Are you a music buff? Do you love all genres, from Classic Rock & Roll to Cajun Blues and from Motown to Contemporary Jazz? If you are sitting at your computer nodding “yes,” then you better get down to the beach this summer for La Jolla’s Concerts by the Sea!

These family-friendly–not to mention free–summer concerts are fun for locals and visitors of all ages. The events are held on Sundays in a gorgeous spot overlooking the La Jolla Coves, and offer a wide range of musical styles for everyone’s enjoyment.

Every year, the city of La Jolla hosts these musical performances that run for two straight months under the summer sun. The concerts are held shore-side in Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove every Sunday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year, “The Heroes” will kick off the season on July 10. This 7-member band is headed by the talents of two amazing female singers. This classic rock & roll band’s extensive song list includes everything from big band, swing and standards from the 30′s and 40′s, to today’s current hits, with oldies, Motown, rock & roll, and even a little funk mixed in.

Food vendors and beverage stands line the park and support the ongoing LaJolla concerts every summer. How does a hot dog and ice-cold soda sound? Or maybe some ice cream and popcorn for the kids? These events have it all! The concerts also bring together local restaurants and business that offer fantastic raffle prizes including gift certificates for local activities each week! So come enjoy a free afternoon concert on the shore and you could leave with a free gift certificate for additional fun activities during your stay in San Diego. Sounds like a pretty good deal to us!

For details and a complete list of performances during the 2011 season, visit www.ljconcertsbythesea.org.

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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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San Diego has something for everyone, and when you come to visit us at the Ocean Park Inn with your significant other we know that your individual vacation plans don’t always match up. When you visit us in San Diego, however, there is a perfect package designed to fit both the male and female desires alike: Fishing and Massages.

For the Guys: San Diego has some of the best deep-sea fishing on the west coast. You can go out and catch a multitude of species including Sea Bass, Halibut, Dorado Tuna and Yellowtail. There are a variety of deep-sea charters around the city, including Seaforth Charters, Islandia, and Fisherman’s Landing. We will connect you with the best charter to help you bring in a trophy fish, and go home with another great fishing story to tell around the boardroom.

For the Ladies: While your man is out on the open water spend your time relaxing in the privacy of your own room with one of our amazing in-room massages. Listen to the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash into the shoreline just steps from your hotel room and let one of our massage therapists work the kinks out of your stress-ridden muscles. After your massage, sit back in your robe and top the experience off with a glass of champagne and watch the sunset. When your better half returns home from his fishing adventures you can enjoy the fruits of his labor and head down to the grill to cook up the catch of the day.

The fishing and massage combo is an ideal solution for guys who want to indulge their inner sport-fisherman, and for ladies who enjoy a day of relaxation and pampering. Call us today and inquire about our fishing and massage packages, and we’ll make sure your experience is unforgettable!

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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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