Springtime is never far away and, in San Diego at least, it's the start of a host of activities as the city wakens from winter to greet the summer months.
SPRING IN NATURE
Spring is the time for the rugged and adventurous tourist to head out of town to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to witness the start of the season's fantastic array of blooms and wildlife activity. In addition to a visitor center, there are exhibits and slide shows, walking tours, picnic areas and even camping facilities available. Furthermore, at the La Casa del Zorro Resort you can enroll for a four-by-four off-road Eco tour.
FLORAL CELEBRATIONS
There are numerous floral celebrations in San Diego County at springtime. As well as the Carlsbad Flower fields, which offers walks through beautiful gardens, you can visit the San Diego Museum of Art to view artistic interpretations of floral displays, or take a trip to Coronado for the Flower Show Weekend, which includes prize blooms, music and other entertainment.
PERFORMING ARTS
Many of the theater programs begin anew in spring, and 2008 is no different. For example, amongst the myriad of venues, the San Diego Opera is presenting stunning performances of Aida this year, and The Old Globe theater offers the stage version of The Band Wagon from March 7 to April 13 and Tennessee William's acclaimed The Glass Menagerie from April 12 to May 18.
FESTIVALS AND PARADES
As the weather warms, the festivals and parades brush off the winter dust and take to the streets and parks. Who could fail to enjoy the annual St Patrick's Day Parade, culminating in a festival of Irish food, beer and entertainment? Or not find some sort of joy in the Pacific Beach Street Fair, Adams Avenue Root Festival, the San Diego Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish festival and many others? San Diego's spring calendar explodes into a maze of festive color, music, laughter and entertainment from March to May.
SPORTS EVENTS
Of course April and springtime in San Diego is also a wake-up call for sports people. It's time for the San Diego Padres to take to the field for another six months of games as they strive to make a name for themselves in the league.
Add to this the Californian Half Triathlon, San Diego Crew Classic, internationally acclaimed Del Mar National Horse Show and the Lakeside Rodeo and Parade and there is plenty of activity to raise the heartbeat of the armchair and active athlete alike.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Among the host of other spring activities available in San Diego, make a note in your diary that the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park opens its doors for free on every second Wednesday in May in honor of the celebration for Founders Day.
In San Diego at springtime, there is no excuse for not shaking off those winter blues, taking to the city streets and enjoying an exhilarating experience. More spring activity information is available from the San Diego Visitor Bureau website at www.sandiego.org.
This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Paul Lines.
All ye spring chickens, take note: Condos and rental homes in San Diego won't be around for long. Book them while you still have the chance!