There are a vast array of events taking place in and around Pacific Beach this spring and summer, but this is definitely one you won’t want to miss! The San Diego Surf Film Festival falls on our list of most anticipated events of 2012. If you are staying in Pacific Beach for the sun, sand, and waves, you will be delighted to find the inaugural San Diego Surf Film Festival taking place in nearby Mission Bay during your stay.

When you think of sand and surf, San Diego is one of the first cities that probably comes to mind–and rightfully so.  San Diego plays a consistent role in the innovation of surfing by being home to a large population of board designers and talent residing along the 75 miles of sandy beaches the city has to offer. Just a quick walk up and down the boardwalk in Pacific Beach will confirm that San Diego is big on wave riding.

The San Diego Surf Film festival seeks to celebrate the passion that surfers, locals and visitors have for the ocean.  Kids can appreciate the awesome power of the ocean and learn from real surfers what it’s like to ride some of the best waves on Earth.  Parents can learn a little history about San Diego and its affiliation to surfing, the innovative aspects of board design, and see some of the coolest boards ever made. Everyone will be able to enjoy the celebration of the ocean and surfing through film.

What stay in San Diego would be complete without spending time on the sand watching surfers, or learning to surf yourself?  Spend your spring trip to San Diego at one of the many local surf schools, or simply celebrating the sport at the inaugural Surf Film Festival!

When: May 11-13, 2012

Where: 1091 West Morena Blvd., Mission Bay area, San Diego, CA

For more information, click here.

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From all over the world people flock to “America’s Best Kept Secret” or “America’s Finest City” to enjoy the amazing weather, culture, and variety of events that San Diego has to offer. In May, however, there is one single event bringing people into the boundaries of this wonderful city: Cinco De Mayo!  San Diego may indeed be renamed the “Fiesta-ist” City in America, with one of the most-attended Cinco De Mayo celebrations in the country taking place in gorgeous Old Town.

Old Town hosts the largest Cinco De Mayo celebration outside of Mexico.  With over 25 restaurants in a single square mile, you can imagine the access to authentic cuisine is nearly limitless.  The “Fiesta Old Town” event also provides entertainment and festivities that are great for kids and adults alike.  From stage coach rides to beer gardens, and even high-end tequila samplings, there is something for everyone.  The event also hosts kids-specific activities, music, authentic mariachi entertainment and access to several museums.  For those looking to take a little bit of Cinco De Mayo home with them, the Mercado provides everything from jewelry to authentic leather goods and more!

What better way to take advantage of the typical 70 degree May days in San Diego than with a trip down Fiesta Lane!  And when the kids (or adults) are tuckered out from a day of delicious, authentic Mexican food and festivities, the laid-back and relaxing sound of the ocean surf awaits just minutes away. Book a gorgeous room just steps from the sand at Pacific Beach’s Ocean Park Inn for the perfect place to take that much needed “siesta after the fiesta”.

When: May 5 – 6, 2012, Saturday: 11am – 10pm, Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Where: Old Town, San Diego

For more information, click here.

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San Diego is home to pristine beaches, miles of gorgeous coastline, nearby mountains, and one of the most unique natural landscapes in the state of California.  This gorgeous region is called Torrey Pines, and it is a 2000 acre piece of the Southern California coast that has been preserved, and remains virtually untouched by human life in San Diego.  To celebrate and support this untouched natural community, the Torrey Pines Park hosts an annual event called Art in the Pines.

Now in it’s 3^rd year, Art in the Pines is two days of celebrating the nature of Torrey Pines, and coastal Southern California as a whole, through art.  With the wildflowers in bloom all around, enjoy the variety of nature-themed paintings, sculptures, and photography on display at Torrey Pines Visitor Center.

The weekend event includes guided nature walks, music, beverages and artist demonstrations.  Art in the Pines has plenty of kid-friend activities as well, including the amazing opportunity for the kids to paint and draw with the help of local artists.  Additionally, a variety of San Diego area artists will display and sell their art for the benefit of educational programs such as field trips.

Torrey Pines is visited by travelers from all over the world and by locals who come daily to relax at the stunning overlooks and hike the peaceful trails.  If you are traveling to San Diego in May and would like to experience a truly unique nature preserve, and enjoy some music and refreshments, Art in the Pines is the place to be.

When: May 5 – 6, 2012, Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, 10am – 4pm

Where: 12600 North Torrey Pines Road

For more information, please click here.

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From the bustling social scene of downtown, to the authentic Mexican food in Old Town, to the relaxing beach neighborhoods lining the 75-mile coast, San Diego is sure to fit anyone’s fancy.  But what can a traveler looking for a truly eye-popping and pulse-pounding experience expect to find in San Diego in April and May 2012?  To sate the appetite of even the most hard to impress event-goer, San Diego is proud to host Cirque Du Soleil’s TOTEM!

Cirque du Soleil describes the show on the event website as follows: “TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.”

TOTEM is the perfect event to attend while staying in Pacific Beach this spring.  Spend the day relaxing amongst seals, dolphins, pelicans and fellow beachgoers, and the night immersed in the performance art of Cirque Du Soleil for a truly special San Diegan experience!

Cirque Du Soleil

When: April 12-May 13, 2012

Where: The Del Mar Fairgrounds

To purchase tickets, click here.

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If you are looking for an exciting and family-friendly event in San Diego this Spring, look no further than the 39^th Annual Crew Classic. This year’s races occur March 31st – April 1^st, and showcase the premier rowing crews in the United States. The Crew Classic also offers the opportunity for amateur rowers to get in on the action.

The Classic offers several categories for participants, including collegiate, juniors, and masters. Over 4,000 rowers participate in the race each year. The size and variety of the races guarantee over 100 exciting races for your viewing pleasure. You will want to bring sunglasses and/or a hat, a blanket to sit on, and lots of sunscreen to maximize the experience–and minimize the sunburn!

The fun does not simply stop with the races, however. There are lots of supplementary activities to take part in such as the Crew Classic Brunch, the San Diego Brew and Crew Beer Garden (for those aged 21 and up), and the annual trade show. The Brunch will include a delectable spread, as well as a raffle and silent auction. Reservations for the brunch must be made in advance. The Brew and Crew is being initiated in this year’s event, and will feature local craft breweries, gourmet food trucks, and live music. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the Classic. The trade show includes approximately 25 vendors displaying their products and services relating to rowing as well as local attractions.

Whether you choose to enjoy the Brew and Crew, or simply some fun in the sun watching the races, you will need a place to call home for the weekend. The Ocean Park Inn, located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, is the perfect location for a great weekend stay. It is located in close proximity to several attractions, including various restaurants, theme parks, and bars—and most importantly, close to the site of the Crew Classic! The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, spacious rooms, affordable prices and packages (including group and family rates), and several in-room amenities that cannot be beat. Go to www.oceanparkinn.com for more information and to book your stay for this wonderful event!

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