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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When you come to San Diego to visit OPI this fall it’s the perfect time to hit the water and go sailing. Whether you are a regular visitor to sunny San Diego, or a first-timer, nothing is more cathartic than setting sail in the bay and cruising out into the open ocean. You will see a vast array of boats while you’re out sailing, from mega-yachts parked in the Marriott Marina to aircraft carriers and battleships that make San Diego a military stronghold. The feeling of the cool fall breeze blowing across your face as you glide swiftly through the waters of the Pacific Ocean is the quickest way to leave your worries behind and escape into a state of bliss.

With an average wind speed of 7 mph and an average temperature of 74 degrees the conditions are consistently ideal for a casual sail. San Diego offers waters that are perfect for beginners looking to learn, and easily manageable for sailing veterans who have been on the water for years.  Sit back and relax with a glass of wine and a plate of your favorite local cuisine and sail until the sun goes down over the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the infamous green flash just as the sun dips below the horizon. If you’re in need of a vessel to fulfill your sailing desires, check out one of these boat rental spots conveniently located near the Ocean Park Inn:

Seaforth Boat Rentals: 1641 Quivera Rd, San Diego CA 92109

Mission Bay Sports Center: 1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109

Shelter Island Sailing: 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

These great shops allow experienced sailors to rent a boat and hit the water, or captain services for those who want to purely enjoy the ride, and even sailing lessons for interested novices looking to get their sea legs. So the next time you’re visiting us at the OPI we’d recommend you pack a lunch, grab your family and set sail on the deep blue!

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Pleasure Point at the Museum of Contemporary Arts

Blossom with the La Jolla Festival of the Arts

Do you love the creative arts? If so, you’ll want to visit sunny, coastal San Diego from June 26^th-27^th, 2010 for the annual La Jolla Festival of the Arts! This event is one of California’s top rated art shows, at which you will enjoy the work of over 200 artists from the United States and Mexico displaying their watercolors, oils, sculpture, serigraphs, fine jewelry, photography, and more. Event attendees can also enjoy a variety of cuisines in the festival food area.

For a taste of a more innovative type of art, the Ocean Park Inn suggests that you look into the festival’s street chalking event. The nationally recognized Madonnari street painters will use the plain asphalt streets as their canvas, and fill the roads with color. There will also be celebrity lectures, live music, a unique car show, and book signings–so the event will easily satisfy every creative thinker in your group!

Not only will you be given the opportunity to see these amazing works of art first hand, but the festival also provides discourse regarding the artists’ creative process and artistic development. And if you are an artist yourself you don’t have to feel left out of the fun! The event offers its attendees the chance to submit their own work as well! All visuals are outstanding in color, presentation, and design, and could not have a better setting than the beautiful San Diegan beach town of La Jolla.

If you fancy art, a great ambiance, and good company, Ocean Park Inn believes the La Jolla Festival of the Arts is for you.

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Shamu at Sea World San Diego

One of the most popular San Diego attractions for the whole family is the fun, and exciting displays of wildlife at Sea World. Just a few minutes away from the Ocean Park Inn, Sea World boasts great food, great rides, and of course great shows. So when planning your day at Sea World the first destination to look into is the performances. Currently, the most popular show is “Believe”, which showcases the unique behaviors of killer whales. If you’re visiting us in San Diego during the summer, set your sights on “Shamu’s Sky Splash”, which includes a spectacular fireworks display. Beginning May 29th, there is a new show hitting Sea World entitled “Blue Horizons”, which features a wide variety of sea life ranging from dolphins, pilot whales, and birds, all under the talented supervision of animal trainers and live acrobatic performers. The story of this show begins with a young girl by the name of Mariana who explores the secrets of the sky and the sea. Her dreams come alive as she dives into the ocean. This new performance is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

When taking a break for some delicious food, be sure to look into the Shipwreck Reef Café, Coconut Bay Café, and the Rocky Pointe Café. The Shipwreck Reef Café sets a unique dining décor, and excites it’s diners with splashes from the nearby shipwreck rapid rides. If you’re looking for a drier meal, we would suggest the Coconut Bay Café. This restaurant offers great food in a quick-serve setting so you won’t have to miss any of the excitement Sea World has to offer. Family’s looking to find a health alternative to most amusement park food should look into the Rocky Pointe Café for salads, wraps and sandwiches–all under 750 calories.

Once your family is full and filled with energy it’s time to visit some of the exciting rides that Sea World has to offer. The newest addition is the Journey to Atlantis ride, which features dolphin spirits that guide passengers on an ocean voyage. The special effects on this ride will leave you soaked and running back for more. Next we journey to Shipwreck Rapids, where you can spin and splash through the river rapids of an underground tavern. The last, and most popular ride, is the sky tower, which features a spectacular view of the theme park, and most of San Diego! You will even be able to catch a glimpse of the Ocean Park Inn sitting right across the ocean.

Sea World is the ultimate family getaway in San Diego, so don’t miss out on all of the exciting activities Shamu has in store for you while you’re visiting us at the Ocean Park Inn!

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