San Diego Science Festival Expo Day: The Science of You!

The San Diego Science Festival will take over Balboa Park this Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Balboa Park, giving families, teens, adults and kids the opportunity to see over 300 hands-on activities, demonstrations, experiments, contests and performances. Learn about “Your Art,” “Your Body,” "Your Planet," "Your Heroes," "Your Discoveries," "Your Sports," "Your Future," and "Your Transit" during this all-day event. Visit the official SDSF Web site for more information!

BASIC Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, BASIC Urban Kitchen + Bar hosts a night of art, music, fashion and media from 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. Grab your friends and enjoy no cover at this charming neighborhood hangout, perfect for grabbing a beer and some pizza! BASIC Urban Kitchen and Bar is located in the East Village at 410 10th Avenue. For more information please call 619-531-8869.

Whiskey Girl All Request Mondays!

You call your drinks AND your music at the Whiskey Girl during All Request Mondays! Enjoy $3 wells and drafts and 1/2 off select appetizers from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. DJ Marc Thrasher will play all of your favorite songs from 8 p.m. til close. No cover! The Whiskey Girl is located on the corner of 5th and Market. For more information call 619-236-1616.

Acqua Al 2 Uncorked

Don't miss Acqua Al 2's wine tasting series, Uncorked, held the first Wednesday of each month!

Join chef and owner Martin Gonzalez, and Italian wine specialist, Marco Barat at Acqua Al 2 fine Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter, on April 1st for a tasting of prestigious Italian White Wines. The cost is $20 per person and includes four tastes of wine, appetizers, and a gift bag. Space is limited. For more information and to RSVP please call 619-230-0382.

Deal of the Day!

Book your room at San Diego's Asian-inspired luxury hotel, Se San Diego, and receive $100 Spa Credit, FREE valet parking and European breakfast for two! Book your room today!

SDGO on HotelChatter.com!

Spring's a Good Time for 'San DieGO' With These Hotel Deals

Hotel Chatter featured some of SDGO's spring savings highlights! Visit SDGO for more hot hotel deals and book your room today!

San Diego Indie Fest

If you are Downtown this Saturday, Indie Fest is a great event nearby!

This weekend, San Diego’s Fifth Annual Indie Fest will take place in North Park in multiple venues on and off University Avenue between 29th and Granada Streets from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. This event will feature numerous acts from various musical genres including hip hop, folk, blues, jazz, Latin, funk, and different styles of rock from classic to alternative, to metal and Americana. The festival features 85 artists on eight stages and all ages are welcome. Tickets are $23 for general admission $20 for students, seniors and military with active IDs, and free for ages 8 and under. For more information visit Indie Fest online.

The Hard Rock San Diego Will Rock Once Again

The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego has put their problems behind them and announced that it will reopen its bars on April 3rd and 4th. The bars formerly known as the Sweetwater Saloon and the Moonstone Lounge will now be called 207 and Float. The reopening will feature performances by big names such as Scott Weiland, Lil John, Ludacris and DJ Am. For more information visit the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego online.

San Diego Hotels With Dogitude!

Blogger Celia Hecht from Travel, She Wrote, posted a list of the top 10 hotels in California with authentic dogitude and The Omni San Diego Hotel and the Hotel Solamar made the list!! Book your swift spring getaway at these pet-friendly hotels today!

Magnificent Chinese Boxes of the Past

Visit the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and discover a collection of finely crafted boxes from the Qing dynasty. “Magnificent Chinese Boxes of the Past” opens March 28th and features boxes masterfully made from different materials such as leather, carved wood, lacquer and bamboo. The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is located at 404 Third Avenue. Admission is $2 and free for members and children under 12.

Body Worlds

Don’t miss the final weeks of Body Worlds, an extraordinary exhibition of real human bodies at the San Diego Natural History Museum at Balboa Park. Learn about human anatomy, physiology and health by seeing it first hand thanks to a revolutionary preservation process called Plastination! Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended due to the popularity of this exhibition. For tickets and more information please visit the San Diego Natural History Museum online.

Wine Week at the Bitter End

Please your palate during Wine Week at the Bitter End March 22nd through 28th! Taste four different varietals of wine for $15. The Bitter End is located at 770 Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter. For more information call 619.338.9300.

Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival

Pro Peninsula hosts Patagonia’s Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival at San Diego’s Pacific Gaslamp Theater on March 26th.

Enjoy inspiring and educational films about our environment, highlighting environmental concerns and providing solutions. These films will showcase beautiful imagery of our world's unique landscapes, motivating individuals to get involved in environmental conservation and preservation. Tickets start at $20 and include 2 ½ hours of film, a Pro Peninsula membership, and a pre-social mixer with free wine and $3 beer. Don’t miss the Environmental Fair, which includes a silent auction, during the event. The Pacific Gaslamp Theater is located at 701 5th Avenue. Tickets and more information are available online!

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Offers Great Deals this Saturday!

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center will offer FREE admission, discounted IMAX pricing ($8.50 per/person all ages) and a variety of special demonstrations and activities for all ages, this Saturday March 21st, at Balboa Park's first ever Family Day! Visit Balboa Park online for additional Family Day deals and specials.

Wine Tasting at The Wine Bank!

Celebrate the end of the work week with a wine tasting at The Wine Bank downtown. Every Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Wine Bank's connoisseurs will take your taste buds on a guided tour of wines from all over the world. The cost is $20 per guest which includes six tastings. For more information please call 619-234-7487.

Deal of the Day!

Enjoy waterfront views at the newly renovated Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. $99 rates are available for select dates through June 24, 2009. This hot hotel deal won't last forever, so book your room today!

Gaslamp Art Showcase 2009!

The Gaslamp Art Showcase returns to the streets of Downtown San Diego on March 29! A variety of San Diego’s most talented artist will be showcased throughout the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The Reflection Art Show on Island Ave will be an outdoor exhibit of booths, and The Spyglass Art Exhibit will be in various Gaslamp Quarter venues such as art galleries, restaurants, shops and rooftop hotel lounges. The exhibition will be open from noon until 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information and a map of participating venues, visit www.gaslamp.org

San Diego Rocks! 2009

Be the first to hear up-and-coming local bands this Thursday, March 19 at the House of Blues! San Diego Rocks! 2009 will showcase local bands and artists making their way into the music scene. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. This show is 21 & up. The House of Blues is located at 1055 Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp. For more information please call (619)299-2583. Tickets are available over the phone or online.

Stone Soup Theater Presents "The Cradle Will Rock"

Corruption, greed and deception pervade the American economy…

in 1937

Join the Stone Soup Theater Company for a stirring rendition of “The Cradle Will Rock” at the 10th Avenue Theater downtown April 3-26. Telling a story of the greed and corruption of Corporate America in 1937, who would have thought that this “play in music” written during the Great Depression could still be very relevant today? The 10th Avenue Theater is located at 930 10th Ave downtown. For more information please call (619) 287-3065. Tickets are available over the phone or online.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Five Things You Should Know About ShamROCK

1. Event is Tuesday March 17th - starts at 4 pm: Irish Music, Irish ROCK bands, DJ's, some food booths and a couple bars with Miller Lite and Jamesons
2. Entrance begins at 5th Ave & G Street, wraps around behind the movie theater.
3. Tickets are available ONLINE, or at The Field, while they last. $25 is the DAY of price - no more advance tickets (unless The Field has them)
4. Proceeds benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation (you know that little yellow museum on the corner of 4th & Island)
5. Street Closures: Streets: 6th Avenue between E and G Street, F Street between 5th and 7th Avenue. Schedule: Street Closed to Vehicular Traffic 12:01 AM Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 to 6:00 AM Wednesday, March 18th, 2009. Street Closed to Pedestrian Traffic from 3:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 to 12:01 AM Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Check Out Our Latest Shout-Outs!

The Family Travel Network mentioned SDGO as a great resource for planning an affordable and family friendly spring break!

Smarter Travel praised SDGO for its budget conscious recommendations, allowing travelers to spend less and do more!

Check out our "Time to Spring-Diego" guide to see what all of the buzz is about!

The Port of San Diego Makes Cruise Travel Easier Than Ever!

Dazzle friends and family and double your fun with a trip to San Diego AND a cruise from our infamous port. Booking the perfect cruise has just gotten a whole lot easier! The Port of San Diego has launched an updated and searchable cruise Web site that offers travelers the opportunity to book their cruises online. Users can customize their searches by cruise line, ship name, region and date! Cruise lines such as Carnival, Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean all dock at San Diego's B Street Cruise Ship Terminal! Check it out at sandiegocruiseport.com.

Family Fun at Balboa Park!

Don’t miss the first ever Family Day at Balboa Park on Saturday, March 21! More than 20 of Balboa Park’s popular attractions are offering hands-on activities, music, performances and special programs throughout the day for the whole family to enjoy! Take advantage of free concerts at the Organ Pavilion and coupons for $8 off admission to the World Famous San Diego Zoo! Most events are free with museum admission. For more information, and for a complete schedule of all events visit www.balboapark.org.

Violence in Mexico Prompts New U.S. Alert

An updated travel alert for Mexico was issued by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs in February 2009.

Violence in Mexico has increased recently and it is critical for people to understand the risks associated with traveling to Mexico, especially teen travelers planning their spring breaks. Visit the Family Travel Forum for the latest Mexico travel alert, reprinted in full.

SDGO encourages travelers to skip Mexico and head to sunny San Diego for dazzling beaches, thrilling activities and a vibrant and revitalized Downtown! Our "Time to Spring-Diego" guide directs visitors to a user-friendly spring travel guide so they can plan their trip and know what to expect when visiting March 1-April 31st!

Grab Your Green Gear and Cruise to the Gaslamp on 3.17.2009!

ShamROCK will turn the Gaslamp a vibrant shade of green this St. Patrick’s Day!

This 21 & up block party will feature 5 live bands on 2 stages from 4 p.m. to midnight. Ticket holders can enjoy food and drink specials at 35 different Gaslamp locations, like the Field, the Gaslamp Strip Club and Acqua Al 2! The main entrance is located at 5th and G. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of. Visit www.sdGOdowntown.com for more St. Patrick's Day festivities Downtown!

Deal of the Day!

Spring Savings at The Sofia!

Save 35% off any two-night stay, 40% off any three or more night stay and 30% off any one-night stay! Book your room today!

Whale Watching in San Diego!

Whale Watching Season is Upon Us!

Tourists and locals made their way to Seaport Village and along the Embarcadero for a glimpse of the 30 foot gray whale that wound up in San Diego Bay on Tuesday, March 11th. Many believe that the whale may be lost during its first migration from Alaska to Baja California. However, experts say that it is not uncommon for a whale to end up in San Diego Bay, and it will eventually find its way back to open water. What better time to take a trip to San
Diego to witness this natural wonder?

For more whale watching excitement, climb aboard Hornblower Cruises Whale Watching Adventure, a narrated 31/2 hour tour through the San Diego Harbor. Featuring spectacular close up views of the California gray whale, dolphins, seals and much more! Tours are offered at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. To purchase tickets please visit SDGO's Web site!

Deal of the Day!

Book your hotel room now through April 31, 2009 and you will receive both:

$15 gift certificate for the Cohn Restaurant Group, operator of 12 highly acclaimed restaurants in San Diego, including Indigo Grill, 333 Pacific, Kemo Sabe, Blue Point, Gaslamp Strip Club, Corvette Diner, Mister Tiki, Thee Bungalow, The Prado, Dakota Grill, Island Prime and Tea Pavilion





$10 off the classic three-course menu "La Specialita della Casa" at Acqua Al 2 fine Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Experience Balboa Park’s Cultural Attractions!

Puppet Shows at Balboa Park

See your child’s favorite story come to life at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater at Balboa Park! Join the Balboa Park Puppet Guild for an event the whole family can enjoy! Catch “The Little Engine that Could” March 4-15. Ticket prices and information are available online.

The Da Vinci Experience
His inventions and art are some of the most recognized in history. Now you can see the works of Leonardo Da Vinci at the San Diego Air and Space Museum's The Da Vinci Experience. Don’t miss this incredible exhibit! Ticket prices vary. Information is available online.

Deal of the Day!

Make a reservation at the Ivy Hotel before March 15, 2009 and you will receive 30% off your room and a $25 credit to be used at the hotel's bar, restaurant, nightclub or for room-service! Book your room today!

RENT Broadway Tour Arrives at San Diego Civic Theater!

The theatrical phenomenon known as RENT, is in San Diego featuring two of the play's original stars. Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp will be staring at the San Diego Civic Theater Downtown from March 10-15. RENT tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive in New York City. This play is for mature audiences and has a running time of 2 1/2 hours. There are a limited number of $20 orchestra seats available for each performance, so buy your tickets today!

Deal of the Day!

Check out SDGO's latest Spring Savings!

Book your stay at the Gaslamp Plaza Suites before March 31, 2009 and receive 25% off!

Fifth Avenue Landing is Now Open!

A huge new mega-yacht marina right next to the San Diego Convention Center is now open!

Fifth Avenue Landing offers owners of large yachts a 12-slip marina located right in the middle of Downtown. This upscale marina offers impressive amenities such as complimentary concierge service for owners and crew, complimentary wireless Internet service, free parking, controlled access and pumpout facilities at each berth.

Follow SDGO on Twitter!!!

For additional information about San DieGO Downtown as well as real time travel news and updates follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sdgodowntown!

SDGO in the news!

Check out San DieGO Downtown's latest news coverage!

We are very pleased to share with you coverage of the San DieGO Downtown program in the blog, Travel, She Wrote on March 2, 2009, written by author Celia Hecht published travel writer and co-author of five romantic travel guides. Her blog covers current tips about pet friendly traveling. This was a great feature about pet friendly destinations in San Diego highlighting the Hotel Solmar, Omni Hotel San Diego, Acqua Al 2, as well as an excerpt about the San DieGO Downtown program and "Time to Spring-Diego" campaign!

Deal of the Day!

Book your stay at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego today!

Book your stay at the stylish Hard Rock Hotel San Diego before March 6, 2009 and not only will you receive 35% off your stay, but also get a $50 credit for the Rock Spa!! Room rates start at $260 per night. This offer is valid for select travel dates through April 30, 2009. Spa Credit is per stay, valid on spa services only and expires upon check-out.

The Latest in San Diego Travel News!

Disney Cruise Line Eyes San Diego!

Soon the “Happiest Place on Earth” may be a litter closer than you think! The beautiful port of San Diego may be the new home for the Disney Cruise Line! Either San Diego or Los Angeles will become home port for the first West coast-based Disney ship in 2011. Disney is expected to make a decision later this month. Until then, fans can check out all that Disney Cruise Line has to offer online!

Competition between the airline companies means inexpensive flights for travelers!

In an attempt to compete with discount carriers like Jet Blue and Virgin America, American Airlines is offering triple frequent-flyer miles to passengers who buy tickets to fly nonstop between Boston’s Logan International Airport and Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco through May 31. Spending Spring Break in California will only cost travelers $117 each way, excluding fees and taxes! Book your flight online today and visit San DieGO Downtown for the latest hotel deals and packages!

Go Grease Lightning!

Catch the Broadway sensation Grease at the Civic Theater downtown!

Grease has entertained fans of all ages for over 30 years with its charming love story about a “good girl” and a greaser. Grab your poodle skirts, style your ducktails and head to the Civic Theater to sing along with Danny, Sandy and the whole Rydell High gang March 3-8, 2009. Tickets are available online!

Let's Play Ball!

The 2009 World Baseball Classic is traveling to San Diego March 14 - March 19, 2009.

The World Baseball Classic, a premiere international baseball tournament, features 16 national teams which include players from most of the Major League Baseball Teams. The games will be played in Toronto, Mexico City, San Juan and Tokyo with second round games being played March 14-19 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami and our very own PETCO Park! The semifinals and finals will be held on March 21 and 23 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. For more information and tickets please email tickets@padres.com