With its desirable combination of pleasantly warm weather – averaging 19°C during December through February – 112 km of sparkling beaches, world-class attractions, hot dining and craft brewery scene, flourishing arts and culture and more, San Diego is a perfect winter getaway for Canadian visitors.
The following are the newest offerings around San Diego sure to appeal to Canucks from British Columbia to Quebec, and all points in between.
Major Attractions
In September 2016, LEGOLAND® California Resort in San Diego’s North County unveiled plans for new park additions in 2017 and beyond, including an expansion at LEGOLAND® Water Park and a new addition to LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland. Opening March 2017, Miniland will include six new displays that represent the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, including the planet Jakku and an enormous 16 foot long LEGO® model of the Star Destroyer Finalizer, the longest Star Wars Miniland model ever created. Slated to open in summer 2017, Surfer’s Bay will be a California beach-themed expansion of LEGOLAND Water Park, featuring a competitive water slide raceway, a new spray ground and new LEGO models to create a fun place to cool off.
In late spring 2017, SeaWorld San Diego on Mission Bay plans to open Ocean Explorer, an immersive new multi-million dollar attraction that will take park visitors on an exciting ocean expedition highlighting scientific exploration. Highlights include a new Submarine Quest ride, one of five planned rides, and a giant rotating jellyfish ride that flies through thousands of real bubbles. The experience will combine a series of undersea research bases housing aquariums and interactive activities displaying unique and elusive ocean animals.
Shopping
Westfield University Town Center (UTC) shopping center in La Jolla is currently undergoing phase two of a massive expansion that began in 2015 and includes a $585 million investment to be completed in October 2017. The new Westfield UTC will encompass 75 acres in addition to 8 acres of green space, including an additional 251,000 square feet of first-to-market retail and high-end, chef-driven restaurants and a new 149,000-square-foot two-level flagship Nordstrom department store. Ninety new tenants will be added to the existing 141 storefronts.
Major Events
On Dec. 2-3, 2016, Balboa Park December Nights celebrates the holiday season as the largest free community festival in San Diego. The event offers foods and crafts from around the world for sale and free music, performances and admission to Balboa Park's diverse museums.
On Dec. 11 and 18, 2016, the Port of San Diego hosts a free San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. This colorfully unique San Diego holiday tradition features more than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights, sailing along the waters of San Diego Bay. Prime viewing spots include Harbor Island and Shelter Island on Point Loma.
On Dec. 21, 2016, SDCCU Stadium in Mission Valley plays host to the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. San Diego's annual pre-Christmas bowl game matches teams from the Mountain West and Western Athletic Conferences. The nationally recognized event features all the pomp and circumstance of a major college post-season football game.
On Dec. 27, 2016, the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Balloon Parade – America's largest balloon parade – along downtown San Diego's waterfront is followed by the Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium in Mission Valley, featuring college football teams from the Pac-10 and Big 12 Conferences. The exciting gridiron action is augmented by spectacular pregame and halftime pageantry.
During Jan. 15-22, 2017, more than 180 of San Diego's finest restaurants participate in a celebration of the local dining scene with special value-based prix fixed menus for San Diego Restaurant Week.
On Jan. 26-29, 2017, the Farmers Insurance Open annual PGA Tour men’s tournament hosts golf’s biggest stars on the green at the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the 2021 U.S. Open. Visitors hoping to try their hand at the renowned course can enjoy a $12.6 million renovation of the north course, completed in 2016.
Feb. 1-28, 2017, is San Diego Museum Month, allowing visitors to experience the region’s rich cultural offerings at half-price. Guests can pick up a free San Diego Museum Month Pass at local participating Macy’s locations; with the pass, they can receive half-price admission for up to four guests per visit at more than 40 of San Diego’s museums, ranging from art museums to historical sites and interactive science centers.
During Mar. 16-26, 2017, San Diego Latino Film Festival showcases acclaimed movies by Latinos or about the Latino experience. Held at the AMC 18 Theaters in Fashion Valley and at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park, the festival includes parties, workshops, art exhibitions and the opportunity to mingle with international movie and television stars.
New Hotels
Pendry San Diego, the world debut luxury property from Montage Hotels, will open in late 2016 in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The 12-story Pendry San Diego will feature 317 guest rooms, three restaurants (Nason’s Beer Hall, Lionfish, and Provisional Kitchen, Cafe and Mercantile) and three bars (Oxford Social Club, The Pool House and Fifth & Rose). The hotel’s design reflects the San Diego vibe, with an upscale urban experience in a laid-back beach-inspired setting.
Projected to open in late 2018 in Point Loma, Liberty Station’s 100-year-old military barracks are going to be redeveloped into The Barracks Hotel, transforming the last of the old Naval Training Center barracks buildings and officer quarters in the heart of Liberty Station’s ARTS DISTRICT into a $20 million, 90-plus room specialty hotel complex. Art will be the primary focus of the hotel, with curated and site-specific works throughout.
Carté Hotel & Suites San Diego, a new high-rise hotel in downtown San Diego, broke ground on Sep. 9, 2016. The 14-story hotel, located in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, will include 240 upscale guest rooms and suites along with a restaurant, wine shop, full-service athletic club and outdoor pool with spa. The 151,248-square-foot project includes nearly 3,900 square feet of street-level retail space and a 2,000-square-foot plaza. The hotel is expected to open in June 2018.
Restaurants, Breweries and Nightlife
San Diego-based Abnormal Beer Company completed a $1 million renovation that expanded the brewing facility. The brewery can now produce 440 barrels, up from 80 barrels. The expansion also added 2,000 square feet to the existing 5,000-square-foot building, which houses Abnormal Wine Company and The Cork & Craft restaurant in the North County city of Rancho Bernardo, making it San Diego’s first craft brewery, urban winery and restaurant under one roof.
In September 2016, Everyday California, a watersports and apparel company based in La Jolla that offers kayak tours of the sea caves, and Pure Project, an ingredient-focused brewery based in San Diego’s Miramar neighborhood, collaborated to create a unique beer called Everyday California. This authentic California IPA uses only California-sourced ingredients and local wet hops as a tribute to the state’s agriculture and sustainability efforts.
In September 2016, Craft & Commerce re-opened its doors in San Diego’s Little Italy with the addition of False Idol, a secret tiki bar hidden inside the main restaurant. The Polynesian pop-inspired speakeasy is the brainchild of Martin Cate, a rum expert and owner of the acclaimed Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco. The beverage program features exotic cocktails and tiki classic recipes, alongside an extensive selection of rare rum. False Idol offers a faux tropical paradise complete with traditional Polynesian elements including colorful tiki masks, a ceiling covered in glass buoys and puffer fish, an indoor waterfall and flaming volcano.
Art and Museums
On view Oct. 29, 2016–Jan. 1, 2017, The San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) in Balboa Park offers a new exhibit, Animals: Machines in Motion, where visitors can discover the marvels of natural engineering. In September 2016, the NAT released Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors, a new hiking guide that offers more than 300 hiking options in the region and includes a plethora of information about the flora, fauna and habitats encountered along the way.
From Oct. 20, 2016–Jan. 29, 2017, the San Diego Automotive Museum featuresWagons... Weekend Warriors, an exhibit of 15 station wagons that illustrates the transition of these cars from train station transport vehicles (hence the term “station wagon”) to the large family cars from the 1960s and 1970s that transformed family vacations and road trips. The exhibit shows vintage advertising and videos and several historic wagons.
In September 2016, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center changed its name to the Fleet Science Center, expanding its vision and extended role as a county-wide organization devoted to building and supporting communities rich in science learning. Currently on display through Jan. 30, 2017, artist Nathan Sawaya transforms countless colorful LEGO pieces into beautiful works of contemporary art in The Art of the Brick.
Performing Arts
ArtsTix, San Diego’s only non-profit theater ticket agency, re-opened in summer of 2016 at a new location in the recently unveiled Horton Plaza Park. In addition to half price and other discounts on day-of-performance theater shows, ArtsTix offers advanced discount purchases on select shows as well as discount tickets to the San Diego Zoo, Old Town Trolley Tours and SeaWorld. Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person at the new ticket center in Horton Plaza Park next to the Balboa Theatre.
The 2016 winter season at the San Diego Symphony offers programing for families and film buffs. As part of the Fox Theater Film Series, Home Alone will be shown on three large screens on Dec. 2 with sound track performed live by the Symphony orchestra. Noel Noel (Dec. 16-17) features the orchestra performing the most popular music of the season including the San Diego Master Chorale, and the Family Holiday Concert (Dec. 18) is a one-hour afternoon version of traditional Christmas music and the San Diego Master Chorale along with a visit from Santa Claus.
In Old Town, the Diversionary Theatre’s 2016-2017 season includes The Mystery of Love and Sex (Nov. 25–Dec. 24, 2016) and two of Lisa Kron’s autobiographical plays,2.5 Minute Ride and Well (Feb. 9–Mar. 19, 2017). The Mystery of Love and Sex is a provocative Southern Gothic romantic comedy that peeks behind the curtain of sexuality and race to illuminate secrets of the heart and the fabric of a family. In 2.5 Minute Ride and Well, Kron explores the hilarious and poignant relationship with two of the most perplexing people in her life: her parents.
The Old Globe theatre in Balboa Park welcomes the 19th annual production of the holiday fable, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Nov. 5–Dec. 26, 2016). Beloved by locals, Dr. Seuss was one of San Diego’s most famous residents and wrote many of his children’s books in his studio home atop Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. Additionally, the Old Globe will present The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Nov. 12-20, 2016), Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Feb. 2–Mar. 12, 2017), and the world premiere of The Blameless (Feb. 23–Mar. 26, 2017).
La Jolla Playhouse’s 2016-2017 season includes the world-premiere musical, Miss You Like Hell,
Oct. 25–Dec. 4, 2016. When a free-spirited mother convinces her whip-smart teenage daughter to join her on a drive across the country, neither can imagine where it will take them. Chance encounters with a motley crew of characters brings them closer to understanding what sets them apart, and what connects them forever. From Jan. 31–Mar. 12, 2017, the Playhouse also presents the new musical comedy Freaky Friday based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and hit Disney films.
As part of its 2017 season, the San Diego Repertory Theatre presents Sex With Strangers(Feb. 23–Mar. 17, 2017), a sensuous and provocative comedy about fame, cyber identity and the desire for intimacy and respect between two strangers who are unexpectedly trapped in a secluded cabin during a winter storm. Into the Beautiful North (Mar. 30–Apr. 23, 2017) follows the adventures of 19-year-old Nayeli who travels from a small Mexican village on a quest to find the village’s men in the U.S. and smuggle them back across the border to repopulate and protect her beloved town. The play chronicles a 1,000 mile road trip from the Pacific Coast of Mexico through the streets of Tijuana to a climactic scene at the Bahia Resort in Mission Bay, San Diego.
Tours and Transportation
On Nov. 14, 2016, Air Canada will upgrade the mid-day Toronto flight with an A321, which adds an additional 64 daily seats from Toronto. Air Canada also announced that on Dec. 15, 2016, the previously seasonal Air Canada Rouge Vancouver-San Diego flight will become a year-round daily.
In August 2016, FRED, a free shuttle service featuring five-passenger, electric, open-air vehicles launched in downtown San Diego. The service operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays with later hours on the weekends. The vehicles can either be waved down curbside or called using the company’s FRED app. FRED aims to pick up passengers within eight minutes.
In September 2016, Old Town Trolley Tours added a San Diego City Lights Night Tour that shows off the city at night. Visitors can enjoy romantic views of the bay and experience the vibrant nightlife that San Diego has to offer, watching as the beach city is transformed by buildings, fountains, and statues glowing bright. Guests have the option to end the tour with discounted glass of wine at Top of the Hyatt bar overlooking San Diego Bay.
Epicurean San Diego is the newest San Diego culinary adventure for food-loving visitors. The tour company showcases San Diego’s stunning market of fresh, organic and sustainable foods through van tours to local businesses. Attendees enjoy a full day of eating, drinking and touring five different locations ranging from cafes and farms to wineries and breweries. Tours are an intimate experience of a maximum of 12 people.
Awards
In August 2016, Petco Park in downtown San Diego was named the “Undisputed Best Ballpark in Baseball” by USA Today Sports. Journalists ranked all 30 Major League Baseball parks and Petco reigned supreme.
In September 2016, TripAdvisor ranked San Diego’s USS Midway Museum as the sixth best museum in the United States.
In September 2016, Chef Javier Plascencia of Bracero Cocina de Raíz in San Diego’s Little Italy and Grupo Plascencia in Tijuana, Mexico, was invited to cook a meal focusing on “The Elements of Baja Cuisine” at New York’s prestigious James Beard House. Click here to explore San Diego’s signature Cali-Baja cuisine.
In October 2016, San Diego breweries took home 18 medals at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. San Diego County brewers brought home eight gold medals, three silvers and seven bronze. One big winner, Karl Strauss Brewery won four medals, including gold in the American-Style Sour Ale category with Queen of Tarts, besting the field of 142 entries. The brewery also won gold in the South German-Style Hefeweizen for Windandsea Wheat. Karl Straus was named Mid-Size Brewpub and Mid-Size Brewpub Brewer of the Year. Visitors can sample 20 taps of Karl Strauss' handcrafted beers at their Tasting Room & Beer Garden near La Jolla.
In October 2016, WalletHub.com ranked San Diego #5 Greenest Cities in America in its study to determine which cities promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle based on availability of green space, commuters, bicyclists, walkers, farmers markets and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, among other factors.
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