San Diego Vacation Blog & Daily Deals!

Apr 19, National Park Week April 21-29

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:40:06 GMT

From April 21-29, you can enjoy Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma for free in honor of National Park Week. That's a saving of $5 per vehicle or $3 per pedestrian. You can take the kids on a two mile walk through a coastal sage scrub forest near the Lighthouse. You will see the harbor and city of San Diego. It's really pretty in the spring with the wildflowers.

Apr 14, Library in the Mall? Grand Opening Today at Otay Ranch

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:22:34 GMT

Chula Vista's Grand Opening of the Otay Ranch Branch Library is today from 12 - 3 pm. The library is located near the food court of the beautiful Otay Ranch Town Center. 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista. Festivities today include music by "Kidville's Rockin Railroad," games and prizes, appearances by story book characters, story time, refreshments and tours. I never thought about going to the library, Gepetto's, Barnes and Noble and Children's Place at one stop, but now I can.

Mar 16, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Festival on Saturday

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:21:56 GMT

If you're looking for an activity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, head over to Balboa Park. The parade starts at 10:30 am on Fifth Ave at Laurel St. and travels up Fifth Ave., from Laurel to Upas St., then returns down Sixth Ave to Laurel. After the parade, there's a festival with music, food and a kids zone at Sixth Ave and Maple St. 9 am - 6 pm

Feb 23, Legoland Discount Tickets!

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:49:20 GMT

Legoland Discount Tickets...Best Deals, Coupons, Free Club at this Must-See Attraction With These Little-Known Tips!

Feb 23, How to Get a Free Legoland Resort Membership

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:38:23 GMT

For the first time, Legoland California is offering a "Buy 3 resort memberships, get 4th membership for free." One of the memberships you buy has to be an adult membership, and the free membership is a child's membership. This is a saving of $149 (child membership) so it's a great way to save money on admission for a family of 4. Offer is available at Legoland until March 18.

Feb 9, San Diego Padres FanFest Saturday February 11

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:55:10 GMT

If your child has ever wanted to run the bases at Petco Park, this Saturday is the time to do it! From 10 am to 5 pm, Petco Park is hosting a huge fanfest! There will be free autographs, question-and-answer sessions, clubhouse tours plus the annual garage sale to benefit the Padres Foundation.

Jan 18, Not Too Late to Enjoy San Diego Restaurant Week until Jan 20!

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:45:51 GMT

How would you like to enjoy an appetizer, main entree and dessert to die for - all for $10 or $20? San Diego Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to try out that nice restaurant that you've always wondered about. Prices range from $10 lunches to $40 dinners so you can pick and choose what fits with your budget. For a romantic meal, try Busalacchi's in Hillcrest or Bertrand at Mister A's. San Diego Restaurant Week runs until January 20. Check out restaurants by location, cuisine, or price at www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com

Jan 6, San Diego Zoo Tickets

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:34:34 GMT

San Diego Zoo tickets facts plus deals and how to save money on admission

Jan 6, San Diego Zoo Deals

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:15:44 GMT

San Diego Zoo facts for the whole family: photos, videos, plus best ticket deals!

Jan 5, Knotts Berry Farm Discount Tickets!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:40:17 GMT

Knotts Berry Farm Discount Tickets! Don't pay any more than you have to with these discount ticket secrets!

Dec 5, Legoland

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:02:48 GMT

Legoland done right! Here's the locals' guide to the park, with discount ticket secrets, Holiday Snow Days Info, best rides and shopping, and more!

Dec 5, Legoland Holiday Snow Days!

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:53:45 GMT

Legoland Holiday Snow Days - Get a Free Ticket and Save Money with These Tips!

Dec 1, Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland Sat Dec 3

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:55:30 GMT

Enjoy the songs of the season and Victorian carolers from 4-8 pm at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. There will be a light show, art activities, a visit from Santa and real snow! Free at the Lyric Court & Great Green Lawn area. www.artcenter.org

Nov 27, $50 Restaurant.com Gift Card + $25 at Target for just $25

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:58:14 GMT

Can't resist sharing this deal...two more days left to check it out! Just $25 for $25 at Target plus $50 gift certificate to redeem at Restaurant.com. Lots of great restaurants to choose from in San Diego and other parts of the country as well. Here's the link: http://www.kgbdeals.com/national/deals/57121

Nov 16, 2012 Entertainment Books $10 Off Through Nov. 17

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:36:52 GMT

Through Nov. 17 only, get $10 off and free shipping when you buy a 2012 Entertainment Book. For just $25, you'll be able to start using the coupons immediately, and boy, can they save you hundreds on restaurants, entertainment, travel, and more. Additional books are $20, so if you know you'll be doing some traveling in the next year, consider buying a book for that city too! And for more ways to save on travel and entertainment, click here.

Nov 16, BOGO Starbucks Holiday Drinks Nov. 17-20

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:36:52 GMT

I'm not an eggnog fan by nature, but considering the BOGO Starbucks holiday drink deal Nov. 17-20, I may just convert. Stop by participating Starbucks from 2 pm to 5 pm those days, order a Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Gingerbread Latte, or Eggnog Latte, and you'll get a second one free! Click here for more cheap eats deals.

Nov 9, Veterans Day Parade

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:43:57 GMT

Enjoy this parade to honor so many who have served our nation! This year's theme is dedicated to the men and women who served during Desert Storm. Starts at 11 am on November 11. Goes down Pacific Hwy from Cedar to G Sts. www.sdvetparade.org

Nov 5, Veterans Day Freebies!

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:28:08 GMT

Check out these Veteran's Day freebies and deals: - Free admission at more than 100 US National Parks Nov. 11th-13th (available to all, not just veterans). Click here for details. - Free admission to Knott's Berry Farm Nov. 1-24 for active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, plus one free ticket for dependents and reduced admission for up to 6 guests. Click here to for details. -- Free bed & breakfast stay for veterans November 11. Go to www.betterwaytostay.com for details. - Free Bloomin' Onion and a Coke for veterans and active military at Outback Steakhouse Nov. 7-11. Go to Outback for details. - Free meals, donuts, and more for veterans and active military - Check out www.themilitarywallet.com for huge list of freebies! And for more military deals, check out our own Military Discounts page.

Oct 24, Halloween Family Day at the Fleet October 29

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:27:10 GMT

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Reuben Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. Kids can come in costume and enjoy free activities from 11 am - 3 pm in Kid City for those 5 and under. All children 12 and under receive free gallery admission all day (regular admission prices apply for parents). The Halloween Family Day is from 10 am - 4 pm on Saturday October 29.

Oct 18, Free Dickens' Christmas Carol Drama

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:51:15 GMT

Enjoy a free evening of drama that will get you in the Christmas spirit! Point Loma Nazarene University presents "Mr. Dickens' Christmas Carol" on Thursday, November 10 at 7 pm at the Crill Performance Hall. 3900 Lomaland Dr. in San Diego. This one-man re-telling of the classic story will be performed by the talented Paul Maley. Free admission with the donation of canned food for a local food pantry.

Oct 9, Free Kids Admission at San Diego Zoo

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:45:25 GMT

Beat this deal if you can: During the month of October, kids ages 3-11 get free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park! Since kids tickets are usually $30 each, that's an amazing savings. Speaking of free things at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, check out their free guide to "101 Things to Do." And click here for tips on how to get discount tickets.

Oct 3, Free Way to See Creepy Critters!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:38:30 GMT

With Halloween around the corner, how about a free way to show your kids snakes, tarantulas, and weird looking amphibians? Head over to Pet Kingdom, San Diego's largest privately owned pet store. I just saw my friend's photos of their kids with snakes draped around their shoulders. No thanks! But I do admit my kids will love going to this zoo-like store. Pet Kingdom is located at 3191 Sports Arena Blvd in San Diego, 619-224-2841. Whether you're looking for a snake, turtle, guinea pig, sea horse, or lizard, you will find it!

Sep 12, Fee Free Days at 100 National Parks Sept. 24

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:41:35 GMT

Ahh, nature. It seems free-- unless you're visiting it at a US National Park-- unless you're visiting on the fee-free day of Sept. 24. While nearly 400 national parks are completely free, about 100 usually charge entrance fees. Those fees will be waived Sept. 24 thanks to Public Lands Day. In California, that means you can save when you visit 11 parks, including these:

Cabrillo National Monument

Yosemite National Park

Sequoia National Park

Pinnacles National Monument

Joshua Tree National Park

Death Valley National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park

If you're looking for more free things to do in California- --particularly in San Diego-- click here. And if you miss the fee-free day on Sept. 24, there's still the fee-free weekend of November 11-13.

Sep 8, Free Events to Commemorate 9/11

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:01:09 GMT

A Decade of Remembrance at Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista. There will be a family fun/walk (8 am registration, 8:30 walk), pancake breakfast at 9:30 am, and military, police and fire demonstrations from 10 am - noon. Freedom Walk - Remember the lives lost on 9/11 at this event which also honors veterans. See displays from the San Diego Police and Fire Departments and listen to live music. Ceremony at 9 am, 5K walk approximately at 10 am. www.operationhomefront.net/socal

Aug 30, Free Breakfast at Chick-fil-A

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:53:07 GMT

You can reserve one free breakfast item from Chick-fil-a from Sept 6-10. Hurry while reservations are still open. You pick the date and the time you are coming (1 hour time slots). Chick-fil-a continues to amaze me with their great customer service! Visit http://www.chick-fil-aforbreakfast.com/Start to reserve your free breakfast entree!

Aug 30, Don't Miss the Acrobatic Show at the Zoo!

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:53:17 GMT

Nighttime Zoo is coming to a close after Labor Day weekend. Have you seen the "Tales of the Mandarin Forest" show at 2 pm and 5 pm and the Golden Lion Chinese Acrobats throughout the day? These shows are EXCELLENT! At 8:00 pm, there's a finale that showcases these amazing and entertaining performers. The zoo staff member at the entrance said they were the best shows for Nighttime Zoo in years and I agree!

Aug 1, 50% Off Snorkeling or Paddle Board Tour in San Diego

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:43:56 GMT

Truth is, I've been paddle boarding but if I DID decide to take the plunge this would be the deal to get me started. Groupon is offering a deal for 50% off a stand-up Paddle Boarding lesson for two from San Diego Excellent Adventures. Or, you can get 50% off a snorkeling tour for two. To get the deal, click here. And click here to see how Groupon works and get more discount ticket, restaurant, and entertainment deals! After getting you up to speed on the sport, you'll have the opportunity to drift among frolicking dolphins led by your trusty guide.

Jul 27, Are Your Discount Disney Tickets a Scam?

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:30:45 GMT

Is that discount Disney or Sea World ticket you just bought worthless? It may be, especially if you bought it along the road. An article in today's USAToday online says that tickets being sold along Highway 192 near Disney World, Sea World, and other Orlando attractions may be worth nothing when you present them at the ticket booth. "Vendors openly advertise that they will buy unused portions of multi-day theme park passes from tourists heading home...they then sell them at a profit to tourists willing to buy the cut-rate, re-sold tickets - which are illegal under Florida law - and try to fool theme parks' fingerprint scanners," the article says. The article notes that the parks don't always check tickets with the scanners, but if they do, that ticket will be worthless. The article doesn't specifically refer to any similar scams running Disney California, San Diego's Sea World, or any parks in California, but it's a good caution to remember: Buyer beware. If you do want legitimate ways to save on Sea World, Legoland, San Diego Safari Park, and other attractions, click here...

Jul 18, $1 Big-Screen Movies This Tuesday and Wednesday

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:11:23 GMT

No, that's not a typo. Treat the kids to a $1 movie July 19 and 20 at Regal Cinemas thanks to their Summer Movie Express deal. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am, you can see a family-friendly movie on the big screen (much more of a family event than just schlepping over to the nearest Redbox). This week's movies are "Alpha and Omega" and "Nanny McPhee Returns." And the entire $1 ticket fee goes direct to the Will Rodgers' Institute. For the nearest Regal Cinema near you, plus the movie line up through August 10, click here. And for more free (or almost free) things to do this summer (like free bowling, books and crafts), click here for our "Free Summer Fun" page...

Jul 13, Legoland is Now Open Earlier!

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:01:24 GMT

Now that we're in July, Legoland has moved up its opening hour to 9 am. You can start riding select rides as early as 9:30 am, including Safari Trek, Coastersaurus, Fairy Tale Brook, Kid Power Tower and Sky Cruiser. The new hours are good for the month of July. And if you want to visit for less, click here for park discounts and coupons...

Jul 12, $10 Off Legoland Coupon

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:26:17 GMT

My son adores Legos (what boy doesn't) but going to Legoland can be an expensive thing. But it doesn't have to be with a coupon good for $10 off Legoland. And it's good for up to six admissions! Click here to get the coupon. And click here for coupons for Southern California attractions.

Jul 12, Free San Diego Attractions!

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:35:34 GMT

Top 10 free San Diego attractions and fantastic things to do absolutely free! Check out our favorite fee-free attractions...

Jul 12, San Diego Beaches

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:35:18 GMT

The Inside Guide to the Best San Diego Beaches - Our Top Two Faves, Best Dog Walking Best, Parking, and Beach Videos!

Jul 11, Sea World

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:02:12 GMT

Why is Sea World a must-see for your San Diego family vacation? Click here for Sea World discount tickets, best attractions, and how to save money on your visit...

Jul 11, Knott's Berry Farm Makes 10 Must-Ride Attractions List

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:35:42 GMT

The ride "Windseeker" at Knott's Berry Farm recently made Budget Travel's "10 Must-Ride Theme Park Attractions" list. Budget Travel likens the ride to "a playground swing for folks with a death wish: First your seat gets hoisted 300 feet up, then it spins so quickly you feel like you aren't sitting at all." Want to know how to try out the ride yourself (and for less)? Check out our Knott's Berry Farm discount ticket tips...

Jul 11, $1 Summer Family Movie Express

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:33:15 GMT

Regal Cinemas is offering its annual Summer Movie Express starting the last week in June at all locations nationwide, including many locations in California. Movies are offered Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 am, with two movies to choose from each week. Upcoming movies include,"Megamind," "Barnyard," "Chronicles of Narnia," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "Karate Kid," and "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs." One slight change: This year they are charging $1 per person, BUT they'll send that money directly to the Will Rodgers' Foundation. For details, click here.

Jul 11, Free Maggie Moos's Float July 20

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:33:15 GMT

In honor of National Ice Cream Month, get a free Maggie Moos's mini-Coke ice cream float at participating Maggie Moo locations on July 20 from 3 pm to 6 pm. No purchase necessary but supplies are limited. Looking for more meal deals? Click here for kids eat free deals...

Jul 11, 5 Blockbusters Rentals for $2

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:33:15 GMT

As you may have guessed, I'm all for saving money, especially on entertainment, so I had to share this Groupon deal. Get $5 worth of Blockbuster Express rentals for jut $2. That's a 60% discount! But you have to hurry as this deal expires today. Click here to get the deal. And click here to see how Groupon works and get more discount ticket, restaurant, and entertainment deals!

Jul 5, Go San Diego Card - Is it Worthwhile?

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:35:30 GMT

Use the Go San Diego Card to save you lots of money during your vacation? Check out this amazing discount card!

Jul 5, Legoland Address and Other Helpful Info

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:19 GMT

Find Legoland address, driving directions, operating hours and ways to get discount tickets...

Jul 5, Take a Free Factory Tour!

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:43:36 GMT

Free, fun, and educational? An expensive science museum? No, take a free factory tour! Just go to www.factorytourusa.com for a list of free factory tours in your state. In Virginia, the free tours include Anaheim Stadium and Dodger Stadium, a Cuban Cigar Factory in San Diego, and Hollywood's Kodak Theatre. And here are more free things to do...

Jul 1, Don't Miss the San Diego Fair!

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:47:31 GMT

It's a once-in-a-year event you shouldn't miss! The San Diego Fair is at the Del Mar Fairgrounds now through July 4th. Adults are $13, seniors and kids ages 6-12 are $7, and kids 5 and under are free. And don't miss REO Speedwagon on July 4th! And here are more great things to do in San Diego...

Jul 1, San Diego Vacation, Family Vacations on a Budget

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:20:03 GMT

Planning a San Diego vacation? Get insider tips for discount tickets to Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Legoland and more, plus best attractions, reviews, and $$$ saving advice!

Jun 29, Free Museum Admission for Bank of America & Merrill Lynch Cardholders

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:34:23 GMT

Visit 150 museums nationwide for free this weekend (and the first weekend of each month) if you're a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card holder. Their "Museums on Us" program lets holders of their debit or credit cards get in for free! In San Diego, this includes the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the New Children's Museum, and the Museum of Photographic Arts. Other participating museums include the Riverside Art Museum, and Orange County's Discovery Science Center. Go to Museums on Us for details. And for more free things to do this summer, check out our Free Summer Fun page.

Jun 29, Free Chick-fil-A Meal on July 8th When You Moo!

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:34:23 GMT

Channel your inner cow, dress up like your favorite bovine on July 8th, and head over to your local Chick-fil-A to receive a free meal. It's in honor of their annual Cow Appreciation Day. Just how much you dress like a cow will determine the size of your free meal. Full bovine? Get a free combo meal. Partial costume (e.g., ears only)? You'll get a free entree. For details, go to Chick-fil-A.com. And for more ways to eat out for free, click here...

Jun 29, Cheaper to Fly or Drive? Use This Calculator

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:34:23 GMT

Just came across something valuable I wanted to share with you. Can't decide whether to fly or drive? BeFrugal.com offers a free fly or drive calculator that can help you determine which option makes sense for you. Access the calculator here at BeFrugal.com...

Jun 20, Free Summer Concerts

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:54:35 GMT

It's time to grab a blanket or chairs and head outside for a free summer concert! Coronado Summer Concert in the Park, Sundays at 6 pm through Sept 11. Free. Spreckels Park, 6th St & Orange Ave. Bands, Vintage Cars & Crafts for Kids at Village Walk in Eastlake. Sundays from 5-7 through July 17. Free. 878 Eastlake Pkwy, Chula Vista. Free Sunday Concerts at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2 pm, Balboa Park Twilight in the Park, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through August 25 at Spreckel's Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park featuring programs ranging from Big Band Swing to military bands.

Jun 14, Dads Get in Free at the Fleet Science Center

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:53:14 GMT

Dads can get into the gallery for free at the Science Center with the purchase of one full-price gallery admission ticket on Saturday and Sunday, June 18 & 19. An IMAX film can be added for $4.50 for adults and $3 for kids. Also new in the gallery is the Geometry Playground exhibition where they can play a whacky game of hopscotch or climb a structure of giant multi-sided cubes.

Jun 8, Father's Day Freebies!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:48:45 GMT

I scouted out some Father's Day freebies for you so you can make Dad's day special, for less. Here they are: - Free stuff from Vistaprint: They online printer is offering 6 free things for Father's Day. You just pay $3-$6 for shipping. Free items include mugs, t-shirts, calendars, pens, and more. Here's the link. - Free Frozen Yogurt at TCBY: On June 19, dads get a free cone or cup. - Free Father's Day cards: Just go to this link, print them out, and color! - Free Father's Day e-cards: Send him a great email card! Click here. - Father's Day Weekend Meal Deal: At McCormick and Schmick's locations, get their Chef's Mixed Grill (Filet Medallion, grilled salmon, crab cake and Chocolate Crème Brûlée for $29.95 per person. - Free Beer for Dad at TGI Fridays: Here's how to get that Facebook deal.

May 24, BOGO Deal at Medieval Times Through Sunday!

Tue, 24 May 2011 23:59:53 GMT

Now through May 30, buy one adult ticket at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament and get one ticket or equal or lesser value free! Normally $57.95 for adults and $35.95 for kids, that could save you beaucoup bucks! What is Medieval Times? This dinner/entertainment extravaganza includes a 4-course medieval-style dinner while you view a jousting tournament cheered on by beautifully-gowned court ladies, and a bevy of knights engaging in 11th century mayhem. For details on the Buena Park location, call 1-888-WE-JOUST (935-6878) or go to http://www.medievaltimes.com/buenapark.aspx.