Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and it can be an emotional time for everyone! Whether you’re in a relationship or going on an exciting first date, trying to figure out the perfect gift, or simply enjoying the vast array of chocolates available in early February, Valentine’s Day is sure to bring joy and romance like no other day of the year.

Where does the tradition of chocolates and gifts as an expression of love on this particular day come from? It dates back to ancient Roman times and stems from one Saint Valentine. There are several legends about Saint Valentine and how Valentine’s Day came to be, but the most romantic of these is that of Emperor Claudius II outlawing marriage for young men. He reportedly did this because he believed that young, single men had the ability to be better soldiers than those with wives and families. Saint Valentine thought this to be untrue and unjust, and therefore began performing marriages in secret for these young couples. When Claudius found out, he immediately ordered that Saint Valentine be put to death. Followers then brought gifts to mourn his death. Many believe that the modern Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 to commemorate Saint Valentine’s death. Albeit a tragic ending, the romantic edge of this story is what makes Valentine’s Day so special for those in love.

So take the reins on making this year’s Valentine’s Day as romantic as possible for you and your significant other. Besides the traditional gifts of flowers and candy, why not plan a special getaway for the two of you? San Diego’s Pacific Beach is the perfect place to conjure up some romance. There are several intimate restaurants in San Diego, including Kabuki Sushi, Caffe Bella Italia, JRDN restaurant, and the Café Athena, to name a few. These are all located within a short distance of the Ocean Park Inn hotel. Make it a luxurious weekend by staying at the OPI where you and your partner can enjoy panoramic views from your balcony or sip cocktails by the pool. Top off your night by requesting in-room massages and ordering room service that can be enjoyed while watching the sunset from your beach front suite. Visit www.oceanparkinn.com today and let the Valentine’s magic begin!

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Whether you are a diehard football fan or just a casual observer, most of us like to go to a Super Bowl party—or two!—to spend time with friends, watch the new commercials, to be in the ‘know’ when the office is buzzing about Madonna’s halftime performance, and of course, for the good food and snacks! Some people prefer to host parties in their homes, while others like to go out to public restaurants or bars. Regardless of which team you are rooting for on February 5 (New England Patriots? New York Giants?), you are sure to find a lively viewing atmosphere at one of the many establishments within walking distance of the Ocean Park Inn in San Diego.

The Ocean Park Inn is located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, right in the heart of all of the action. There are several restaurants in the area that are sure to suit anyone’s needs. If you want to check out the big game in a local hot spot, simply take a short walk from the Ocean Park Inn to Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge, which has a fun atmosphere and fan pleasing food such as nachos, burgers, and pasta. You can also visit World Famous (Pacific Beach), a perfect hangout for drinks along the boardwalk. Miller’s Field is another prime spot for an all-American meal during the game. And to top it off, you will have to be sure to check out Moondoggie’s Restaurant, one of Pacific Beach’s most popular hangouts, which includes an plenty of televisions for your viewing pleasure along with cozy dinner booths, and a full menu.

Once you are stuffed and your team has won, walk back to your comfortable room at the Ocean Park Inn, the perfect beach front hotel. OPI offers affordable group rates that are perfect for you and your fellow fans. It is an easy booking process, and is sure to fit your group’s needs. The amenities include free continental breakfast, a free daily newspaper (perfect for reading up on all of the stats of the game), and a 37” LCD television in each room so you can catch any highlights from the game that you may have missed.

Head on down to Pacific Beach for an amazing Super Bowl XLVI party and a great place to relax after! Check out www.oceanparkinn.com for rates and information.

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It’s that time of year again when we anxiously await the revealing of that ever-elusive groundhog Punxsutawney Phil on February 2^nd, Groundhog Day.  Groundhog Day celebrations began in the 18^th century in southern Pennsylvania, but stem from European roots where similar celebrations are found in many different cultures. The celebration is based around the belief that if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on February 2^nd, winter will last for six more weeks. And while this is a story of folklore, it’s hard to deny the excitement we feel when Phil does not see his shadow and the dark days of winter are finally coming to an end! Groundhog Day has become a popular holiday, with celebrations occurring all over the country that include food, speeches, live bands, and plays detailing the holiday’s origins. The largest celebration occurs in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, hosting over 40,000 people each year. Even if you cannot make it to Punxsutawney for the big celebration, you can still enjoy turning over a new leaf in refreshing San Diego, California.

Many people see Groundhog Day as a time to revamp their life, especially if Punxsutawney Phil tells us that spring is almost here. It is also a time to learn from Bill Murrays infamous mistakes in the 1993 film Groundhog Day—where he is forced to relive his mistakes over and over until he gets the day right. There’s no better way or place to rejuvenate and improve yourself than beautiful Pacific Beach, located in the heart of San Diego, with a weekend getaway to one of the area’s premier hotels, Ocean Park Inn. The Ocean Park Inn is located on the beach, and is the perfect place for you to relax because of its tranquil views and proximity to local attractions.  You can also unwind by the beach front pool, or with the family in a spacious family suite.

Refuse to let the Bill Murray Groundhog Day syndrome get you in a rut. Make a fresh start this Groundhog Day by celebrating at the Ocean Park Inn and seeing all that Pacific Beach has to offer the new and improved you!

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When traveling to San Diego there can be an overwhelming number of attractions to visit, and things to do. Due to this abundance of activities, some of the most interesting local spots can be overlooked, including the museums. The San Diego area has one of the richest art cultures in the state, and houses several museums that are considered the oldest in the region and offer varied and eclectic exhibits.

One museum that is a must see is The San Diego Museum of Art. The museum is one of the oldest art museums in the San Diego region. The museum contains a wide variety of exhibits, including 19^th and 20^th century American art, an Asian collection, as well as growing collections of contemporary, Latin American, and old European masters art. The museum also holds daily and weekly events and exhibitions such as special Southern California art and modern Mexican painting shows. And don’t forget the kids – the museum has ‘Private Eye Gallery Cards’ with various art activities for them to enjoy.

Another museum to add to your itinerary is the San Diego Air and Space Museum located in San Diego’s Balboa Park. The museum offers science, space, and aviation history in a variety of exhibits. Historic aircraft and spacecraft memorabilia is housed here from all over the world. There are even interactive exhibits that are sure to please all ages.

There is one more stop to make on the museum tour – the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This museum has several historical ships that show the nautical history of the area, country, and world. It even hosts family overnight stays on one of its most popular attractions, the Star of India.

To top it off, the month of February 2012 is Museum Month in San Diego. The San Diego Museum Council lists all ongoing events and attractions at the area museums. And after a long day of educational fun, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. Look no further than the Ocean Park Inn, located in popular Pacific Beach. The Inn offers the perfect end to your day with its spacious rooms, breath-taking views, and numerous amenities. There are family and group rate packages to accommodate all. Visit www.oceanparkinn.com for details and photos.

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Connecting with nature is one of the most amazing and breathtaking experiences we can have. It can be accomplished through many different avenues, from nature hikes to visiting rare waterfalls and forest reserves. Some like to visit beaches and coastlines, while others like to have a more hands on experience by scuba diving or swimming with the dolphins. No matter what your preference, one of the most captivating experiences in nature is whale watching, and there is no better place to do it than San Diego.

Whale watching is a very unique and awe-inspiring adventure.  Each year, mainly between the months of December and March, the California gray whales migrate from Alaska toward the coastline around the San Diego area. Visitors have the opportunity to book a charter cruise with a number of different companies to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.  Cruises can last a couple of hours or even longer if you decide to book one that includes dinner and entertainment.  If you would prefer not to go out on the water, you can also go to Cabrillo National Monument or the Birch Aquarium to view the magnificent “giants of the sea” from land. The Cabrillo National Monument, located on the Point Loma peninsula, offers a glassed-in observatory to see the whales. It also offers whale exhibits and narrations about the various characteristics of these animals. The Birch Aquarium hosts a “Whalefest” in the months of January, February, and March that teaches all about the whales and their migration to the San Diego area. Enjoying a cruise on the ocean or exhibits on land are sure to give you unique insight into the beauty of these creatures.

Many may be afraid that these experiences are out of budget, but think again! Vacation peak times in San Diego are from May to August, and because of this tickets are in higher demand and offered at higher prices during these Summer months.  Choose to visit the San Diego area during the winter months of February and March and you will find lower prices and fewer crowds.  This is the same for area hotels such as the Ocean Park Inn. The Ocean Park Inn is located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, and is in close proximity to several attractions, including various whale watching tour starting points. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, spacious rooms, affordable prices and packages, and several in-room amenities that cannot be beat. Go to www.oceanparkinn.com for more information about the hotel, whale watching hot spots, and other local attractions.

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