My husband and I absolutely love the San Diego Zoo and its sister property, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (previously known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park). So much so, that we’ve been members for years.We appreciate the impressive number and species of animals housed here, the lush gardens, and the picturesque settings of these two parks. But more importantly, the Zoo and Safari Park are a renowned conservation organization. They have several programs committed to preserving endangered wildlife species worldwide.The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park while the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is situated 35 miles northwest of San Diego in the rolling hills of the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido. With a massive 1,800 acres of land, 300 species and more than 3,600 animals on site, the Safari Park can feel overwhelming for a first-time visitor. However, with some advanced planning and tips we’re providing, you’ve got the tools to ensure your remarkable experience.Timing Your VisitOf no surprise, weekends and holidays are always the busiest times to be at the Safari Park, as are the summer months when many families vacation in San Diego. Getting to the park as early as possible to park opening is wise for many reasons. The animals are more active in the morning, you’ll navigate fewer crowds, it’s the ideal time to watch shows and keeper talks, and if you’re visiting in the summer, this park can get quite warm as it’s more inland. Temperatures can easily reach the high 80s and, on some days, well into the 90s.Other months of the year tend to be much more comfortable and here’s an insider tip you’ll appreciate: more animals give birth in the spring, so if you’re visiting at this time, you’re likely to see more of these adorable babies.Pre-Planning Your Visit- Pre-Purchase Tickets and Download the AppPlan to spend no less than a full day here if you want to get the most out of your Safari Park experience. I highly recommend downloading the San Diego Zoo Safari Park app. This GPS-enabled map will allow visitors to view the daily schedule, discover dining and activities, import their tickets or memberships to the digital wallet and add their must-see wildlife to the day planner. Though paper maps are available after passing through the Safari Park entrance, guests can download a PDF map to familiarize themselves with the layout of the Park. Download it here for Android or Apple devices. In addition, if you want to avoid the lines at the ticket booths at the Park entrance, you can purchase your tickets and tours in advance (more about tours a bit later).Tickets can be purchased online here or used in combination with a San Diego Go Explorer Pass, or San Diego CityPASS. If, however, you are using the veterans’ or AAA membership discounts on admission, these tickets must be purchased at the park entrance.Money Saving Tip: If you plan to visit the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park, you can also by a combo-ticket that saves you a little bit of money. What to Wear for the Safari ParkDepending upon the time of year, it’s always good to check the weather forecast. Just be sure to check the weather conditions in Escondido versus San Diego as these areas can vary quite a bit. My best advice is to layer your clothing. You may want that jacket or sweater for your early morning arrival and then not need it once the sun comes out. Or need it again, once the sun goes down. Also, I’m a big fan of wearing cotton clothing that’s cool and comfortable. And if you want to dress in safari-type attire, go for it. It’s all part of the experience, and you won’t be alone.Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking in the Park, be sure to wear good tennis shoes or hiking shoes. DO NOT wear flip-flops. You are not at the beach and you’ll regret this decision by the end of the day.What to Pack for Your VisitMake sure to come prepared for your Safari Park visit, especially if you’re bringing little ones with you. Even if you don’t, you’ll be glad to have these items during your exploration time. To ensure we don’t forget the necessities, we make a list and then check those items off as they’re packed to go.Use a Light BackpackDon’t forget your backpack! This is the best way to carry your most-needed items, but do keep your backpack a lightweight type so it doesn’t become too heavy as the day unfolds. Take a Re-useable Water BottleWe make sure to include a re-usable water bottle for each family member and we keep it in the freezer overnight, then fill it with ice water in the morning before leaving for the Park. There are places to get refills throughout the Park including complimentary ice water from vendors you can use to refill your bottle.Bring Your Own Snacks and MealsI do not pack meals when visiting the Safari Park, but you certainly can. Because the non-profit organization consisting of the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park are unable to customize food items to meet all dietary restrictions, they allow outside food to be brought into the park. This can be a big cost-saver for families and I’ve seen many of them take advantage of this option.When our family visits, however, we do bring snacks. You’d be surprised at how hungry you will be with all the walking you’ll be doing. Our favorites? Granola bars, fruit snacks, and trail mix.Be aware that you can’t bring glass bottles, straws, and large coolers. Don’t Forget Your Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Wipes and Hand SanitizerThis might seem like an unnecessary reminder, but when you’re getting ready to head to the Park in the morning, these are items that can be easily missed. Again, the park can get quite warm, especially during the summer and early fall months, so you’ll want to make sure to protect your skin with a good hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. And speaking of protection, I always keep a small pack of hand wipes and hand sanitizer with me, especially when I’m sharing public spaces (and germs) with others (and animals!). Take BinocularsIf you have binoculars, make sure to bring them along. You’ll be glad you did when they provide some unbelievable close-ups of the animals. The lighter the better so they’re not too heavy to lug or carry. If you don’t, here are some lightweight ones that even connect to your phone for some cool photos!Now that we’ve established your planning and packing strategies, let’s talk about the tips you’ll need once you’re in the Safari Park to make your visit even better.Start Your Visit with the Africa TramThe difference between the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the number of animals that run practically free-range in the Safari Park. This is mainly due to the park’s initial designation as a breeding facility for rare and endangered species. Hence, animals here have a lot more space to roam.We always begin our Safari Park experience with an expedition on the Africa Tram. Not only is this a relaxing adventure on a path that takes visitors around some of the savanna habitats, but the 25-minute guided tram tour offers a myriad of information about the Park and the opportunity to see more wildlife in what’s designed to be close to their original habitat.Tour tip: The Africa Tram is located in the African Outpost. You don’t need reservations, so it’s a first-come, first-serve experience. Try to get seats on the left side of the tram as this will give you the best opportunity for sightings and photos.Must-See Animals and ExhibitsWhile there’s so much to see and explore animal-wise at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we have our favorite areas and exhibits that shouldn’t be overlooked as these stand out as absolute winners in our book.Walkabout AustraliaWhen the Safari Park opened Walkabout Australia, we were so excited! Imagine walking a picturesque path without barriers between you and the Australian wildlife, where wallabies and kangaroos cross your paths and meander the grounds at leisure. Walkabout also includes a platypus exhibit, the only facility with these beautiful creatures seen outside of Australia.Tiger TrailSumatran tigers call Tull Tiger Trail their home, representing one of the best-designed tiger enclosures in the world. Guests will find great photo spots and amazing viewing windows as these beautiful cats pace back and forth in front of the viewing windows, lounge by the water, cool off in the stream and stretch out on rock outcroppings overlooking the waterfalls.Sadly, fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers exist in the wild and thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, over 25 tiger cubs have been born at the Safari Park. This is also one of the exhibits that you can visit on one of your last stops in the Park since tigers are mostly nocturnal and are more active at twilight.World Gardens and Condor RidgeJust a short distance stroll from Walkabout Australia and Tiger Trail leads to the highest vistas in the Safari Park featuring desert cacti and Native American fauna frequently seen in the Southwest. Here you’ll find the black-footed ferret, desert big-horned sheep, bald eagles, and the endangered California condor among others. And the area provides an expansive and impressive view of the Park and the surrounding San Pasqual Valley.African OutpostThis meandering loop takes guests past a variety of African birds and mammals including waterfowl and includes the Lion Camp and Cheetah Run. You’ll find okapi, rhinos, nyalas, red river hogs, vultures and more.Dining at the Safari ParkVisitors have 17 different dining experiences to select from in the Park with a variety of menus ranging from burgers and hot dogs to Mexican-inspired entrees, soups, salads, pizza and paninis. Our favorite place to dine, however, is the open-air Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook offering incredible views of the African Plains as you enjoy tasty sandwiches, fresh salads and an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage of choice. You’ll get a much-needed break, will love the surroundings and savor the moment. Reservations are highly suggested.Take a Safari Tour- Add-On ExperiencesThis will take some advance planning and reservations, but these up-close-and-personal add-on experiences are so worth it, even if you just choose one.The San Diego Safari Park offers nine different safari experiences with 27 variations. They range from open-air caravan safaris, behind-the-scenes safaris, the fascinating cheetah run, and more to roar and snore safaris, which are overnight sleepover adventures in nature. Our favorites and ones we recommend to locals and visitors are the Caravan Safari (the most popular tour at the Park) and the Roar and Snore, where you don’t have to get an expensive ticket to South Africa to hear the sounds of the elephants, lions and more nearby.Photo courtesy of Christy MillerThis is an ideal park to venture into these unique experiences and one of the main reasons visitors come to the Safari Park or return for a future visit.There are a host of other activities in the Safari Park that can more than help fill in your entire day’s visit which include animal encounters, a Lorikeet Feeding Experience, a petting zoo, and so many charming shops in each of the areas of the Park. Whenever you choose to visit and whatever activities or tours you decide to schedule in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we hope your experience becomes a magnificent experience you’ll long remember.Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Insider Tips from a Local appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

6 Days995 Miles3 National Parks (Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon)1 Camper VanCountless MemoriesWhen I was a kid, my family would get an RV rental every year for a couple of weeks and drive EVERYWHERE around the US. San Francisco – New York City  ✔ San Diego – Seattle – San Diego  ✔ National Parks  ✔ Los Angeles – Miami  ✔So when I was offered the opportunity to work with Roadsurfer, a campervan company with locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco (in the US), I was excited to try them and share some of those childhood memories with my husband Greg and our dog Robby.If you are planning a trip with a campervan around California, read on. I will share my 6-day California National Park itinerary, fun places to visit, tips for traveling with a dog in the campervan, and more.6-Day California National Park Road Trip Itinerary Our 6-day road trip around the 3 popular California National Parks was such a fun little getaway and doing it with a campervan made everything so easy and convenient. We didn’t have to worry about checking into hotels, packing/unpacking a thousand times, storing our food or finding places to eat, looking for restrooms etc. You have everything you need right there with you. It’s awesome!!! Take a look at the route we took below here:Day 1: Pick up Camper and Drive North Day one was kind of a long and exhausting one. We left San Diego at around 7:45 AM and arrived at the Roadsurfer location just when they opened at 10 AM. We opted for an early pickup time so we could get to our first campground on Don Pedro Lake in Tuolumne County at a somewhat reasonable time. As we were the first customers in the door, our pickup was super quick and easy. In hindsight, it was a little too quick, and I wish we had asked more questions about our camper van and gotten to know all the cool features and functions a bit better. When you go pick up the van, I recommend you take your time and familiarize yourself, make sure you know where everything is and how it works. We didn’t and found the camping chairs in their hidden compartment under the sofa on the last day. Don’t be like us, ha!We packed up our supplies into the van, dropped our car off at a relative’s place, and were ready to go at around 11:15 AM! Our goal was to get out of Los Angeles before the mad Friday afternoon rush hour and it worked out perfectly. We stopped at a hole-in-the-wall taco shop along the 5 (not noteworthy), and then had a few quick coffee/dog walk breaks along the way. The drive on the 5 and the 99 is not exciting or pretty, but it gets you North quickly. Once we turned on the 59 in Merced, we drove through some stunning meadows, and the light and stormy skies during the golden hour made for some stunning scenery.We made really good time and arrived at our campground just around sunset at 7:30 PM. We had just enough time to set everything up and get settled when we had a short but torrential downpour, which cut our evening walk a bit short. After a quick dinner, we decided to go to bed early and rest up. Day 2: Explore Pinecrest Lake, Cider Tasting & Sonora The next morning, we were up bright and early, and we had our first wildlife experience. After I got up, I took our dog Robby for a walk, and we ran into Tom, the turkey. Fleming Meadows campground on Don Pedro Reservoir has its own rafter of wild turkeys. Robby was really excited and wanted to say hi, but Tom did not seem to be interested in making an acquaintance. Oh well. We continued our walk down to the boat ramp and enjoyed the beautiful view of the huge reservoir. After coffee, we drove over to Pinecrest Lake, a stunning lake in the middle of the Sierras. On our way, we stopped at the Sugar Shack for some delicious breakfast burritos. Delicous and the perfect fuel for our 4 mile hike around the stunning lake. Robby loved the hike and especially the waterfalls and so did we! Just look at these photos! Don’t forget to add Pinecrest Lake to your itinerary!After our hike, we a hard cider tasting at Indigeny Reserve scheduled. We got to try a sip of each of their 9 hard ciders on tap. I have to say that I am usually a fan of dry and plain ciders, but they had some unique flavors that were fantastic. I mean, Chocolate dipped strawberry cider “should” not taste good according to my taste buds, but oh my was it good! It really tasted like the real deal and did not have this weird “fake” taste to it, that some of the flavored ciders have. And the surroundings of the cidery are just stunning. You drive through the orchards, pass through a covered bridge (I didn’t know we had any of these in California!) and then sit under shady oak trees as you sip you cider. For dinner, we headed to Sonora, the capital city of Tuolumne County. It is such a cute little mountain town with lots of shops and restaurants. I really loved the vibe here. After a long hike and lots of mountain air, a burger is always a good idea, right? We went to The Diamondback Grill and their burgers were so juicy and delicious. They had all kinds of unique toppings that you could mix and match to your liking. I ordered myself my own invention of a “Philly cheesesteak burger” with provolone cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers. YUM!Happy and with full bellies, we strolled through town, checked out some cute stores, and ended up in the alley behind the Sonora Tap Room, where they set up tables and had some live music. What a fantastic way to end the day!Day 3: Visit Yosemite National Park I have to say that a return visit to Yosemite was one of the highlights of this road trip, but what made this extra special was that I could share it with my husband Greg and my dog Robby. I had been to Yosemite a few times as a kid, traveling with my family in a motorhome, but it had been 15 years since my last visit. I was stoked to come back and Greg was stoked to go there for the first time. We left pretty early and decided to have breakfast in the park. I just love that convenience aspect of RVing. You just get up in the morning and hit the road, then stop wherever you want and have breakfast, make some coffee and enjoy. Heck, you can even lay down and take a little nap in the middle of the day if you want to. It makes your travel experience so much nicer, when you have everything you need right there with you. We took the northern entrance to the Park, following HWY 120, which gives you stunning views over Yosemite Valley. I remember the first time I watched Lord of the Rings. When Frodo and Sam arrive in Rivendell, the home of the elves, I immediately thought of Yosemite. A lush valley, towering mountains, and gushing waterfalls. It feels like you enter a dream. There are 2 tunnels at the top of the pass and after each, the view takes your breath away. I definitely recommend pulling out into the little parking area and enjoying the view over the whole valley. So beautiful! Waterfall Hunting in YosemiteOnce we made it down to Yosemite Valley, we decided to go Waterfall hunting. After all the rain we got this winter, the waterfalls were gushing and roaring with full force. At Bridalvail Falls, we first got to experience the fall while the sun was hiding behind a cloud. A few minutes later, the sun came out and turned the mist of the waterfall into a curtain of sparkling diamonds. Don’t stay too long or you might get soaked though!Across the street, right next to the sheer cliffs of El Capitan, you can see Horsetail Falls. This fall is famous for its firey spectacle in February. When the sun hits the fall just right, it appears as if the water turns into a stream of fire, gushing over the side of the mountain. This is still on my bucket list of things to see!Yosemite Falls was a lot more busy than the first two, but it didn’t take away any of the magic of this majestic waterfall. And the best part? The trail is dog-friendly, so Robby could join us. The trail itself starts near Yosemite Lodge and leads you to the Lower Yosemite Falls. Pay attention that you stay on this trail and don’t fork off to the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, which is pretty steep and you need proper hiking gear. When you get to the end of the trail, I recommend you cross the street and enjoy the view from the meadow. The views of Half Dome and the Upper Yosemite Falls are incredible from there. After all this waterfall viewing, we got hungry. We pulled into a scenic parking lot, put up our camping chairs and had some delicious sandwiches under some redwood trees overlooking a meadow. It doesn’t get better than that!In the late afternoon, we left the park and headed to Around the Horn Brewing Company in Groveland for some beer tasting and a delicious dinner. We had two flights of delicious IPAs, a Cuban sandwich, and a Kimchi Grilled Cheese. The Kimchi Grilled Cheese was so unique packed a punch of flavors as well as a little heat. I know it sounds weird, but it was sooo good!We returned to Don Pedro Lake for our final night at Fleming Meadows Campground. We enjoyed some stargazing and looking for satellites passing by after a long and beautiful day. Day 4: Jamestown, Columbia, and Drive South After leaving our Don Pedro Lake campground for the last time, we headed to Jamestown for breakfast and a little stroll. Such a cute little town. It reminded me a lot of Julian, minus the apple pie. Think small-town feel, antique shops, cute restaurants and a bit of a Stars Hollow meets West Coast vibe. We had a delicious breakfast at The Smoke Cafe, a cute little diner right on Main Street. It serves classic American dishes, lots of Mexican options, and the portions are huge. We indulged in a hearty breakfast and delicious coffee before exploring the small town. On a Monday morning, lots of the small shops were still closed, but I am sure this town is buzzing on the weekends. We checked out some of the open antique shops. They even let Robby in and gave him some treats. We love rummaging through forgotten treasures and memorabilia of times past. After a little stroll around town, we continued on to Columbia, another historic town in Tuolumne County. Columbia has a State Historic Park with lots of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and activities for the whole family. It looks and feels a little like Old Town San Diego, just without the Mexican influence. We had lunch at one of the oldest saloons in town: St Charles Saloon. What started as an Oyster parlor in 1857 now serves pizza and beer. And delicious pizza it was. I am usually quite picky about my pizza, but these pies were delicious and unique. They had some really interesting toppings as well. Would you try pickles on pizza? I thought it was the most bizarre topping I have seen yet (and I have eaten blueberry pizza before!), but somehow, it worked and next time I make pizza at home, I will add some pickles to mine!We still had a 3+ hour drive ahead of us, so unfortunately, we didn’t get to explore much of Columbia. However, I hope to return someday and spend some more time here. We retraced our drive down Highway 99 to Fresno and then turned left on Highway 180 towards the mountains. We had booked a night at Sequoia Mountain Farms Campground, just a short drive to the entrance of Kings Canyon National Park (or so we thought, more on that tomorrow). We arrived just in time to grab dinner at Pinehurst Lodge, a rustic dive bar just up the street. The burgers were so delicious and the waitress even brought out a hot dog for Robby. How sweet. The views from our campsite over the Central Valley were stunning, and the sunset was spectacular. We enjoyed another night of stargazing and satellite spotting before heading to bed. Day 5: Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks & 3 SurprisesWe had a full day ahead of us, so we got up pretty early. Greg took Robby for a walk and fed him. As he sat down his bowl, he spotted something a little unnerving: a huge paw print in the mud (it had rained a little overnight). We are not trackers, but our best guess is a mountain lion, as there were no claw imprints. If you know what could have left this big paw print, please let us know in the comments! On the one hand, it leaves you a little anxious (we did go to the bathroom outhouse in the middle of the night), and yet it is cool that there is wildlife so close to you, and you really are IN nature. We packed up and drove towards the entrance of Kings Canyon National Park. And here was our second surprise of the morning: Road closed. There was an unpaved, steep road that supposedly could have been an alternative, but that looked a little too sketchy for us, so we took the long way instead. Sometimes things like that happen on a road trip. So, you just have to focus on making a smart decision, even if it means that your plans or schedule will be a little derailed. Without the detour, we wouldn’t have found the cutest little coffee shop along the way with the best breakfast bagels and hearty coffee. It always turns out alright in the end When we finally arrived at the entrance of Kings Canyon, the ranger had surprise #3 for us: the southern Exit in Sequoia National Park is closed due to road maintenance. Oh boy. That would mean we have to cut our already short time in the parks even shorter and double back the way we came. Not ideal, to say the least. We were quite bummed about this, but once we pulled out at our first stop and saw the gigantic trees at the General Grant trailhead, it felt like a trivial problem. Robby couldn’t go with us on the trail, so we went by one by one while the other one waited at the parking lot. The trees are so big and have so much history that they put everything else into perspective. Our lives are nothing but a blip in their lives. There is even a fallen tree trunk that you can walk through. Walking through that humongous tree was definitely one of my favorite moments at Kings Canyon NP. After exploring the General Grant trail, we headed to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. I don’t know if it was intuition or a gut feeling, but for whatever reason, I decided to stand in line to talk to the ranger about the road closure. I am so glad I did!!! It turned out that the road closure had been postponed until the next day and we could, after all, exit through the southern exit in Sequoia National Park. Wohoo! Didn’t I tell you that things always turn out right in the end?!In Sequoia National Park, we stopped at the General Sherman Trail and just like before, I went first and then Greg went, while Robby was enjoying pets from strangers in the parking lot. We even ran into some people who petted him at the previous parking lot and we were joking that Robby’s fan club was following us. The General Sherman trail takes you down into the valley to the Giant Forest Sequoia Grove, where the largest tree of the world, General Sherman, is located. The tree is currently 274.9 feet tall and currently has a base circumference of 102.6 feet and can grow up to 2 feet in hight and 1 inch in diameter per year. That growth equals one large “regular” tree. Quite impressive, no?The trail is a pretty steep downhill path with a few steps and can be slippery when wet or after it snowed, so I highly recommend good hiking shoes and maybe even some hiking poles. When you make your way back up, just take your time and go at your own pace. From the Giant Forest, we made our way towards the southern exit of Sequoia National Park. Please keep in mind that the road is only recommended for vehicles 22 ft or shorter. Our Roadsurfer van was 21 feet, so we were good to go. The road is extremely curvy and narrow, so we definitely wanted to get down the mountain before it got dark (and to enjoy the views). I love driving curvy roads, but if you don’t, this road is not for you and I would recommend finding an alternate way. In Visalia, we hopped on Highway 65 to go South, then east on Highway 178 into the Sequoia National Forest. We arrived at Lake Isabella just after sunset at our campground called Paradise Cove. It was the only campground open, as it was still early in the season. To be honest, the place was anything but paradise for us. Mosquitos, spiders, bugs, and lots of mean little prickly sticker seeds that got stuck in Robby’s fur, our hands, shoes, and socks made this by far our least favorite campground of the trip. But since we only needed a place to crash for the night, it was all good and we did just that. Day 6: Return to Los Angeles and Return CamperWe got up early to avoid the worst of LA traffic and hit the road around sunrise. Traffic in Los Angeles is notorious, but we were lucky and made it to the Roadsurfer location just as they were opening. We had already loaded our belongings into our car and did the mandatory cleaning, refilling the gas and all the other things on our to-do list before returning the camper van, so our camper van return took only a few minutes. Our Roadsurfer Van Our Roadsurfer van was perfect for this trip around the California National Parks. It was big enough to accommodate 2 people and a big dog and everything we needed for our 5 day trip. Our camper came equipped with a kitchenette (2 stove burner, sink, microwave, fridge, and freezer), a toilet and wet-bath, and ample storage space. We also booked extra equipment, including bedding, kitchen set with pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups and cutlery, as well as 2 camping chairs and a table (which were hidden in a secret spot inside the sofa bed). What I loved the most about our campervan was that it made our schedule so much more flexible. We didn’t have to worry about check-in/check-out times, packing and repacking, keeping ice in the cooler, or finding a spot to eat. We were self-sufficient and once we were set up, we had the ultimate freedom to do what we wanted. Roadsurfer is actually a German company and has 7500 vehicles in over 70 locations in 14 European countries. They expanded to the US and Canada a few years ago and now have locations in San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, as well Calgary and Vancouver in Canada.After doing some research, they are definitely on the cheaper side, especially when you add in the unlimited miles bonus, second driver, and kitchen box. However, they do charge for quite a few extras, such as extra bedding, bike racks, pet cleaning, or early/late pickup or drop-off. So, if you are on a budget, they are a great choice, but you have to watch your add-ons.When you pick up the rental, make sure to take your time to familiarize yourself with the van’s functions, especially if this is your first time with a campervan like this. We should have asked more questions, and I am sure we would have found our camping chairs a lot sooner, ha!I would definitely rent from Roadsurfer again and would recommend them to you as well. Their vans are well-taken care off and they made the whole process super easy. A big thanks again to Roadsurfer for this epic trip!!!Tips for Traveling with a Dog in National ParksVisiting a National Park with a dog can be tricky and definitely quite limiting. Most National Parks, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia have strict rules for where pets can and cannot go. The reasoning behind it, is that their smell influences the behavior of wild animals and disturbs their natural behavior and migration patterns. Yosemite was the most dog-friendly and had the most options for including Robby. There are several paved trails he could go on with us and explore. Check out the rules here>>Kings Canyon and Sequoia were the most restricted and Robby was only allowed in parking lots, picknick areas and campgrounds. Check out the rules here>>We knew the limitations visiting the National Parks, but our dog Robby is part of the family and we wanted to experience this trip with him. Yes, we didn’t get to do a lot of hiking in the National Parks, but we still saw a lot. Many of the most popular sights are just a short walk or hike from the parking lot, so we simply went one by one, while the other one waited with Robby in the parking lot. Robby LOVED this. He got so much attention from other people and enjoyed all the pets and cuddles. He even developed a fan following of people he met at several parking lots, ha! If you prefer to do some non-dog-friendly activities, there are also some boarding options near the national parks. We have not tried them, but here is a list of places to check out, if you want to do this option. Finding a private pet sitter on Rover might also be an option. Yosemite:Yosemite K9 KennelsAnimal Care Center MariposaSequoia & Kings Canyon:Visalia’s VIP Pet BoardingYour Best Friend’s InnI hope this California National Park Road Trip Guide gave you some ideas and inspiration as well as some helpful tips for planning your own road trip. Please feel free to reach out or comment if you have any more questions. California National Park Road Trip – Pin for Later:Disclaimer: As customary in the travel writing industry, my campervan rental as well as lodging, activities and restaurants in Tuolumne county were hosted by Roadsurfer and Visit Tuolumne County. This has not influenced my opinion of these experiences. Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Fantastic 6-Day California National Park Road Trip Itinerary appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

Posh on Prospect was held at the Living Room on Prospect Street in La Jolla on May 11. This fashion show and shopping event was held by FWSD and La Jolla Merchants Association. The fashion show kicked off this exciting day. The audience was welcomed by the master of ceremonies Scott King as he delivered opening remarks. He introduced Gwen Bates, executive director of FWSD, and Jodi Rudick, executive director of the La Jolla Merchants Association.This posh and stylish fashion show began with local boutiques. The first was Be Boutique with its comfortable and timeless clothing. DJ PeteCaso provided the tunes. Next, Bouluci Boutique came down the runway showing trend-conscious evening gowns and cocktail dresses. Then came Charleston Shoe Company with their comfortable and fashionable shoes. Cignal Fashion is another store on Prospect that sells contemporary fashions to men and women.Mamak provides custom tailoring and GK Fashion offers luxury fashions. J McLaughlin carries all-American preppy clothing for both men and women. Maison Amani boutique presented curated fashion from around the world. State & Liberty La Jolla carries Athletic Fit Dress clothes for men. They are crafted from athletic performance fabric. Talbots was the last of the La Jolla boutiques to show on the runway. They have a selection of women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes. Additional boutiques were Blue Apparel and Bella Jolla Jewelry.The second half of the show gave a sneak peek of the featured FWSD 2024 designers. They will be showing their full collection on Oct. 5 followed by a trunk show on Oct. 6. The first to hit the runway for FWSD was stylist Angel Tan. The next designer to come down the catwalk was GF Fashion House. Their styles are feminine with a touch of edgy. Grisham Manor followed them with a combination of romantic, whimsical, and chic. Insufficient Fun revealed their luxury streetwear label.Lady Lane is a vintage-inspired women’s wear. Mr. Stagg brings a modern vintage look. Positive Phee presents sustainable styling from Goodwill. Sarra’s Petals showed a balloon-inspired dress and a gothic vintage dress. CW Couture, who was Top Designer of the Year, showed her new styles. The fashion show concluded with the designs of featured local celebrity designer, Ugochi Iwuaba (above).After the show, guests visited the local boutiques for fun shopping and in-store Mother’s Day deals, sips, bites, and more. For more information on the local boutiques, visit https://lajollabythesea.com/. To attend the FWSD Oct. 5 fashion show, visit https://fashionweeksd.com/.UPCOMING EVENTSSaturday, June 1 – Razkal Market and Fashion Show at the Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets at https://bit.ly/3WoP6I0Saturday, June 15 – Man & His Dog Fashion Show & Fundraiser at the Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty at 1111 Prospect St. from 5-7 p.m. This supports Mad Mutts. For tickets: https://bit.ly/4a1tNPS.Saturday, July 6 – Runway 40 Fashion Gala at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, Pan American Plaza from 5-9 p.m. The Gala features designer Ugochi Iwuaba. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3yrxql6.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com.

The moment I walked into my room at the Hotel Las Brisas in Acapulco, Mexico, my jaw hit the floor. In general, we live in a world that isn’t suitable for six foot six people such as myself, but everything about this hotel felt like it was built just for someone like me.Private Pool? Oh YES!!!The hotel itself consists of a number of little pink and white casitas strung up a mountainside. The resort spreads out so much that you can’t walk to your room from the lobby unless you have one of the rooms toward the bottom of the hill. If you don’t have a car, no stress. The hotel has a number of small jeeps, each named after a celebrity who has stayed on the property before, that will cart you around wherever you need to go on the premises.Greeted with a pink frozen margarita to match the hotel’s coloration, we hopped onto Denzel Washington. The increasingly expansive view of Acapulco captured our attention as we rode up the hill on the mountain. Acapulco has a long horseshoe bay that lets you see the bulk of what it has to offer in the downtown area. Though some of the view from Las Brisas itself may face you south of the town and looking more toward Puerto Marques.In my room, a little care package sat on the bed to welcome me, complete with a Las Brisas sun hat. That hat that has come in handy several times in the short amount of time I’ve had it. I was here on invite from the Cross Border Xpress via Volaris to attend the Tianguis Turistico 2024 event, so I was among a group who was sponsored to be there.Las Brisas AmenitiesSponsored or not, each casita comes with a personalized hand-painted sign outside to declare/remind you which one is yours. Within the room, a nice king bed rested in the middle and promised to fit me with no qualms. In the bathroom, the stone shower had a rain shower head and a jacuzzi-sized bathtub. The open feel inside of it with the glass ceiling to add extra brightness officially made it the best shower I’ve ever had in my life.Besides the amenities inside the room, the bulk of the casitas — mine included — have their own private pool. Just perfect during a hot and humid day in this tropical paradise. There’s nothing quite like popping a cold beer, getting into your personal pool on the top of a mountainside, and overlooking an ocean that meets a city at the bottom of the mountain’s ridge.At the bottom of the hill, there is also a swimming lagoon and a community pool for the whole hotel that can be reached by jeep and shuttle services from the hotel. And, of course, the Resort offers relaxing spa services and treatments to rejuvenate you during your stay. Hurricane OtisFor the most part, Las Brisas is actually one of the lucky ones when it comes to the destruction caused by Hurricane Otis at the end of 2023. In case you’re unfamiliar, Otis hit Acapulco at 1:25 a.m. on October 25 as a Category 5 storm with upward of 165 mph winds. The Night of the HurricaneAccording to Ricardo Suarez, the General Manager of Las Brisas, the city was told about the hurricane in advance but didn’t have time to prepare for what it ultimately became. On October 24, at 11 a.m., the authorities classified Otis as a tropical storm. It had become a Category 3 by the afternoon. By 5 p.m., a Category 4. As one of the fastest-intensifying hurricanes on record that gained 105 mph speeds within 12 hours, no one was fully prepared for the mass chaos that ensued once it hit.As for the guests at Las Brisas at the time, Suarez told me they gave everybody extra pillows and blankets and told them to stay in their bathrooms and avoid any windows. The crew had fortunately cleaned out all of the coconuts from the palm trees prior to the hurricane being a blip on the radar, which helped avoid the flying bullets they would have become had they still been there. Once all of the guests were safe and taken care of, the staff gathered together in the kitchen and waited.“It was two hours of hell,” Suarez said of the event. “Once it hit, it just kept going. There was no eye, just two hours of chaos with the wind and we could hear the windows breaking, the roof getting torn off, everything.”Since the hurricane happened overnight and there was no power to see anything, they waited until just after 6 a.m. before they emerged, trusting that the hours that had passed proved it was actually over. What it left in its wake was a skeleton of the city. Still to this day, some of the towering skyscrapers have no windows, dangling balconies, and unsafe infrastructure. Homes are destroyed, trees are still knocked over, and with 95% of the city impacted by the storm, they have a lot of work to do before they return it to its former glory.A Community Rebuilds TogetherThat said, the city came together to get things cleaned up in a shining story of the power of community. For Las Brisas, the owner of the hotel and subsequent hotel chain decided their insurance money wasn’t enough and fronted the bill to make sure everything in every room was brand new. They had to replace all of the windows and the roofing, repaint, and essentially rebuild from the ground up.Fortunately, no one on the Las Brisas staff payed too much attention to the usual “roles” as far as management goes and put equal heart and effort into bringing it back to life. With their combined efforts, they were able to reopen the hotel within 58 days of the destruction. During that time, they housed staff members who had lost their homes. Immediately following the hurricane, officials in the city prioritized hotels first so people could have a place to say, as well as restaurants and grocery stores so people could have places to eat.Apart from the carcasses of the destroyed buildings that still act as a reminder of what happened, for the most part, you wouldn’t have any idea that such an insane natural disaster occurred on the property of the Hotel Las Brisas. It is amazing how fast it has gotten itself back up and running.Eating and Drinking at Las BrisasIf you stay here, there are plenty of things for you to do outside of lounging in your pool. There’s the Bellavista restaurant on site that offers a buffet for breakfast and a sit-down dinner in the evening. At the bar you can sip cocktails and enjoy the twinkling lights from the city below you. For the best views, check out the Sunset Bar, one of the most stunning spots on the property. It is open daily for three hours around sunset. The views over the Pacific Ocean seem endless, and the sunsets are always a tad more special with a cocktail in hand, right?There’s also the La Concha Restaurant for those looking for afternoon and lunch options. It also offers a panoramic scope of Acapulco. There’s also access to a secluded beach, though it takes a bit of work to get yourself down there.In the morning, if you want to eat without all the fuss of getting a jeep to get down to the restaurant, you simply call down to the lobby and request your complimentary breakfast to be delivered up to your room. This is just a continental option that comes with some pastries, fruit, and your own pot of coffee. The best part is the delivery, though. There is a little “Drop Box” that you can access from the outside and the inside, so the delivery staff just drops it off, and you can grab your breakfast whenever you need it. That way, you can get ready in the morning without disruption by room service.Final VerdictRegardless of what you do, the Hotel Las Brisas should be at the top of your list when you consider places to stay in Acapulco. Even if you’re not usually a fan of resorts, this will be one of the rare occasions where you’ll hardly want to leave your hotel. Book your stay here>>Andrew J. Stillman wrote this review for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, the resort provided the stay and experiences free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.The post Las Brisas Resort, Acapulco: A Hotel with Glitz, Glam, and Resilience appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

For the first time in over 40 years, SeaWorld San Diego is introducing its Humboldt penguins on exhibit for guests to view and learn from. Humboldt penguins, distinguished by their black chest markings, are sociable birds found along the coasts of South America.Formally housed behind the scenes at SeaWorld San Diego, the Humboldt penguins were originally brought to the park for a breeding program managed under the AZA Species Survival Plan. In collaboration with SeaWorld, an AZA-accredited facility, the breeding program worked to ensure genetic diversity and the sustainability of the Humboldt penguin population.After decades of success within the program, SeaWorld sent many of its Humboldt penguins to other zoos and aquariums and continues to serve as a pillar of expertise and knowledge in the proper husbandry and care of penguins. The 16 Humboldt penguins that remain are non-breeding birds, providing guests a limited opportunity to now view eight individual species of penguins in just one park.Guests can view and learn all about the Humboldt penguins at their new habitat Penguin Point, formally Otter Outlook. Guests will now be able to see southern sea otters at their new home in Wild Arctic.There’s “So Much More to Sea” at SeaWorld during its 60th anniversary this year. For more information, and to purchase passes and fun cards visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com.

As frequent visitors to Baja California my husband and I are huge fans of the region’s cuisine – most especially its fresh seafood and wine.To our delight, we discovered Red O in La Jolla. Located just across the street from the Westfield UTC shopping center, this amazing gem offered a surprising and outstanding dining experience. So much so, that my husband and I looked at each other and asked “Why have we not been here before?Quick facts:Address: 4340 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, 92122Phone: 858-291-8360WebsiteMore About Red OThe restaurant opened in 2017 as the third Red O location in California. The others include Newport Beach’s Fashion Island and Santa Monica, adjacent to the famous Pier. A fourth location is set to open sometime this spring at the Promenade at Westlake Village.Red O is open every day for lunch, happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm, late night happy hour on Friday and Saturday from 9-11 pm and dinner from 3 pm throughout the week and 4 pm on weekends. Weekend Brunch is offered from 11 am-3 pm. What is it that makes this restaurant such an impressive standout? Red O not only offers incredible Baja and other Mexican-inspired seafood, unique Mexican plates, craft cocktails and amazing service, but the setting is absolutely stunning.The first surprise on arrival is the picturesque pond with waterfalls located just outside the restaurant, something you never expected to see in UTC. Equally impressive is the elegant front veranda sporting a towering fireplace. Another revelation was the size of the restaurant – occupying over 9,000 square feet.Once inside, guests are treated to a magical melding of intricately decorative warm woods, colorful tiles, unique mirrors, globe lighting, palm trees and even a large live tree with lanterns, a centerpiece of the main dining area. With its soaring ceilings, massive chandelier and Mexican aesthetics that have almost a Moorish-feel, the restaurant is strikingly beautiful. Red O offers outdoor bar seating and patio dining with three fire pits as well as indoor seating. Though the patio area is lovely, if you’re looking for the perfect ambiance, request seating in the main dining area. It’s that beautiful!And if you’re needing to host a private party or corporate event, the Atrium and Tequila Garden are ideal options.Tips to Consider When Dining at Red OOur dining experience at Red O took place during dinner on a weeknight. Happy Hour at the bar was just finishing up but obviously, it was a popular event as almost every bar stool and table was filled. The menu includes small bites, specialty craft cocktails, wine and beer and unlike some restaurants that only include a small offering on their happy hour menus, Red O has an impressive variety of options.In addition, the bartender mentioned that the restaurant also hosts a weekly Taco Tuesday with taco flights available at only $20 – another popular event for its patrons.Reservations are highly recommended especially for dinner during the week and the weekends. And if you want to get the prime table seating underneath the lantern-covered tree, you’ll want to request that when you book the reservation.Regarding parking, guests can either park in the garage and validate their ticket or select valet parking for $10.What to Order at Red ODishes at Red O represent the traditional cooking of Oaxaca, Puebla and Yucatan, including the creative influences from Baja, California and Baja, Sur.Before even getting to the food, it’s important to address Red O’s impressively creative cocktails. Red O offers a spectacular selection of over 200 of the finest tequilas. Servers are well-versed in these premium liquors and will bring the lighted tequila carts to your tableside.Of no surprise, Red O’s margaritas are amazing. I loved the Sunburn with watermelon serrano agave and fresh lime juice over ice. The tajin-rim gave just the right amount of spice. For those looking to keep their figures in check, Red O offers an Organic Skinny with organic agave nectar and fresh lime juice over ice with a salted rim. Red O’s wine list is also impressive along with its other beer and cocktail options and of course, its sangrias. Honestly, it’s not easy to choose here.Apertivos feature both seafood and land options. East And West Coast OystersIf you’re an oyster fan, you want to choose the Fresh Oysters. They are topped with shrimp, pico de gallo, cucumber, avocado, serrano and fresh lime. The presentation is incredibly creative and the oysters are as fresh as it gets. Carnitas EmpanadasAnother winner was the Carnitas Empanadas with braised pork, fresh corn mesa, house cheese blend and avocado crema. Empanadas lovers will drool.Other dinner options include salads, traditional tortilla soup, tacos, and other traditional dishes such as Pollo Asado, Enchiladas, Slow-Braised Carnitas, Sizzling Fajitas and more.Star of the Show EspecialesThese sustainable treasures from the ocean, farm and garden are quite impressive as are their presentations. The chefs here understand and embrace true-blue upscale Mexican food based on the quality of entrees. I guarantee you will not find Anglified foods here!Pan-Seared Chilean Sea BassI cannot ever pass up sea bass! Red O presented the Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass beautifully and served it with caramelized onions and peppers, charred lime and guajillo chimichurri over white rice. When sea bass is done to perfection as this one was, it’s melt-in-your-mouth foodie heaven.Filet Mignon Mexican-StyleMy hubby who loves his meat dishes selected the 8-ounce Filet Mignon with chipotle crema, cotija mashed potatoes and grilled Mexican knob onions. If you order a side dish, go for the Mexican Sweet Corn. This is always one of my favorite dishes when I’m in Mexico. Red O’s hit a home run with this dish prepared with poblano chile, cotija cheese, avocado crema and cilantro.Our wonderful hospitality-focused server also suggested we try the Roasted Pollo Asado on a future visit, a very well-received entrée for those who love mole.Save Room for DessertEven if you choose to ask for “to go” boxes, don’t miss out on ordering dessert. We took our server’s advice and went for the undisputed star, the Passion Fruit Butter Cake. This delightful and delectable dish includes strawberries, a passion fruit custard, coconut crumble and coconut ice cream. It’s enough to share, though after taking that first bite, you might not want to.Other Mexican-inspired dessert options include a Carajillo Cheesecake (with a distinct coffee twist), traditional home-made flan, freshly-made churros with chocolate and cajeta dipping sauces, tres leches and more. To really top the entire Red O dining experience, you may want to consider an order of Mexican Coffee. This liquid jewel includes silver tequila, rich syrup, coffee liquor, coffee bitters, whipped cream, coffee and cinnamon powder.Final Thoughts about Dining at Red OEnglish writer Virginia Wolfe once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”I couldn’t imagine agreeing more after dining at Red O. Our experience was even better than we expected. And guaranteed, we’ll want to return to try some of the restaurant’s other specialties. And take advantage of their impressive happy hour.This Red O Review was written by Noreen Kompanik for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, the restaurant provided the dinner and experiences free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Red O Cantina: A True Taste of Mexico in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

On the former grounds of a small Clairemont airport stands the cathedral-like sanctuary of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church — its vastness large enough to contain the choral and orchestral movements of Mozart’s Coronation Mass.All residents are invited to celebrate the emotional cause of music in a festive concert on Sunday, May 19 at 4 p.m., at 3502 Clairemont Drive.Accompanied by a 21-rank pipe organ and a 19-piece professional orchestra, other talented vocalists from around the city will join the St. Mark’s Choir to create a truly unforgettable musical experience.It was in 1779 when 23-year-old court organist Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was commissioned by the Archbishop of Salzburg to write the majestic Coronation Mass. This masterpiece became synonymous with coronations of holy emperors and ceremonial cathedral performances.Other concert fortes will include a re-imagined orchestrated piece commissioned by esteemed composer Mark Hayes. Hear anthems by Franz Joseph Haydn, and Pepper Choplin, and a breathtaking arrangement of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” by Dan Forrest.And if this isn’t enough, you’ll be charmed by the director of choral ministries, Zlatoslav Sokolov, or Slav. This energetic wunderkind leaves no doubt in your mind that he’s in his element.“I’m a singer, but love conducting, deep down inside,” he says. “My grandma watched KPBS concerts and as a little kid I’d walk up to the TV and start waving my arms as conductor.”Director of choral ministries at St. Mark’s, Ukrainian-born Zlatoslav Sokolov.Born in Odesa, Ukraine, Slav, his mother, and older brother immigrated to the United States in 1998 when Slav was just 5. “We were Jewish refugees,” he says. “My whole family was born in Ukraine but our nationality was Jewish. A daughter, then, took on the citizenship of her father, likewise my mother. The Soviet Union prided itself on different nationalities but discriminated against Jews.”“Mother loves music and sang opera. In the U.S., she re-trained as a software engineer, and co-founded the Russian Misteria Theater.”Slav has served St. Mark’s for 12 years, initially hired as bass section leader in the choir. A young college student, his endearing qualities were especially noted in his devotion to his grandparents in health, illness, and at the end of their lives.The entire congregation is fond of its master of music. And members crave the winsome loaves of sourdough bread Slav bakes and sells.“I love cooking, gardening, and my two cats and two dogs. And nature — nature inspires me.”In early June, Slav will tie the proverbial knot with sweetheart Catherine.A final music note, can you recall the timeless lyric made popular by singer Barry Manilow (but composed by the Beach Boys’ Bruce Johnston)?“I’ve been alive forever… and I’ve got my place in your soul. When I look out through your eyes I’m young again even though I’m very old. I write the songs that make the whole world sing… I am music and I write the songs.” In this vein, treat yourself to the St. Mark’s 70th Anniversary Concert on May 19. It promises to be worth your trek across town.St. Mark’s United Methodist Church photo courtesy of Thomas S. Scanlon IV.

Gator by the Bay is one of the largest Cajun festivals outside of Louisiana and a must if you love live music, good food, and everything Southern. This year, Gator by the Bay takes place May 9-12, 2024, so go get your tickets now.My husband and I just went to Gator by the Bay for the first time in 2022 and loved it. As newbies to the festival, we made a few mistakes and thought it might be helpful to share our top tips for visiting Gator by the Bay Festival with you, so you can be more prepared than us. Come Early To Get In FastGator by the Bay opens at different times each day. Here is the schedule: Thursday, May 9:4:30 – 10:30 PMFriday, May 10:3:30 – 10:30 PMSaturday, May 11:10:30 AM – 8:20 PMSat Night Dance 9 PM – MidnightSunday, May 12:10:30 AM – 7:40 PMGet there early anyway to avoid long lines at the entrance. Yes, the line moves quickly, but you don’t want to waste time standing in line. That way, you can walk around, get a lay of the land and see where the stages are, and hatch a plan of which concerts you want to see. Another advantage is that parking will be a lot easier as well.Bring Chairs or a BlanketYou will find only limited seating at Spanish Landing Park, so I highly recommend bringing some camping chairs or at least a blanket to set up a base during the festival. We brought our older camping chairs and left them unattended for several hours at a time, and no one messed with them. Of course, do this at your own risk.Setting up a base is great if you are visiting Gator by the Bay with multiple people and plan to split up to see different concerts. Greg and I went with Greg’s mom, her boyfriend, and one of our neighbors and it was a great way to easily reconnect and find each other again. Dress AppropriatelyGator by the Bay is a Cajun festival and is also nicknamed Mardi Gras in May, and if you feel like dressing for the theme, try to find some fun outfits or accessories like these here. However, whether you prefer to dress up for the festival or just wear a regular outfit, I highly recommend dressing in layers. San Diego weather in May can go from cool and overcast to sunny and hot in a matter of an hour. If the wind from the bay hits and the sun goes down, it can get uncomfortable fast if you are dressed too summer-y. Greg and I had to cut our Saturday evening at Gator by the Bay short because we were freezing, even in our sweaters. Learn from our mistakes!Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes! The festival is pretty large and you’ll be doing a lot of walking between stages, food booths, restrooms, as well as getting to and from the festival. Parking & Getting To Gator By The Bay FestivalGator by the Bay is a popular festival and parking is limited. There is a dirt parking lot when you turn from Harbor Drive to Harbor Island and it costs $20/day. It fills up fast, so get there early. I recommend using public transportation to get to Gator by the Bay if you can. From downtown, you can hop on bus 992. Alternatively, you can take the trolley to Old Town and then take the free airport shuttle and just walk over. It is about a 1/2 mile walk though, so wear some comfy shoes.Try All The Food!!!I have to say, the food was one of my favorite things about Gator by the Bay. Yes, the music and atmosphere were great, but eating my way through my favorite Cajun foods was simply the best. Some of my favorite foods of the weekend were spicy crawfish (twice!), alligator gumbo, fried frog legs, shrimp creole, fried catfish, jambalaya, red beans and rice, andouille sausages, more gumbo, and, of course, beignets. Oh man, it was a feast!!!Pro Tip: Bring more people with you to Gator by the Bay so you can share food and try more dishes!!!Gator by the Bay Festival is definitely going to be a yearly thing for me and Greg moving forward. We had such a fantastic time and can’t wait to go back. Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets for 2 days to cover the event and research this article.  My opinion is my own and not influenced by this invitation.Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post 5 Must-Know Tips For Gator By The Bay Festival 2024 appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

The San Diego History Center and Mesa College’s Fashion Program presented the annual student design competition Fashion Redux. The exhibition opened on April 11 at the History Center. This year, the theme was “Cross-Border Flows” because San Diego’s location nurtures an amazing cultural exchange.The students were inspired by garments influenced by Spanish and Mexican culture from the Historic Textile Collection. They created garments inspired by these cultural connections. Four students were chosen to show their designs in the exhibit.A panel of the four designers answered questions about their journey during the design process. They wrapped up with awards to the designers: The Best Translation of History to a Dress went to Sabel Molina, the Most Innovative Garment went to Kristina Ryan, the Most Transformative Design went to Estefania Cazessus, and the Most Creative Fabrication went to Kayle Lopez. A People’s Choice Award was given to Molina. Each designer was given a $100 gift certificate at Sewing Machines Plus and a year’s membership at the History Center.The hours for the exhibit at the History Center are Fridays-Sundays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit https://sandiegohistory.org/.FWSD ShowcaseThe Fashion Week San Diego Runway Gala was hosted by fashion director Gwendolyn Bates on April 20 at the University Club downtown. A preview of the upcoming fall fashion show in October was presented. The audience was given a sneak peek of some of the designers who will be on the runway in the fall. The designer Giti Kooshkani creates Luxury Ready to Wear for Fashions By GK. Kingson Mateo designs streetwear and makes sure to engage in sustainability by offering users biodegradable packaging.Italian tenor Marco Antonio Labastida provided amazing entertainment during the evening. He is recognized in the Hall of Fame and Stars in Tijuana.GF Fashion House was created by Ghadir Fakhreddine who designs feminine styles with a dash of edgy. Sarra’s Petals presented a bridal gown and a second dress that was Baroque-inspired. G FASH creates lines of accessories and customizable products. Rachel Mamer is a military veteran whose collection is 50% upcycled. This year is the third that Lady Lane has shown with SD Fashion Week. She creates vintage-inspired women’s wear. CW Couture by Caroline Williard creates very romantic looks. The featured curator was Angel Tan who is a La Jolla-based celebrity stylist.The next event will be Posh On Prospect at The Living Room Café on May 11. For more information visit: https://fashionweeksd.com/.UPCOMING EVENTSSaturday, May 11 – Posh on Prospect: Boutique shopping and fashion show presented by Fashion Week San Diego at The Living Room Café in La Jolla. For tickets: https://fashionweeksd.com/events-2/posh-on-prospect/.Saturday, May 18 – The 12th Annual Cocktails and Couture Charity Fashion Show featuring the Lizz Russell Collection at the Vintana Wine & Dine in Escondido. The event begins at noon and supports Survivorlicious Inc. For tickets: https://bit.ly/44sstV8.Saturday, June 1 – Razkal Market and Fashion Show at the Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets at: https://bit.ly/3WoP6I0.Saturday, June 15 – Man & His Dog Fashion Show and Fundraiser at the Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty at 1111 Prospect St. from 5-7 p.m. This supports Mad Mutts. For tickets: https://bit.ly/4a1tNPS.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com.

I’d visited a friend who was in town for a conference in 2023 and staying at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. After joining her for dinner there, I was so impressed with the 4-star hotel that I told my husband that even though the inn is in our hometown of San Diego, it would make an ideal staycation. After all, who can pass on some well-needed relaxation and respite in a gorgeous setting away from all the stress and busyness that life can bring?Check Pricing & Availability NowLocation of the InnRancho Bernardo Inn is tucked away among the rolling hills of San Diego’s North County, just 23 miles north of San Diego in a well-known, popular retirement community of Rancho Bernardo. The inn is surrounded by a very popular award-winning 18-hole championship golf course. It is also conveniently located next to the historic Bernardo Winery, the oldest, continuous-operating winery in Southern California. History of the InnRancho Bernardo Inn opened its doors with 30 rooms in 1963, established as a luxurious retreat amidst the picturesque landscapes of San Diego. Additionally, the Resort Course opened with 18 championship holes. The inn was designed in a style that blended Mediterranean aesthetics with California influences. Despite the renovations, growth and enhancements throughout the years, the inn still retains its charming Mediterranean appeal, a testament to its timeless elegance and hospitality.I was especially drawn to the old photos in a showcase showing what the inn looked like when it first opened. These pieces of nostalgia tell such a story within themselves.Walking into the lovely lobby is a treat in itself with its multiple inviting seating areas, fireplaces and an ambiance that exudes warmth, welcome and character. The pleasing aroma in the lobby was so enticing and enchanting that I had to ask the staff what it was so I could purchase it or order it. The Neroli Lumiere scent will now be diffusing in my home.Accommodations at the InnToday, Rancho Bernardo Inn sports 287 guest rooms and suites recently refreshed in late 2022 and divided among three floors in four buildings. This alone gives the inn a much more boutique feel. Rooms and suites offer golf course, pool and resort grounds views. Suites range from studios and one-bedroom kings or queens to presidential suites featuring three bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoor patios. All offer either a patio or a private balcony.Rooms are impressively spacious and all accommodations include a spacious bathroom with elegant new room furnishings. Beds are extremely comfortable, offering luxurious soft bedding. We were thrilled with our king Premium Golf View room. The views of the golf greens, stream, and fountains couldn’t have been better. The 398-square-foot space could sleep three with a twin sofa bed.Whether you’re a golfer or not, just waking up to the sound of the birds and the golf swings is pleasant. Occasionally, however, you’ll hear a golfer yell “four,” meaning a ball is headed in the direction of someone else on the green. To our surprise, every night, we were lulled to sleep by the croaking of hundreds of tree frogs. Bottom line, we slept great here.Of note to families with dogs: your precious pups under 30 pounds are more than welcome to accompany guests in a room with a non-refundable $150 deep-cleaning fee, though this covers the entire stay.Resort AmenitiesForbes Travel Guide 2024 named the four-star inn a U.S. News ‘Best Hotel” Gold Badge. Besides the multitude of 19 handmade fountains imported from Europe and the many picturesque winding paths, hotel amenities on the 265-acre property include:Two impressive pools (one adult and one family)JacuzzisCabana RentalsFull-service spa and fitness centerHigh-speed internetDriving range useVariety of lawn games, including cornhole, croquet, and oversized chess setTennis and pickleball reservationsBasketball courtOne-hour per day complimentary bicycle rentalIn-room coffee, tea, and waterAdditionally, upon check-in, guests will receive a complimentary cocktail and brochure highlighting the seasonal experiences. These may include dive-in movies at the family pool, weekend yoga, one-on-one golf instruction, night sky exploration, serenity, and wellness offerings, along with a variety of specialty San Diego excursions. Golfing at Rancho Bernardo InnGolfing at Rancho Bernardo Inn offers a unique experience that blends challenge with relaxation. It is an ideal spot for both seasoned players and casual enthusiasts. We didn’t get to hit the green during our staycation, but it is on our must-do list for our next stay. The course is well-regarded for its meticulously maintained fairways and greens, alongside a layout that challenges you to use every club in your bag. One of the best tips for enjoying your round here is to make use of the early morning tee times. Not only will you enjoy cooler temperatures, but the course is also generally quieter, allowing for a more relaxed pace of play.The course, which hosted PGA as well as LPGA tournaments, features several water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, so accurate shot placement is crucial. Additionally, the pro shop at Rancho Bernardo Inn is staffed with knowledgeable professionals who are ready to help improve your game. Whether you need advice on club selection or adjustments to your swing technique, don’t hesitate to ask for their expertise. Utilizing these resources can greatly enhance your golfing experience, making your time at Rancho Bernardo Inn not just a game but a chance to hone your skills under the guidance of seasoned experts.Resort Fee and ParkingA $40 daily resort fee includes most amenities except for San Diego tours. Overnight parking runs $48 per night for valet and $40 for self-parking. The inn also offers electric vehicle charging stations.Dining at the InnAnother reason to book a stay at this incredible resort is its impressive dining scene.AVANTAVANT, the resort’s signature restaurant, is sophisticated, romantic, and steeped in elegance and culinary artistry, thanks to Chef de Cuisine Sergio Jimenez. The restaurant is open for dinner and a Sunday brunch buffet. You can enjoy seasonal menus with fresh ingredients from the farm, sea, and garden.Though the menu isn’t extensive, it’s well-planned and well-executed. Our favorite dishes included Hokkaido Scallops and Grimaud Farms Aged Duck Breast. Save room for dessert however! The New York Cheesecake is unlike anything we’ve ever tasted, almost deconstructed with sable, berries and meringue. Perfect for sharing.Veranda Fireside Lounge & RestaurantVeranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, the more casual al-fresco dining experience, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and views overlooking the verdant links are amazing. We love the open-air seating on the picturesque patio with firepits, an outdoor fireplace, olive trees and gardens. Request a seat near the fireplace, though even if it’s a cool San Diego evening, the restaurant has plenty of warmers. Featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a California twist, Veranda offers everything from light bites to main entrees. Bolognese Rigatoni and Pan-Seared Salmon were impressive. A diner at a table next to us also raved about the Lamb Lollipops.The BarIf you’re looking for happy hour, The Bar is a great option. Guaranteed you’ll find a lot of golfers here just coming off the course. The Bar offers small plates and libations at very reasonable prices. It is also open for lunch and dinner casual dining.Café GrenadaLooking a coffee, breakfast, or a snack before heading out to the golf course or a San Diego excursion? Café Grenada has you covered, opening at 6 am with Starbucks coffee. If you forgot to pick up a bottle of wine to share on your patio, you’ll find a great selection.Other dining options include lunch at the Spa Pool or ordering in-room dining. Rancho Bernardo Inn Final VerdictAfter a stay at the inn, I totally understand why this is a favorite destination for golf lovers, those seeking a relaxing getaway, or even planning a corporate event or wedding. The property is stunning, cuisine is incredible and you’ll look far and wide to find better customer service than Rancho Bernardo Inn provides. Add in those magnificent golf courses that are extremely popular with the locals, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an impressive and memorable North County San Diego stay.Check Pricing & Availability NowThis Rancho Bernardo Inn Review was written by Noreen Kompanik for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, the resort provided the stay and experiences free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Enjoy Rancho Bernardo Inn for Your 2024 Staycation appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

The 114th annual UPSES week-long Festa do Espírito Santo this year runs from May 12 to May 19.The Festa, “Feast of the Holy Spirit,” is one of San Diego’s oldest ethnic celebrations. It is held on the grounds of UPSES Portuguese Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal, and St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1140 Evergreen St.This year, the cultural and religious event begins on Mother’s Day, May 12, culminating on the following Sunday, May 19, with the traditional Festa parade beginning at 10 a.m. The parade follows a route from the UPSES Hall to St. Agnes, where High Mass is celebrated and the coronations of the festival king and queen take place at 11 a.m. with church choir singing.Festa events on Sunday, May 19 also include a bazaar featuring Portuguese delicacies, drinks, and children’s games.The 2024 UPSES Festa host family, The Schoeffel family. From left, Briley, Brennand, Bridget, and Braden. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOEvery year, a host family is selected to organize the Festa and raise funds to support the UPSES Hall. The sponsoring family is in charge of hosting eight fundraising events up to and including Festa do Espírito Santo itself. This year, the Schoeffel family is the Festa hosts.“We are honored to be hosting the 2024 UPSES Festa,” said Bridget (DeSilva) Schoeffel. “My husband, Brennand, and I are excited to bring the community together, honoring our ancestors and Portuguese heritage and traditions. We are in awe of the countless volunteers who remain devoted to our Festa and tirelessly volunteer year after year.“We would like to extend an invitation to all of San Diego, and beyond, to join us on May 17 at 6 p.m. as we raise our flags and kick off the (final) three-day (weekend) celebration. We look forward to seeing everyone.”Since 1922, the chapel next to the UPSES Hall has been used to house the Crown of the Holy Spirit during the Festa. On Pentecost Sunday, devotees of the Holy Spirit visit the chapel to pray and offer a donation of monies or Portuguese sweet bread (sold to raise funds) to continue the religious celebration.The Festa has been celebrated by the Portuguese for the last 700 years amid the lore of Queen St. Isabel, who was said to have rescued her countrymen from starvation. The festival has been mounted in San Diego since the City’s first Portuguese families settled here in 1884. It was first formally organized in 1910.“We celebrate the Catholic Festa, which is one of our main events,” said Babita Souza, president of the nonprofit UPSES. She pointed out the event’s significance is that it “anchors this community (Point Loma) and its hall built and paid for by fishermen as a way to keep the community close. The hall is a way of keeping us united. Once a year, everyone comes together, sees and visits each other, and celebrates the Festa.”Souza noted the Festa is an ethnic Portuguese Catholic event adding that the celebration is “very much rooted in tradition and very important to the UPSES Hall.”U.P.A.S.E.S HISTORYIn 1920, M.O. Medina saw the need for a common place for the Portuguese community to gather to celebrate the Festa do Espírito Santo, “Festival of the Holy Spirit.” He developed a committee to begin gathering the funds needed to build a chapel and community hall. He also led his committee throughout California to procure donations although roads were difficult to travel.To complete construction work on the chapel, boat owners would leave a crew member at home paying him 25 cents a ton for his efforts.In 1922 the Portuguese community of San Diego proudly inaugurated the United Portuguese Azorean Society of the Holy Spirit, Capela or the U.P.A.S.E.S. Chapel and Hall. The chapel is one of only two original California Portuguese chapels. As more Portuguese immigrated to San Diego, the need for a larger hall was recognized, as there were immigrants from the Azores, Madeira, and mainland Portugal. The community pooled together resources and acquired financing. The original hall from 1922 was then moved and a new hall was constructed. In 1948 the current U.P.S.E.S. Inc. Hall was opened. Medina served as the first president and remained so for 51 years.2024 FESTA ROYALTYQueen: Briley Elizabeth SchoeffelKing: Jaden Andres DelgadoJr. Queen: Cadence Elizabeth DoughtyJr. King: Laurens William YoumansSmall King: Gage Tristan GoebelSmall Queen: Vaida Madilena Virissimo 

Cabrillo Under the Stars, the annual fundraiser benefiting Cabrillo National Monument, will take place Saturday, May 18 from 6:30-9 p.m. at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive.Cabrillo National Monument Foundation is the event sponsor. Tickets for the soiree are $125 per person available at Registration Options (donorperfect.net). There will be no ticket sales at the door. Email ticket receipts must be presented at the entry gate. Guests must have a ticket and be over the age of 21 to attend.Experience Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego’s only national park, at night during this once-a-year event while supporting one of the area’s natural and historic treasures. This year’s musical guest is Gilbert Castellanos, who will be joined by musicians from the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory. Wild Thyme is catering, and several local vendors will be dishing out everything from beer and wine tastings to dessert and coffee samplings.“We invite everyone to join us for a magical evening and experience Cabrillo National Monument transformed into an after-hours jazz venue, set against the backdrop of some of the most spectacular views in all of San Diego,” said Emily M. Moore, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation’s executive director. “We are excited to offer our guests a broad array of food and drink tastings. We also have a new park superintendent, Chris Rodriguez, who will be in attendance as well.”Perched on the tip of Point Loma, guests will delight in a variety of tasty fare and tastings from local brewers and vintners while enjoying lively music under the stars. Attendees will also learn and interact with park rangers, sponsors, and donors about ways they can help make an impact to continue park discovery, youth education, and volunteer support programs at Cabrillo National Monument.Noting Cabrillo National Monument Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Cabrillo National Monument, Moore pointed out the group’s mission is to inspire people to support programs that preserve the rich cultural and natural treasures and enhance the visitor experience at Cabrillo National Monument.“Together, we strive to create lifelong connections to the park through education, advocacy, and community engagement,” she said. “We’re excited for people to support all the programs that we fund for the benefit of the park and the community, like the park’s new Oceanside Trail.”Through generous contributions and ticket sales, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation supports vital park resources in three primary areas: park discovery, youth education, and volunteer support. Supported park programs include everything from the free EcoLogik summer camp for aspiring girls in science, technology, engineering, and math “STEM,” to the park’s Junior Ranger Program.Cabrillo National Monument Foundation provides year-round access to educational and exploratory programs that nurture a deep appreciation for the park and advocate for the preservation of public lands for future generations.Cabrillo National Monument Foundation is a nonprofit organization and the premier supporter of interpretive, cultural, historical, scientific, and educational programs and activities at Cabrillo National Monument. Supporting and participating in Cabrillo National Monument Foundation membership and events or purchases made in the Cabrillo Store directly contributes to the continuation and existence of park programs. For more information about the funding Cabrillo National Monument Foundation provides to the park and becoming a foundation member, visit cnmf.org.

The 33rd Annual San Diego Music Awards takes place at 7 p.m. on April 30 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay. Open to the public, the event showcases the best of San Diego’s musical talent, while also raising funds for the San Diego Music Foundations Guitars In Schools program, helping to keep music education in the county’s schools.Awards will be given out in 25 different categories, intermingled with seven live performances from nominees. The evening’s high-point is likely to be the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to guitarist Stevie Salas. Best known for his work with the likes of Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger, Salas will perform with an all-star band, preceded by a special video tribute.The other artists on the bill reflect the diverse nature of San Diego’s music community. On hand will be country singer Kimmi Bitter, rapper Mitchy Slick, pop rock combo We the Commas, jam band Boostive, singer-songwriter Joshua Taylor, and rocker Ash Easton.“It’s wonderful to be able to put a spotlight on San Diego’s great music community, while also being able to help foster future generations of musicians,” said event organizer Kevin Hellman of the San Diego Music Foundation.The event has raised almost $800,000 for the program, reaching more than 91,000 K-12 students to date in 121 schools from San Ysidro to San Onofre. Hoover High School (City Heights) and Connect Academy (Poway) are the latest schools to take part.“That Kevin Hellman and company have kept it up for all these years is amazing,” said Darius Deghar of Stark Shay. The group, featuring Deghar and his daughters, Cleopatra and Cordelia, are up for a “Best Pop Album” trophy for their release, “Treasures.”“He’s done a real and lasting service for the city of San Diego and the local music community. You know, I’ve been in and out of the San Diego music scene, and on its fringes, for some 40 years,” Deghar said. “The SDMAs have helped to knit it all together, to make it feel cohesive. Kevin deserves kudos for that.”Deghar considers being nominated to be an honor, “maybe more than actually winning would be because the nominations come from the local music industry folks,” Shay said. “If you’re like me, someone who’s more about recording than playing live, a nomination is a reminder that you’re not laboring away in a vacuum. Even if it’s a labor of love, as it is for me, it’s great to be reminded there’s a local community out there, and that your work has been noticed.”Ash Easton (above), nominated for “Best Rock Artist,” concurs. “I am so honored to be included,” she said. “Obviously, as musicians, we are constantly climbing a ladder toward success and acknowledgment and to further our reach in our craft. Being nominated feels like validation for the hard work we all strive to put out and to be nominated in my hometown is just the absolute tops!”The family band Stark Shay is up for a ‘Best Pop Album.’For Deghar, the nomination has extra meaning because of his group’s family-based nature. “We made these recordings as a fun family project,” he said. “I would record and produce tracks, and when Cleopatra and Cordelia were home for holidays, I’d drag them into the home studio and make them sing on the recordings. They owed me because I’ve been producing their records for years,” he said.“Being a singer-songwriter-musician my whole life and then having two daughters who both grew up to be singer-songwriters is pretty amazing. So, then getting to make music with them is a truly special thing. Being nominated for best pop album is an unexpected bonus on top of what, for me, was already a beautiful family experience,” Deghar saidEaston considers the event itself to be enjoyable. “Narrowing it down to the best thing about it is so tough because the SDMAs are loaded with wonderful factors,” she said. “But one reason, and possibly my favorite, is being in a venue with most of the musicians in San Diego I admire. It’s not often a group of us get to be present in the same place, because we’re all gigging, or recording, or working for the craft, so getting to be in the same space and connecting and exchanging wild music stories is a highlight.”Easton is particularly looking forward to performing on the night. “It’s my second year attending in person, and last year’s live performances were amazing, so I’m thrilled we get to be a part of the bands who have had the honor of performing live for the event,” she said. “We’ll be debuting a brand-new song that will surely light the stage on fire! It is an honor, and it’s fun to get to show your fellow musicians and the audience what you’ve been working on.”“It’s nice to be able to raise money for the Guitars In Schools program, but the event itself is also a lot of fun and an excellent opportunity for musicians to network,” Hellman said.Thousands of students have now been helped because of the program, with plans for it to continue well into the future. After more than three decades of producing the awards, Hellman is still enthusiastic about the SDMAs.“What I’m looking forward to the most, is the day one of the students we’ve helped through the years ends up taking home an SDMA trophy themselves,” Hellman said.Visit sandiegomusicawards.com for more information.

Friends of Vista Hill and JMS Fund presented a fashion show and luncheon on April 19 at Town and Country Resort San Diego. The theme this year was “Happy Days” as the iconic TV sitcom reached a milestone of 50 years since its first airing in January of 1974. Many of the guests came all decked out in 1950s attire and were ready to rock around the clock.The event began with a social hour and fun shopping from local designers and boutiques. The mistress of ceremonies for the afternoon was Misha DiBono. Co-chairs were Carolyn Lennon and Diane Zeps. The fashion show was choreographed and coordinated by Gretchen Bergman from Gretchen Productions. She combines dance, theater, and fashion on the runway creating a unique production for the audience. Each segment had names reminiscent of the 1950s such as “The Fonz” and “Rock Around the Clock.” The beginning of the show began with models coming down the runway wearing black and white, which was very reminiscent of the ‘50s.Joey Molina sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” and knocked the socks off of the audience. The crowd went wild as the models showed off garments by GK Fashion House. Another audience-pleaser was Charli Beck, who came down the runway on roller skates balancing a tray in one hand, recreating the look of car hops of yesteryear. The finale showcased stunning gowns by Macy’s as the models effortlessly glided down the runway looking ready for a lavish celebration or gala.Vista Hills is a nonprofit organization and the net proceeds of this show benefit Vista Hill’s behavioral health programs serving children, youth, adults, and families. The fashion show commemorated family life with the “Happy Days” theme. Vista Hills enhances the quality of life for families and individuals. They say, “Stronger families…..Brighter Futures since 1957.” For more information, visit vistahill.org.UPCOMING EVENTSSunday, April 28 – Bridal Bazaar with two fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more info: 760-334-5500.Saturday, May 11 – Posh on Prospect, boutique shopping and fashion show presented by Fashion Week San Diego at The Living Room Café. For tickets: https://fashionweeksd.com.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.Photos by Diana Cavagnaro

Where is the best food in Mexico? This question is impossible to answer. What makes Mexico City my top recommendation as foodie destination in Mexico is that you can find food from every corner of the country in this city and experience a culinary “road trip” as you eat your way around the city. I recently returned from a press trip to Mexico City with Cross Border Xpress (CBX), the Tourism Board of Mexico City, and AeroMexico, where I experienced some of the scrumptious food this amazing city has to offer. Our 2.5 day itinerary was filled with delicious treats and foodie adventures, from food tours and fine dining to street food and a farm-to-table experience. If you love Mexican food and are planning a trip to Mexico City soon, this Mexico City itinerary for foodies might be helpful for you.Day 1: Food Tour in Colonia Roma We flew out of Tijuana (so easy with CBX and much cheaper than flying from the US) in the morning and arrived in Mexico City in the afternoon. We hit the ground running and joined a walking food tour around Colonia Roma with Sabores Mexico Food Tours. This 4-hour food tour with Alma was the perfect way to dive into the food scene of the city. Colonia Roma is such a cool neighborhood. Here, you will find tree-lined avenues that invite you to stroll under the trees and dozens of unique restaurants on every corner. Alma shared with us a little of the history of the neighborhood and showed us some of the stunning art deco houses, but most importantly, the best places to eat in Colonia Roma.The 5 restaurants and 1 coffee shop we visited were unique and different, yet they all had something in common: an owner who followed their passion for sharing good food with the people in their community. Many of them came to Mexico City with nothing and started with a little food stall or restaurant offering a comida corrida – a simple, home-style set menu that changes every day or a small selection of specialties from their home region. The competition between small eateries and food stalls in Mexico City is fierce, so they had to stand out and provide delicious food every single day. Some of the restaurants we tried have been open for several decades, so you know they passed the test of time and the discerning taste of the local community.This food tour was a fantastic way to dive into the Mexico City food scene and a perfect way to walk and eat our way through the beautiful neighborhood of Colonia Roma. I highly recommend it. With full bellies and a fabulous first impression of Mexico City, we made it to our hotel Galeria Plaza Reforma and after a quick night cap, we called it an early night. Day 2: Boat Tour & Organic Farm To Table Adventure in Xochimilco After a delicious breakfast buffet at our hotel, we drove about 45 minutes to Xochimilco. Xochimilco is an area south of Mexico City that consists of over 47 square miles of canals and floating islands. These floating farms are called chinampas and were man-made in 919 A.D.. They became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 because of their cultural importance as one of the most efficient and sustainable ways of cultivation.When I first saw this on the itinerary, I wasn’t really looking forward to it, as it’s known as a party boat destination. Locals and tourists go there to rent boats, drink, and party as they float down the canals. Not really my cup of tea. But then I found out that we were doing an eco-tour with Rutopia instead. This tour included a visit to a floating farm, picking our own veggies for lunch, and learning about the famous Axolotl amphibian. That definitely was more my jam.We got onto one of the colorful wooden gondolas and started drifting down the main canal. As it was a weekday, it was a lot less busy than on weekends or holidays. There was also a small festival going on. Boats were tied together in a huge flotilla surrounding the floating stage in the middle. We saw a row of girls dressed in traditional, colorful costumes participating in a beauty pageant and people clapping to Ranchero music in the background. Vendors on boats were floating by selling mouthwatering snacks, delicious drinks, and stunning handicrafts. It reminded me a little of the floating markets in Thailand. A kaleidoscope of colors, smells, and sounds.We passed the celebration and continued down the canal into a more quiet part of the canal system. The party boats were replaced with boats carrying locals and their goods to and from their floating farms. It was so quiet and peaceful. We saw quite a bit of wildlife as well, including pelicans, herons, egrets, and ducks. It was almost surreal to think that we were technically still inside the city limits of a city with almost 9 million people.After a while, we docked at a farm and met a local farming family. We learned about how the chinampas were built and how they have been farming on them for over 1100 years. They grow organic fruits and vegetables and we got to pick our own veggies for our lunch. This farm is also one of the first places, where the famous Axolotl amphibian was successfully rehabilitated in the wild. Isn’t this just the most adorable creature?This file is from Pixabay, where the creator has released it explicitly under the license Creative Commons Zero (see here). File ID: 2193331Then, the family prepared a fantastic traditional lunch for us with the veggies we had just harvested. It doesn’t get fresher than that. We had rice, beans, a beautiful salad, and amaranth fritters. Everything was simple yet so delicious. The ingredients spoke for themselves and were the star of the lunch. As a foodie, I love seeing where the local food comes from and the traditional ways of farming and preparation of the ingredients. If you love nature and have an interest in where your food comes from, I highly recommend this tour.After our boating adventure, we drove back to the city. Due to rush hour traffic, it took a little while, but we got to see some iconic spots of the city along the way, such as the stunning University of Mexico City. After that, we had a little free time. We came across a Bavarian Beer Garden inside a BMW Motorcycle repair shop. I guess you can take the girl out of Bavaria, but you can’t take Bavaria out of the girl Dinner that night was at Cardenal Restaurant San Angel, a restaurant that opened in 1969 and combines traditional Mexican dishes with a French bistro atmosphere. The historic building adds to the restaurant’s charm, and the service was on point. My favorite dish was a thin black bean soup with vermicelli noodles. It was so unique and flavorful. I will have to try to recreate this dish at home! Day 3: Frida Kahlo Art & Food TourSometimes, when you travel, unexpected things happen and you just have to make the best of it. On our last full day in Mexico City, we were supposed to follow in Frida Kahlo’s footsteps and learn more about the famous artist, her life, her art, and her favorite foods on this fabulous tour with ViveFrida. However, there was a strike affecting many museums in the city, so our tour organizers had to pivot at the last minute. They did a fantastic job, considering the short notice and we still had a fabulous day. We started our tour at the main square of Mexico City, called Zócalo. At first, the main square looks exactly like many main squares in capital cities: A basilica, the president’s palace, and other government buildings around an empty square. But then you turn around the corner, and all of a sudden, you lay your eyes on a full-size Aztec pyramid. That definitely is something special. Unfortunately, our next stops, the Convento de San Juan Bautista, Jardín de los Coyotes, and the León Trotsky’s House Museum, were closed that day due to the strike. But we were lucky and the two (in my eyes) most important stops on the itinerary were still on: Lunch and the Blue House. Our lunch consisted of a multi-course meal with Frida’s favorite foods. Frida loved to cook and entertain and learned most of her cooking skills from her husband’s first wife. Some of her favorite dishes were moles, fried grasshoppers, and other traditional Mexican dishes, washed down with a generous helping of Mezcal. It was delicious!After our lunch, we walked through the quaint Coyoacán neighborhood to the famous Casa Azul, the private residence of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The museum leads you through various aspects of Frida Kahlo’s life and you get a much better understanding of who she really was. It is heartbreaking to learn about her health struggles throughout her life and the devastation she felt when she could not bear children. But it also shows her resilience and strength, her passion for art, fashion and food, and her love for Diego. Explore the Local Street FoodOf course, I can’t write a Mexico City Itinerary for Foodies without mentioning Street Food. This city is the Street Food Capital of North America and if you want to explore the food scene of this city, you have to eat your way through the booths and stalls of small vendors. I wish we had done a dedicated street food tour, but I tried to sample as much in between our scheduled itinerary as I could. Luckily, most of those treats are just a bite or two, so there is always room for a little sample. Usually, each food stall has a specialty and they don’t have a large menu. They do one thing and they do it well. While in San Diego, many taco shops have a little bit of everything, these food stalls are very niche. There is one stall that sells only Al Pastor tacos, another one sells Chilaquiles, and the next one has a big bubbling pot of stewed meats, including my favorite: Suadero. My favorite spot I tried street food was in the Coyoacan neighborhood. Just off the main square is a street where you will find one street food stall after the other. Bring cash and be prepared to practice your Spanish (or download Google Translate). Just follow your nose and try what looks good to you. Don’t forget the golden rule of Street Food: Only eat at stalls that have a long line of locals. Next time I am in the city, I will definitely join a dedicated street food tour, though, and I can’t wait!Tips for Traveling to Mexico CityHow to Get ThereGetting to Mexico City from San Diego is super easy. Of course, you can fly out of San Diego, but I highly recommend flying out of Tijuana, using Cross Border Xpress. Not only is it a lot cheaper but also so much easier. You simply park your car, show your CBX ticket and boarding pass, walk over the covered bridge into Mexico, go through immigration and then you are in the Tijuana Airport and can check your bag. It usually takes me about 25 minutes from parking to my gate, including checking a bag. And the best part? You are done with immigration and don’t have to wait in long lines at your destination.We flew AeroMexico and you can definitely feel the difference between this airline and other, more budget-focused airlines. The seats were more comfortable and definitely wider than on other airlines, and you also had decent legroom. There was free onboard entertainment and refreshments. Where to StayWe stayed at the Galeria Plaza Reforma right in the heart of the city. The stunning Angel of Independence Column was just one block away, and the hotel is located in the corners of the neighborhoods Colonia Roma Norte and Juarez, and the fabulous Zona Rosa, the colorful LGBTQIA+ neighborhood of Mexico City, was all just a short walk away.Mexico City is usually just one big traffic jam, so I highly recommend staying as centrally as possible. That way, you don’t waste your precious time stuck in traffic when you could be eating delicious treats. The Galeria Plaza Reforma is a 4 star hotel and was perfect for our quick trip to Mexico City. The rooms were spacious and spotless and had everything you needed. Unfortunately, our Mexico City itinerary was so jam-packed that I didn’t have time to check out the rooftop pool. But those pictures look absolutely dreamy, don’t you think? I hope this Mexico City itinerary for foodies helped you get inspired for your Mexico City foodie adventure. If you have been to Mexico City, please share your favorite spots to eat, so I can put them on my list for my next trip!Pin for Later:Our trip was hosted by Cross Border Xpress, Secretaría de Turismo de la Ciudad de México, and Aeromexico.Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Check Out This Delicious Mexico City Itinerary for Foodies appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

From the intense colors of Spanish flamenco combined with classical music to the versatile imagery of Paris infused with a jazzy orchestra, and the visually striking stage of contemporary music and choreography, the City Ballet of San Diego’s performance featuring three different programs enchanted the eyes and ears of San Diegans.Boléro – The Awakening. Photo by Chelsea PenyakBoléro – The AwakeningA flamenco-inspired choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich, set to Maurice Ravel’s composition “Boléro,” conveyed a feeling of wandering amid an unknown island.Her trip to Barcelona completely transformed Wistrich’s conception of ballet, with the performance primarily inspired by a flamenco club where she had dinner. Wistrich incorporated ideas from Spanish culture for costumes and props, which she successfully applied to her creation.The music, repeating one central theme for 15 minutes while steadily building tension, created a dreamlike mood on the stage. In contrast, the vigorous color combination of white, black, and red dresses, along with the captivating movement of the dancers, evoked the image of flowers dancing in a ballroom.As the atmosphere became majestic with the music’s progression, the stage also became splendid by the end of the performance. Two dancers started the performance with a few instruments in Ravel’s music. Then, the ensemble grew to include four, six, and eventually more than 10. Throughout, the dancers executed a graceful yet restrained dance, complemented by the full blast of the orchestra as the curtain fell.Morphoses. Photo by Chelsea PenyakMorphosesThe second program, “Morphoses,” presented a completely different mood with contemporary art. Christopher Wheeldon, regarded as one of the top contemporary ballet choreographers, collaborated with György Ligeti’s music composed solely of string instruments.The entire performance resembled videos displayed on a Braun tube at the Museum of Modern Arts. The dancers moved in sync with the music, sometimes bouncing off each other and intertwining, seamlessly continuing their movements. They appeared to transform into bows and strings of an instrument, harmonizing their bodies with the music.As the music slowed down, the stage filled with the sounds of dancers’ breathing, the clicking of toe shoes against the floor, and ambient noise from the auditorium, creating a tense atmosphere.Four dancers showcased their core strength and stamina by leading the stage for 30 minutes almost without pause, eliciting a standing ovation.An American in Paris. photo by Julia HeibaumAn American in ParisThe final program reached the pinnacle of visual richness. Geoffrey Gonzalez’s choreography, paired with George Gershwin’s orchestra, made the performance buoyant and breezy. “I think this program is one of the most dynamic that we’ve presented in many years, and it is a privilege to be a part of it and to choreograph,” said Gonzalez.Gonzalez was inspired by Claire McCardell, a fashion designer who pioneered an American look that combines practicality and beauty. The program depicted a series of steps McCardell took in Haute couture in Paris, overcoming challenges and gaining popularity with her style and design.The performance showcased aspects of Paris that Gonzalez, Gershwin, and McCardell experienced. Gonzalez went on a trip to Paris to follow in Gerswhin’s footsteps during his time in the city in the 1920s and reimagined the scenes with his creativity and original choreography. The dancers guided the audience into the fashionable city, responding to Gonzalez’s direction.The dancing style of each dancer, their costumes, and the backdrop featuring the Eiffel Tower and Seine River revealed each character’s personality exceptionally well. In particular, Megan Jacobs, who played a couture Madame, displayed a gentle charisma reminiscent of Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada,” with compelling and distinguished movements.The great harmony among the dancers made them resemble an orchestra itself, maximizing the beauty of Paris with their music.All three programs diverged from classical ballet, but these new trials made the performance more interesting and enjoyable. “Boléro – The Awakening” mesmerized the audience, drawing them onto the stage, while “Morphoses” prompted them to contemplate and search for meaning. “An American in Paris” eased the night with its colorful direction and cheerful plot as the last program.

Looking for a veggie or vegan bite in San Diego? You’ve come to the right place! The city’s meat-free food scene is thriving at the moment, and it only seems to be getting more popular.Keep reading for the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in San Diego. These are sure to tick the box for your next meatless feast!The Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In San DiegoNorth ParkSipzAddress: Multiple LocationsWebsiteLet’s kick things off with one of our favorites, Sipz, a vegetarian-inspired restaurant serving a range of dishes from across Asia.Sample their fresh vegan sushi or take things up a notch with some delicious pad thai. If you really want to go all out, order the veggie surprise with a selection of stir-fried vegetables.Loving HutAddress: Multiple LocationsWebsitePop into Loving Hut in North Park for your next plant-based meal. All menu items are inspired by the Far East and are 100% vegan-friendly!The atmosphere here is super chill, nothing beats eating your favorite Asian dish with some mellow tunes in the background.Don’t forget to try the garlic butter fried rice, or if you want to keep things Western, the beyond burger is always a good option. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Loving Hut (North Park) (@lovinghut.sandiego) TacotarianAddress: 4332 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104Phone: (619) 432-1815WebsiteCraving tacos? Tacotarian serves 14 unique vegan taco recipes along with other famous Mexican bites.The restaurant is massive, so you don’t have to worry about snagging a table, and the staff is so friendly they’ll take good care of you while you’re there.Order the taco platter for a few samples, it comes with a tasty side order of beans and rice too.Plumeria Vegetarian RestaurantAddress: 4661 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116Phone: (619) 269-9989WebsiteUp next is one of our favorite vegetarian restaurants in San Diego.Try some of the yummiest dishes from Thai cuisine, vegetarian style at Plumeria! This place goes above and beyond for vegetable lovers with fish-free sauces and only optional egg add-ons.There’s a real local vibe about this place, you’ll be made to feel right at home as soon as you step through the door.Some of the menu’s highlights include the stir-fried hot basil and the rama steamed hot vegetables.Underdog Food TruckAddress: Various LocationsPhone: (619) 404-1900WebsiteOne of the finest places to get vegan food in San Diego is Underdog, a thriving food truck primarily on Cajon Boulevard, serving strictly plant-based snacks.You’re going to love the jalapeño popper corn dogs, the cheddar-infused batter is to die for. Wash it down with some kimchi cheddar fries, the melted cheese on top will have your mouth watering.Photo Credit: Underdog Food TruckRanchos CocinaAddress: 3910 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104Phone: (619) 574-1288WebsiteRanchos Cocina is a cozy and colorful Mexican corner with an extensive menu.Any Mexican dish you can think of, these guys have it, and they usually have multiple options for your filling. In fact, their burritos come in over 15 varieties, with everything from tofu scramble to eggplant.Come by early and sample their breakfast burritos and chilaquiles.South ParkMothershipAddress: 2310 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104WebsiteArguably the most unique place for vegan food in San Diego is Mothership, a spaceship-themed speakeasy with plant-based plates and tasty cocktails.You’ll feel as if you’re on the set of Star Wars, with the futuristic decor and star-like ceiling. They have a bunch of eclectic dishes, including savory Asian-inspired pancakes, tasty noodles, and soft serve ice cream.Photo Credit: MothershipKINDREDAddress: 1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102Phone: (619) 546-9653WebsiteKINDRED is a funky cocktail bar and restaurant specializing in vegan grub.Despite its pretty pink and wooden furnishings, KINDRED is known for its unconventional heavy metal playlist and gothic features, so there’s definitely a unique vibe here.The food is as impressive as the design concept, with BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, hearty grilled cheese, and brunch bites, like pancakes, all up for grabs.Point LomaPeace PiesAddress: 4230 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107Phone: (619) 223-2880WebsiteGet your vegan fix at Peace Pies in Point Loma. This spot takes adorable to a whole new level with its peaceful garden and wooden furniture, you could spend all day here.Peace Pies prides itself on serving raw, vegan, gluten and soy-free meals. Yet, they still manage tons of options like vegan pizza, salads, wraps, and an appetizing mushroom stroganoff.Pure Thai & Vegetarian CuisineAddress: 3704 Voltaire St #105, San Diego, CA 92107Phone: (619) 542-9499WebsiteLike many areas in San Diego, Point Loma has its own Thai vegetarian restaurant serving famous dishes from the Land of Smiles!Pure Thai & Vegetarian Cuisine is designed exactly like the restaurants you’d find in Thailand: little wooden stools and gorgeous paintings.Try the tom yum for some hot and sour lemongrass soup, or order the customer favorite, cashew nut with brown sauce.La JollaGreen Door CafeAddress: 7644 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037Phone: (858) 291-8886WebsiteYou won’t be able to get enough of the Green Door Cafe in La Jolla. This cozy little spot serves dishes with locally-sourced, cruelty-free ingredients.Open since 2017, the Green Door Cafe has been luring vegans with its flavorful dishes, gorgeous terrace, and vintage interiors.If you’re stopping by for breakfast, don’t sleep on the red velvet pancakes. For dinner, the dahl curry is one to watch for.Photo Credit: Green Door CafeTrilogy SanctuaryAddress: 7650 Girard Ave #400, La Jolla, CA 92037Phone: (858) 633-3893WebsiteHit up San Diego’s best-loved rooftop vegan restaurant in La Jolla, Trilogy Sanctuary. The owner of Trilogy Sanctuary set up this place to encourage local San Diegans to follow a nourishing, healthy path in life. Not only do they serve up great food, but they also offer yoga classes!Want something light? The sweet potato wedges are a great snack. If you’re more than a bit peckish, the superfood bowl will have you stuffed for the whole day.Elixir De La LuneAddress: 5544 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037Phone: (858) 933-4729WebsiteNab some refreshing food that’s good for your soul at Elixir De La Lune. Lesser known than some of the other vegan and vegetarian options in the La Jolla food scene, it’s a bit of a diamond among the rough.You’ll be treated to beautiful aesthetics, light palettes, and mini dangling chandeliers when you go inside. The menu here leaves nothing to be desired, with fresh smoothie bowls, toast with lots of toppings, soups, and sandwiches.Plant Power Fast FoodAddress: Multiple LocationsWebsiteNeed something on the go? Look no further than Plant Power Fast Food on the USCD Campus. Set up to offer college students healthy meal options, Plant Power Fast Food has some great vegan options like the southwest avocado wrap, superfood salad, and beyond cheeseburger.Don’t worry if you’re not a college student, outsiders are allowed in too! They also have a location in Ocean Beach if that’s more convenient for you.University HeightsGrains CafeAddress: 2201 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116Phone: (619) 269-5999WebsiteWith a drool-worthy menu blending Asian and Western flavors, Grains Cafe serves up some of the most unique vegan food in San Diego.Some of the loveliest staff around run this stylish cafe, and it has both indoor and outdoor seating.A myriad of beloved dishes make up the menu here, where everything from Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches to popcorn chicken and Philly cheese steaks are available.HillcrestDonna JeanAddress: 2949 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103Phone: (619) 299-5500WebsiteGet your hands on some plant-based snacks at Donna Jean in Hillcrest. You’ll immediately feel welcomed here, between the outgoing staff and the cozy, garden decor.Some menu highlights include hot shrooms, fettuccine, and cast iron mac and cheese, just to name a few favorites.Evolution Fast FoodAddress: 2965 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103Phone: (619) 550-1818WebsiteDid you know that the world’s first vegan drive-thru restaurant is found right in the heart of San Diego?Evolution is located between Bankers Hill and Hillcrest and has a mouthwatering menu filled with burgers, sandwiches, and Mexican plates. Not to mention a handful of desserts and smoothies.Their burritos, faux chicken tenders, and vanilla shakes are among their best-sellers.Veganic Thai CafeAddress: 1417 Suit A, University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103Phone: (619) 230-5540WebsiteThe team at Veganic Thai Cafe has turned all the classic Thai dishes into 100% vegan alternatives.Their menu of healthy and meat-free foods has previously earned them the title of the finest vegan restaurant in San Diego, which is a good enough reason in itself to check out their offerings.From spicy drunken noodles to nourishing pumpkin curries, just looking at Veganic’s menu will have your stomach rumbling!Hazel & Jade BakeryAddress: 3852 Fourth Ave, #100, San Diego, CA 92103Phone: (619) 295-2001WebsiteWhile vegan restaurants in San Diego are becoming increasingly easier to come by, finding plant-based bakeries can be more of a challenge.That’s where Hazel & Jade Bakery comes in. Inside this cafe, you’ll find a wonderful array of treats, all of which are free from animal products.Super sweet cinnamon rolls, fresh croissants, warm scones, and fudgy brownies; we could go on and on about the baked goods here!San Diego CountyEris Vegan Food Co.Address: 302 Wisconsin Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054Phone: (760) 231-9986WebsiteLocated in Oceanside, Eris Vegan Food Co. is among the best vegan restaurants in San Diego for comfort food.This quirky little eatery is filled with artwork that’s almost as colorful as the food they serve. The menu tends to chop and change depending on what produce is in season, but these guys just get better and better.Locals have been flocking here for their tacos, gyros, and animal fries, with their kombucha selection being the cherry on top.El VeganitoAddress: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942Phone: (619) 303-7247WebsiteFor meat-free takes on all the dreamiest Mexican favorites, make your way to El Veganito in La Mesa.Though it’s technically more of a stall than a restaurant, as it’s set in a food court, their grub is simply too delicious to exclude from this list.It’s best to come hungry, as their burritos, jackfruit tacos, and tortilla soups are super-sized.Sattvik FoodsAddress: 8650 Miramar Rd ste b, San Diego, CA 92126Phone: (858) 568-1306WebsiteMiramar is blessed with some of the finest Indian cuisine in San Diego as the home of the fantastic Sattvik Foods.Although it’s not strictly vegetarian, meat-free dishes comprise the bulk of the menu and have become what they’re most known for.We recommend indulging in authentic bites and snacks like vada pav, dabeli, and dahi puri.Gorilla Eats SushiAddress: 6334 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115Phone: (619) 400-6563WebsiteThat’s right, even sushi can be made using plant-based ingredients!Much like El Veganito, Gorilla Eats Sushi is tucked away in a food court, though you’ll find this sushi spot inside the much-loved Aztec Food Hub in Rolando Village.Some of their must-try bites include tofu umami, shiitake mushroom rolls, and crunchy tiger rolls.The Purple MintAddress: 4616 El Cajon Blvd Ste 3, San Diego, CA 92115Phone: (619) 280-3388WebsiteThe Purple Mint is a fabulous restaurant in Talmadge for Asian-infused veggie eats.The food at this bright and airy spot will leave you weak at the knees. Thanks to its delectable line-up of menu items, you’ll have authentic dishes like summer rolls and steaming bowls of pho alongside American-Asian favorites like orange chicken and kung pao chicken.Phatties Vegan Mexican RestaurantAddress: 242 W Mission Ave Ste D, Escondido, CA 92025Phone: (442) 286-7242WebsiteA staple on the Escondido food scene, Phatties is a modern Mexican haunt that’s entirely meat-free.The interior here is super cute, and the restaurant is filled with a mix of classic Mexican decor with slick finishes.Everything tastes incredible, but the asada burrito, birria bowl, and enchiladas are especially tantalizing.Maya’s CookiesAddress: Multiple LocationsWebsiteAnother option for those with an unrelenting sweet tooth is Maya’s Cookies, which has stores in both Grantsville and San Marcos.As well as being entirely vegan, the cookies at Maya’s come in a huge range of flavors. You’ll have your pick of classic chocolate chip varieties, plus their famous s’more and snickerdoodle editions.Maya’s caters to everyone and even offers some gluten-free cookies.The PlotAddress: 1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054Phone: (442) 266-8200WebsiteA favorite among San Diego vegan restaurants is The Plot.Though it only opened just a few years back, this Oceanside restaurant has a lengthy list of accolades and claims to fame.It’s regularly ranked as one of San Diego’s top restaurants, and it’s among the most sustainable of its kind in the entire country! Prepare to tuck into meat-free chicken and waffles, meatloaf, and shepherd’s pie in this aesthetically pleasing eatery.Photo Credit: The PlotSplit BakehouseAddress: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr #219, La Mesa, CA 91942WebsiteSplit Bakehouse is positioned between Grossmont and La Mesa and has been giving locals their fix of vegan pastries since 2018.Upon casting your eyes on their rotating selection of almond croissants, chocolate cruffins, and oatmeal cookies, you’ll quickly see why these guys have won awards for their plant-based goods.YasaiAddress: Multiple LocationsWebsiteIf you’re a sucker for Japanese food, you have to venture to Kearny Mesa to sample the culinary offerings at Yasai.Their ramen is particularly popular, and there are plenty of creative variations to munch on, such as truffle or triple tomato-infused versions.Don’t fill up too much on the ramen, as you’ll want to try out the jumbo gyozas, bao buns, and nigiri.Finding vegan restaurants in San Diego has never been easier, and luckily, the quality and quantity of these eateries seem to only be on the rise.Whether it’s Asian, Mexican, or all-American fare you’re after, San Diego’s got you covered with its plant-based food scene.Looking for more ideas? Check out our list of the Top Restaurants In San Diego.Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post 30 Delicious Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In San Diego You Must Try appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

Reviving live theater in Ocean Beach is well underway.Wildsong Theater & Arts Collective, an OB nonprofit all-volunteer theater company, is working to bring accessible, professional-caliber theater to the beach community at 4944 Newport Ave. Wildsong inhabits the space previously occupied by OB Playhouse & Theatre Company.Sara Hayes, a Wildsong board member and its director of community outreach, noted the Newport Avenue retail space has a long and varied history. “The venue known as The OB Playhouse was there when we came in and started producing,” she said. “The venue itself used to be an old VFW in OB, which is a fun bit of trivia. Lots of OBecians like to tell us they had come to party there back in the day.”“We have been so very happy to watch the growth of Wildsong Productions in the OB Playhouse space and are so excited to see what they continue to bring to San Diego in their new space,” said previous theater owner Bill Connard who, along with his wife Jennie, took over the performance space in June 2016.“Not only did they help us to move on when we needed and wanted to, but they have a similar sensibility to us when it comes to community theater. It’s been a pleasure watching what they’ve created and developed.”Closing OB Playhouse multiple times during COVID hastened the Connards’ departure. Bill Connard is now a partner in an OB e-bike business. Under his stewardship, OB Playhouse held more than 30 productions of Broadway musicals, before closing at the end of 2023 following a rent increase.Wildsong Productions has since stepped in to take the place of the Connards. They were the last company to perform in the theater space under the Connards doing “Rent,” a musical about artists facing eviction, which ended on Dec. 23, 2023.“We were able to stick around here for the next three years (new lease) at a minimum thanks to the support of the community,” said Hayes noting Wildsong’s revival of the theater space continues with the production of “Footloose: The Musical” through April 7, to be followed by “Lizzie: The Musical” opening April 19.All of its volunteer performers are wild about Wildsong. “Everyone is a volunteer and none of us make money working here,” Hayes pointed out adding, “We wanted to create a space that is diverse and inclusive and values collaboration.”Running a profitable live theater company today is challenging. “To make art in general is very expensive with a lot of forces at play and difficult to do with inflation and rising costs,” Hayes pointed out. She added new nonprofits, like Wildsong, can’t even apply for grants until two years after forming. “We’re dealing with trying to survive in a hostile environment,” she said.But there is nothing like performing theater live, which is why small production companies like Wildsong, and managers/performers like Hayes, exist. “It’s central to my being: I never feel more like myself than when I’m on stage,” she said adding, “It’s life-giving, affirming.”Concerning theater’s appeal, Hayes noted: “For a lot of people, theater fills a gap. When you’re in the audience you feel like you’re on a journey with them (performers). The audience is a part of the show too. It is so interactive.”Hayes said Wildsong hopes that community theater “is a rising tide” that will lift the fortunes of everyone involved. And OB is the perfect place to make a start – and a stand – in community theater.“OB loves us and we love OB,” concluded Hayes adding Wildsong’s goal, beyond mere survival, is to “create a dance space featuring local artists and other visual media, host youth programs and have a bit of a nest egg to pay people for their time.”WILDSONG THEATER & ARTS COLLECTIVEWhere: 4944 Newport Ave.Contact: wildsongproductions.showit.site, thewildsongproductions@gmail.com, 760-500-2274.

I love oysters. I know they are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love them in any shape or form, whether they are raw, grilled, fried, stewed, or baked. So when I found out about the Carlsbad Aquafarm, I had to go check it out. Located at the scenic coastline of Carlsbad, California, the Carlsbad Aquafarm is not just any aquafarm; it’s a vibrant testament to sustainable seafood farming and an unmissable experience for locals and visitors alike. As a local, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring many of Carlsbad’s attractions, but few have captured my heart and curiosity quite like this sustainable aquaculture haven. If you’re yearning for a unique adventure that combines education, sustainability, and the freshest seafood you can get your hands on, then you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into what makes the Carlsbad Aquafarm a must-visit spot for locals and travelers alike.FAQs Carlsbad AquafarmBefore we dive into the details, here are some frequently asked questions and important info about the Carlsbad Aquafarm:Carlsbad Aquafarm Location and Contact Info Address: 4522 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008Phone: (760) 908-2744Website What can I expect from a tour of the Carlsbad Aquafarm? On a tour of the Carlsbad Aquafarm, expect an educational journey through the sustainable cultivation of shellfish. You’ll learn about the lifecycle of oysters and mussels, see the farming processes up close, and understand the importance of marine ecosystems. Tours are suitable for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families, students, or anyone interested in marine biology and aquaculture. Are visitors allowed to purchase seafood directly from the Carlsbad Aquafarm? Yes, visitors can purchase fresh oysters and mussels directly from the Carlsbad Aquafarm. After touring the farm and learning about the cultivation process, you’ll have the opportunity to buy some of the freshest seafood available, harvested right from the waters of the farm. It’s a great way to support local, sustainable aquaculture while enjoying the delicious fruits of the sea. Is the Carlsbad Aquafarm suitable for children? Absolutely! The Carlsbad Aquafarm is a family-friendly destination that offers a unique educational experience for children. The tours are designed to be engaging and informative, making learning about marine life and aquaculture fun and accessible for visitors of all ages. Children will enjoy seeing the shellfish up close and learning about their environment. How do I plan a visit to the Carlsbad Aquafarm, and do I need to book in advance? Planning a visit to the Carlsbad Aquafarm is easy. It’s recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour schedules and availability. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak visiting times, to ensure you secure a spot on a tour. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and consider bringing a cooler if you plan to purchase fresh seafood. Sustainability Meets Innovation First things first, let’s get acquainted with the Carlsbad Aquafarm. Established over 30 years ago, this aquafarm has been dedicated to the sustainable cultivation of shellfish right in the heart of Carlsbad. Did you know that this is actually the southern-most oysterfarm on the West Coast? The closest one is all the way up in Morro Bay. It’s not just any farm; it’s a pioneer in aquaculture practices, focusing on oysters and mussels that thrive in the Pacific’s cool waters. By mimicking the natural coastal processes in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, they ensure that every oyster and mussel from their waters is a testament to their commitment to the environment and high-quality seafood.For those eco-conscious folks (count me in!), knowing that the Aquafarm is committed to preserving our oceans while providing us with delicious and nutritious local seafood is a big win-win.Why You Should VisitNow, you might wonder, “Why should I visit an aquafarm?” Well, let me tell you, it’s not just about the oysters. Visiting the Carlsbad Aquafarm is an immersive experience that offers a peek into the fascinating world of marine aquaculture. It’s one thing to enjoy the fruits of the sea at your local restaurant, but it’s another to see where and how they’re raised. And trust me, there’s something incredibly rewarding about tasting an oyster, knowing you’ve just seen its home.Planning a visit to the Carlsbad Aquafarm? Here’s everything you need to know to make your trip as enjoyable as it is informative. The farm offers insightful tours that shed light on the meticulous process of raising oysters and mussels. From the spawning process to the moment they’re ready for harvest, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the care and expertise that goes into sustainable aquaculture.Tours: An Educational Dive into Aquaculture The tours are a highlight, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the aquafarming process. It’s not just an educational journey; it’s an opportunity to connect with the source of your food on a level that grocery store seafood simply can’t offer. I loved that we not only got to check out the oyster farm and learn about oysters and how they are farmed, but we also got a crash course in oyster shucking. And my favorite part of the tour was of course the oyster tasting. Sooo delicious! If you have ever had an oyster that was pulled from the water just minutes before, you know what I mean. And if you have not, you will get the chance at this tour, so don’t miss it!Check the Carlsbad Aquafarm website for tour schedules and booking information to ensure you don’t miss out on this enlightening experience.Buying Fresh Oysters: Freshness You Can Taste What truly sets the Carlsbad Aquafarm apart is the unparalleled freshness of its seafood. The Pacific oysters and Mediterranean mussels are celebrated for their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. After the tour, don’t miss the chance to purchase some of these delicacies. Whether you’re an oyster aficionado like me or a curious foodie, the taste of these freshly harvested treasures will leave you craving for more.For those looking to take a piece of the Carlsbad Aquafarm experience home, the on-site farmers market is your go-to destination. Here, you can purchase the freshest oysters and mussels, along with expert advice on how to prepare and enjoy them. The friendly staff are always ready to share recipes, shucking tips, and their passion for sustainable seafood, making your visit both educational and delicious.Dining on the fresh catches from the Carlsbad Aquafarm is an experience in itself. The oysters, with their crisp, clean flavor, and the mussels, known for their tender, juicy meat, are a testament to the quality and care that go into their cultivation. It’s a culinary adventure that connects you directly with the source, offering a taste of the ocean’s bounty that’s hard to find anywhere else.Making the Most of Your Visit When planning your visit to the Carlsbad Aquafarm, here are a few tips to enhance your experience:Check the Weather! Being an outdoor activity, you’ll want to dress appropriately. The coastal weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your friend. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the outdoor environment of the farm.Book in Advance! Tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Visit the official website to book your tour in advance.Bring a cooler if you plan on purchasing fresh seafood to ensure it stays fresh until you get home.Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the tour; the staff’s knowledge and passion for aquaculture are truly inspiring.Don’t Forget Your Camera! The Aquafarm is not just educational; it’s picturesque. With the Pacific as your backdrop, you’ll want to capture the memories of your visit.Finally, consider timing your visit with local Carlsbad events to make the most of your trip to this beautiful coastal town.A Community Staple with Global Impact The Carlsbad Aquafarm is more than just a local business; it’s a vital part of our community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By supporting the aquafarm, you’re not just enjoying delicious seafood; you’re contributing to a global movement towards more sustainable and responsible food sources.As a San Diego local, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in the Carlsbad Aquafarm. It’s a place where innovation, sustainability, and community converge to create something truly special. Whether you’re here for the educational tours, the fresh seafood, or simply to support local sustainable practices, the Carlsbad Aquafarm offers an experience that’s both enriching and delicious.So, next time you’re in Carlsbad, take a detour to the aquafarm. It’s an experience that promises to deepen your appreciation for the ocean’s bounty and the people who work there. The post Carlsbad Aquafarms – Get The Freshest Oysters in the City appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

The Mingei International Museum celebrated Nowruz the Persian New Year on Monday, March 18. It is always the first day of spring and guests are there to show their gratitude to Mother Nature. Sadry Hedayat, who is the founder of the Persian Place, organized this event. The executive director and chief executive officer of the Mingei International Museum, Jessica Hanson York, was there to welcome the crowd.The evening began with a marketplace that was represented by women artists all with different cultural backgrounds. Booths were set up selling pottery, jewelry, artwork, soy candles, and upcycled clothing. The Aleph Baking Studio handed out scrumptious Persian pastries for sampling. Rojina Badakhshan modeled a stunning design created by Hengameh Kashef and embellished with mirrors by Shirin Aghdale.The second portion of the program began with flute playing and meditation using several singing bowls. Dancers Lucia Herlinda and Tamami Shirazi from the Gheesu Dance ensemble performed for the audience. Rojina also performed a Persian dance number for the crowd. Music was performed by singer Natasha Ghobadi and pianist and accordionist Sasoon. A proclamation was written by the office of County Supervisor Nora Vargas, which was presented to Persian Place by Mikayle Lowery, the community representative.The evening also had a reception for the exhibition inspired by Shahnameh by seven international female artists. During the program, the female artists each discussed their pieces of artwork. They were Shirin Aghdale who created 15 mirror works for the exhibition, Sara Soleimani Qashqai who is an amazing traditional needlework artist, Mary Ornish a talented San Diego textile artist, and Yasaman Mostajeran skillfully created the calligraphy. Sasah Furlan is a glass painter and creates Persian miniatures, and Melissa Meier constructed the Rose Bud dress and headpiece, which was modeled by India.Following the performances, the guests had more fun shopping and were served delicious food created by chef Edith. She served Aash Reshteh (Persian noodle soup) and Noon Berenji (Persian rice cookies). The exhibition “Epic Expressions: Shahnameh by Seven Female Artists” will be there to view until May 31. The Mingei International Museum has many more events and classes coming up. For more information, visit https://mingei.org/.UPCOMING EVENTSThrough April 27: “A Splendid Decennium: Victorian to Vanguard” – featuring the art of the fiber artist Mary Ornish at the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House (gaslampfoundation.org/visit) and the Vila Montezuma Museum (villamontezumamuseum.org). Check websites for days and hours.Gheesu Dance ensemble.Thursday, April 11 – Fashion Redux 2024 at the San Diego History Center from 6-8 p.m. This is an annual design competition from students at the San Diego Mesa College Fashion Program. RSVP at https://sandiegohistory.org/event/exhibition-opening-fashion-redux-2024/.Friday, April 19 – 32nd annual luncheon and fashion show fundraiser to benefit the Vista Hill Foundation, presented by Gretchen Productions at the T&C Hotel. For info: 858-449-8060.Saturday, April 20 – Fashion Week San Diego Spring Showcase 2024 at the University Club Downtown. For tickets, visit https://fashionweeksd.ticketsauce.com/.Sunday, April 28 – Bridal Bazaar with two fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more info: 760-334-5500.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher, and Blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.