San Diego is in full swing, and we’re not just talking about baseball! Along with our new downtown ballpark, we’ve got spring in the air, in the ocean and underfoot. Come bask in the warm glow of our alluring sunsets, catch up with the Padres at the brand new PETCO Park, unleash your inner adventurer on scenic hiking, biking and kayaking tours and celebrate everything Irish at our St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. We also have sweet shopping deals, tasty restaurant offers and enticing attraction discounts, so what are you waiting for? Here are some great ways to swing into spring in San Diego:
Great Springtime Getaways: Spring Vacation Packages,
PETCO Park,
Experience the Great Outdoors
 
Date: 3/13/04
Join thousands of spectators as this colorful St. Patrick's Day Parade winds its way through the streets around Balboa Park. Bands, floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, dancers, clowns, pipers and Irish setters will all be a part of this lively event celebrating Irish heritage. After the parade, the fun continues at the Irish Family Festival with food and beverages, Irish crafts, and a kids' zone with llama and train rides. Two stages, dedicated to the joy of Irish music and dance, will feature performances by the San Diego City Firefighters' Emerald Society Pipes and Drum and other musicians who promise to deliver haunting ballads and lots of hand-clapping, foot-stomping, rip-roaring tunes!
The Facts
Irish Congress of Southern California's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival
Balboa Park
Admission: Free
Parade begins: 11am
Festival grounds open: 10am - 6pm; music performances begin at 1pm
Information: 858-268-9111 or www.stpatsparade.org
Parade Route
The 1.6 mile parade route starts at 6th & Juniper, proceeds west to 5th Avenue, then north on 5th to Upas, east on Upas to 6th Avenue, south on 6th to Laurel.
Irish Family Festival Location
The festival is located between 6th Ave. & Balboa Dr. and Laurel St. & Olive St.
Parade & Festival Tram Service
Free, round-trip tram service provided by Old Town Trolley Tours will run from Tram Central at the Inspiration Point parking lot on Park Blvd. and President's Way to the intersection of Balboa Dr. & El Prado. Hours of operation are 8am-5:30pm with departures every 15 minutes. Information: 619-298-8687.
St. Patrick's Day Offers
Sheraton Suites San Diego - Rates from $144.00
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites - Rates from $99.00
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown San Diego - Rates from $129.00
Sommerset Suites Hotel - Rates from $99.00
Best Western Hacienda Hotel - Rates from $134.00
Area restaurants and their plans for St. Patrick's Day
Hot Tip
On March 17, the Gaslamp Quarter will roll out the green carpet (30,000 sq. ft. of Astroturf) for the "biggest St. Patrick's Day block party west of the Mississippi." ShamROCK 2004 will feature an evening of Irish food, live music and dance. Many Gaslamp Quarter clubs and restaurants will offer food and drink specials. Face painters, stilt walkers and hat makers will add to the entertainment. Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Ages 21 and up only. Information: 619-233-5008 or www.gaslampquarter.org
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