It’s that time of year again, when San Diegans get the unique opportunity to spot one of the largest and most remarkable mammals in the world, the gray whale, as they migrate along the coast in pursuit of Baja. The whales, mostly female, depart their arctic feeding grounds to give birth in the warm subtropical lagoons of Mexico from the months of January to May. As the season is just picking up, locals and tourists alike are taking advantage of the multitude of whale watching tours available throughout San Diego. Here, we’ll highlight some of our favorite tours, and why visiting San Diego during the temperate months of January and February is the best way to escape the cold!

One of our favorite and more traditional ways to whale watch is from a boat out at sea. We love the Naturalist-Guided Whale Watching Boat Rides, as they feature an expert from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps onboard. With guaranteed whale sightings, guests must reserve a spot ahead of time! To reserve a spot, call (619) 234-4111. Another company we love is Hornblower Cruise and Whale Watching Adventures. With Hornblower, guests are able to combine their admission to the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway, or the San Diego Natural History Museum with a whale watching tour. There’s no better way to enjoy the rest of your day after a spotting whales at sea than a wonderful time expanding your knowledge of the deep ocean blue! To book with Hornblower, visit http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/category/sd+tours. For those seeking a more adventurous whale watching boat tour, we love the Whale Watching San Diego Sailing Adventure. Sail aboard the America, a classic racing vessel that looks like it was built in the 1800’s! This boat tour guarantees guests entry into the Maritime Museum either before or after their tour paired with a guaranteed whale sighting and no seasickness! Guests are able to bring food on the boat to enjoy as well. To book with Whale Watching San Diego Sailing Adventure, call 800-644-3454.

Speaking of adventure, there’s also an option for those who like to really immerse themselves in the outdoors! Nature lovers can whale watch from a kayak along the La Jolla Shores. As whales are often spotted along the La Jolla cliffs, kayakers get an up close view of these marvelous creatures as they swim beneath their feet. Although whale sightings are not guaranteed, participants are able to take in the beautiful scenery of the La Jolla cliffs in an adventurous kayaking experience they’ll never forget.  To sign up for a small group kayaking tour, you can pay $60 for a single kayak, or $55 a person for a double kayak. To book, please visit http://www.hikebikekayak.com

However you choose to whale watch, let Ocean Park Inn serve as your home base after this breathtaking experience.  Located on the shores of Pacific Beach with great weather conditions and even better views, Ocean Park Inn is the perfect place to escape the cold winter months of January through March. To book one of our oceanfront rooms, visit http://bit.ly/QN1Jod

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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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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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