Elegance, excellence and excitement are what come to mind when we think of the Del Mar National Horse Show! For more than sixty years people from all over the world have been travelling to the Del Mar Fairgrounds to take part in this event, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian competitions in the Western U.S.

Set in the picturesque beach town of Del Mar, California, the Del Mar National has earned a reputation for being among the toughest, most exciting, and finest horse shows in the Western region. Today, the show boasts over 3,000 horses of varied breed and training. Horses and jockeys alike arrive eager to show off their talent and earn ribbons, trophies, titles and of course… prize money!

The Del Mar National Horse Show is spread out across three separate weeklong events including:

• Western Week: April 21-24
• Dressage Week: April 28- May 1
• Hunter/Jumper Week: May 3-8

With world-class equestrian competitions, an exhilarating crowd that is “dressed to the nines,” and signature Saturday evening performances, the Del Mar National is an event you don’t want to miss out on.

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Spring is on its way to San Diego, and as the weather warms, San Diegans and visitors alike come together for a month of festivals, parades and celebrations. San Diego doesn’t waste any time relaxing, and instead moves quickly from exciting Mardi Gras events, to a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Be ready to put away your beads and break out the green and gold, because it’s time to celebrate Celtic style!

Saturday, March 12 marks an eventful day in Balboa Park, which will be packed with two stages of live entertainment, Irish cuisine and beverages, and of course the annual St. Patty’s Day Parade. Admission is free to the public, and gates open at 9 a.m. Get there early so you won’t miss the ceremonial flag raising which kick things off at 10 a.m. Just thirty minutes later the crowd will have moved to Fifth Avenue and Juniper Street where the parade takes its first steps. Revel in the sights and sounds of marching bands, floats, police and fire department units, dancing groups, bagpipe contingents, antique cars and more as the parade makes its way through the park.

The festivities will be in full swing by 11 a.m. with two beer gardens serving ice-cold Guinness, along with other beer, wine and spirits. Patrons can satisfy their cravings with a wide variety of authentic Celtic food and enjoy booths filled with traditional Irish crafts. And don’t forget about the little ones who are sure to enjoy the Kid Zone where they can partake in games, rides, face painting and more.

If a little history is what you seek, head over to the Celtic Village for the opportunity to step back into the year 1582! A troupe of renaissance re-enactors will be on hand to portray the daily drama of the soldiers of House McFionn. Relish in authentic fighting demonstrations, Irish dance, song, crafts and story telling.

If you think you’ve seen everything San Diego has to offer on this famed Irish holiday, think again! The following week, on March 17, the historic Gaslamp District hosts ShamROCK: the best St. Patty’s Day block party on the West coast! Pack your bags and head to the beach for a week of celebrations and all the green beer you can drink.

Let the Ocean Park Inn handle your accommodations and put you up in one of our contemporary-style rooms overlooking beautiful Pacific Beach. Take some time to relax and unwind by our ocean front pool as you prepare yourself for one of the biggest celebrations to hit San Diego all year!

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It’s been a long wait, but the party that brings together thousands of people for a night of indulgence and fun is upon us once again! Leave your inhibitions at the door when you join us on March 8, 2011 for a wild night celebrating Mardi Gras—San Diego Style!

San Diego’s famous Gaslamp Quarter shuts down the streets for their extravagant Mardi Gras block party. The best Mardi Gras celebration this side of Mississippi kicks off at 6 p.m. with world-renowned DJ’s, three massive stages and themed zones, and of course the Incredible Masquerade Parade, which begins at 9:30 p.m.

As the streets of the Gaslamp come to life with go-go dancers, street performers and cirque carnival games, so do the neighborhood’s most exciting hotspots. With 17 participating restaurants you’re sure to find a local eatery to satisfy any craving. Enjoy cuisines from all over the world including Italian, Contemporary American, Indian and even a little Southern Comfort food.

The parade winds down and reaches its end at midnight, but attendees are sure to simply clear the streets and head for the clubs to keep the party going all night. Don’t miss the opportunity to have the ultimate VIP experience at the Mardi Gras block party and Incredible Masquerade Parade. VIP access offers the chance to pay no cover at over 13 participating clubs, and enjoy 6 welcome shots, delicious food and drink specials, and a coveted parking discount – a $500 value for only $40 with advanced purchase!

Visit www.gaslamp.org for details and to purchase your tickets to the best Mardi Gras party on the West coast in advance!

After taking advantage of all that the festivities have to offer, remove the beads and relax on the shores of Pacific Beach at Ocean Park Inn.  Just minutes away from the Gaslamp Quarter, Ocean Park Inn has ocean view rooms and the most comfortable beds in So Cal.  Gumbo nightcap not included!  Visit www.oceanparkinn.com or call 858-483-5858 to make your reservation today.

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The seasons are changing, and fall is coming into full swing in Pacific Beach, and at the OPI. There is a slight, but nevertheless present nip in the air, people are breaking out their light winter sweaters and the traditions of autumn are rapidly coming upon us. As the seasons change, so does the local fare around San Diego. Despite the consistently sunny days, San Diegans still yearn for the comfort foods of fall that make us feel like we are back in mom’s kitchen.

No fall season menu is complete without the mouthwatering baked goods that pop up this time of year. Nothing is better on a cool fall evening than homemade desserts and pastries that remind us of Thanksgiving dinners with the family. Pumpkin pies, fruit pies, layered cakes and cookies are just a few of the yummy treats that we indulge upon in autumn. Just because you are vacationing in sunny San Diego this fall doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on these delicious comfort foods. In San Diego proper, The City Delicatessen offers some of the best baked goods in the area. From apple, blueberry, cherry and peach pies to cakes, pastries, éclairs and cookies, City Delicatessen has a treat to satisfy every taste and sweet tooth. So head on over to Hillcrest and pick up your favorite treats from this classic San Diego restaurant.

Another trademark of fall is football season, and nothing says football like tailgating. Whether you’re enjoying the game from the comfort of your hotel room, or watching the bolts play live at Qualcomm, don’t forget to take part in the tailgating festivities that complete the football experience. Hotdogs, hamburgers beer and bratwurst are tailgating favorites. If you want a true San Diego experience, grill up some carne asada or pollo asado and make yourself a savory homemade Mexican meal. If you want to watch football from the comfortable seats of a popular restaurant, try Rocky’s Crown Pub in Pacific Beach for burgers and beer, or Casa Guadalajara in Old Town for authentic Mexican fare.

Lastly, no fall would be complete without hot beverages to warm you on cold nights. Regardless of whether you like hot chocolate, fancy lattes, bold coffees or hot teas, try Café Bassam in Banker’s Hill. They have an expansive array of unique blends, various hot chocolates and frothy lattes. The old-timey charm of this place is the perfect locale to enjoy a warm beverage, read a book or just sit back and people watch in exciting San Diego where we at the OPI make our home.

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San Diego Skyline

San Diego has always been a hot spot for travelers of all shapes and sizes, and this is due in large part to gorgeous scenery, amazing hotels, and a long list of varied, and cost-effective activities to fill up your stay! If you’re vacationing on a budget this year, look no further than the centrally located and affordable Ocean Park Inn to call home during your visit. No matter who you’re traveling with, or what you’re looking to get out of your vacation, San Diego has a fun and free activity for you!

Just ten minutes north of Pacific Beach sit the gorgeous La Jolla Coves, an idyllic location to spend an afternoon during your stay. A sunny stroll through La Jolla will greet you with sparkling blue water, pristine beaches, and the unique experience of watching seals come out to play in their natural habitat.

A few miles in the opposite direction will bring you to scenic Seaport Village, a great place to spend the day window-shopping and watching yachts pass by in the San Diego Bay. Just a stone’s throw away is Mission Bay Park, a great spot for family vacationers looking to enjoy the breezy weather with kite-flying, a game of catch, or a relaxing picnic in the sun. If you’re looking to catch a bit of exercise during your stay, Mission Bay Park also boasts over 20 miles of attractive jogging paths which are sure to make your workout out more enjoyable.

Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Balboa Park, where you can enjoy free live music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. This venue features one of the largest outdoor pipe organs in the country, and has been a notable landmark since 1914.

Finally, for the history buff in your crew, don’t forget to stop by the celebrated Old Town San Diego district, where you can stroll through town and view notable buildings such as Seeley Stables, the Steward House, and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive but memorable getaway this spring we at the Ocean Park Inn would love to recommend a journey out to San Diego. With countless free, fun, and picturesque activities available, we’re sure you won’t regret your choice!

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