Southern California: Five Getaways Under $100

Think you can’t afford to get out of town? Think again. Enjoy a fun getaway to five Southern California destinations with these hot deals from Travelzoo - each for under $100 per night. Click on each hotel for information on booking deadlines, blackout dates, rate codes and travel restrictions. Where will you go?

Los Angeles: Custom Hotel $89 Save more than $100 at this stylish boutique hotel located five minutes from the beach. The nightly rate of $89 includes a continental breakfast and an upgrade to an ocean view room. Designed by the architect of the iconic Capital Records building, all guest rooms include classic and custom-designed furnishings including a signature bed with Percale Italian linens, Egyptian cotton bath towels, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen LCD TV's and more.

San Diego: Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites $95 A tropical resort-style hotel located on Harbor Island with breathtaking views of a private marina and the San Diego skyline. Minutes from San Diego’s famous attractions. The $95 rate saves you 50% and includes free parking and a two-hour bike rental.

Palm Springs: Palm Canyon Resort $69 Relax in a junior villa at this serene desert resort, just three miles from downtown shopping and dining. Keep your cool in an impressive 1.5-acre swimming pool surrounded by lush grottos, cascading waterfalls and water slides. Pay just $69 per night, saving you 35%. As a bonus, receive the fourth night free.

Buena Park: Radisson Suites $79 Save at least $40 off regular rates at this all-suite hotel located one block from Knott’s Berry Farm and just minutes to Disneyland (free shuttle). The $79 per night rate scores you a guest room with separate living areas, refrigerator, microwave, two flat-screen TVs and complimentary Internet. Also includes free breakfast.

Anaheim: Cortona Inn & Suites $50-$57 Located just 2 blocks from Disneyland, the newly renovated deluxe rooms and suites offer microwave, refrigerator and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Breakfast included daily. Additional amenities include outdoor heated pool, video game room, coin-operated laundry and free parking.

Participating in ABC Wednesday. For more “G” themed posts, click here.

California Events: Weekly Selections Aug. 30-Sep. 5, 2010

Hello Dolly at San Diego's Starlight Bowl

Each Monday you’ll find a selection of events for the upcoming week. With so much to do in California, this is just a small sampling. Click on each event for additional information.

Monday, Aug. 30 - Buena Park: Knott’s Berry Farm BBQ

Save big and eat big with Joe Cool's Backyard BBQ at Knott’s Berry Farm. One low price gets you into the theme park and an all-you-can-eat BBQ in an exclusive picnic location. Admission is $39.99 Adults, $29.99 Juniors (3-11) & Seniors (62+).

Tuesday, Aug. 31 - Laguna Beach: Festival of Arts

Last day to catch California’s oldest and finest annual art show. Over 150 of Southern California's renowned artists display their works in a scenic six acre canyon park. A Laguna Beach tradition since 1932.

Wednesday, Sep. 1 - Monterey: Monterey County Fair

Opening day at the 74th annual Monterey County Fair. Bring in a new or gently used Children’s book today from Noon to 3pm and receive free admission. All books will be donated to Monterey County Public Libraries. Fair runs through Sep. 6.

Thursday Sep. 2 - San Diego: Hello Dolly

One of America's most beloved musicals at Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park. One of the novelties at the Starlight Bowl is the "freeze frame action" to airplane traffic. The 4,200 seat outdoor amphitheater is in the final approach to San Diego's Lindberg Field.

Friday, Sep. 3 - Sonoma: Wine Country Weekend 2010

Sonoma’s premier epicurean celebration combines two of Sonoma County’s most prestigious wine and food events: Taste of Sonoma and the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction. More than 200 acclaimed vintners, growers and chefs will participate in the 3-day event.

Saturday, Sep. 4 - San Francisco: Celebrity Chocolate Tour

Do you love chocolate? Tour 7 different fine chocolate boutiques with Chuck Siegal of San Francisco-based Charles Chocolates. The last in a series of “Celebrity Chocolate Tours” by Gourmet Walks. $49 per person. Includes generous chocolate samples.

Sunday, Sep. 5 - Fort Bragg: Paul Bunyan Days

The oldest small-town celebration on the Mendocino Coast. Dedicated to the community’s logging heritage, the highlight of the festival is the Logging Show and Expo. Also includes a craft and food fair, book sale, and gem, mineral & fossil show.

If you’d like to submit your event for consideration, please email postmarkcalifornia(at)gmail(dot)com. Please include: Date, Location, Name of Event, Description, and website.

Idyllwild: Jazz in the Pines – August 28 & 29, 2010

Jazz pianist David Benoit performs Aug. 29 at Jazz In The Pines

Top jazz and blues artists perform this weekend at the 17th Annual Jazz in the Pines in Idyllwild. The 2-day event takes place August 28 & 29 amid a forest of oak and pine trees on the grounds of the Idyllwild Arts campus. Headliners include Grammy-winning saxophonist Tom Scott, jazz pianist David Benoit, New Orleans jazz vocalist Kenny Washington, and Latin-jazz pianist Oscar Hernandez. In all, there will be 20 musical acts performing on multiple stages throughout the event. A wide array of food concessions will be available and over 65 artisans from across California will be selling handmade items.

The purpose of Jazz in the Pines is twofold; to promote the American Art Form – Jazz, and to raise scholarship funds for the Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program.

Idyllwild is located in the San Jacinto Mountains on Hwy 243, just two hours from Los Angeles or San Diego, and one hour from Palm Springs or Palm Desert.

More Information: Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines

52500 Temecula Dr., Idyllwild, CA 92549

Phone: 951-500-4090

Price: $60 one-day ticket, $120 two-day ticket

Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Music starts at 10:30 a.m.

Anaheim: OC Foodie Fest – Food Trucks a la Gourmet

Bakerytruck gourmet food truck (Morsels Baking Company)

A new breed of restaurant rolls into the Honda Center in Anaheim this Saturday, August 28 - gourmet food trucks. This latest craze in dining is the focal point of the OC Foodie Fest, Orange County’s first major gourmet food truck event. The one-day event will feature 50 of the most popular and unique mobile eateries, serving up a concoction of cuisine, ranging from exotic dim sum to aromatic bakery items. Special event menus with tasting-sized portions will be priced at $1 to $5, so you can sample a wide assortment of offerings. Participating food trucks include Southern California favorites Taco Dawg and Piaggio on Wheels and Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race contestant, Nom Nom Truck. The festival will also have live entertainment, shopping booths, kid’s activities, a beer and wine garden and free packaged snack samples. It should be noted that the OC Foodie Fest is a CASH-ONLY event.

More Information: OC Foodie Fest

Honda Center: 2695 E Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806

Date/Time: Saturday, Aug. 28, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Tickets: Adult-$12.00 advance, $15 door, Child under 12-$6.00, Child 3 & Under-Free

Clear Lake: Featherbed Railroad B&B – Sleep in a Caboose

Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast located in Nice, CA

Enjoy a railway adventure where the train never leaves the station. The Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast is a unique resort that allows guests to sleep in one of nine historic railroad cabooses. The railroad cars, built between the 1930s and 1950s, are set among a grove of oak trees overlooking Clear Lake in the town of Nice, located above the Napa & Sonoma Wine Country.

Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast: Easy Rider caboose

Each refurbished caboose has its own distinct theme; Key West styled Tropicaboose, Harley-Davidson themed Easy Rider, Bogie and Bacall era Casablanca (with a piano and bar), bordello styled La Loose Caboose and Celebrations, which changes décor with the season or special occasion. Other sleeping cars include the Orient Express, Wild Wild West, Wine Country and Lover’s Caboose. All caboose suites have luxurious feather beds, coffee makers, refrigerators, private baths and most feature in-room Jacuzzi tubs. All have magnificent views of Clear Lake.

Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast: Boat Dock & Lauch

Included with your stay at the Featherbed Railroad B&B is full and hearty breakfast served in the privacy of your rail car or at the Main Station, a century-old ranch house. The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying the peaceful park like setting, swimming in the outdoor pool, or boating on the lake (the resort has a boat dock and ramp). Innkeepers, Tony and Peggy Barthel, are delighted to offer suggested itineraries for those wishing to venture off property. The surrounding area offers miles of nature trails, fabulous water sports, bass fishing, antique shopping and wine tasting at nearly 30 premium wineries.

More Information: Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort

2870 Lakeshore Blvd, Nice, CA 95464

Phone: 707-274-8378 or toll-free 800-966-6322

Rates: $140 to $220 per night

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California Events: Weekly Selections August 23-29, 2010

Zorro Unmasked exhibit at Mission San Juan Capistrano

Each Monday we'll post a selection of events for the upcoming week. With so much to do in California, this is just a small sampling. Click on each event for additional information.

Monday, Aug. 23 - San Juan Capistrano: Zorro Unmasked

Exhibit showcasing cinematic history of Zorro from past films and television shows. Features original costumes worn by actors, film props and more.

Tuesday, Aug. 24 - Huntington Beach: Surf City Nights

Weekly street fair. Includes a farmer's market, entertainment, sidewalk sales, children’s activities, and specials from local restaurants.

Wednesday, Aug. 25 - Monterey: BLUE Ocean Film Festival

Presented by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Filmmaking and science come together to create some of the most entertaining and engaging documentaries of our time. Film screenings, master classes, panel discussions, seminars and film awards. Speakers include Jean-Michel Cousteau, Dr. Sylvia Earle & Julie Packard.

Thursday, Aug. 26 - San Diego: The Music of Queen: A Rock Symphony

The San Diego Symphony Summer Pops pays tribute to one of the greatest British exports of all time: Queen and the magic of Freddie Mercury. Hear Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions and Another One Bites The Dust.

Friday, Aug. 27 - Winters: Earthquake Festival

A family event commemorating the rise of the city of Winters from a devastating local earthquake in 1892. Entertainment all evening beginning with children’s performances and continuing with a live band, street dancing, food booths, street vendors, and kids activities.

Saturday, Aug. 28 - Paso Robles: British Invasion

Live concert tribute to the 60s British Rock & Roll. Dance to your favorite 60s hits, view screenings of the Ed Sullivan Show featuring the Beatles and see British cars and vintage motorcycles. A silent auction will feature magnums from local Paso Robles wineries. 1960’s attire encouraged.

Sunday, Aug. 29 - San Jose: Italian American Family Festa

Live music and entertainment, Italian specialty foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, Family Reunion Village, arts and crafts, family fun and children’s activities.

If you’d like to submit your California event for consideration, please email postmarkcalifornia(at)gmail(dot)com. Please include: date, location, name of event, description, and website.

San Francisco: San Francisco Zoo – Kids Free in August

There’s still time to take advantage of kid’s free admission at the San Francisco Zoo. Children ages 4–14 are admitted free during the month of August when accompanied by a paying adult. Limit four children for each paying adult. As a bonus during the promotion, kids receive a free activity book filled with fun facts and games including a scavenger hunt to discover more about the zoo’s amazing animals.

 

 

The San Francisco Zoo is Northern California’s largest zoological park and conservation center. Located next to the Pacific Ocean, it’s home to an extensive botanical collection and 250 different animal species, many of which are highly endangered.

 

The zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. Nov. 6 - Mar. 12). Admission is $15 adults, $12 seniors 65+, $9 children ages 4-14, free for children ages 3 and under. If you’re a San Francisco resident, admission to the zoo is free the first Wednesday of every month and discounted at other times. Valid proof of San Francisco residency must be shown. Parking is $8 (free along Sloat Blvd).

 

Unable to get to the zoo in August? Here’s a coupon for one free child admission with one paid adult admission valid until December 31, 2010.

 

More Information: San Francisco Zoo

Location: Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway

Phone: 415-753-7080

Kimpton Hotels – Cocktail or Breakfast Just $1 More

What can you buy for a dollar these days? At Kimpton Hotels you can get breakfast for a buck or dollar cocktails. What a deal! Book a room at participating Kimpton Hotels and pay just $1 more than the best available rate and enjoy a continental breakfast or a cocktail for each registered guest (up to 2 room occupants per day). Use promo code DOLLAR when making reservations. The “Cocktail or Breakfast for Just $1” promotion is valid through December 30, 2010 and subject to availability.

California-based Kimpton Hotels has been around since 1981 and is America’s first and largest boutique hotel group. Known for its personalized service, hosted evening wine hour, pet-friendly policy, and one-of-a-kind hotels, Kimpton has the highest customer satisfaction scores of any hotel company in the United States. It has 12 locations in California including Hotel Solamar in San Diego, Hotel Palomar in Los Angeles, Prescott Hotel in San Francisco and Cypress Hotel in the Silicon Valley. If you’re travels take you outside of California, the promotion is valid at Kimpton Hotels in other states as well.

More Information: Kimpton Hotels

Phone: 1-800-KIMPTON (800-546-7866)

Promo Code: DOLLAR

Coastal California: Estero Bluffs – Escape to Nature

Estero Bluffs along the California coast

California has miles of unspoiled coastline begging for the naturalist to explore. One such place is Estero Bluffs State Park, just north of Cayucos in San Luis Obispo County. You’ll find grasslands blending with wetlands and dunes on the 355 acres of windswept bluffs overlooking the Pacific. The ever-changing scenery produces green vegetation in the winter, multi-colored wildflowers in spring and gold grasses in summer.

  

Estero Bluffs - harbor seal

Along the coastal waters of Estero Bluffs, you’ll find marine life such as harbor seals, California sea lions, Southern sea otters and brown pelicans.

 Estero Bluffs - Western snowy plover and willet

A rich ecosystem provides habitats for several sensitive plant and animal species, among them the Western snowy plover and willet shorebirds.

If you’re looking for rich scenery, abundant wildlife and a multitude of photo opportunities, explore Estero Bluffs and the surrounding area including Morro Bay with its famous Morro Rock. Both can be accessed off California's north/south Hwy 1.

(All Estero Bluffs photos by Michael L. Baird)

More Information: Estero Bluffs  

Participating in ABC Wednesday. For more “E” themed posts, click here. 

La Jolla: Torrey Pines Gliderport – Soar Like An Eagle

Paraglider above Black's Beach in La Jolla

The Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla is a must-see attraction that’s as awe-inspiring for the spectator as it is for the participant. Situated next to the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course, bystanders can watch paragliders and hang gliders soar off the ocean bluffs and gracefully float above the Pacific waters below. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the magnificent view from atop the Cliffhanger Café snack-shack, or wander the cliff side trails for the perfect vantage point to photograph the colorful flyers overhead and the ocean surfers below.

Paraglider above La Jolla Shores

For thrill-seekers wanting to soar like an eagle, the Gliderport offers tandem flights with a certified professional seven days a week, depending on weather conditions. The cost for a 20-25 minute hang gliding flight is $200 and $150 for paragliding. A video and still shots of your exhilarating adventure can be purchased separately.

The Torrey Pines Gliderport was established as a soaring site in 1928 and once served as a training ground for aviator Charles Lindbergh. Today it’s recognized as one of the best flying sites in the world.

More Information: Torrey Pines Gliderport

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037

Phone: 858-452-9858

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Pebble Beach: Concours d'Elegance – Cars Extraordinaire

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance - 1931 Coupe

Motor enthusiasts and automobile collectors from around the world will gather on the famed 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links for the 60th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 12, 2010. Showcasing some of the world’s finest collector cars, the Pebble Beach event is the most prestigious classic car event in America and expected to draw thousands to the Monterey Peninsula. The featured marques for this year’s Concours are Alfa Romeo, Pierce-Arrow and Jaguar and will celebrate the designs of Ghia. Also on display will be Hot Rods, particularly lakesters and Bonneville racers, as well as Indy Cars and Prewar American Motorcycles. You won’t wan to miss this event celebrating the craftsmanship and history of such rare and exquisite masterpieces in a setting equally as beautiful.

Tickets for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance are $150 in advance, $175 day of show and include parking, shuttle service and program. Children under age 12 years are free when accompanied by an adult. Judging begins Sunday at 9 a.m., field opens to spectators at 10:30 a.m., award presentations are 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

More Information: Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Paso Robles: 7th Annual Olive Festival - August 21

If you’re in search of olive-inspired recipes, start making your way to California’s Central Coast. The 7th Annual Olive Festival takes place on Saturday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Paso Robles, about 30 miles north of San Luis Obispo. From appetizers to entrees, you’ll find award-winning creations to inspire any cook. Admission to the festival is free and features items from olive producers throughout California. You’ll get free samples of olives and olive products, free tastings of olive oil, and even free olive oil ice cream. There will be an olive-inspired cooking competition, beer and wine tastings (for a fee) and a “Culinary Row” of gourmet food vendors serving mouth-watering dishes. Children’s activities, art galleries, and much more round out the day.

A Social Mixer on Friday evening, August 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the historic Paso Robles Inn  precedes the festival. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres as well as local wine and olive tastings. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved by calling 805-238-4103.

More Information: Paso Robles Olive Festival

Location: Paso Robles Downtown City Park

Date: Saturday, August 21, 2010, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free Admission, $15 for Wine Tasting

Phone: 805-238-4103

Oakland: Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate – Delightful

Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate (Courtesy Oakland Con/Vis Bureau)

Many people are surprised to learn that a distinguished historic home is tucked away in the Oakland hills, east of San Francisco. The Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate was built in 1899 as a wedding gift from Alexander Dunsmuir to his bride, Josephine Wallace Dunsmuir. The lush grounds that surround the mansion are perfectly groomed and the house’s interior is filled with architectural details, but it’s the story of the home’s former residents that is most fascinating.

Alexander Dunsmuir

Alexander was the son of Robert Dunsmuir, a wealthy Canadian coal baron. The younger of two sons, Alexander was sent to run the family business office in San Francisco in 1878. It was there that he met Waller Wallace, a bartender in a theater. They’d often share drinks together and quickly became fast friends. Alexander eventually met Waller’s wife, Josephine, and the two instantly fell in love with each other, resulting in a passionate affair and Wallace’s subsequent divorce.

Alexander and Josephine wanted to marry, but Alexander’s parents threatened to disinherit him from the Dunsmuir fortune if he were to marry a divorcee. So the two lived together out of wedlock, which was very scandalous at the time. They kept to themselves and out of the public eye, shunned by other San Francisco’s socialites. Stress weighed heavy on Alexander and he took to drinking, which would prove to be fatal in later years.

Robert Dunsmuir, died in 1889 and ten years later, Alexander’s mother, Joan Dunsmuir, finally gave up control of the family fortune. No longer in fear of being disinherited, Alexander proposed to Josephine and construction began in 1899 on the Dunsmuir Estate. The two wed in December of that year, just days after the beautiful mansion was completed. Sadly, less than two months later, Alexander died of alcohol-related illness while the couple was honeymooning in New York. Josephine, distraught, returned to the Bay Area and lived at Dunsmuir until she died of cancer two years later in 1901.

Gatsby Summer Afternoon at Dunsmuir Estate (Courtesy Art Deco Society of CA)

The Dunsmuir House was designed by J. Eugene Freeman and is one of the best examples of Neoclassical-Revival architecture in the Bay Area. The 16,224 square foot mansion has 37 rooms, 10 fireplaces, inlaid parquet floors and servant quarters designed to accommodate 12 live-in staff. Its panoramic gardens are the setting for concerts and celebrations throughout the year, including the upcoming 26th Annual Gatsby Summer Afternoon on Sunday, September 12, 2010 when guests relive the 1920s and 30s era of elegance, fox trot and Charleston.

The 50-acre grounds of Dunsmuir House are open to the public most of the year free of charge. Guided tours of the estate are given April through September (except July) for a fee. For a complete listing of schedules and prices, visit the Dunsmuir House website.

More Information: Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate

2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, 94605

Phone: 925-275-9490

Participating in ABC Wednesday. For more “D” themed posts, click here.

Oakland: OMCA - Pixar: 25 Years of Animation

Pixar's Animated Film, Finding Nemo (Pixar)

If you want a glimpse inside the creative process of animation, check out the newest exhibition at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) - "Pixar: 25 Years of Animation". More than 500 drawings, paintings and sculptures will be on display, detailing the creative work behind Pixar’s hugely popular computer-animated films, such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo and A Bug’s Life. See your favorite Pixar characters come to life, from Buzz Lightyear to Nemo to WALL-E. The behind-the-scenes experience also includes lectures, talks and workshops with talented Pixar artists as well as screenings of Pixar’s feature and short films.

Pixar's Animated Film, Toy Story (OMCA)

Since its incorporation in 1986, Pixar has been the technology innovator for computer-generated images (CGI) in film. The Bay Area studio has won 22 Academy Awards and its ten films have grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office to date.

Pixar: 25 Years of Animation at the OMCA runs through January 9, 2011.

More Information: Oakland Museum of California

1000 Oak St., Oakland, CA 94607

Phone: 510-238-2200

Admission: $6 - $12 per person, free for children 8 years old and younger

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California: World Record Day – Free Game of Bowling

On Saturday, August 7, 2010, bowling centers in California and across the nation are participating in World Record Day and offering free games of bowling. An attempt will be made to set a record for most games bowled in a single day. The previous record is 741,821 games. Bowlers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to join the fun and will receive a certificate to verify their participation. If you’d like to be part of the record-breaking event, click here to download a coupon for a free game and then head to your nearest bowling center.

More information can be found at GoBowling.com

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California: Know Before You Go – 10 Dumb Laws

 

California, the Golden State. . . who wouldn’t want to visit? It’s the 3rd largest state in the U.S. with over 163,000 square miles of magnificent beauty. It offers mountain wilderness, desert tranquility, pounding surf, beautiful beaches and . . .dumb laws. That’s right. California has some crazy laws on the books. So, in the interest of keeping visitors to California safe, amused and out of jail, I present these 10 Dumb Laws found listed for the Golden State and its cities. Enjoy!

 

1. Women may not drive in a housecoat.
2. No vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour.
3. In Chico, driving a herd of goats down a street is against the law.
4. In Baldwin Park, it’s illegal to ride your bike in a swimming pool.
5. In Berkeley, you can't whistle for an escaped bird before 7:00 a.m.
6. In Long Beach, it is illegal to curse on a mini-golf course.
7. In Palm Springs, it’s illegal to walk a camel down Palm Canyon Drive between the hours of 4:00p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
8. In Blythe, you’re not permitted to wear cowboy boots unless you already own at least two cows.
9. In Carmel, women may not wear high heels while in the city limits.
10. And…. if you disobey any of these laws and end up in a Los Angeles courtroom, it’s illegal to cry on the witness stand.

 

Participating in ABC Wednesday. For more “C” themed posts, click here.

Imperial Beach: U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition Aug. 6–8

U. S. Open Sandcastel Competition in Imperial Beach (Brett Allan Photography)

Talented artists from around the country will converge upon Imperial Beach this weekend to compete in the 30th Annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition. Over $21,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to amateur and professional sand carving teams in categories such as Best Sculpture, Best Replica and Creatures of the Sea. By far the largest competition of its kind in the United States, it’s expected to draw more than 350,000 spectators this year. Admission is free.

The fun kicks off on Friday, August 6 with live music at the Sandcastle Dance, a 21 year old and over party at the Imperial Beach Boys & Girls Club. On Saturday, August 7, Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach closes to traffic and opens to festivities with more than 130 vendors lining the street offering food, entertainment and crafts. A Kids-N-Kastles contest is held on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, August 8, the competition is on! Sculptors equipped with hand tools craft their creations and are judged in all categories. Sandcastle building begins at 9am and concludes at 2pm. Sculptures are only available for viewing until 4pm, after which time they’re gone with the tide.

Imperial Beach is located 12 miles south of downtown San Diego off of Interstate 5.

More Information: U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition

Imperial Beach Blvd & Seacoast Dr., Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Phone: 619-424-6663

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