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The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, located within the San Diego city limits, is an incredible area of wild land close to the Southern Californian coast that truly does not feel like it’s such a short distance to the center of city living. An area of 2,000 acres that has been preserved and protected since the earliest days of San Diego’s development, it is now an oasis of calm and natural beauty, perfect for time spent relaxing and exploring the outdoors. It is home to the rare Torrey species of pine, from which the reserve takes its name, plus the community of chaparral plants, beaches that stretch for miles and the lagoon which is a habitat for a number of migratory seabirds. A visit to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is almost a step back in time, a glimpse at what the California region might have looked like when the first settlers arrived and before modern life built towns and changed the landscape. Historically, the Torrey pine could be found across a much larger area, but today the reserve is one of just two remaining sites where it can thrive. If you will be at one of the hotels near Torrey Pines San Diego, take a day out of your schedule to enjoy mother nature!

Within the reserve, trails cover eight miles and are clearly marked. It makes an ideal starting point for joining the many trails or co-ordinating to meet up with friends. Picnics are able to be enjoyed on the beach, but no food can be taken into the reserve so as to protect the delicate ecology. Guests are recommended to bring their own bottles of water.

A favorite event among the local community and visitors from far and wide, the Rolando Street Fair is a popular annual affair for the whole family. Volunteer organized and co-ordinated by non-profit groups, in previous years the Street Fair has drawn several thousand people as crowds and filled the town with festivity and spirit. With musical performances and more than one hundred different booths of craft stalls, food vendors and service opportunities, it a wonderful day out with friends both new and old. There’s even a ‘kids’ corner’ area specifically designed for the youngest visitors, filled with fun activities and crafts as well as rides and amusements. Those who will be staying in San Diego should definitely check out the fair!

This year’s Street Fair is being held on Sunday March 30th between 10am and 6pm. Between the Silk Oak trees planted over half a century ago, the Fair fills the whole of Rolando Boulevard – the perfect picturesque backdrop. This is the ideal day out, with live music being played by The Ballad Mongers, Katie Leigh and the Infantry, Len Rainey and the Midnight Players, Steph Johnson as special guest of the Afrojazziacs and a special South California Reggae Xplosion provided by JAM KwesT. These local bands are very popular in the area and bring their own live music and active performances to the Street Fair in inimitable style.

Rolando Street Fair is supported by the College Area Business Improvement District, in association with the College Neighbourhoods Foundation, and with much needed financial backing from City Arts and Culture Commission. Between Marti Emerald, the Office of Council member, and the team of volunteers, this event truly represents the community which it brings together. Back for its 18th year, the support of the local people is essential for making the event a success. Families join from all across the county to celebrate the start of spring and to share in making happy memories.

Whether you are of Irish heritage or not, St. Patrick’s Day is always a day of celebration. It’s a day to eat, drink and enjoy all the luck of the Irish. So why not make this year’s St. Patty’s something extra special with a Winery Train Tour? Running every weekday throughout March, the Go Green – St. Patrick’s Winery Train tour will help you celebrate Ireland while enjoying all the stunning views that the San Diego coast has to offer, and at the same time delighting your taste buds with delicious wines and fine foods.

You will mount and dismount the train at several intervals during the tour to take in some of San Diego’s rich history. Guests will enjoy an Italian lunch while visiting different wineries and have the chance to try around 18 of the best the city has to offer. You can also get an insight into to how they are made with a fantastic behind the scenes look, which also offers you tips on how to get the best from tasting wines. Guests will also play games and win prizes throughout the tour.

If wine isn’t to your taste, then fear not! There will be several craft beers available which are brewed locally and available for you at no extra cost. You can drink to your heart’s content, but just make sure you have a designated driver to get you home.

Tickets for the tour are $88 each, not including the $12 for your train ticket and gratuity for your tour guide. It is also important to note that there is around 2 miles of walking involved on this tour, so if you have mobility problems you might be more suited to a different tour. Spaces are limited and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. This is just one of the many St. Patrick’s day events in San Diego, but surely not one that you’d want to miss!

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This February 22nd, the San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park is hosting the Winter Brew Fest, an event to celebrate craft brews from around the state of California and from around the  world. The festival will feature live music from local bands and singers, as well as over 40 different vendors offering you different foods and beverages.

The event brings together patrons and supporters of two of San Diego’s local charities: Outdoor Outreach and the San Diego Mountain Bike Association. Outdoor Outreach is a charity which uses outdoor programming to empower at-risk youths and help them to make lasting, positive changes to their lives. The San Diego Mountain Bike Association works with land managers, policy makers, and other trail users to unite mountain bikers with manufacturers and retailers.

The Winter Brew Fest is a gathering for San Diego residents and visitors to eat, drink, and be merry, while creating awareness and funds for these amazing causes.  The event starts at 7pm for general ticket holders, however, there are a limited number of VIP tickets available which will permit you entry at 6pm, giving you the chance to sample the best of the brews and snacks there are to offer. There is even a combined beer and cheese extra. Tickets for the VIP session are $50 if you purchase them in advance or $60 on event day, while general tickets are $40 in advance and $50 the day of. Conveniently, every ticket holder will get a free souvenir glass to take home with them.

So if you find yourself in one of the hotels near Balboa Park on a cold February evening and want something to warm you up from the inside out, then buy your tickets for the San Diego Winter Brew Fest today and give yourself something to look forward to. You are going to have a great time! [schema type=”event” evtype=”Event” url=”http://amigospotsandiego.com/kingsinn-sandiego/ema_articles/check-san-diego-winter-brew-fest/#ls-articles” name=”San Diego Winter Brew Fest” description=”Enjoy craft beers from all around the world at this exciting event!” sdate=”2014-02-22″ stime=”06:00 pm” street=”2131 Pan American Plaza” city=”San Diego” state=”CA” postalcode=”92101″ country=”US” ]

Visitors of San Diego will understandably want to see as much of the city as possible, but with a city as large as this it could take months to view it all. One of the best ways to see what San Diego has to offer is to take a Harbor Cruise —this involves taking a boat tour of the bay and 13 miles of surrounding waters, which enable you to get the best views of over 50 of the city’s best and most loved landmarks as well as the beautiful marine wildlife, sea birds, and parts of San Diego’s military-rich history. If you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins or sea lions, offering you up some of the most unbeatable photo and video opportunities that won’t be found anywhere else in the city.

The boat rides will be manned and narrated live by captains who are experts in their field. They can show you the sights as well as make you aware of the efforts being made to preserve the local environment. The boat itself features inside seating which is climate controlled —making this cruise suitable all year round— and a snack bar which serves hot and cold food. Don’t worry, adults who want to relax can also take advantage of their fully stocked bar, and  there are also opportunities on board to purchase souvenirs from your trip.

These cruises are extremely popular but you do not need to book in advance. You can just turn up and buy your tickets on the day of, if you choose to. These cruises are a huge hit with families and children of all ages, so once you have made arrangements on where to stay in San Diego, make further arrangements to book a trip on the Harbor Cruises.

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