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 Restaurant Week

At Ocean Park Inn, one of our staff’s favorite weeks of the year is San Diego Restaurant Week.  Taking place this year from September 19^th through the 24^th, this event allows San Diego’s best restaurants to offer unique 3-course meals designed especially for the food connoisseur at affordable prices.

San Diego Restaurant week is organized by the local chapter of the California Restaurant Association, and a massive 180 establishments in the area participate.  Some of our favorites include:  Cowboy Star, Taka Restaurant, Currant American Brasserie, Acqua, Firehouse American Eatery (Which sits right next door!), Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Quarter Kitchen.

Taking part in Restaurant week is easy—there are no special fees or tickets required, and while reservations are not mandatory, they’re highly encouraged.  Before you can make the important decision of where to take in this appetizing event, check out a full list of participating restaurants here.  If you click on a listed venue you will find the mouthwatering menu they’re planning on serving.  Warning: Don’t do this when hungry!

Also, if you can’t make it in September, this a twice-a-year event will occur again in January, so plan ahead!

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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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Belmont Park is located only a few minutes from the Ocean Park Inn, and sits just across the street from the beach. The main attractions include the wave machines, arcade, midway games, glow in the dark miniature golf, and the lazar maze. The highlight of these attractions is the wavehouse, which includes the FlowRider® and FlowBarrel®. The FlowRider® attraction is a simulated wave machine that creates a perfect wave, resembling the shape of an average ocean wave. This attraction is perfect for beginners, and houses a large open face which allows riders to move freely. For the more experienced surfer Belmont Park boasts the FlowBarrel®, which is a hollow tube with a nice steep face, and resembles the type of waves that surfers travel the world looking for. And don’t worry if you fall, the surface beneath the water is padded for the protection of beginners.

When it’s time to take a break for food you’ll find that there are many options to choose from. If you are on the go, look into Chipstix, North Shore Café, The Sweet Shoppe, and Beach Treats, to satisfy your hunger. The most popular stop from this list is Chipstix, which serves classic amusement park favorites like corndogs, hotdogs, chicken tenders, and slush puppies. If you are looking to sit down, and relax in the ambiance of Belmont Park, then we would suggest the Wavehouse Bar and Grill. This place is open seven days a week, and is the ultimate family dining stop. The environment this place creates is laid-back, and encourages you to enjoy the San Diego sun and surf. The Wavehouse Bar and Grill includes an exciting array of outdoor Tiki bars, fire pits, hammocks, tropical palms and lounging sand pits. This particular restaurant is sure to please your taste buds, and your affinity for beach living!

When the family is full and ready to continue their exciting trip to Belmont Park, we would suggest a stop at some of the region’s premier retail shops. First, try Sun Diego, where they strive to bring customers the best selection of surf, skate, snow apparel and related equipment, safety gear, and accessories. Next, stop by Wings to peruse a large assortment of high quality clothing, swimwear, shoes, souvenirs, and beach accessories at affordable prices. Then, for a unique and creative experience, check out Henna Heaven, which originated in India. The tattoos here are top quality, and best of all temporary. The last stop is Beach and Resort Wear, where you can stock up on all beach necessities such as sandals, towels, swimsuits, bodyboards and more.

As your adventure comes to an end, all of us at the Ocean Park Inn would like to wish your family an amazing stay in beautiful San Diego.

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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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