Longer days and warmer nights mean more time to enjoy everything San Diego has to offer. Our attractions invite you to dig for dinos, journey to Atlantis, go totally ape, spot the baby elephant and land on an aircraft carrier. May brings exciting Cinco de Mayo festivities and June serves up over 40 bands in 26.2 miles for the Suzuki Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. We offer great hotel deals through MasterCard^TM and exciting vacation packages for every taste. And don’t forget our shopping deals, restaurant offers and major attraction discounts- all designed to bring you back again and again to America’s Finest City! Here is what’s happening now:

Great May Getaways: MasterCard^TM Hotel Deals, What's New at the Attractions, Suzuki Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Date: 5/1-5/2/04

Kick up your heels and join in the fun, food and fiesta to celebrate Latino arts, culture, history, and diversity in historic Old Town. A lively, traditional Mercado will line San Diego Avenue and entice visitors with music, shops and regional cuisine. Eight stages of live music will feature traditional mariachi, Ballet Folklorico, Norteño, banda, salsa, flamenco guitar and more! Other colorful highlights will include reenactments of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, a dazzling equestrian show and hands-on activities for kids.

The Facts

Wells Fargo Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
Old Town State Park, San Diego Ave. & Twiggs St.
Hours: Saturday, May 1 - 11:00am-9pm (includes Mercado) Sunday, May 2 - 10:00am-5:00pm (includes Mercado)
Cost: Free
Information: 619-296-3236 or www.fiestacincodemayo.com

Fiesta Activities

Old Town Mercado
San Diego Avenue will be transformed into a traditional, colorful, Mercado featuring traditional music, regional cuisine, and cultural and historical exhibits. Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm.

Battle of Puebla
Witness actors in full period uniform and dress reenact the famous May 5, 1862 battle, in which outnumbered Mexican soldiers drove out the occupying Imperial French Army. Saturday & Sunday, 12:30pm & 2:30pm (half-hour performances). Seeley Stables Arena.

Equestrian Show
The Escaramuzas Golondrinas, a female equestrian group following Mexican cowboy tradition, will entertain with their spectacular formation riding. Saturday & Sunday, 1:30pm & 3:30pm (half-hour performances). Seeley Stables Arena.

Wells Fargo Stagecoach Rides
Catch a free ride on a vintage stagecoach at the Wells Fargo History Museum. Saturday & Sunday, noon to 3pm.

Pueblo de los Ninos Kids will enjoy a variety of fun, hands-on activities provided by the Children's Museum of San Diego/Museo de los Ninos Creative projects will include painting, tin smithing, leather tanning, clay play and pottery making. Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday,10am-5pm. Intersection of Conde & San Diego Avenue.

Parking

Parking will be available but extremely limited. Since most of San Diego Avenue will be closed, the Trolley (Old Town stop) or bus (routes 5, 6 or 34) offer great alternatives to driving. For more information on public transportation, call 1-800-COMMUTE, visit www.sdcommute.com or click directly to eStore to purchase Day Tripper Trolley and bus passes online.

Cinco de Mayo Offers

Old Town Inn - rates starting from $63.00 Ramada Plaza Hotel - rates starting from $65.00
Comfort Inn Old Town - rates starting from $79.00
Prava Hotel - rates starting from $134.00
U.S. Grant Hotel - Extended Stay Special - Save when booking 3 or more nights

Hot Tip

On May 5, you can shake your maracas in celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the Gaslamp. From 5pm to midnight, this colorful block party will feature authentic Mexican food, lively mariachi music, popular local bands, and Ballet Folklorico dancing. Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 at gate Ages 21 & up only with proper I.D. Island Ave, between Fourth and Fifth Ave.
Information: 619-233-5008 or www.gaslamp.org.