures, exotic animal species, unique model railroads, world folk art, sports memorabilia, and rare aircraft.

In addition, Balboa Park is known for its beautiful seasonal flowers, shady groves of trees, and walking paths winding through fascinating areas. Many of the museums are in magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, which were built for Panama-California Exhibition 100 years ago.

Balboa Park is also home to The Old Globe Theatre, which produces a year-round season of 15 plays and musicals on its three stages, including its highly-regarded Shakespeare festival.

Balboa Park Museums
Japanese Friendship Garden
Marston House
Mingei International Museum
Museum of Photographic Arts
Reuben H Fleet Science Center
San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Hall of Champions
San Diego History Center
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Museum of Man
San Diego Natural History Museum
San Diego Museum of Art
Timken Museum of Art
Veterans Museum and Memorial Center

Balboa Park Attractions and Performing Arts
House of Pacific Relations International Cottages
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
San Diego Junior Theatre
San Diego Youth Symphony
San Diego Zoo
Spanish Village Art Center
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
The Old Globe

Shopping, restaurants, hotels, and Qualcomm Stadium are reasons people come to Mission Valley all year long. Many of San Diego’s major freeways flow through the area, making it an easy destination from anywhere in the county. Even though this area is considered by many to be a location for shopping and hotels, nearly 15,000 people live in Mission Valley.

The past 50 years have seen a large growth of hotels, shopping centers, condominiums and office buildings. In 1967 San Diego Stadium (now Qualcomm Stadium) was built. The stadium is home of the SDSU football team and the San Diego Chargers, a professional football team, as well as other sporting events and concerts. The parking lot at the stadium is regularly used for motorcycle races, car races, and “tent sales” for items such as cars.

The Green Line of the San Diego Trolley system serves San Diego State University and runs through Mission Valley, making mass transit a convenient option for everyone. This trolley line travels in an east-west direction through the heart of Mission Valley, making stops at Old Town, Morena/Linda Vista, Fashion Valley Transit Center, Hazard Center, Mission Valley Center, Rio Vista, Fenton Parkway, and Qualcomm Stadium. Then it heads to the campus of SDSU and on to the East County cities of La Mesa, El Cajon, and Santee.

Fashion Valley, Westfield Mission Valley, Hazard Center, and Fenton Marketplace are major shopping centers that attract people from throughout the county. These centers offer anything you can imagine to buy.

Riverwalk Golf Course is in the middle of Mission Valley. It includes three courses that are each nine holes long with many wetland areas, nearly 100 sand bunkers and many water features – including four lakes and the San Diego River.

With its freeways, shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels, Mission Valley is a great location to enjoy all that San Diego has to offer.

Events in Mission Valley

San Diego Jazz Fest
Nov. 26-30
The 35th San Diego Jazz Fest over the Thanksgiving holiday will present traditional jazz music, from ragtime to swing to dixieland at the Town & Country Resort and Hotel in Hotel Circle. Jazz bands and musicians from across the U.S. will perform.

A Christmas Carol
Nov. 28-Dec. 28
San Diego’s Cygnet Theatre helps you celebrate the holiday season with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge presented as a live radio play. Complete with holiday music, commercials and live sound effects, it’s a holiday treat for the whole family.

San Diego State Football
Nov. 29
The San Diego State football team will play San Jose State in the final regular season game for both teams at 12:30 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium.

A Magical Visit from Caring Santa
Dec. 7
Children with special needs and their families are invited to a special photo session at Fashion Valley Shopping Center with Caring Santa in an environment set up to support the developmental needs of kids with all abilities.

San Diego Chargers Football
Dec. 7
The San Diego Chargers football team plays the New England Patriots at 5:30 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium in a game that will be televised nationally by NBC as the National Football League’s Game of the Week.

Poinsettia Bowl
Dec. 23
College football teams from the Naval Academy and the Mountain West Conference play in this 10^th annual game at 6:30 p.m. San Diego State could be the team from the Mountain West.

Holiday Bowl
Dec. 27
College football teams from the Pac 12 and Big Ten conferences meet in this 37^th annual game at 5 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium.

Restaurants & Entertainment Venues

Applebee’s
Barnes & Noble
Buffalo Wild Wings
California Pizza Kitchen
Chipotle
Daphnes Greek Cafe
Fuddruckers
Hazard Center YMCA
Joe’s Crab Shack
Outback Steakhouse
Panda Express
Sombrero Mexican Food
The Cheesecake Factory
Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery

Known as the “birthplace” of California, Old Town San Diego is where Father Junipero Serra created the first of the Spanish missions of California. It was the first Spanish settlement in 1769 and became a State Historic Park in 1968 in order to preserve its history of early settlers. Fast forward to the present, Old Town is known for its main plaza, exhibits, museums, and living history demonstrations. In addition to having countless food and shopping, all of Old Town’s museums are free to the public. There’s no wonder why Old Town State Historic Park is the most visited park in the state system. Some must-see events include:

NOVEMBER

Dia de los Muertos
Commemorate the “Day of the Dead” with Folklorico dancers and live performances on the Fiesta de Reyes stage.

Bazaar del Mundo Birthday
Celebrate this wonderful day with mariachi and folkloric dance performances, with a chance to win cool prizes.

Irish-Mexican Day
Enjoy traditional Irish music and authentic Mexican food to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Brigade, one of the Mexican Army’s most highly decorated brigades during the Mexican-American War. Live entertainment on the Fiesta de Reyes Stage and admission is free.

DECEMBER

Customer Appreciation Day
Live music, various treats, and shopping, all in appreciation for the customers.

Holiday in the Park
Have a holiday blast with special holiday treats, activities, extended shopping hours and a fully decorated park. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the carolers and do some holiday shopping.

Las Posadas
Celebrated for 62 years consecutively, the Park Merchants Association will reenact the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph through the town of Bethlehem. There will be carolers, a theatrical procession and a piñata party for the children, making this a night you will not forget.

Twelve Days of Christmas – Mormon Battalion Historical Site

JANUARY

Blessing of the Animals
Bring your pets for a blessing from the local Catholic priest, with other animal-themed events, and a costume and trick contest.

Mormon Battalion Day
With historic displays, free crafts, frontier games, music, living history displays and cannon shooting, there’s nothing not to like.

Daily Events

• Ghost Tours and Exclusive Oil Lamp Tours at Whaley House
• Old Town State Historic Park Visitor Center and Museums
• Ongoing Living History Activities Every Wednesday and Free Tours Daily

 Restaurants

• Barra Barra Restaurant & Saloon –Traditional Mexican food
• Bentowich – Fresh, all natural, healthy and delicious Asian fusion deli
• Cafe Coyote y Cantina – Delicious Mexican food and festive atmosphere
• Casa de Reyes Mexican Cuisine – Mexican feast and fiesta with courtyard seating
• Casa Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant– Mexican cuisine, seafood and the famous giant margaritas
• Cold Stone Creamery – Ice cream made daily, the ultimate ice cream experience
• Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant – Modern tastes with traditional foods of the 1870s
• D’O Thai Cottage – Traditional Thai cuisine, great service
• El Fandango – A historically authentic Mexican restaurant
• Jack & Guilio’s Italian Restaurant – Homemade pastas, veal, poultry, beef and seafood specialties
• La Pinata Mexican Restaurant – San Diego’s oldest restaurant – fajitas, tamales, and lobster
• Miguel‘s Cocina – Traditional Mexican food with happy hour all night long
• Old Town Mexican Cafe Restaurant – San Diego Restaurant Gold Medal Award winner five  years in a row
• Pizza Bella Italian Bistro – Eat in, takeout, and delivery