The New Children’s Museum Partners with San Diego Library !

The San Diego New Children’s Museum is a great place downtown to play, explore and create.

The New Children's Museum is now offering a program with the San Diego Public Library that provides families unlimited access to the museum with circulating membership cards available for check out at each city library branch. When you bring your card to the museum, you receive free admission for two adults and all the children in your household and as well as a 10% discount at the Museum Store and Café. For more information please call 619-233-879.

Share your passion for fine Italian wines and spirits with Acqua Al 2!

“Acqua Al 2 Uncorked,” a new wine tasting series, offers guests the chance to learn about and try fine Italian wines and spirits.

Classes are held every first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Join Acqua Al 2 on March 4th for a Salute to Women, an opportunity to sample wines from women wine makers! The cost to participate is $15-20 per person (depending on the tasting and wines featured) and includes the tastes of wine, appetizers and a gift bag. Please contact Acqua Al 2 at (619) 230-0382 for information and reservations.

Fly to San Diego this Spring Break with Great Deals on Roundtrip Flights!

San Diego boasts some of the best weather and attractions in the country. Visitors can lounge on the beach, catch a Padres game at Petco, or visit Shamu at Sea World! With these great deals on round trip flights during Spring Break, why wouldn’t you travel to America’s Finest City?

Check out these amazing roundtrip deals!
US Airways: $145 rt from Denver

United: $119 rt from San Francisco
Southwest: $118 rt from Phoenix
US Airways: $159 rt from Las Vegas

Spring Break in San Diego can be the vacation you’ve been waiting for, even on a tight budget! Book your hotel room today at www.sdgodowntown.com!

Leisure Group Travel Features San DieGO Downtown Exclusive: ‘Dining in Downtown’

Check out San DieGO Downtown’s latest news coverage! We recently hosted Randy Mink from Cruise Travel Magazine and Leisure Group Travel on a FAM trip Downtown February 5-8. Because he was so impressed with the culinary offerings, he wrote a tremendous “Dining in Downtown” article.

Read more about ALL these locations highlighted: Gaslamp Quarter, Aqua Al 2, Gaslamp Strip Club, Oceannaire Seafood Room, Croce’s, Heavenly Cupcakes, Café Chloe, Omni San Diego Hotel, McCormick & Schmick’s, Altitude, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Top of the Hyatt, Sally’s, Seaport Village, Island Prime/C-Level, Anthony’s Fish Grotto, Hornblower Cruises & Events, and of course…San DieGO Downtown!

Even more to come - Cruise Travel Magazine is featuring Downtown San Diego in a 4-page article for the May/June '09 issue.

Get Geared Up For Gaslamp Mardi Gras!

Fat Tuesday is right around the corner!

Rest up so you can party all night at Gaslamp Mardi Gras, San Diego’s largest street party of the year! The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and The Incredible Masquerade Parade will take over the streets at both 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Gaslamp Quarter will be alive with street performers, a mega DJ stage, beer gardens, dancers galore and of course all the beads you can get your hands on. Tickets are on sale for $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Make a Splash at Big Bay Whale Days!

San Diego’s North Embarcadero will celebrate the migration of thousands of California Gray Whales!

This fun-filled, all-ages event will feature whale watching excursions, money-saving coupons to shops and restaurants along the North Embarcadero and discounts to the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego! Big Bay Whale Days will be held on the Embarcadero on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1066 N. Harbor Drive between the Hornblower Cruises and San Diego Harbor Excursion docks.

*Keep your eye out for San DieGO Downtown and stop by our table for more information!

Hard Times Hit the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

The Sweetwater Saloon and Moonstone Lounge of the Hard Rock Hotel will no longer be operating under those names due to a complicated court battle. Visit www.hotelchatter.com for more information on this story.

The US Grant Tops the List for Hotel Accommodations in San Diego

In its 99th year of excellence, The US Grant Hotel has been awarded a prestigious 2009 Mobil Travel Guide Four-Star Rating!

This honor makes The US Grant the only AAA Four-Diamond and Mobil Four-Star Hotel in Downtown San Diego. To experience the leader in superior luxury service while you’re in San Diego visit SDGO's hotel booking engine for exclusive packages and deals. For more information on this story view their press release.

Dakota Grill & Spirits is Turning Sixteen!

Don't miss out on Dakota Grill's birthday week featuring great deals and an exclusive birthday bash!

Dakota Grill & Spirits is celebrating their sweet sixteen and everyone’s invited. This Gaslamp Quarter destination is offering a week of birthday specials. Choose from a selection of signature dinner entrees, to a variety of bottled wines, to lunch for 2 for the incredible price of $16 as well as special $5 martinis. A festive birthday bash will be held on Thursday, February 19th starting with a cocktail party from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and live music featuring Sheila Sondergard from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information or to make reservations please call 619-234-5554.

Beat the Monday Morning Blues

Look Forward to a Weekend Filled With Carnival Festivities!

Join Copa Airlines and Brazilian Promotions for their 17th Annual San Diego Brazil Carnival! Experience this vibrant and exhilarating Brazilian tradition on Sat., Feb. 21, 2009 at 8 p.m at 4th and B. With vibrant parades, mesmerizing capoeira dancing and tasty caipirinhas, you’ll feel just like you are in Rio! Get ready for a wild night, Brazilian style! Tickets are available for $25 in advance or$30 at the door. Buy your tickets online today!

Celebrate Mardi Gras Italian style! The Little Italy Association proudly presents the 6th Annual Little Italy Carnevale Feb. 21, 2009 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Take part in a Venetian costume contest and enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant Italian celebration!

TGIF

Celebrate the end of the work week with SDGO's recommendations for Happening Happy Hours!

If you're looking for a little Mexican flare, La Fiesta spices up Friday festivities. Their Happy Hour menu features $3 mini nachos and beef tostadas, $3 carne asada or fish tacos, $5 seafood tostada, taquitos and guacamole with chips. La Fiesta is located at 628 5th Ave. For more information please call 619-232-4242.

Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Whiskey Girl offers 1/2 off appetizers, along with $3 wells and drafts. Enjoy music from Channel 93.3's DJ Marc Thrasher spinning the hottest dance & top 40 hits. Whiskey Girl is located at 600 5th Ave. For more information call 619-236-1616.

Calling all sport fans! Head to RedZone Sports Bar and Grill for Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m. Featuring two levels of seating and 19 HDTVs, relax with friends for some of your favorite friday highlights. Their Happy Hour specials include $6 Jager and Frank Bombs, $3.50 beers and 1/2 off appetizers. Get a good seat and watch your favorite Friday night game. Students receive 10% off with proof of College ID. Located at 1100 5th Ave please call 619-231-8888 for more information.

Click here to view SDGO's full list of Downtown's Happening Happy Hours!

The Count Down is on…2 Days till Valentine’s Day!

No need to panic San DieGO Downtown has a couple of tips to keep your sweetheart thinking that you spent weeks planning a romantic evening.

Count on Fifth Avenue Florist for your last minute bouquet of roses and thank them ahead of time for the mega watt smile you’ll receive for giving a stunning, classic bouquet. With 35 years of experience Fifth Avenue Florist has been among the top rated flower shops in the city year after year. Visit them at 1131 5th Ave or call 619-233-5557.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the Valentine’s Day pressure, make your evening simple with a reservation at the Quarter Kitchen, located in the luxurious Ivy Hotel for the six-course His & Hers Valentine’s Dinner. Her menu features Spiny Lobster Bisque and Potato Crusted Yellowtail while His features Roasted Squab Breast and Grilled Prime New York Steak. $80 per person. Call 619-814-2000 to make your last minute reservations.

Start the pampering early with brunch at Little Italy’s Extraordinary Desserts. With a menu sure to make your mouth water, start a relaxing day with your loved one enjoying a variety of gourmet paninis, grilled cheese sandwiches, refreshing green salads and an extraordinary drink and dessert selection. Located at 1430 Union Street and is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to Midnight. For more information call 619-294-7001.


Check out more Valentine's Day options here!

LA Times - Spring break 2009: Stay close by in San Diego

You heard it straight from THE trusted news source for Southern California for more than 125 years! Today, Los Angeles Times posted an article in their Daily Travel & Deal Blog on how given the times, travelers should stick to proximity when choosing their Spring Break destination.

ATTENTION DRIVE MARKET…it is “Time to Spring-Diego!”

The "Spring break 2009: Stay close by in San Diego" entry highlighted our campaign:

“The city is pitching itself to spring-break planners, having launched a “Time to Spring-Diego” campaign for travel between March 1 and April 31, 2009. Its online guide is equipped with a hotel reservations booking system, with packages and deals noted. A sample trip itinerary for spring breakers suggests..." (and more...)

Book the noted Hard Rock Hotel "See San Diego Like a Rockstar" package today!

For the full posting, visit: http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/spring-break-2009-st-4054/

Sweep your sweetheart off her feet with an unforgettable Valentine’s Day in Downtown San Diego!

The perfect evening awaits on a magical Valentine's Day cruise around San Diego Harbor with Hornblower Cruises. Start the morning off sipping champagne with your sweetheart on the Champagne Brunch Cruise for just $59.95 per person, or board the ship in the evening for an elegant, romantic night of entertainment and fine cuisine on Cupid's Dinner Cruise for $159 per person.

Rather keep your feet dry on land? Downtown's favorite authentic Italian restaurant, Acqua Al 2, is featuring a special Valentine's Day Menu including three decadent courses and a complementary champagne toast. For a fixed price of $65, enjoy the chef's signature sampler platter featuring five of the most popular first course menu items and indulge in your choice of mouth-watering tiramisu, pannacotta or cheesecake for dessert.

Show your Valentine how much you care with a night at the luxurious Omni San Diego Hotel situated in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Treat your loved one to the exclusive French Kiss Romance Package featuring elegant French Champagne, a special turndown service and a French Toast Breakfast in bed for $246 a night. With views of the bay and the cities top sites and attractions within walking distance, your romantic retreat will surely impress.

Check out more Valentine's Day options here!

Downtown San Diego will play host to non-stop rugby action!

The USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament will be held at Petco Park February 14th and 15th. Touted as the largest rugby event in North America, 16 teams will play 44 matches over the two-day tournament. Along with an International Fan Festival, the USA Sevens tournament will no doubt show visitors and natives alike a weekend of excitement and entertainment. Tickets starting at $26 are sold at the Petco Park ticket offices and online.

Additional information is available via Gaslamp Quarter Association: http://www.gaslamp.org/articles/articles/usa_sevens_rugby.html

Time to Spring-Diego with Downtown San Diego’s Unique Travel Offers

Don’t let our struggling economy affect your spring travel plans. Skip draining and traditional vacations to Las Vegas and Mexico, and head to sunny and laid back San Diego, voted the #1 Spring Break location by Travel & Leisure magazine. Complete with dazzling beaches, diverse day-time and nightlife activities and a vibrant revitalized Downtown that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you're looking for a fun family getaway or an exhilarating adventure with friends, Downtown San Diego can accommodate all your Spring Break desires.

San DieGO Downtown's "Time to Spring-Diego" campaign will simplify your vacation planning and fullfill the role of THE go-to resource during March 1 – April 31, 2009.

Check out our hotel booking engine, sample trip itineraries, comprehensive event calendar, articles and more!

For more information, visit: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/San-Diego-Downtown-947809.html

GO Deal of the Day: Omni San Diego Hotel

From $499 for two nights, the Omni San Diego Hotel is offering the Family Slumber Party Package, a special travel deal valid through 12/31/09.

Package includes the following:

Luxurious room accommodations, daily full breakfast for two adults and two children, valet parking for one car, one in-room movie, and popcorn and soda amenity for four.

NOTE: Two-night minimum stay required. Based on availability and subject to black-out dates. Not applicable to groups, conventions or in combination with other discount offers.

February is FREE Museum Month: 28 days, 39 museums, 50% off!!

The San Diego Museum Council and partner Macy’s have created the Museum Month to offer half-priced admission to more than 30 participating institutions throughout San Diego. The FREE Museum Month pass is available at any San Diego area Macy’s.

Several Downtown participating museums and historical sites include: USS Midway Museum, The New Children's Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

For more information, visit http://www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/museum-month

Source: MSNBC

Port of San Diego’s Urban Trees Exhibit Goes Viral

Major kudos to the Port of San Diego:

“OMG, text messaging has come to the Port. This new form of Port communication was unveiled when the Public Art department rolled out its fifth installment of Urban Trees. Text messaging, or texting, is sending out "short" text messages from mobile phones using the Short Message Service (SMS). It is available on most digital mobile phones. On each of the 31 Urban Tree sculptures is a title plaque that credits the artist and Port for the exhibit. Also included is the short code 69944. By typing, or texting, a unique code assigned to each tree, text users can receive additional information about the artwork.

To see how text messaging works with the Port's Urban Tree exhibit, send a text message on your cell phone to 69944. In the body of the message, type "TREE01" and you will receive a reply with information about the tree titled "Ramble On." For more information on other trees, just swap out "01" for another number, up to 31. Standard text rates apply.”

For more information visit: http://www.portofsandiego.org/public-art/1453-learn-about-the-ports-urban-trees-via-your-phone.html

“Time to Spring-Diego”

Great news! The San DieGO Downtown has been approved by the San Diego Tourism Promotion Corporation, a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation dedicated to improving tourism and hotel room night consumption in the City of San Diego, for a spring travel campaign called “Time to Spring-Diego!” If you know someone looking to travel to San Diego, March 1st – April 31st, please direct them to book their travel and hotel room nights on the San DieGO Downtown Web site!!!!

To make trips more cost effective, convenient and all around extra fun, we have created sample trip itineraries, event calendar listings, and more to ensure every moment is maximized to the fullest.

San DieGO Downtown Launches New Blog!!!!

We are so thrilled to report our new blog for the San DieGO Downtown program! For those of you unaware, the San DieGO Downtown program was created back in July 2005 as an outreach tool to bring awareness to San Diego’s urban playground. We partnered with various organizations and business in San Diego to launch it, and we are now in our 4th year and still trucking away.

Our newly designed Web site is here to serve as a resource, both for visitors to San Diego, local residents, and media looking to cover Downtown San Diego. We have information on hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, happy hours, attractions, and cultural establishments within the Downtown 92101 zip code (Marina, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, East Village, Cortez, Columbia, Horton Plaza, and Core).

We hope you find the information useful and will spread the word about our site to your friends, family, co-workers, babysitters, roommates, neighbors, bartenders …essentially anyone and everyone to help our site grow!!!!!