We are already midway through summer here in San Diego. Yet our best months are still yet to come (to me, mid-August through October are Southern California’s prime time of the year).

Looking for something to do, places to visit, events to attend? The summer lineup of events in San Diego does not fall short, and there is sure to be something for every one. Here are a few that seem worth mentioning… (more…)

Are you looking for an alternative to the typical “family vacation”? Maybe a vacation home rental is the way to go. You may be surprised how affordable it really is. While peak season summer prices seem high, I did some research on hotels in the area, and what the rates would be. Now the difference between these hotels and our vacation rentals is they are not directly on the beach. I looked up what it would be for a week stay in the middle of July. Two resorts, Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort and Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, both with living space, kitchens, and one bedrooms, would cost between $2200 and $2500, just for one room, or for 4 guests. Say you have 16 people coming, that could be 3, 4, or even 5 different families, a total of 4 rooms would come out to $8800 to $10000 for the week.

Now, take one of our vacation rentals. 809 S. Pacific St., a 5 bedroom, 4 bath, luxury condo, on the beach in Oceanside. In the peak of summer, coming during the same week as above, the rental cost is $8750. Your group can be all together, yet still have their individual space. Walk out your front door to the beach, Barbecue on your balcony at night, cook wonderful gourmet meals in the fully appointed kitchens, spend quality time together in the large living areas….a family vacation can’t get much better!

Now if you really are looking for an affordable vacation, come during our off season, when our prices drop fifty to seventy-five percent! Rent a 5 bedroom, luxury beach front home for as little as $550 per night (thats equivalent to $110/room)!!

For more information on our vacation rentals, and for rates and availability, etc, please visit our website.

The coastal street fairs are approaching fast! These make for a wonderful outing for anyone! I will start with the Encinitas Street Fair…

The annual Encinitas Street Fair, which began in 1983, takes place the last Saturday and Sunday in April, 9:00am to 5:00pm (4/26-4/27). The fair is located right in downtown Old Encinitas, covering six blocks of the Coast Highway 101. There will be over 400 booths featuring everything from arts & crafts, antiques, clothing, ethnic imports, kettle corn, and so much more! The whole family can enjoy the day, as there will be rides for the children, a Karl Strauss Brewery beer garden, and four stages with live performances, and plus, it is only two blocks from the ocean! Website

Carlsbad Village Fair

The Carlsbad Village Fair, taking place on the first Sunday in May, 8:00am to 5:00pm (May 4) is the largest one day street fair in the nation! With over 850 vendors there is something for everyone! Along with all of the usual street fair booths and activities, there are children’s rides, an international food center, and an old-fashioned pancake breakfast! The fair started 34 years ago, and has an expected attendance of over 100,000 this year. Website

Whether you are a local to North County San Diego, or a visitor, you should definitely check out one of these street fairs…Soak in the Southern California sun as you browse hundreds of unique booths, enjoy local bands and performers, eat freshly grilled/fried/baked foods, and sip on ice cold beer, all at your own leisurely pace.

(I suggest NOT driving to either one of these fairs. Parking will not be fun. See websites for shuttle information. If you are staying with us in Encinitas, you can easily walk to the Encinitas Street Fair if you are in the mood for a nice stroll! )

The Red Bull Air Races take place all around the world, from London, to Budapest, to Abu Dhabi, and yes, to America’s finest city, San Diego! The races will take place on May 3rd and 4th, 2008, over the San Diego Bay, between Embarcadero Park and Coronado Island. You do not want to miss this!! (more…)

Having trouble finding a vacation rental on the beach that is ADA compliant and wheelchair friendly? We have several beachfront vacation rentals that are wheelchair accessible, and a few in particular that are completely ADA compliant. We want everyone to be able to enjoy their vacation no matter what!

ADA Compliant Property

809 S. Pacific St.

This is a 5 bedroom, 4 bath, luxury condo on the beach in Oceanside, CA

The flower fields in Carlsbad, California are a huge attraction every year during spring time in San Diego. It’s no wonder why….imagine 50 acres of nothing but rows of vivid, bold, beautiful, fresh, exquisite flowers. From afar, it looks as if a rainbow has landed and is laying flat on the earth. The Carlsbad flower fields is the only commercial Ranunclulus field in the world that is open the public (the Ranunclulus is a beautiful full, bright flower…see photo below).

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As you may know, the 2008 U.S. OPEN Championship is set to take place at Torrey Pines South Golf Course, from June 9 to June 15, in La Jolla, CA, with an expected attendance of 40,000 spectators per day, making this a huge week in San Diego! Individual face value tickets are sold out for this event, but that does not mean tickets are not available elsewhere. Check out this article, on Sandiegogolf.com if you are interested in attending and have not yet purchased tickets.

Torrey Pines Golf Course is located in La Jolla, CA, a gorgeous coastal town in San Diego. The course is situated on an oceanfront bluff, with spectacular and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Golfing atmosphere does not get much better than this. Torrey Pines is a premier golf facility and well-known PGA tour stop with the Buick Invitational held every February. Click here to see a map of the holes. If you are interested in playing on this course, here is information regarding Tee Times.

STAY ON THE BEACH!

Complete your visit to the US Open with a stay on the beach! Life won’t get any better! We still have vacation rentals available for the time of the US Open, including a few in Encinitas. Our Encinitas homes are located on a bluff overlooking the ocean, only a short, scenic drive up the coast from this golf course. Or, we have availability in Oceanside as well, and all of our Oceanside rentals sit directly on the beach, with the sand right out your back door. Oceanside is about a 25 minute drive from Torrey Pines. Contact us or visit our website to check availability for this time! (more…)

We are currently running a contest. Just enter a review of a restaurant, attraction, or some other San Diego insider tip, and you could win a free weekend getaway at one of our oceanfront vacation rentals. Click here for complete details.

Have you ever imagined your wedding on the sand, or perhaps overlooking the gorgeous coastline of San Diego?

We have beachfront properties that sit directly on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and will provide you with the wedding of your dreams.

There is something very unique in what we offer. Our properties can hold the ceremony and the reception, as well as provide accommodation for wedding parties and out-of-town guests.

Whether you want a grand rooftop wedding overlooking the ocean, or an intimate barefoot wedding directly on the sand, we have the perfect setting for your special day!
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I just discovered a website called WalkScore, which calculates a home address on how “walkable” it is. The website is promoting high walk scores, as it is no doubt, good for your health and the environment to walk rather than drive.

Not only is the tool great if you are looking to buy a new home, but it is also a great tool to help you in your search for vacation rentals. The last thing you want to do after you have checked in to your gorgeous oceanfront home is get in the car and drive. Use this tool to find grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, parks, fitness, retail, and more all walking distance away, with actual distances and maps.

The website is www.walkscore.com

Simply enter in an address, and the website will automatically calculate your score and populate the map with walkable places. This is so cool! I am hoping that eventually the site will expand Internationally. I would love a tool like this when traveling to other countries!