Mexico-bound Cruise Ships Diverted to San Diego

As a result of the recent swine flu outbreak, businesses along San Diego Bay may experience an increase in sales. Cruise lines that were scheduled to make port stops in Mexico have been rerouted to visit San Diego resulting in above-average crowds Downtown and an unexpected economic boost for San Diego. Currently, 10 ships have confirmed their plans to stop in San Diego rather than Mexico, according to the Port of San Diego.

Note: Access the entire press release here
For more information visit www3.signonsandiego.com

Pet Rescue Day on the Bay

Come and spend Thursday, May 14th on the bay with your pooch!

San Diego Hornblower Cruises presents the 9th annual Pet Rescue Day on the Bay benefiting the Helen Woodward Animal Center. When you donate a gently used blanket or towel, you receive a one hour cruise with your dog! Dog-friendly cruises will be at 10:00am, 11:15am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm, 3:00pm, and 4:15pm. For more information please call 1-888-HORNBLOWER.

Sip. View. Mingle

Kin Lounge, located on the 3rd floor of the Harbor Tower at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, reopens its doors Friday, May 1, 2009. Grab your friends for a night on the town at this newly renovated venue. Groove to the sounds of DJ G Roy while enjoying a spectacular view overlooking the San Diego Bay. For more information please call 610-358-6773.

Free Fishing Expeditions for Kids!

Kids can fish free aboard select San Diego Bay-based sportfishing boats through the month of May. Select sportsfishing companies will take kids 15 years or younger accompanied by a ticket-holding adult on half-day, three-quarter day and full-day fishing trips based on availability from April 20 to May 31. For more information please call 619-234-8793or visit www.sportfishing.org.

Make this Mother's Day Memorable

Spoil mom with SDGO's sweet suggestions for a memorable Mother's Day in Downtown San Diego including:

• Mother's Day Brunch at McCormick & Schmick's
  Thank Mom for all her home cooked meals by treating her to a special meal she won't forget! From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., McCormick & Schmidt's will be offering a wide variety of options for Mom including French toast, an omelette station, fresh fruit, a salad station, a carving station, fresh seafood, chicken marsala, dessert, and much more! The price is $34.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids. Call 619-645-6545 for reservations and further information.

• Champagne Brunch at The Prado
  Treat Mom to an elegant Champagne Brunch at The Prado in Balboa Park set in rich landscape and flawless gardens. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet and free flowing champagne from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $54.95 per person. For more information and to make reservations please call 619.557.9441'

• Hornblower Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise
  Board a Hornblower Cruise and show Mom the beautiful San Diego Bay. Enjoy a gourmet brunch, delectable desserts and champagne! Choose from one of two cruises, a morning cruise beginning at 9:30 a.m. or an afternoon cruise at 2:30 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance. The cruise is $67.95 per person, discounts are available for children. For more information please call 619-686-8700.

Click here for a complete list of SDGO's Mother's Day recommendations!

Gator by the Bay Festival

Don’t miss the 8th annual Gator by the Bay Festival at Spanish Landing Park on May 8th through May 10th. This event features a variety of southern music such as Zydeco, blues, swing and country music as well as non-stop free dance lessons at the Bon Temps Social Club Dance Pavilion. Be sure to enjoy some crawfish and other great southern and Cajun style cooking as well as free cooking demos and activities for children all weekend. For more information about the festival please call 619-234-8612.

Taste of the Nation, San Diego

Enjoy an afternoon with San Diego's hottest chefs and mixologists on Sunday, May 3, 2009 in Balboa Park's enchanting May S. Marcy Sculpture Court & Garden at the San Diego Museum of Art from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Taste of the Nation, San Diego. Tickets are $75 per person in advance and $95 at the door. This year, Taste of the Nation San Diego's talented participants will donate their time and passion to end childhood hunger in America. Participating restaurants include: Anthology, El Bizcocho, Grant Grill, JSix Restaurant, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Quarter Kitchen, Suite & Tender and Whisknladle. For more information please call 877.26.TASTE.

Dining Out for Life, San Diego

Don't miss Dining Out for Life, San Diego on April 30, 2009. This Thursday, more than 80 restaurants and bars in San Diego will donate a minimum of 25% of their sales to The Center's HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs. Participating restaurants include: Confidential Restuarant + Loft, Crescent heights Kitchen & Lounge, Currant Brasserie, The MerK Bistro Italiano, Neighborhood, Quarter Kitchen @ Ivy Hotel, Rice at W San Diego, Suite & Tender, Vela at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Basic Urban Kitchen & Bar, Cafe Chloe, Jsix Restaurant, The mission SOMA, The Glass Door Restaurant and Lounge and Indigo Grill. Make your reservation today at diningoutforlife.com/sandiego! For more information please call 619-497-2920, ext. 106.

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego Hosts The Breast of Both Worlds

The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego hosts The Breast of Both Worlds at the newly renovated Two O Seven Lobby Bar from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on April 29, 2009. Mix and mingle while enjoying live art and music from DJ Craig Smoove, drummer Ryan Moran (Slightly Stoopid) and Buckfast Superbee in support of the Keep a Breast Foundation. Featured guests and artists include: Peter King (Photographer/Hurley), Matt Beacham (Fuel TV), Brandon Lomax (artist) and Maxine Orange (artist). The cost of admission is $10 for pre sale tickets and $20 at the door. Pre sale tickets are available at wanttickets.com. For more information please call (619) 702-3000.

Tantalize Your Palate with a Tasting of Italian Spirits

Join Acqua Al 2 for Uncorked featuring an affordable tasting of Italian Spirits. This event will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required to participate in each tasting. The cost is $20 per person and includes the following tasting menu:

• Campari Soda - Paired with Hearts of Palm on a bed of organic greens
• Cavalli Vodka Martini - Paired with Crostini with gorgonzola cheese
• Pallini Limoncello - Paired with a Scallop with white truffle oil
• Frangelico Liqueur - Paired with flourless chocolate cake topped with powdered sugar
  

For more information and to make reservations please call 619-230-0382. Acqua Al 2 is located at 322 5th Avenue.

Note: Stay for dinner following the tasting and receive 10% off your bill.

San Diego, Where Happy Happens

The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau unveiled its $8 million "Happy Happens" tourism advertising campaign on April 23, 2009. This new campaign promotes San Diego as a "feel happy" place, where visitors can sit back, relax and enjoy the region's warm weather, sunshine, outdoor lifestyle, friendly people and exciting activities. "Happy Happens" will feature televisions ads and radio advertisements aiming to draw summer tourists to San Diego to support our tourism industry which generates approximately $8 billion annually for the local economy and employs over 160,000 people.

Book your hotel room today! There is less than 10 days left for SDGO's spring promotion. Book your stay using SDGO's hotel booking engine and receive BOTH a $15 gift certificate to the Cohn Restaurant Group and $10 off the classic 3 course menu "La Specialita della Casa" at Acqua Al 2, a fine Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The 25th Annual Children's Book Party

Spread the joy of literacy to your children at the 25th Annual Children’s Book Party! Join the Reading Literacy Learning Inc on Saturday, April 25 from 8:30am to 10:30am at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. All children in attendance will receive free new books, refreshments, entertainment AND a free LaDainian Tomlinson t-shirt! This event is free for children and adults! For more information, please call 619-266-4118

Hooray for Arbor Day at Balboa Park!

Join Roosevelt Middle School and the San Diego High School Garden Club to celebrate Arbor Day today, April 23, at Balboa Park. Help plant a mixed grove of twenty Engelman Oaks, Island Oaks and Western Redbuds along Balboa Drive just north of the Laurel Street entrance and west of the Lawn Bowling Green. Balboa Park Nursery Supervisor Mike Masmusson and City Councilmember Todd Gloria of District Three are scheduled to speak. This is a free event. For more information please call (619) 232-2282.

Get Your 3rd Night Free at the Omni!

The Omni San Diego Hotel is making you an offer you can’t refuse!

Even after slashing rates over 45%, the Omni San Diego Hotel is offering a 3rd night free (credited at check-in)! Spending the weekend in the Gaslamp has never been easier, or cheaper! This offer is available for select dates through July 2009.

If you book your stay using SDGO's hotel booking engine, you will receive BOTH a $15 gift certificate for the Cohn Restaurant Group and a coupon for $10 off the classic three-course menu “La Specialita della Casa” at Acqua Al 2 fine Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.

San Diego City College Earth Fair

Don’t miss the opportunity to show Mother Earth you care! Join San Diego City College for an Earth Day Celebration on Thursday, April 23. This free event features organic foods, music, dance and workshops on green products and environmental sustainability! San Diego City College is located at 1313 Park Boulevard Downtown. For more information please call (619) 388-3400.

Tomorrow is Administrative Pro's Day!

Thank your company's hard working staff members with tickets to Hornblower Cruise's exclusive two-hour lunch featuring a relaxing and scenic cruise on a yacht around the bay and an elegant three-course menu with champagne and a decadent dessert. Tickets are $44.95 per person and boarding begins at 11:00 a.m. For more information and for tickets please call 1.888.HORNBLOWER.

Let's Play Ball

The San Diego Padres play the Pittsburgh Pirates April 24, 25, 26.

Head over to the Gaslamp Strip Club for their Padres Tailgate Party just two block from Petco Park. Take advantage of super specials on cocktails and beer as well as grill-your-own steaks from 5 p.m. to 7:05 p.m. for all Padres Home Games. Enjoy a 10 oz Skirt Steak, 10 oz Baseball Cut Top Sirloin, or a 10 oz Teriyaki Steak with a salad and grill-ready garlic bread for just $9.95!

For more recommendations on where to play outside of the stadium visit SDGO's Play Ball Itinerary!

Mission Federal ArtWalk 2009

On April 25 and 26, 2009 from Noon - 6 p.m.,the Mission Federal ArtWalk will flood the streets of Little Italy with fine art, music, dance performances, activities for children and families and delicious food and beverages. Hundreds of local and national artists will show and sell their masterpieces in a variety of media including paint, sculpture, dance, photography, digital imagery, architecture and design. Don't miss this spectacular event celebrating its 25th anniversary. ArtWalk will be located along the 16 blocks of historic Little Italy mostly along Kettner Blvd. and India St. For more information please call 619.615.1090.

Tomorrow is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's!

As a way to thank their customers for their support and to celebrate 31 years of scooping, Ben & Jerry's scoop shops will happily give away ice cream on Tuesday, April 21st! Ben & Jerry's is located at Horton Plaza, Downtown. For more information please call 619-234-1802.

Fun in the Sun at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego!

Beginning April 19, the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego will host Intervention at Float every Sunday. Intervention is the ultimate daytime pool party, featuring DJs, a sun deck with plenty of room to bask in the San Diego sun and refreshing cocktails. You'll find all of the action on Hard Rock Hotel's fourth floor rooftop pool deck every Sunday from Noon until sunset through September. For the ultimate experience call 619-764-6926 to reserve a VIP cabana for your own private view of this very entertaining world. For more information 619-702-3007.

Fridays at the Fleet!

Join the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for great discounts on IMAX films. You can experience up to four exciting films in the IMAX Dome for the low price of $8.50 for each film with any additional films for $5. Classic IMAX films from their archives are paired with current hits for a full night of entertainment. This Friday features: Animalopolis, Under the Sea, Journey Into Amazing Caves, and The Human Body. For more information please call 619-238-1233.

A Night of Passionate Pairings

Quarter Kitchen at the Ivy Hotel presents A Night of Passionate Pairings Wednesday, April 22 from 7 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Featuring an intimate dinner with three vintage selections from Dom Perignon, this event is bound to impress your date. The admission cost is $150 per person. For reservations and more information please call 619-814-2000.

ElderHelp Presents Wine & Dine - Cirque at the Hard Rock Hotel

ElderHelp of San Diego presents Wine and Dine - Cirque, a night to indulge your senses.

Enjoy Cirque performers, premier regional wines, specially crafted beers, delectable cuisine from a collection of San Diego's finest restaurants and samplings of other spirits at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on April 18. Mingle with other urban professionals and community members dedicated to making a difference for San Diego seniors. Also featuring silent and live auctions to benefit low-income, home-bound and frail San Diego seniors. Doors open at 6 p.m. for VIPs and 7 p.m. for general admission. The cost of admission is $200 per person. For more information please call 619-284-9281.

Dog Happy Hour at The Fleetwood

With its recently renovated windows and surrounding patio, the Fleetwood's open-air atmosphere has made it a Downtown favorite. Sit back, relax and enjoy a refreshing cocktail with your pup at The Fleetwood's Dog Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday on the patio, featuring 1/2 price wine bottles and a special dog treat menu. All dogs allowed!!! The Fleetwood is located at 639 J Street. For more information please call 619-702-7700.

Tax Day Deals!

Do taxes have you strapped for cash? Check out these Downtown San Diego restaurants offering free food and discounts today!

• T.G.I Fridays will give customers $5 gift cards for every $15 to $25 purchase they make at the restaurant and $10 if they spend more. (Located at 743 5th Ave in the Gaslamp).

• McCormick & Schmicks inside the Omni San Diego Hotel is offering customers heavy discounts with their tax day bar menu. Customers will also receive a $10 gift card when they dine at the bar. (Located at 675 L Street Downtown)

• Cinnabon is giving out free bite-size cinnamon rolls from 5 to 8 p.m.! Visit the Cinnabon at Horton Plaza Downtown. (Located at 467 Horton Plaza # 335)

I ♥ NCM: 1st Anniversary Family Fundraiser

The New Children’s Museum is celebrating its first year with a fundraiser and community celebration!

The NCM's 1st Anniversary Family Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 4:30-7:30. Guest will get in touch with their inner child with customized studio activities, specially designed performances and unique menu items. Don’t miss the 1st Anniversary Community Celebration on Sunday, May 10! This free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include tours, giveaways, hands-on art projects and fun for the whole family! Catch performances from the School Steel Drum Band, San Diego Youth Symphony, Oak Park Percussion Group and The Paul Green School of Rock Music Band. A complete schedule of activities is available at www.thinkplaycreate.org.

Spend a Day at the Docks!

The Port of San Diego’s annual Day at the Docks will take place on Sunday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrating it’s 30th year, the Day at the Docks will ring in the beginning of saltwater fishing season in Southern California. Bring the whole family to explore open houses aboard fleet vessels, boat rides along the bay, displays of fishing tackle, casting contests, art and apparel! This is a free event! The Day at the Docks will be held at the San Diego Sportfishing Landings, Harbor Drive and Scott Streets, in Point Loma. Be sure to follow Day at the Docks on http://twitter.com/dayatthedocks.

2009 Busker Festival

Acrobats, jugglers, musicians and sword swallowers show off their extraordinary talents at the 2009 Busker Festival at Seaport Village Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, from noon - 5 p.m. This free festival is fun for the whole family! Guests 18 and older can visit the Saturday night party “Buskers After Dark” – an unedited show accompanied with a DJ from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Seaport Village food court area. Seaport Village is located at West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, adjacent to Embarcadero Park North. Visitors receive two hours of free validated parking with any purchase. For more information call 619-235-4014.

Pamper Yourself with a Soothing Scalp Treatment!

On Wednesday Dearinger is offering complimentary hair and scalp treatments by a New York Phyto specialist at its Downtown salon located at 307 Market St. The treatment includes an analysis using the Phyto scope, which magnifies the hair and scalp 200 times, a Phyto deep conditioning treatment and scalp massage. To register for a free treatment, call 619-239-5400.

Easter Special at The New Children's Museum!

The New Children's Museum is offering an Easter special! Enjoy FREE admission on April 12 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The NCM is designed for children of all ages, from toddler to teen, so grab the whole family to think, create and play!

Celebrate Easter Downtown!

Don't miss Downtown's exciting Easter celebrations!

Check out San DieGO Downtown's recommendations for delectable brunches and amusing activities to enjoy with friends and family.

Full Moon Dinner Cruise

Join Hornblower Cruises for the Full Moon Dinner Cruise tonight, April 9! Every full moon, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise featuring a 3-course dinner, glass of champagne, music and dancing. Bask in the light of the full moon and admire the beautiful San Diego Skyline. For more information and reservations call 619-686-8715.

The Westgate Hotel Presents Easter Bunny Teas

Gather your loved ones and head to the Westgate Hotel downtown on April 10th and 11th from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the Easter Bunny Teas event. Enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny, an Easter Egg Hunt and other activities for children such as face-painting and arts & crafts. The cost is $39 for adults and $26 for children, which includes tea and delectable finger foods such as pastries and sandwiches. The Westgate Hotel is located at 1055 Second Avenue. For more information please call 619-557-3655.

“Viva Las Vegas!”

Don’t miss the San Diego Symphony’s tribute to the stars of Las Vegas with “Viva Las Vegas!” You’ll hear hits from Sinatra, Steve & Eydie, Liberace and more! Enjoy this trip down Route 66 on April 10 and 11 at 8 p.m at Copley Symphony Hall, located at 750 B St. Downtown. Additional information and tickets are available online.

Easter Lilies Bloom in Balboa Park

From April 3 through May 6, Balboa Park's 90-year-old Botanical Building will be filled with 300 fragrant Easter lilies. The 1st-century Christian Church adopted the lily as a traditional, time-honored flower of Easter. Gather your family and friends and enjoy this beautiful display just in time for Easter.

Southwest Specials!

Southwest is offering $49 flights each way between Phoenix and San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Burbank and Ontario! The fare sale runs between April 20 and June 25. Book your flight to San Diego today!

For hotel rooms and budget-friendly activities and recommendations check out SDGO's hotel-booking engine and "Time to Spring-Diego" guide!!

Easter Sunday - Special Holiday Menus and Offers

Grab your Easter Bonnet and Your Sunday Best and Head to One of These Downtown Restaurants for a Cozy Easter Brunch or Delicious Dinner

Join The Oceanaire Seafood Room for a spectacular Easter Brunch featuring their Easter Offerings menu ranging from $14.95-$24.95, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or their full menu from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Grant Grill is celebrating Easter Sunday with an a la carte brunch menu and dinner specials. The cost is $65 for adults and $22 for children.

Make a toast at Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch at Lael's Resturant featuring traditional and contemporary delights as well as an Easter egg hunt and live entertainment by Greg Watson. The cost is $49 for adults and $9.95 for children.

Join Sally's Seafood on the Water for an Easter Sunday all-day breakfast menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., or enjoy the view from their patio for an Easter Dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Visit www.sdGOdowntown.com for additional Easter Brunch and activity recommendations Downtown!

FREE Bus and Bay Tours

How well do you know the Port of San Diego?

Book a seat on either a Bay Cruise or Bus Tour and learn about the San Diego Bay and its environment, become familiar with Port operations, and get an up-close look at where San Diegans work and play along the waterfront. The bus tours run two hours from 9:30 am to 11:30 a.m. on select dates. Hornblower Cruises and Events and San Diego Harbor Excursions will take guests on the two-hour tours on the water. Times and dates vary. For more information visit the Port of San Diego online. Space is limited so make your reservation today!

For additional free event and activity listings in San Diego visit SDGO's article Play for FREE in SD!

Padres Fans Value Corner

The San Diego Padres are offering great deals all season long at the Fan Value Corner!

Enjoy budget-friendly offers such as:

• Flex 13 Plan: Choose 13 padres home games you want to attend in select seating categories and save up to 24% over day of game prices
• Coca-Cola Value Weekends: Get an Upper Reserved ticket, hot dog and a Coke, all for only $12 for any Friday through Sunday regular season home game
• Padres 5 for $5 Value Deal: Enjoy a hot dog, regular soda, popcorn, peanuts and a cookie, all for only $5 at any regular season home game

For a full list of offers from the Fan Value Corner visit SDGO's Play Ball Itinerary.

Plain White T's with Vedera and Danger Radio @ House of Blues

Get Your Groove on at the House of Blues!

Plain White T's will be bringing down the house with Vedera and Danger Radio tonight at the House of Blues at 1055 Fifth Avenue. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online through ticketmaster. For more information please call (619) 299-2583.

Padres Fan Day!

Preview the upcoming 2009 season at Petco Park on April 5th during Padres Fan Day! Bring the whole Padres-loving family to this free festival and team workout from noon to 4 p.m. Don't miss autograph signings from players and coaches and the chance to buy game-used jerseys, batting helmets and other one-of-a-kind items at the Padres Garage Sale! For more information, visit the Padres Web site!

Baseball Season is Upon Us!

Don’t miss Opening Day on April 6, 2009 as the Padres take on the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers!

Baseball fans young and old alike can take advantage of the exciting activities, delectable dining and exquisite waterfront views that Downtown San Diego has to offer.

SDGO’s Play Ball Itinerary is the ultimate resource for baseball fans, ensuring every vacation moment/dollar is maximized to the fullest. The itinerary includes recommended hotels such as the Omni San Diego Hotel, featuring a baseball memorabilia museum and a skybridge physically connecting the hotel to PETCO Park!

Hot Hotel Deals!

Only 28 days left to take advantage of SDGO’s travel promotion! Book your stay before April 30th and receive both:

• $15 gift certificate for the Cohn Restaurant Group, operator of 12 highly acclaimed restaurants including Indigo Grill, 333 Pacific, Gaslamp Strip Club and Mister Tiki.
• $10 off “La Specialista della Casa” at Acqua Al 2, a fine Italian resturant in the Gaslamp Quarter.
  

Enjoy Downtown San Diego’s delectable dining and budget-friendly hotel specials such as:

• Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina – rates from $99 (includes 20$ daily resort credit)
• The Sofia Hotel – rates from $99 (save 35% off any 2 night stay, save 30% off any 1 night stay)
• Se San Diego – rates from $169
• Hard Rock San Diego Hotel – rates from $199 (stay 3 nights & get 4th free)
• San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter – rates from $119
• The IVY Hotel – rates from $219 (stay 1 night save 15%, stay 2 nights save 25%)

Book your stay today!

Swing to the Sounds of The Jazz Ensemble!

Join The Jazz Ensemble at Dizzy's in the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center (2nd & J Street) tonight at 7:30 p.m. This hard swinging 20- piece big band is made up of gifted and talented musicians ages 14-19 from across San Diego County. There is a $10 cover to raise funds for this ultra-talented group. For more information call 858-270-7467.

Don't Miss Rigoletto!

Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto comes to life at the San Diego Opera. See the conniving Duke of Mantua seduce the innocent daughter of his court jester Rigoletto. Don’t miss the breathtaking drama as Rigoletto plots his vengeance. Witness the powerful music, talented cast and beautifully crafted sets. The San Diego Opera is located at 1200 3rd Ave downtown. Rigoletto is playing on April 3rd, 5th and 8th. Showtimes and ticket prices vary. For more information, visit the San Diego Opera online.