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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San Diego Fall Colors

As summer comes to a close many parts of the country begin to cool off, leaves begin to change colors and people begin to prepare for the harsh winter ahead. However, at the Ocean Park Inn our guests will find that San Diego’s climate sustains an ideal 70 degree temperature throughout the later months of the year, cooled only slightly by a brisk fall breeze that blows across the county.

Thanks to the comfortable weather San Diego is a fantastic fall vacation destination, and there are a number of local attractions and events to partake in while you visit. One such event is the annual Harvest Festival, which takes place in late October at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This is an arts and crafts festival that boasts a wide variety of artsy keepsakes from handmade clothing items, to ornate blown glass vases. Our guests are also encouraged to make the trip up to the Annual Julian Apple Harvest where you will be able to shop, hike, go for a horseback ride or try a world famous Julian Apple Pie from Mom’s Pie House in the beautiful fall weather. Football fans will want to come out and see all of the Chargers action at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers have a challenging fall swing facing the Cardinals, Patriots and Titans at home in the month of October, so you’re sure to find a thrilling game. To please the palette you may want to attend the largest wine and culinary event in the San Diego region at the annual San Diego Bay Wine and Food festival. This tasty event offers the opportunity to dine on gourmet food, meet celebrity chefs, and taste some of the famous fine wines of Californian origin. To round out an eclectic visit to San Diego this Fall we’d like to recommend a stop at the San Diego Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival, where you will find a wide variety of live musical performances ranging from traditional jazz, to Dixieland, and even swing.

There’s certainly something for everyone underneath the still-shining San Diego sun this autumn, and even in October, you won’t want to miss a comfortable stroll along some of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast. So when you’re planning your fall vacation, be sure to top your destination list with San Diego and the Ocean Park Inn.

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