Spring break’s coming up, and going to Mexico isn’t the safest idea right now. You could go somewhere else, but why leave America’s Finest City when it has so much to offer?
Even the most experienced locals haven’t done everything there is to do in this great town. Here’s a list of five things to check out over spring break that will make your stay-cation worthwhile.
Fresh Air Films at UCSD
The east lawn of UC San Diego’s Price Center is showing “Moon” on the night of April 20. This sci-fi thriller, directed by David Bowie’s son Duncan Jones, is part of UCSD’s “Fresh Air Films” series and explores a man’s isolation on the moon while he mines its most valuable resource, Helium-3. The show starts at 8 p.m. and is free of charge.
Ocean Beach Farmers Market on Wednesdays
This beachside community event sells organic produce, arts and crafts and delicious gelato, too. Live musical acts perform at this market that fills up the whole 4900 block of Newport Avenue.
Spring break’s date for this event is April 20, and the festivities run from 4 to 8 p.m. Burger enthusiasts also need to visit Hodad’s on Newport Avenue for the best hamburgers in Ocean Beach.
Downtown Julian
All the snow has melted in the mountains, but Julian’s delicious apple pies and beautiful forest scenery stay year round.
Julian’s Main Street is lined with restaurants that make the town’s legendary pies, my favorite establishment being the family-owned Julian Pie Company.
Nature lovers who have stuffed themselves into a food coma can hike it off in the surrounding Cleveland National Forest, but simply driving around this area is enough to witness the natural beauty of San Diego County’s mountains.
Mission Bay, Fiesta Island
Have fun pedaling around the serene waters of Mission Bay, and stop by Fiesta Island to soak up some rays. The Water Bee 200’s dual seats provide a fun way to pass the time with a friend or romantic interest, and can be rented for $17 an hour or $50 for a full day.
The Water Bee 400 holds a bigger crowd with its four seats, and costs $20 an hour or $65 for the entire day. For more information, call Mission Bay Sports Center at 858-488-1004.
Crystal Pier
Ever wanted to sleep over the ocean? The Crystal Pier Hotel in Pacific Beach offers premium beach access for spring break.
Major holidays here, including Easter, require a 4-day minimum stay, but those lucky enough to snag one of these quaint cottages lining the pier get the experience of hanging loose above the waves even without a surfboard.
The Crystal Pier Hotel is located at 4500 Ocean Boulevard, San Diego. Call 858-483-6983 for more information.
