For more than sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year - from early March through early May - literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.

Explore one of the country’s best urban cultural parks on a private tour with a local guide. Balboa Park has a bit of everything, including grand architecture, diverse museums, cultural institutions and captivating gardens. You will visit spots that even locals don’t know about. Keep the camera handy for what might be the prettiest tour in town!

Tour Highlights

Discover the inspiring, quirky, and fascinating history of one of the nation’s largest urban cultural parks on a private tour
Uncover historical and architectural treasures hiding in plain sight
Explore a botanical garden’s vibrant collection of more than 2,100 plants
Learn about the early 20th-century expositions that shaped Balboa Park
Find the best spots to photograph Balboa Park’s beautiful Spanish colonial revival architecture

The Gaslamp Quarter is thrilled to announce the return of the popular Gaslamp Artisan Market, operated by Community Crops. Attend this outdoor-shopping event to find clothing, accessories and other hand-crafted treasures. The socially distanced Gaslamp Artisan Market attracts locals and visitors who come to browse creations by local vendors and artisans.

(Gaslamp Artisan Market vendors and shoppers must wear face coverings while inside the marketplace area.)

Location: 
Fifth Ave., from Island Ave. to J St.
Island Ave., from Fourth Ave. to Fifth Ave.

(Through the holidays and into 2021)

Enjoy a drink with friends, family, and/or colleagues over video conference and learn something along the way!

For wine lovers around the world, or even just ‘wine likers’ who would like to know more about what they’re drinking, the COVID-19 lockdown does not have to get in the way of sipping, learning, and enjoying a taste (or three) of your favorite varietals. This virtual tasting will bring delicious wine to your home and bring friends and clients together to share a bottle of wine, discuss what’s in the glass, learn a little bit, and have a few laughs.

Virtually meet winemakers, winery owners, wine critics, and other pros through our series of virtual tastings. Taste the wine from the comfort of your own home as experts talk you through their tasting notes, winemaking process, favorite pairings and more!