PassPort to San Diego
LOCAL LIVING RESOURCE for Residents, Visitors & Newcomers
Happy Independence Day everyone! Many communities are back with a bang, presenting fireworks and family fun! Check out these local happenings to make your holiday weekend sparkle. https://buff.ly/3I9BpDz
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Color your world at Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, where 37 working-artist studios open their doors to the public. The courtyard, with its playfully painted tiles, is a kaleidoscope, drawing visitors in. Art lovers are invited to watch glassblowers and potters, painters and sculptors, jewelry-makers and other craftspeople create of one-of-a-kind pieces, many for sale. The studio artists often share stories, teach, and give recommendations to budding artists interested in similar work. Events include the Potters’ Guild and Art Glass Guild patio sales, both held twice a year. Summer camps for kids and adults and classes for adults are also offered, ranging from pottery to painting to metal arts and mosaics.
The enchanting historic courtyard is also the perfect setting for corporate events, company meetings, holiday parties, weddings, or other special occasions. Up to 500 guests can enjoy a spectacular setting and have access to the entire courtyard and adjacent studios to explore. Evening events can be especially enchanting, with beautiful bougainvilleas and twinkling lights helping to creating a magical atmosphere. For patio rental information, call (619) 233-9050.
Located in Balboa Park next to the San Diego Zoo, Spanish Village invites patrons, art lovers and just curious folks to unleash their inner sense of childhood fun and love of whimsy. Spend time strolling around and discover an eclectic mix of mediums. Leave with unique and skillfully crafted pieces. This great artisan enclave offers free admission and is open seven days a week, 362 days a year (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Call (619) 233-9050 or visit http://spanishvillageart.com/ check out the village’s current events.
One of the great experiences in San Diego is whale-watching season. California gray whales migrate from their summer feeding grounds in the North Pacific and Bering Sea to their winter breeding grounds in the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California and trek back north again. Passing by San Diego, their round-trip journey moves them through 12,500 miles of coastline.
Curious to witness this longest-known mammal migration, I boarded a yacht with City Cruises, which offers whale and dolphin-watching excursions December through April. My afternoon began with happy visitors and a smiling welcome from the captain and first officer.
Not one but three levels on the boat offered places to relax. Most passengers chose the top sundeck for bird’s-eye views, though a climate-controlled indoor level was available. We set sail and were soon learning about San Diego Bay history and landmarks like the USS Midway Museum, Cabrillo National Monument and Coronado Bay Bridge. We also floated by sea lions sunning themselves on channel markers, marine birds, and other neat marine creatures.
Once out to sea beyond Point Loma, the captain — who seemed to have a knack for spotting the whales — steered us toward a pod of them frolicking and diving. Naturalists pointed to them as they came up for air, spouting water — or “blowing off steam” like a car radiator as one docent explained it — and then dove back down, their whale flukes seemingly waving “hello.” Passengers listened and watched intently, thrilled to get so close to these graceful creatures while naturalists answered their impromptu questions: Do they travel alone or in pods? How long does it take before they come up for air again? How much do they weigh? We learned that they swim individually or in groups, that their dives average 5 minutes and that they weigh 30-40 tons, but are still much smaller than their blue whale cousins, the largest animal on the planet.
Between whale viewings, guests enjoyed expert narration from the captain and first officer, all while taking in the fresh air, coastal scenery and snacking on food and drink available on board. Everyone agreed that being in such close proximity to the whales was a remarkable experience to treasured.
Back in the bay, the narration continued, this time on the magnificent downtown San Diego skyline and assorted seabirds, but my mind floated back to my afternoon on the sea and the world just beneath the water’s surface. This is a wonderful activity for anyone — solo travelers, couples and/or families. Hop on a City Cruise and discover this adventure for yourself!
Reservations are required. Visit City Cruises to Book Your Tour!
San Diego’s warms weather continues in September, a perfect time to explore the great outdoors! Elevate your view, paddle around our bays and explore our museums, some of which are just reopening. Read more about live and virtual fun here: https://buff.ly/323rfRm
