While most of the rest of the country is bundling up and bracing for snow, we've got whales to watch, golf clubs to swing, arias to hum and romantic, sun-kissed dreams to fulfill. Our clear skies, warm days and temperate nights are the perfect backdrop to celebrate all things San Diego. Check out the array of vacation packages that offer everything from hikes, bikes and kayaks to chilled champagne by the bay. And don't forget our shopping deals, restaurant offers and attraction discounts. San Diego really does have something for everyone. Here's a sampling:
 
Date: Week of 2/14/04
Celebrate romance in style with an exciting getaway to San Diego. From an enchanted evening on romantic Shelter Island nested among lush gardens and scenic waterfalls to a memorable stay at an historic Victorian hotel located in the heart of the vibrant Gaslamp District, San Diego is the perfect spot to spend a few days with that special someone. To help you plan that perfect getaway, we have a selection of romance packages just waiting to capture your heart.
Downtown Romance Packages
Horton Grand Hotel - Celebration Package starting from $232
One night accommodations for two with a complimentary upgrade to a balcony room if available at check-in, choice of either a bottle of champagne, red or white wine, or a bottle of non-alcohol sparkling cider and a full American Breakfast for two in Ida Bailey's Restaurant. Book Now!
The Bristol Hotel - Romance is in the Air Package starting from $211
One night accommodations in a superior king guest room, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, fresh flowers and pillar candles, rose petals and breakfast for two delivered to your room or in the Bistro. Book Now!
Harbor Island/Shelter Island Romance Packages
Bay Club Hotel & Marina - Romantic Hideaway for Two starting from $264
One night accommodations, dinner for two, choice of one (1) hour massage, or
(2) thirty-minute massages, complimentary breakfast and much more! Book Now!
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites - One Enchanted Evening starting from $163
One night deluxe accommodations, chilled champagne and a fresh fruit basket, complimentary champagne glasses and breakfast in bed. Book Now!
La Jolla Romance Packages
The Grande Colonial - Grande Relaxation Package starting from $450
One night accommodations in an ocean view room, chilled bottle of champagne upon arrival, eucalyptus steam and massage for two at GAIA Day Spa. Book Now!
The Grande Colonial - Grande Sunset Smuggler Biplane Package starting from $1884
Four nights in an ocean view junior suite, chilled champagne upon arrival, a 60-minute "Sunset Snuggler" biplane flight (transportation to and from airfield not included), and "Mercy of the Chef" five-course dinner for two, complete with wine parings. Book Now!
Mission Valley Romance Package
Red Lion Hanalei Hotel - Island Romance for Two starting from $142
One night deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two and a bottle of champagne in your room. Book Now!
Hot Tip
Looking for a romantic view for two? For one of the best views in town and unquestionably one of the most romantic, head for the Top of the Hyatt, 40 floors above the city's waterfront in the Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel.
Looking for even more exciting things to do during your visit to San Diego? Don't miss our Event Calendar to view five month's worth of great visitor events!
 
Date: 1/24 - 5/19/04
Experience a cultural high note as a variety of sensational opera productions featuring the works of Verdi, Puccini, Bizet and Janácek unfold for the 2004 opera season. From the dazzling new production of The Pearl Fishers with stunning sets and costumes by acclaimed international designer Zandra Rhodes to La Traviata, one of the most beloved of all operas, this season's performances are sure to captivate your senses.
The Facts
San Diego Opera
Civic Theater, 3rd Ave and B St., San Diego
Cost: $20 - $125 ($150 on opening nights)
Information & tickets: 619-570-1100 or www.sdopera.com
| 1/24, 1/27, 1/30, 2/1, 2/4 |
Turandot
Puccini's spectacular masterpiece is brought to life by the renowned artist David Hockney and the magnificent voices of some of the world's finest opera singers. Sung in Italian.
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| 2/14, 2/17, 2/20, 2/22 |
The Pearl Fishers
Set on the shores of exotic Ceylon, this dazzling new production of Bizet's opera will sing to your senses with stunning sets and costumes by world-famous fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. Sung in French.
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| 3/27, 3/30, 4/2, 4/4, 4/7 |
Don Carlo
The elaborate plot of Verdi's epic saga is told by powerful, glorious music and a high-powered cast including Russian tenor Sergej Larin. Sung in Italian.
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| 4/17, 4/20, 4/23, 4/25 |
Katya Kabanova
America's premier singing actress, soprano Patricia Racette, performs in the passionate title role of one of Leoš Janácek's most successful works. Sung in Czech.
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| 5/8, 5/11, 5/14, 5/16, 5/19 |
La Traviata
Verdi's glittering world of 19th-century Paris comes to life in one of the best-loved of all operas. Sung in Italian.
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Note: English translations are displayed above the stage of each production.
San Diego Opera Specials
Sheraton Suites San Diego
U.S. Grant Hotel
Cabrillo Garden Inn
Radisson Hotel Harbor View
Hot Tip
Looking for more ways to satisfy your cultural cravings? Take advantage of Museum Month in San Diego and visit twenty-six area museums and historic sites for half-priced admission during the entire month of February!
To participate, pick up a special Museum Month brochure from any Robinsons-May department store in San Diego County. Inside you'll find a list of all participating museums, February exhibits, special shows and the free Museum Month Pass.
Just a few of the participating museums and historical sites include Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Cabrillo National Monument, Mingei International Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Quail Botanical Gardens, San Diego Museum of Art, Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Photographic Arts.
For more information, a complete list of participating museums and locations of Robinson-May stores, visit the San Diego Museum Council's Website at www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.
Please note that half-price admission is valid only with the Museum Month Pass. One pass per person; four people admitted per pass.
 
Date: 2/9 - 2/15/04
Get into the swing of things this February as the Buick Invitational returns to the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course. Located in scenic coastal town of La Jolla, you'll score spectacular ocean views and the chance to see 2003 defending champion, Tiger Woods. All bets are on that a full field of players will include such past participants as Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Vijay Singh, Mark O'Meara, Scott Simpson and Craig Stadler.
The Facts
Torrey Pines Golf Course
11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla
Advance ticket prices (purchase by 2/9/04):
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Season Badge: $75 (Tues-Sun)
Daily tickets (good for one day only): Tuesday, $12; Weekday (Wednesday - Friday), $16; Weekend (Saturday-Sunday), $20.
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by paying adult.
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General parking: $8/day; season preferred parking: $50/Tues-Sun
Information & tickets: 800-888-BUICK or www.buickinvitational.com
Event Schedule (Times subject to change)
| 2/9 |
(Free admission)
Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR Players
10:30am - Jabra Pro-Am, South Course
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| 2/10 |
Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR Players
11:00am - Military Appreciation Luncheon
2:00pm - Buick Player's Challenge, North Course
3:30pm - Junior Golf Clinic, South Course
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| 2/11 |
6:42am - SBC Pro-Am, both Courses
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| 2/12 |
8:30am - Opening Round of the Buick Invitational, North & South Courses
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| 2/13 |
8:30am - Second Round of the Tournament, North & South Courses
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| 2/14 |
8:00am - OKI Pro-Am, North Course
8:30am - Third round of the Tournament, South Course
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| 2/15 |
8:30am - Final Round of the Tournament, South Course
TBD - Awards Ceremony on the 18th Green
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2004 Buick Invitational Hotel Specials
Hotel La Jolla
Radisson Hotel La Jolla
Sea Lodge on La Jolla Shores Beach
Empress Hotel La Jolla
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Hot Tip
Want to experience more of the great outdoors while visiting San Diego? Hike Bike Kayak San Diego will satisfy the active adventurer in you by personalizing a hiking, biking or kayaking trip according to your fitness level.
The following tours offer fun, adventure and some spectacular scenery!
La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour - approximately 2 hrs.; includes kayak, paddle, PFD and guide fees.
La Jolla Plunge! (Bike Tour) - approximately 3 hrs.; includes scenic picnic lunch at La Jolla Cove.
Hike Torrey Pines Reserve - approximately 2 hrs.; includes water and snacks following the tour.
Full Day Hike Bike Kayak Leisure Tour - approximately 8 hrs.; includes lunch, water, snacks, guide fees, bike and kayak rental, and appropriate safety equipment.
Click here for more information and discount tickets.
 
Date: 12/15/03 - 3/31/04
Witness the remarkable annual migration of the California gray whale as it makes its
10,000-mile pilgrimage from feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to birthing grounds in
the shallow lagoons of Baja California. From December through March, the waters off the coast of San Diego offer the perfect spot for viewing these peaceful "giants of the sea" from Cabrillo National Monument, the Birch Aquarium or special whale watching cruises.
Special Activities
| 1/17- 1/18 |
Whale Watching Weekend - Cabrillo National Monument
Celebrate the annual migration with festivities and informative lectures by experts. A glassed-in observatory, overlooks, telescopes, exhibits and taped narrations will enhance the whale-watching experience.
Hours: 9am - 5:15pm daily. Entrance fees: $5.00/vehicle (no buses), valid 7 days; $3/individual, valid 7 days. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., Point Loma.
Information: 619-557-5450 or www.nps.gov/cabr.
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| Thru 3/31 |
Weekend Whale Exhibits - Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Learn about the world of the gray whales through unique, weekend exhibits hands-on activities and artifacts. The aquarium's balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a spectacular location to spot gray whales migrating past San Diego.
Hours: 9am-5pm daily. Cost: adults, $10; children, $6.50.
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla.
Information: 858-534-FISH (3474) or aquarium.ucsd.edu.
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Daily Excursions
| Thru 3/31/04 |
H&M Landing
Enjoy a three-hour local cruise as well as highlights of San Diego Bay including resident marine wildlife, the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and the U.S. Naval Fleet.
Departures: 10am & 1:30pm. Cost: adults,
$20; juniors (13-17 yrs.), $7.50; children (12 yrs. & under), $15.
2803 Emerson St., San Diego.
Information: 619-222-1144 or www.hmlanding.com.
Journey into Mexican waters for a five-hour cruise to the Coronado Islands Marine Sanctuary to see whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine wildlife.
Departure: 10am daily through April. Cost: adults, $30; juniors, $22.50; kids, $18.
Information: 619-222-1144 or www.hmlanding.com.
Whale sightings guaranteed on all cruises or whale watchers cruise again for free.
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| Thru 3/31/04 |
Classic Sailing Adventures
Experience a unique four-hour whale-watching excursion aboard a quiet sailing yacht complete with beverages and hors d'oeuvres.
Departures: 8:30am and 1pm daily. Cost: $60 per person; reservations required. 1220 Rosecrans St., Ste. 137, San Diego.
Information: 619-224-0800, 800-659-0141 or www.classicsailingadventures.com.
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| Thru 4/4/04 |
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Take part in an exciting three-and-a-half hour expedition on the largest whale watching boat in San Diego. Listen to a professional, live narration on the whales' migration and other marine life.
Departures: 9:30am and 1:30pm. Cost: adults, $25; children, $15. Click here for discount tickets. 1066 N. Harbor Island Dr., San Diego.
Information & reservations: 619-725-8888 or www.hornblower.com.
Whale sightings guaranteed on all cruises or whale watchers cruise again for free.
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| Thru 3/31/04 |
San Diego Harbor Excursion
Join naturalists from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps for a three-hour
narrated cruise that includes gray whale artifacts, specimens and a
take-home information packet. A "Whale-of-a-Savings" coupon good for
shopping, dining and attraction discounts is also included.
Departures: 9:45am and 1:30pm. Cost: adults, $25; children (4-12 yrs.),
$15. Click here for discount tickets.
Information & reservations: 619-234-4111, 800-442-7847 or www.sdhe.com.
Whale sightings guaranteed on all cruises or whale watchers cruise again for free.
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Whale Watching Hotel Specials & Packages
Hornblower Cruises & Events attraction tickets
San Diego Harbor Excursions attraction tickets
Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures attraction tickets
Hike, Bike, Kayak, San Diego
All Attraction Tickets
Hot Tip
Want an exciting bird's eye view of the gray whale migration? Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures offers a whale of a good time with breathtaking flights along San Diego's glorious coast in an open cockpit biplane. Flying 1,500 feet above the Pacific Ocean, you'll have the unique opportunity to view whales swimming in pods. Prices range from $139 for 20 minutes to $349 for an hour flight. Click here for more information and discount tickets.
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