A day of rest for the USA, A Day of Surf and Sun for San Diego

For most Americans Labor Day is traditionally celebrated as the end of each warm and relaxing summer.  The holiday is therefore often spent of as a day of rest, a chance to take in local parades, and more.

Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City. In the aftermath of a tragic event during the Pullman Strike of 1894, the President made it a point to reconcile relationships with the labor force.  Labor Day was made a state holiday in all 50 states by the turn of the century.

If Labor Day is the ultimate summer day for most of the United States, it is only right that it be deemed a day of surf and sun in Southern California.  As it directly follows what is often the warmest month of the year for San Diego, Labor Day is the perfect ending to a long and enjoyable summer.

There is no avoiding Labor Day weekend in San Diego.  The scent of barbecue is in the air, the beaches are packed and there is an overall sense of happiness and relaxation that settles over the crowds. San Diego weather, which almost always cooperates with a comfortable average in the 70’s near the coast, can be relied upon to host a picnic, barbecue or backyard party.  Boasting some of the best beaches in the country, including the sand just across the boardwalk form the Ocean Park Inn at Pacific Beach, San Diego makes spending some time in the sun easy.  For those who want to get outside and put a few miles on their shoe leather, San Diego also supplies hiking opportunities at Cowles Mountain, and family fun destinations such as Balboa Park or Sea World.

All in all, if Labor Day is for resting, barbecuing, surfing or catching some rays at the beach you need look no further than San Diego and Ocean Park Inn.

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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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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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Desperately searching for that last minute gift to wow Mom this Mother’s Day? Look no further than the Ocean Park Inn’s Mother’s Day getaway package!  We would love to have your family stay with us to celebrate this holiday, and our Ultimate Mother’s Day package won’t disappoint. Your mom is sure to feel relaxed, appreciated, and loved when she is able to enjoy discounted facial treatments at one of Pacific Beach’s most popular spas, a breezy ocean view brunch at the Firehouse Restaurant just steps away from our lobby, and the delicious chocolate-covered strawberries that will await her in your recently updated, and spacious room–not to mention the 15% discount on your stay that sweetens the deal for everyone involved!

But the gifts for mom don’t have to stop there! There are several smaller gifts that she would certainly love to receive this year, and we have a few recommendations for you. First, is the Numi flowering teapot, which is a new approach for any avid tea-drinker. The box includes a charming glass teapot, and five flowering tea bundles—three white teas, a green and one black. The hand-picked, premium teas will leave please the taste buds, and leave your mother feeling rejuvenated and excited about her new gift.

If you are looking to offer Mom some relaxation this year, check into Korres new all-natural shower gels. These great-smelling gels come in a variety of sweet, and fruity flavors from Vanilla Plum, to refreshing Basil Lemon. These aromatherapy shower gels will give Mom all the proof she needs of how much you appreciate her, not just on Mother’s Day, but all year long.

Studies have shown that chocolate is the perfect cure to gloomy moods, so this holiday offer your mother a smile with these loving kindness, Dalai Lame designed chocolates! Intentional Chocolates are imbued with “focused good intention by experienced meditators,” some of which studied with the Dalai Lama himself. These sweet treats come from peaceful beginnings, and are perfect for the mom looking to relax and indulge.

Our last gift recommendation is for moms who are passionate about cooking. ‘Bean Appetit: Hip and Healthy Ways to Have Fun with Food’ is a great cook book for mom’s looking to find delicious meal ideas on a time crunch. Make the recipe search easier for that special lady in your life this year with a book full of great food that’s fun to make!

Our gift ideas are limitless, but we want to hear feedback from our fans! What do you think is the ultimate Mother’s Day? Get those creative juices flowing and let us know what you have in mind for your mom this holiday.

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