Care For The Fair? Try the San Diego County Fair.
The San Diego County Fair is here in town – it started on June 8th and goes on until July 4th. Normally, I try to avoid this as it’s expensive and can be very tiring. However, I must have forgot how much fun it was, and mustn’t leave it for another three or four years until I go again. Yesterday was a beautiful day for a fair, it was a fairly hot day, but not unpleasant, and the sky was a perfect blue.
The Fairgrounds are in the same venue as the Del Mar Racetrack – here’s a link to some pictures of that – (scroll halfway down the page though to see pictures of the Racetrack). To get to the Fairgrounds, just go on the Highway 5 North and exit Via De La Valle, make a left and another left on Jimmy Durante Blvd. Be prepared to pay $10 for parking or you can park at local schools and take a bus for free. Admission prices are: children under 5 are free; kids under the age of 12 are $8 and adults are $14.
When you first go through admission, you will see a place where you can play all kinds of games. If you want to stay out of the sun, and it was hot yesterday (June 22nd) – this is a great place to stay out of the heat. You can play many kinds of games, cards, dominoes, or just play on one of the arcade style machines.
The San Diego County Fair
San Diego County Fair
Then the aroma of the fair food is so tantalizing, and the choices are plentiful! What to get? Ice cream, funnel cakes, pizza, Greek food, fish and chips, Indian bread (I believe it was the American Indian, not the other Indian), caramel apples, just about anything covered with bacon – including chocolate, or hot dogs are just some of the temptations. The fries covered with nacho cheese and bacon bits were really good! However, it is costly – $10 or so for a chicken basket that consisted of four pieces of chicken with fries, $6.75 for the bacon covered fries, $15.75 for three slices of pizza with two drinks, and should I even go on? But, it’s tempting and you have to be really strong to resist those wonderful tantalizing smells, they can even make those who are full – just greedy. It’s the Fair, and you have to give in just once in a while!
The San Diego County Fair
Then the kids will pester you for rides – or perhaps you might want to give in and try a ride yourself. I believe the first ten days of the fair – you can get a wristband for $30 per person for all day unlimited rides, but right now those wristbands are only available to use on Wednesday and Thursday’s. Since the majority of people go on Saturday or Sunday, they will be limited to paying about 75 cents per ride including on July 4th. You can pay $50 for 72 tickets or $20 for 28 tickets – that’s what I mean when I say it’s expensive – be prepared to bring a lot of money with you.
The San Diego County Fair
Now, when you’ve got your tickets or wristband, you have to decide which rides to go on – at least the lines aren’t that long – like they are at Disneyland or Legoland – you can get on your ride fairly quickly – at least my kids did yesterday.
Here’s two pictures showing the Grand Wheel (the first one with the pink inflated toy in front of it was taken with my camcorder, and the second one was taken with my Iphone):
The Grand Wheel, San Diego County Fair
The San Diego County Fair
or you could choose to go upside down on a ride called Windsurf
The San Diego County Fair
Or how about the Magnum, or one of the other rides shown here?
Then, of course this place would not be complete without rides for little kids of Chandi’s age – so across the fairgrounds on the other side are rides more suitable for the little ones.
Isn’t the San Diego sky glorious?
San Diego County Fair
There are some animals out here for the kids to see and enjoy, such as horses, pigs, goats and chickens. Chandi and Luca had a lot of fun seeing the horses – here’s just one of the horses people can learn about – there were donkeys, ponies and many other kinds of breeds of horses too. Also, there’s a safe way to pretend that you are riding on a horse too!
San Diego Fair has great family shows which are live such as Family Feud – another great way to escape some of the heat and crowds, as well as to give your aching feet a break.
Do you know that celebrities come play at the Fairgrounds – celebrities such as Victoria Justice who does more than just singing or acting – she represents Girl Up, which is a campaign of the United Nations Foundation. Girl Up empowers girls to fight for the right to education and the end to other atrocities that girls face. Big Time Rush were also set to play at the same concert as Victoria Justice – tickets were only $12, my oldest daughter wanted to see the show, but we were quite tired and could not stay any longer – we left at 7:30 pm, and had been at the fair all day from 11am or so.
If you want to find out more information about the fair, visit this link: http://www.sdfair.com/
Don’t forget other than rides and food, there are also cuddly toys that are there for the winning!
I’ve got just one final thing to say – it’s not fair if you don’t take them to the fair at least once when they’re little. A smile from a child says it all.
San Diego County Fair
What To Do On A Lovely Day In San Diego
There’s so much to do in San Diego, that I often have to really think about what I want to do on my days off – we are spoilt for choice. Should I visit Seaport Village, Coronado, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, La Jolla Beach, Del Mar Beach or Carlsbad? Well, this weekend on Saturday, I decided to take little Chandi to Legoland which is in Carlsbad, just 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego. The weather has been beautiful this weekend, it certainly feels like summer already.
I just bought annual passes for myself, Chandi and her brother and sister. Big brother and sister have had annual passes before when they were young, and now complain that they don’t remember. So, they won and got their way….I indulged them and they now have no excuses for not remembering as they are both quite a bit older than Chandi.
Here’s some pictures taken this weekend (yesterday):
Legoland, California
Legoland, California
Legoland, California
Of course, children come here to play
Legoland, California
They also like to dance up and down near the water fountains which are interactive, and either play music when jumped upon or squirt out water
Legoland, California
Don’t forget to visit the miniature cities made out of lego bricks
You can surely guess these cities in the USA?
Washington, DC in Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland in Carlsbad, California
The Venetian in Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Here’s the Luxor in Las Vegas at Legoland
Luxor at Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Here’s another two miniature cities, aren’t they amazing – made from lego bricks – unbelievable!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Don’t forget to take a boat ride on the Fairy Tale Brook, it’s great for kids of any age, and you’ll see characters from all your favorite fairy tales, including Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and so much more.
Fairytale Brook Ride, Legoland, Carlsbad
Here’s me with Chandi on the day when we got our annual passes
Legoland, California
I just love this picture of my three babies all at Legoland
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
There’s so much to do in Legoland, especially for your kids!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
It’s one big playground!
Legoland, Carlsbad, California
If you want to stay really close by to the Legoland Park, you could stay at the newly opened Legoland Hotel, which is right there in the grounds, less than a twenty second walk away.
Legoland Hotel, Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland Hotel, Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Your kids will want to make friends with the Lego characters
Legoland in Carlsbad, California
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- Legoland, California
And they won’t want to go when it’s time to leave.
- Annual passes for Legoland are $129 each for adults and kids over the age of 13 +
- Annual passes for kids from the age of 3-12 are $99 each. Click here for more information on Legoland.
- If you live in California, you might as well buy the annual passes because the day pass is $79, so just by visiting twice – you’ll get your money’s worth! Did I mention that Legoland is just across the street from the beautiful Grand Pacific Palisades, which overlooks the gorgeous Flower Fields? You could start your day out with a walk by the Flower Fields, followed by the rest of the day at Legoland…….. it makes for a really nice day out.
The Flower Fields Are Ablaze With The Beauty of Color – Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
Spring is in the air, flowers are everywhere! Or should I say the hills are alive with the beauty of flowers? These flowers are like music to my soul, and they bring joy. They also bring much joy to my little angel, Chandi.
Here is the Princess of The Flower Fields (I nominate her for that):
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Here’s Chandi dreaming of more flowers.
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
Here she is, ever so content with all the flowers around her.
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego)
I should tell you a little more about the Flower Fields – they mainly grow ranunculus flowers here – and the early ranunculus blossoms resembled Poppy blossoms. Here’s a little more history on this:
Ranunculus Flowers, Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Here’s some close-up pictures of the ranunculus flowers
Little kids love to come to the Flower Fields – they get to meet others their age, see fish in the little lily pond basins
They can play in the playground
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – Playground
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – Playground
They will see see hens and will even see some fresh laid eggs on the ground!
They will love taking a ride on the wagon that goes around the fields full of flowers, and have a narrated tour. Most of all, if they are just like Chandi, they will like to be out in the fresh open air, smelling the sweet smell of Spring, and seeing flowers everywhere!
Here are the fields ablaze with color
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Here are some people picking the flowers (most likely employees) – these flowers could surely brighten anyone’s home, and will likely find their way into the stores.
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Here’s me and my baby enjoying some Mummy and me time!
Who wouldn’t like to bring their little baby here, and see their face light up with joy? Chandi’s face lit up with joy, is all the happiness I need. Here she is once again, Princess of the Flower Fields.
Also, let me tell you where Carlsbad is in relation to San Diego…..it is a 40 minute drive up north from downtown San Diego. Take the Highway 5 North and exit Palomar Airport Road, then make a right onto Palomar Airport Road, make a left onto Paseo Del Norte, and make a right into the Carlsbad Outlet Mall Shopping Area, and then make another right and head into the parking lot close to the Flower Fields entrance.
Prices: $11 for adults, free for kids under 3 years of age, and kids from 4 to 11 – $6
Also, don’t forget – locally grown strawberries are for sale right here at the Flower Fields, and don’t forget to try a yummy Strawberry Milkshake or one of the other scrumptious desserts made from strawberries.
Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA
Also, don’t forget to visit sometime soon, as the flowers will only be in bloom up to a certain point in April, so hurry fast and visit Carlsbad, CA – part of greater San Diego.
**This is an addition to the post. Went back to visit again on March 30, 2013 (last week I visited on March 23rd) – there’s a big difference in just a week as far as how much the flowers have bloomed. Here’s what they looked like today, however, these pictures were taken from a distance – we did not get right into the fields like we did last week.
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – on March 30, 2013
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – on March 30, 2013
The Flower Fields as of April 20, 2013
The Flower Fields from a previous years:
April 16, 2011
The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA – San Diego
April 19, 2009
Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
Social Media and My New Pinterest
I just had to add a new interest, or should I say Pinterest? Pardon the pun………if my kids knew that I just said that, they would get mad at me. I am always having fun with word play, much to their consternation. Well, to go back to Pinterest – I don’t know what took me so long to get into it. All, I can say is it’s a lot of fun. All the pictures don’t have to be your own, you can like other people’s pictures and pin them on your board, and others will hopefully like what you pin, and re-pin. It’s a bit like retweeting on Twitter, and you can like pins too – now you’ll be reminded of Facebook. You can also pin videos, so hence YouTube can be brought in……now you have all your social media played out just in Pinterest.
I like to divide up my travel or my interests (such as on empowerment, or the British Royal Family, especially Princess Diana) into boards, it’s a little like having photo albums all sorted out, and not lumped together. I have one album, more appropriately called “board” on Pinterest for London, one for Izmir, one for Istanbul, one for Italy, one for San Diego, and one that I named Travel Repins when I didn’t really know what I was doing, and still don’t quite know what to call it. This board is where I just put pictures that I like taken by other people into one big collection, and this one isn’t at all organized – it has pictures from all over the world in it.
I still have to do more on Pinterest, I can’t just leave only mostly my pictures on my boards for instance – like the ones on Izmir or Istanbul. My board on London has many pictures from others who have taken pictures of that amazing city. Just like with all social media, it’s about sharing. After all, there are so many other pictures to discover out there in the world, we have to go beyond ourselves, and share the work of others.
I have to find more time, and have been lacking time lately…..life has caught up with me. Now just living day to day leaves hardly any spare moments to even dabble in social media, unfortunately. However, my emails from Pinterest even when I’m not active myself, have shown me what people are interested in, and I’ve noted with much curiousity, that people are really into London, and why not? London is one of the best cities in the world, if not the very best. However, I would like to add some interest for San Diego, especially since I now live here. So, I will work on my board on San Diego, and on some of the other boards, where I might only have my pictures.
Lastly, you know I like to have pictures in my posts…..so here are three pictures taken by me in three of my favorite cities and of course on Pinterest.
First, one of my favorite destinations….beautiful Venice in tantalizing Italy.
Venice, Italy
Then, lovely London in enchanting England.
Tower Bridge, London
Lastly, Paradise on Earth in Coronado, San Diego, in sunny California, USA.
Coronado, San Diego
I think you ought to give Pinterest a try, you just might find it Pinteresting!
Follow me on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/luchanik/
San Diego Sunset Picture (Of Coronado) Will Be In Get Away San Diego’s Next Issue
This is a first for me – to have my picture be selected in a contest – I am so excited! Granted, mine was not the best picture, but my picture made it as one of the top ten!
Coronado, San Diego
I entered a competition that Get Away San Diego posted on their Facebook page, just out of curiousity. My picture shown above of the sunset near the Hotel Del in Coronado is the reason I just had to write today! My photo will be published in the next edition of Get Away San Diego . I don’t think my picture is as good as the other nine that made it into the top ten, but all ten will be shown in the next issue. However, since this is the first time for me that I have won such a contest, I am ecstatic! If it’s good enough to be chosen, it’s good enough to be happy about.
If you want to see the other pictures in Get Away San Diego’s Album, you can take a look right here Get Away San Diego’s Photo Contest Winners.
My whole family loves the Hotel Del, and Coronado. Here is my little Chandi on the beach at Hotel Del.
Hotel Del – Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
So for anyone who wants to wine a bit, I have a picture for you – it’s also taken in Coronado.
Wine Styles, Coronado
And for all those who would love to see what’s so great about the Hotel Del, here’s some more pictures.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Marilyn Monroe shot one of her movies here “Some Like It Hot”, and this tree is famous partly because of that movie, and Marilyn Monroe.
Hotel Del, Coronado
People love to visit the Hotel Del, and many weddings and parties take place here.
Hotel Del, Coronado
The grounds of this hotel are absolutely stunning! Do you know you can spend an entire day here, and not be bored? There’s the beach, restaurants galore, tennis, a swimming pool and of course shops, and the hotel lobby to look at.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del’s Lobby Chandelier, Coronado
Of course, my little Princess belongs here, that’s why I like to bring her time and time again!
Hotel Del, Coronado
Don’t forget that Coronado is just a 15 to 20 minute drive from downtown San Diego, or just a boat ride across – here are some useful tips on how to get around.
I may have said this before, but the Hotel Del is swell! I am so glad that one of my pictures is going to be published, and I’m glad that it was taken in beautiful Coronado.
On another note:
Lately, I have also been toying with another idea….to enter one of my videos into a competition or to make a new one – perhaps of San Diego. I decided to not enter the competition or attempt making a new video for it, because I can’t go away for 6 months and leave my kids, neither can I take them with me (two of them can’t take six months away from school, and it wouldn’t be fair to take just the youngest one) – so this kind of competition is not meant for me. Want to know which competition I am referring to? It’s this one: http://www.mydestination.com/bbb/competition#faq1 and if you want to know who has my full support in this particular competition, it’s Lesley Carter from Bucket List Publications: http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/if-you-could-make-someones-bucket-list-dreams-a-reality-would-you/
A Room With A View
A room with a view is the desire of anyone who travels whether on business or on pleasure. The title of this post was inspired by British pop group Duran Duran’s song “A View To A Kill”. I know that title is a little questionable, and different to mine, but if you listen to their song, and look at my pictures, it’s easy to replace the words, and highly encouraged.
You can see their video right here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp4CR2HcHLQ , and perhaps every time you think of a room with a view, you might think of Duran Duran. Perhaps, the truth also is that I like Duran Duran, and used to be one of their biggest fans, and still like their songs. If you listen to one of their songs, it kind of just sticks with you for days. I keep hearing the tune of their song (of which I enclosed the link to their video) in the back of my head and of course, I have replaced it with the words “Watching you with a View To A Room” – that probably doesn’t make sense, but that’s how my song goes.
Well, here’s the view:
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
I tried to picture the timing of this photo to get the US Navy Ship (I’m not sure what type of ship it is exactly, but presume it’s a Navy ship) just when it neared the Coronado Bridge
US Navy Ship near Coronado Bridge
On one side of this hotel are the city views
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
And on the other side are the Bay Views
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
You can also see the Coronado Bridge
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
I have always said that San Diego is like Paradise on Earth. Take a look at this lush tropical landscaping – doesn’t it remind you of Paradise?
The Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego
City View through the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina
If you come to San Diego for business, you may want to consider that the Marriott is right next to the San Diego Convention Center!
The San Diego Convention Center & The Marriott Marquis & Marina
San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina from Seaport Village
San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina
If you come to San Diego for leisure or to mix business with pleasure, want to know two places that are really beautiful that are very close to this hotel?
Seaport Village is a must-see area that is Paradise in itself.
Seaport Village, San Diego
Coronado is another must-see area that is also Paradise, but you can’t see that from this picture….I just wanted you to see the bridge and how you are now on the side of Coronado and not San Diego.
Coronado Bridge
See my post of Sunsets in Coronado to see what you can expect to see on this beautiful island that is just a ferry ride away (catch the ferry at the Marina just outside the Marriott) or take a drive that will only take about 15 to 20 minutes or so to get from the Seaport Village area to Coronado.
Anyway, next time you need a Room With A View, think of Duran Duran, and their song, and think of some of the places I mentioned and you won’t go wrong. By the way, sorry if the picture clarity is not as good as it could be….I used my I-Phone for most of these pictures, instead of my regular camera. I wish you all a Happy February!
Want to Vacation In San Diego This Year?
Interested in visiting Paradise this year? I have a beautiful one bedroom unit for rent! The accommodation has a separate living area, bedroom, bathroom and full kitchen, and sleeps four people (there’s a sofa bed in the living room). It’s in the North County area of San Diego in Carlsbad, which is a beautiful place close by to the ocean. In fact, you will have an ocean view! Also, my vacation rental overlooks the Flower Fields – which are a tourist attraction – where visitors come from all over to Carlsbad in March or April of each year to see the beautiful flowers in full bloom – breathtaking!
By the way, before I forget to mention the rental price for the week – it will be $1,100 and that’s a great bargain considering it’s racetrack season (and you can stay here on the Grand Opening Day of the Del Mar Racetrack – see below). Hotel rooms usually can go from $275 to $300 per night or more, and additionally you will still have to eat out – save money this way by cooking your own meals – at least one or two meals (if not three). The check in date will be July 14th, 2013 and the check out date will be July 21, 2013.
Here are some pictures:
Grand Pacific Palisades and the Flower Fields, Carlsbad
That’s me and my children enjoying the flowers (yes, we got right into the fields – many people do just to have their photographs taken)
Flower Fields and Grand Pacific Palisades, San Diego
Of course, July is going to be beautiful here in San Diego! You will want to take a dip in the pool at the Palisades (there’s two pools – one adults only, and one is a family pool – more suitable for kids)
Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego
The lobby
The Lobby of the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, San Diego
Here’s another picture of the lobby area
Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Carlsbad, CA
Kids love to play here
Playground, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego
Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego
Outdoor Splash Area, and Kids Pool, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, San Diego
What can you expect to see in the surrounding area?
This sign will show you some local places of interest, and of course a local restaurant where you can eat if you don’t want to cook your own food.
Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad, CA
Legoland is just across the street, yes, you can even walk there! I don’t have any recent pictures of Legoland, and will have to find my older pictures, but this is a great place to visit with the kids!
Then you have the Carlsbad Outlet Mall close by, this is just within walking distance, and has many great stores such as GAP Kids, Clark Shoes, Nine West, DKNY, and many others. The kids will love it because it has rides that they just absolutely adore.
Carlsbad Outlet Mall
The main beach in Carlsbad is just about 3.7 miles away or so, if you want to go the area close by to Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Blvd. I would highly recommend eating at the Harbor Fish Cafe, which overlooks the ocean. It is located at 3179 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Carlsbad Beach, San Diego
Carlsbad Beach, San Diego
Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad
In the picture above, you can’t really tell where the Harbor Fish Cafe is, but it is on the upper right, and now when you see the picture below, you can see it more clearly, but won’t be able to tell it has a fantastic ocean view, that’s why I had to include the picture above.
Harbor Fish Cafe, Carlsbad
The racetrack!
If you travel about 15 minutes south of Carlsbad, down Highway 5, you will arrive at Del Mar, and the racetrack. Every year in July for about seven weeks, the racetrack opens, and this is unquestionably one of the area’s greatest attractions – you will be amazed if you go there on Opening Day. This year – Opening Day will be on July 17th – don’t forget if you want to be here for Opening Day this year, my vacation unit is available – it will be a fabulous place to stay in style, and entertain!
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Me at the racetrack last year.
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Bring the kids, there’s lots for them to do, Chandi was happy with her new horse – they often hand out freebies with your paid admission – and people just love those!
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
The racetrack is very close to Powerhouse Beach in Del Mar, about a mile or so.
Powerhouse Beach, Del Mar
I would highly recommend Pacifica Breeze Cafe in the Del Mar Plaza at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 for their delicious scones, oatmeal, and kids breakfasts (you can see it at the top right of the photo below)
Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar, San Diego
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Want to come here in July, 2013 – specifically July 14 – July 21? I have a place for you to stay, just write to me at dkaur@luchaniktravel.com and I will be happy to help you with your accommodation, and some recommendations. Also, if you are interested in buying this one week unit (I only own one week per year at Grand Pacific Palisades) – I would be interested in selling it too for $8,000 – that’s a bargain, then you too can live in Paradise – even if it’s just one week per year.
Don’t forget, there’s no place like Carlsbad, there’s no place like Del Mar, and there’s no place like San Diego!
Sunsets in Coronado, San Diego
Sunsets can be spectacular in San Diego, and Coronado which is only a two mile drive or so from downtown San Diego is no exception. Some of the best sunsets can be found right here.
Coronado, San Diego
Me and the kids went to one of our favorite places in the San Diego area – across the Bay – and onto the island of Coronado. Coronado is only a 5 minute drive or so from downtown San Diego – you head down Highway 5 and take the 75 South to Coronado, then when you see Orange Avenue, make a left and you can head to the Hotel Del.
I think this picture below would have come out nice if the car hadn’t got in the way, but I think the passengers wanted to see the sunset too. I can’t blame them.
Coronado, San Diego
I think the sunset looks pretty like this too
Coronado, San Diego
Most of these pictures were taken right before we got to Hotel Del (just a few minutes walk away), and some further down the page were taken at the beach in front of the hotel.
Coronado
Coronado
Coronado
I think these two trees below might be the same ones that were in my personal favorite sunset picture that I took in Coronado (seen below the one directly underneath)
Coronado
My favorite sunset picture taken just over a year ago on Christmas Day (2011)
Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del is swell! It’s a great place to visit, or even stay at (I stayed there once for three nights in 2008). Top your visit off with some gelato from Mootime Creamery, their wonderful ice-cream store.
Mootime Creamery, Hotel Del
Well, I will leave you with a few more sunset pictures, this one was taken right in front of the Hotel Del
Coronado
This is on the way to the Hotel Del, just a few minutes walk away right now.
Coronado
This picture was taken right in front of the Hotel Del
Coronado
- Coronado
- Coronado
The clouds were even a little black today, we’ve had quite a bit of rain the past few weeks.
- Coronado
There’s nothing like bringing in the New Year in with sunsets, and that’s just what we did this year – that’s when these pictures were taken (except for the Christmas Day, 2011 picture). Remember, to get to Coronado from San Diego is not very hard at all. It’s just a two mile drive or so from downtown, across the Coronado Bridge.
Coronado Bridge
To get this view of the San Diego skyline (seen below), all you do is go across the Coronado Bridge and make a right at Orange Avenue, you would then make another right, and park on your left hand side where the shops are and where the Il Fornaio restaurant is. Some of the hotels seen in the San Diego skyline are the Hyatt Grand Manchester, the Marriott Marquis & Marina and the Hilton BayFront (I’ve also stayed at all these hotels). Please feel free to get in touch with me for making hotel reservations, or recommendations. As you can see, these hotels are fairly close to Coronado, and should definitely be on your list of hotels to consider staying at when you come to San Diego. You will have the best of both worlds – be close to Coronado and still be close to all the other fabulous attractions near these hotels, such as Seaport Village, the Gaslamp District, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and shopping at one of the most gorgeous shopping malls in the entire world – at Horton Plaza. Please see my previous post: Scenic San Diego.
San Diego Skyline from Coronado
By the way, I wish you all a Happy New Year, and I’m so sorry for not writing as frequently, time is in short supply….but I will try harder. May the New Year bring you plenty of spectacular sunsets, and much happiness.
The Magic of December Nights in San Diego
I knew December Nights at Balboa Park was going to be magical. There’s not a better way to kick-start the holidays than going to Balboa Park, and experiencing December Nights. What is/are December Nights? I wrote about it in my previous post, just click here to see More Info on December Nights (that post contains some external links with more information too).
Now that December Nights (which occurred on December 7 & 8, 2012) are over, there’s still plenty of reasons to visit the Park. The magical tree is still there, and so are the lights and the great atmosphere, and at least you won’t have the crowds to deal with. Here’s some pictures:
First the magical tree:
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
It gets even more magical – it opens up!
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
It changes color!
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
It changed color again!
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
This one is more fuzzier, because my camera’s battery died and I had to use my I-phone.
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
This one’s fuzzy too, but I’m including it because I want you to see the spectacle of color that was so beautiful during the December Nights concert.
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Here’s the same color for background, but the tree has closed up
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Now for a lighter shade of blue
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
And the last two of the tree at least!
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Now for some pictures of the Park in the dark. Me and my family went to December Nights on both December 7 and December 8. Why miss out on the magic?
I believe this church now houses the Museum of Man
St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego
Museum of Man & St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Museum of Man & St. Francis Chapel, Balboa Park, San Diego
Today, I suddenly stumbled on a second picture that I took of the Church at Balboa Park, I thought I only had one like the one above.
The Museum of Man, December Nights, Balboa Park
Are you ready for more Christmas trees? Here’s another one at the Park, closer to the church shown above
Christmas Tree, near Museum of Man, Balboa Park
Oh, my gosh! The Grinch was here, but Chandi didn’t want to have her picture taken with him, so I had to take it of someone else instead!
The Grinch at Balboa Park
Even dogs like December Nights, this picture was taken with no flash, but it wasn’t very good, however, it will give you an idea of what the lights were like and how it really looked in the dark
Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park
Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park
The dog also has glasses, more clearly seen in the picture below.
Dog in a Car with Christmas Lights at Balboa Park
It’s just so nice strolling through the Park, even in the dark!
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park was nicely lit up for the holidays
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
There were so many people there, you wouldn’t believe it. I think I read somewhere that there were at least 300,000 people.
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
Here’s the Botanical Gardens Building at night time bathed in a beautiful blue light
Balboa Park, December Nights, San Diego
You can’t tell from these pictures just how many people there were in Balboa Park during these two very busy nights.
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego
Of course, there were a lot of delicious choices for food, but I didn’t get to take too many pictures of the different vendors. Here’s one at least.
Food Options, December Nights, Balboa Park
This fountain is near one of the many museums at the park, and is closest to the path to the San Diego Zoo.
Fountain, Balboa Park, San Diego
The words “Happy Holidays” lit up one of the museums
Happy Holidays, Balboa Park, San Diego
Happy Holidays, Balboa Park, San Diego
The Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego
Here’s a clearer picture of some people at December Nights
Balboa Park, San Diego
For some reason, I like this picture
Balboa Park, San Diego
I couldn’t stop taking pictures of Balboa Park at night, it is beautiful both at night and day
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
I didn’t quite get the picture above centralized, see how it looks below, still not right. It would have been perfect if I could have got both “Season’s Greetings” and the lighting on the wall on the right in just one picture balanced out better. Oh, well. I’ll have to make do with two pictures.
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Now for where the reindeers are with presents laden on the sleigh
December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
A different angle of the reindeers
Reindeers, December Nights at Balboa Park
Now, there’s the presents at the back (I guess on the sleigh).
Reindeers, December Nights at Balboa Park
Some more lights
December Nights at Balboa Park
Now, some more pictures of the amazing tree from a different angle.
December Nights at Balboa Park
December Nights at Balboa Park
December Nights at Balboa Park
And lastly, some pictures of the performers who entertained us at the site of the magical tree.
Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park
Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego
Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park
Performers at December Nights, Balboa Park
Just incase you don’t get the full flavor of what it’s like at Balboa Park during December Nights, I made this video especially for you.
I still haven’t had the chance to take more daytime pictures of Balboa Park, so in the meantime, you can look at these pictures taken by someone who linked to my post previously, so now I will link to his – so you can see his amazing pictures of Balboa Park: http://onecoolthingeveryweekend.com/2012/11/21/picture-tour-of-the-san-diego-balboa-park/
Oh, by the way, I went to the International Houses on the 8th of December and saw various cultural dances there, including Indian dances, but only managed to get a few pictures. Perhaps, I will put those in another post. Anyway, I hope you can see that Balboa Park is so magical when it’s the holidays. If you celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you, and if you don’t – Happy Holidays!
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Oh, how I love this time of year, the wonderful memories of Christmas that has already passed, and the exhilarating anticipation of Christmas yet to come.
Two fabulous places to experience a taste of the holidays are Balboa Park, and the adjacent San Diego Zoo. Did you know that you can actually walk from Balboa Park to the Zoo? It will only take about five to ten minutes to walk from one to the other.
I would like to remind you that December Nights is just around the corner – it’s actually this week on Friday and Saturday (December 7 and 8) …..two wonderful days of holiday cheer, where San Diego celebrates the holidays like no place else.
Here’s three links with more information about this wonderful event – December Nights At Balboa Park, Official Tourism Blog of San Diego and NBC 7 San Diego News.
Here’s some pictures from past December Nights, previously known as Christmas On The Prado
December Nights – Balboa Park, San Diego
December Nights – Organ Pavilion – Balboa Park
December Nights – Organ Pavilion – Balboa Park
Cultural events and activities galore can be found at December Nights
Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park
Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park
These dances took place outside the House of Ukraine at the International Cottages in 2011.
Cultural Events – December Nights – Balboa Park
I think one of the best places to visit in Balboa Park is this very area…..the International Cottages. Here, you will see the House of Scotland, England, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Ireland, Ukraine, and many others. What can you expect to see or learn from these International Cottages? You will get a big taste of what it’s like to be from that region. You can try samples of the food from any of those respective countries, you may even be in for a treat to a dance from that region – it really is a fantastic thing to experience – you might just see Scottish, German, Russian, Indian and other dances (during December Nights, 2012, I know you can definitely see Indian dances on Saturday evening (I apologize if you read it before and it said Friday, I just got confirmation today 12/6/12 that it’s Saturday evening). Read more about the International Cottages right here: http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/house-pacific-relations-international-cottages
This picture of my three kids was taken last year at San Diego Zoo. The Zoo is beautiful at Christmas time.
Merry Christmas from San Diego Zoo
Can you believe the same tree shown above behind my kids actually magically changes and becomes the tree below when it is darker
Christmas Tree at San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells – San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells and The Elves – San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells and The Elves – San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a favorite of my kids – especially Chandi – she absolutely loves it here.
San Diego Zoo
I really love her expression when she saw the orangutans.
Orangutans – San Diego Zoo
Now from my house to yours – I would like to spread some holiday cheer. This is a picture of my kids from two years ago. They wish you a Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas from San Diego
I don’t have a good picture yet of all three of my kids from this holiday season, but will certainly strive to capture one at some point or other, but I do have a picture of my little Chandi which was taken just a few days ago.
The Wonder of Christmas
My daughter Niki is very creative and made these holiday cookies
Go attend some festivities, get into the spirit, and don’t forget to enjoy some holiday cookies!
By the way……you are probably thinking that San Diego can’t look very “Christmassy”. I hope you can see that we still celebrate this joyous season here in a big way. It’s all about getting into the spirit, holiday decorations, festivities, etc., and any place can be seasonally festive. This is a nice place to celebrate it, because we don’t have to deal with the snow. I know many of you might like snow, but I grew up in England, and had more than my fair share of it. I really enjoy looking at it from inside, and seeing the snow fall – it certainly is a beautiful sight, but I can do without trudging through it, and shoveling my car out of it. However, my kids crave it – so what do we do here in San Diego for snow? We go to the Zoo and visit the “Snowerator” – at least I think that’s the word for it!
“Snowing” At San Diego Zoo
We also have places like Julian (one hour away) that are fairly close by, which we can go to if we really need the real thing.
Whatever you do…..I hope you get to celebrate the holidays, and to experience some of the season’s joy. Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!
luchanik 