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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Whether you observe St. Patrick’s Day to commemorate the cultural history of Ireland, or simply to enjoy the exciting celebratory atmosphere, San Diego has an event for you. One of the most popular St. Patty’s day events is the annual Miller Lite ShamROCK St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which takes place in the Gaslamp Quarter. The festival spans across several blocks, from F Street between 5^th and 7^th Avenues, to 6^th Avenue between E and G Streets, and finally to G Street between 5^th and 6^th Avenues. The main entrance is located at 5^th and G Street. There will be live entertainment, hip D.J.’s, and several local Irish rock and punk bands. Of course, there will be free flowing green beer and Irish delicacies. Most importantly, the event features their signature ‘Designated Driver’ program, offering free rides home to festival guests anywhere in San Diego County. With over 20,000 guests expected, you’ll want to be sure to pick up your tickets early!

For the more tame at heart, Balboa Park offers the Irish Festival each year. The festival will follow the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and will include live entertainment, a kids play zone, and food and craft booths. All entertainment and entry to the festival is free and open to the public.

Whether you choose to celebrate Dublin style with the ShamROCK festival, lay low with the parade, or choose one of the many other events in San Diego, you will need a place to rest once the festivities come to a close. The Ocean Park Inn is a great retreat located in the heart of Pacific Beach. There are many restaurants, bars, and St. Patrick’s Day festivities within walking distance of the hotel, and with its location resting right on the beach, the Inn offers breathtaking views, several amenities, and great rates.  Visit www.oceanparkinn.com for details on rates and packages.

Whether you are taking a vacation with a group of friends, or treating the family to a getaway from work and school, San Diego is sure to meet everyone’s needs. There are many attractions, including Little Italy which features several authentic Italian restaurants and cultural events. Or attend a Flagship Cruise to enjoy the wonderful Pacific Ocean scenery and wildlife. Even consider getting aboard a Paradigm Shift Charter to get in an awesome fly-fishing adventure. When traveling with a group, there is no better place to visit than Pacific beach, right on the coast in San Diego. Pacific Beach is known for its beach and boardwalk that plays host to some of the region’s most popular restaurants, bars, and attractions. A local hotspot, Garnet Street, is home to an infinite number of these bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, making it the perfect destination for the late night crowd. For those visiting as a family, there are numerous theme parks and attractions to check out, including Sea World Adventure Park, the San Diego Zoo, Legoland (in Carlsbad), and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There are also an array of museums to take in, including the USS Midway Museum which is an awe-inspiring display of a retired aircraft carrier, the San Diego Museum of Art which hosts various exhibitions year-round, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego which highlights historical ships and nautical exhibits.

One of the factors that makes a vacation perfect is where you stay. The Ocean Park Inn, one of Pacific Beach’s premier oceanfront hotels, is perfect for everyone. Within walking distance of all things spring break, the OPI offers wonderful group packages and rates, as well as an easy booking process for affordable stays for everyone. 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 family stays and group rates.

The Latino Film Festival is celebrating its 19^th year. This year’s festival takes place March 8th – 18th and gives visitors the opportunity to view Latino films, art, and music through the many exhibitions and concerts celebrating rich Latino history. Even better? There are several levels of festival passes to suit any budget! For instance, the premier pass offers entry to all of the programs with no waiting, a free one-year pass to the Media Arts Center in San Diego, entry into all of the festival galas, and other perks. The next pass down would include entrance to eleven of the programs. You can also choose the family pass, which includes tickets for two adults and two children to four film screenings. And if you want to casually check out the event for the first time with a handful of films, the Documania pass is for you. Group packages are available if you would like to go with a group of friends.

The festival is located at the Ultrastar Mission Valley Cinemas Hazard Center, right in the middle of all of San Diego’s happening spots. There are several restaurants and shops within walking distance of the festivities. After a great day rich with art, film, and culture, rest your head at premier beachfront accommodations at the Ocean Park Inn. Just a short drive from the festival, the OPI offers wonderful group packages and rates, as well as an easy booking process for easy and affordable stays for everyone. 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 and check out the 2012 Latino Film Festival at http://sdlatinofilm.com/!

There are several events happening in the San Diego area that will help you celebrate Mardi Gras as if you were in Louisiana’s French Quarter. This February 21st consider heading down to the Gaslamp District for the ‘San Diego Mardi Gras Ball’ at 4th and B, a premier live music venue. This party is sure to please with its Brazilian theme, Samba music and dancers, Capoeira performances, and an abundance of beads and feathers to add to the fantasy atmosphere. You can also check out the Little Italy ‘Carnevale’ event located on India and Hawthorne streets on February 18th. Enjoy celebrating with over 12,000 people amidst old-style Venetian regalia and décor. Or consider joining the Hillcrest Mardi Gras street party on the 21^st for festivities, food, live entertainment, and outrageous costumes.

After a long night (or week!) of celebrating, rest your head on a comfy pillow at the Ocean Park Inn. Located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, the Ocean Park Inn is the perfect place to stay to be within a close distance of multiple Mardi Gras events. Not to mention the OPI’s wonderful group packages and easy booking process, which allows for easy and affordable stays for your whole group. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, spacious rooms, great prices and packages, and several in-room amenities that cannot be beat. Go to www.oceanparkinn.com for more information about the hotel and nearby places to celebrate Mardi Gras!

Research shows that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. The number one form of heart disease is having a heart attack. According to the CDC, there are numerous risk factors of heart disease/heart attack, including hhigh cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity. Think about it – what do these things such as obesity, tobacco use, and poor diet and exercise have in common? They cause stress to your body, which equates to stress to your heart. Because you are not properly taking care of your body, your heart is forced to work over time, which can lead to a heart attack. So how do we prevent heart problems? By becoming physically active, eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco use and/or second hand smoke, and by incorporating stress-free, relaxing activities into our lives.

Honor February as American Heart Month by planning a weekend getaway to one of Pacific Beach’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.  The Inn offers many amenities including spacious rooms-no need to fight over who steals the covers, complimentary continental breakfast-no worries about having to cook, in-room coffee maker-caffeine to jump start your body and get the day going, and a free daily newspaper-check out all of the fun, relaxing things to do in San Diego. Best yet, in room massages are available upon your request that will relax your muscles and de-stress your mind. You can also unwind by the beach front pool, or with the family in a spacious family suite.

Make a promise to yourself that you are going to take care of your body and your mind and join us at the Ocean Park Inn!