Sarah Weinberg (619) 557-2838 [email protected] Robert Arends (619) 557 -2834 [email protected] Edna Gutierrez (619) 557-2887 [email protected] Joe Timko (619) 557-2812 [email protected] PR’s Twitter @VisitSD_PR www.sandiego.org

What’s New in San Diego, Summer 2019 April 2019

Major Attractions

In March 2019, LEGOLAND Water Park opened Riptide Racers, the newest slide in the Surfer’s Cove water park. Guests grab a mat and race down one of six water slides side by side, making it fun to try to be the fastest in the family. (4/19)

SeaWorld San Diego’s new dueling roller coaster, Tidal Twister, will make its debut on May 24, 2019. A first of its kind adventure, this unique ride is an exhilarating experience that demonstrates the power of the ocean. Accelerating to 30 mph, riders will twist and bank as if riding the tide along a tight figure-8 track that includes a dynamic zero-G roll at the center section. Two trains, holding 16 passengers each, load at opposite ends of the figure-8 track and cross in the center with guests facing both forward and backward on the trains. A height requirement of only 48" makes this a perfect ride for younger guests and family members. Also, in 2019, the park is offering a lineup of year-round seasonal events, all connected to a cause that reflects SeaWorld’s Park-to-Planet commitment to help save the ocean and the creatures that live there. (1/19)

Hotel and Casino Renovations

Sycuan Casino Resort in San Diego’s East County completed a $260 million expansion in March 2019 that elevates the range of onsite amenities including a variety of new restaurants from fast- casual to fine dining, meeting and event space, a full-service spa, fitness center and a state-of-the-art pool and gardens area with a lazy river and swim-up bar. Sycuan also renovated a newly expanded casino floor for a total of 2,800 slot machines and 54 table games in a variety of gaming options. Anchored by restaurants from CliQue Hospitality, a Las Vegas-based group behind some of that city’s most notable properties and helmed by San Diego native Executive Chef Aldo Negrete (Lionfish, Rare Form, JRDN, Whisknladle), Sycuan’s new dining venues include Bull and Bourbon, Elicit Bar & Lounge and Retreat Pool & Cabanas. Part of the renovation includes an all-star food court with outposts from some of San Diego’s favorite local eateries (Phil’s BBQ, Lucha Libre, Hodad’s and more). Sycuan is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (4/19)

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New Hotels

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport/Liberty Station opened in March 2019 offering 181 spacious rooms adjacent to Liberty Station’s 360 acres of parks, arts organizations, restaurants, meeting space, commercial offices, and shopping that now make up what once served as a primary training station for new Navy recruits until 1997. The Nimitz Bridge connects the beautiful new hotel to the heart of Liberty Station, and both Spanish Landing Park and San Diego International Airport are less than one mile away. The property features custom design décor, a state of the art fitness center, a board room for small gatherings, and an outdoor pool. Every Hampton by Hilton guest has access to the brand's signature free, hot breakfast with healthy options; On the Run™ breakfast bags, and free wi-fi and other value-added amenities. (4/19)

Opening in June 2019, The Guild is a 162-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio property housed in the historic landmark, 1920s-era Army-Navy YMCA building in downtown San Diego. The new boutique design will revive a hospitality space that served as a place of respite and leisure for millions of service men and women. The Guild’s exterior Italian Renaissance-style facade and grand staircase will be left largely untouched, and guests will be welcomed into a redesigned contemporary lobby that includes a full-service bar. Guest rooms will appeal to diverse travelers with everything from cozy, European-inspired accommodations to a two-bedroom penthouse suite with private rooftop deck. Luca restaurant, headed by Executive Chef Justin Vaiciunas, will highlight the city’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle with a main room centered around an outdoor courtyard, an urban oasis in the heart of downtown with sunshine and olive trees, and a menu that offers light Mediterranean- inspired fare. The YMCA’s former basketball court with elevated running track will be transformed into a grand ballroom featuring original brick wall inlays and hardwood floors. The underground pool on the basement level will be reimagined into a one-of-a-kind event space with some original design elements intact. Various private spaces throughout the property will be available for special meetings, celebrations and signature programming. (10/18 with updates)

Carté®, a new luxury lifestyle hotel from Curio Collection by Hilton,™ will open Summer 2019. Located in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood near downtown and San Diego Bay, Carté offers 246 distinctive, modern guest rooms that are fiber wired and offer wireless internet along with a 55-inch 4K LED TV. Custom designed furniture includes an oversized work desk, plush pillow- top mattress and fiber bedding. Each guestroom has a refrigerator and floor to ceiling windows. The spacious executive guestrooms include a sitting area and spectacular views of San Diego bay and downtown. Watercolors Restaurant is the on-site eatery, serving quality sea-to-table cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can explore the region’s wines by sampling varietals from and Northern Mexico at Fonte di Vino, and cocktail lovers can enjoy a stunning sunset with handcrafted libations at Above Ash Social, the 16th-floor rooftop venue. Carté guests have access to Fit Athletic Club, providing yoga, hot-yoga, spin classes and a cross fit course for additional fees. The hotel’s 4th floor Amici meeting space has architecture and design elements depicting San Diego’s beach communities, and the 1,200-square-foot venue has floor to ceiling windows and three 80-inch built-in LED TVs. A private dining space inside Watercolors Restaurant is called “Branzino,” and can host events for up to 35 guests. The hotel offers exclusive space on the rooftop for social and private events. (originally posted from 10/16 but updated 4/19)

Major Events

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The first annual Port of San Diego Festival of the Sea occurs on Memorial Day weekend, May 25- 27, 2019, and is one of the keynote events during 2019 in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of San Diego as the first European settlement on the West Coast. On board several of the historic vessels of the Maritime Museum and along the adjacent scenic North Embarcadero region of downtown, the festivities will include artist exhibitions, educational fun for children, daytime harbor cruises, tall ship gun battles on San Diego Bay, sunset sailing, movie nights, live entertainment, and a dockside on-deck pub. Additional 250th anniversary events include San Diego 250: Where California Began held July 16 and Founders’ Day Old Town San Diego on Sept. 14, 2019. (4/19)

The San Diego County Fair, the largest annual event in the county, takes place May 31–July 4, 2019, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. With this year’s theme, “Ozsome,” visitors will journey to the Emerald City, drawing on courage in the whirlwind of carnival rides, expanding brain power through the creative and educational exhibits, and discovering “There’s no place like the Fair.” The fair features top performing artists and popular attractions like the International Beer Festival, deep-fried food novelties, livestock exhibits, home and hobby displays, woodworking and an award-winning flower show. The fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays in June, but remains open Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2.

San Diego celebrates Independence Day with a variety of Fourth of July celebrations throughout the county. Coronado's popular Independence Day Celebration features a two-hour parade followed by a family concert in Spreckels Park and spectacular fireworks over Glorietta Bay. The Port of San Diego celebrates with its Big Bay Boom fireworks extravaganza over San Diego Bay, the largest fireworks display in the county. The Maritime Museum, Hornblower and Flagship cruises all offer special firework viewing tours of the Big Bay Boom. LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad celebrates July 4th with Red, White and BOOM! Special family activities are available throughout the day with the fireworks starting at 8:30 p.m.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club celebrates its 80th horse racing season in 2019, kicking off with the annual hat contest on opening day, July 17, and closing with a Party in the Paddock on Sept. 3. The summer meet will offer racing Wed.-Sun. with an additional race day on Labor Day and special events ranging from a summer concert series to wine, beer and BBQ celebrations and weekend family fun days. The racing continues with a fall season occurring Nov. 8–Dec. 1, 2019.

The theme for San Diego Pride 2019 is Stonewall 50: A Legacy of Liberation. The second largest event of its kind on the West Coast, San Diego Pride will honor and reflect on the Stonewall generation, their activism, and all that the LGBTQ+ community has gained through their efforts. Residents and visitors alike celebrate with pride July 12-14, 2019. The weekend includes a mile-long parade through Hillcrest and two-day music festival in Balboa Park. The celebration begins the week before with She Fest on July 6, followed by a Spirit of Stonewall Rally on July 12.

During July 17-21, 2019, the largest comic and pop culture event in the United States celebrates its 50th anniversary when San Diego becomes the center of the cos-play universe during Comic-Con International, America’s longest continuously-run comics and popular arts convention.

On August 10, 2019, dozens of dogs take to the waves during the annual Surf Dog Competition in Imperial Beach. Visitors can take in the fun as more than 60 dogs compete in surfing and paddle boarding challenges. The family friendly event raises funds for the San Diego Humane Society.

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On Aug. 7-11, 2019, the largest and longest-running tiki gathering in the world, Tiki Oasis, returns to Mission Valley. Each year, about 3,500 attendees enjoy a tiki-tastic art and fashion marketplace, live tropical-jazz music, go-go dancers, a classic car show, pool parties and more. This year’s theme is “Catch the New Wave,” with a nod toward surf music and ’80s new wave. (4/19)

During Aug. 31–Sept. 2, 2019, more than 300 tons of sand will be carved and molded into beautiful sculptures for the annual U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition. Held at the Pier and Pavilion on San Diego Bay, the event features live entertainment, food trucks and fun kids’ activities.

This fall, San Diego plays host to Olympic-level weightlifting as USA Weightlifting hosts the IWF Masters World Cup and San Diego Open, a bronze-level qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The event occurs Oct. 3-6, 2019, at the Town and Country Resort.

La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival (WoW), a ground-breaking, site-specific theater series, returns to San Diego for its fourth biennial Oct. 17-20, 2019. This is the first time WoW will be held at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, in partnership with the NTC Foundation. Like previous WoW Festivals, the 2019 event will showcase multiple performances by acclaimed local, national and international artists, along with a selection of family friendly offerings, occurring simultaneously throughout the weekend. A complete roster of artists and projects will be announced in early spring. (4/19)

Wonderfront, a music and arts festival, will debut on Nov. 22-24, 2019, on San Diego Bay. The first annual event plans to integrate the festival into the beach city’s vibrant waterfront, including ferry and yacht tours of the bay and after-parties in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Anticipating 70 artists on seven stages, the music lineup will feature new breakout artists as well as career bands including rock, indie, hip hop, rap, EDM, adult alternative, reggae, Americana and Latin artists. Wonderfront is a celebration of San Diego’s arts, culture and beach lifestyle. Concert- goers are invited to participate in water activities like paddle boarding and kayaking, taking a jet boat ride, or playing on the beach.

New Venues

The new Piazza della Famiglia offers al fresco event space in the heart of San Diego’s historic dining neighborhood, Little Italy. Guests can choose to buy out the adjacent eateries, including the Little Italy Food Hall, or select custom catering for a special occasion or corporate meeting. (4/19)

The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo in San Diego’s North County offers new wedding and special event packages at the venue set on a golf course with lake views. The club offers all the essentials including dance floors, P.A. systems, custom linen colors and an extensive vendor referral list in addition to on-site chef and kitchen staff with full catering options that guests can customize to their event needs. The Terrace and Lake Room can accommodate up to 200 people when combined. The Lake Room includes a fireplace and overlooks the golf course and fountains on the lake, accommodating up to 80 guests. The more intimate Fireside Room accommodates up to 40 people and features elevated ceilings and an oversized fireplace and is ideal for birthday parties, family reunions or business dinners. (4/19)

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In April 2019, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center opened in La Jolla. The 513-seat concert hall with orchestra pit, known as The Conrad, is home to the La Jolla Music Society and includes a 1,600-square-foot flexible-use space, reception room, large central courtyard, comfortable back-of-house facilities, and state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment. The space offers arts activities, educational and community events, in addition to hosting the Music Society’s performances. The Conrad plans to also host a wide range of conferences, corporate meetings and private events. (updated from 1/18)

Restaurants, Breweries and Nightlife

Opening in spring 2019 and featuring world-renowned celebrity chef Akira Back, Lumi is an energetic and upscale rooftop venue serving modern Japanese fare and sushi accompanied by handcrafted libations. Akira Back is a two-time Michelin-starred chef behind restaurants spanning across nine countries. Lumi will feature adventurous flavors with a California twist, using local ingredients throughout the menu and influences from around the world for an immersive dining experience. Guests will enjoy views of the city paired with punchy pops of color and three- dimensional art features at this eclectic and chic space in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. A dedicated private dining area, The Grand Pacific Room, located on the 3rd level of the historic, newly renovated Grand Pacific Hotel building, offers a highly imaginative space that can accommodate a variety of functions. (4/19)

Also opening in spring 2019 within downtown’s historic Grand Pacific Hotel building is Huntress, an innovative steakhouse and whiskey venue. The kitchen will be helmed by Executive Chef James Montejano, a San Diego native who has worked at several award-winning restaurants. Menu highlights include beef sashimi with picked kohlrabi, foie gras trio tasting, signature steaks including Japanese wagyu, dry-aged porterhouse, Imperial Farms ribeye, a wagyu trio tasting, and a lobster trio including a lobster citrus avocado salad, lobster grilled cheese and sunchoke cauliflower lobster soup. The mezzanine on the second level offers an intimate, relaxed feel, with a bar showcasing a collection of rare Japanese whiskies. The space will boast a catwalk overlooking the entire main dining room, a floor-to-ceiling wine display and a private wine tasting and dining table that cantilevers over the restaurant entry. (4/19)

In May 2019, celebrated chef Michael Mina joins with partner Ayesha Curry to bring their globally- inspired barbeque restaurant, International Smoke, to San Diego’s affluent Carmel Valley neighborhood. Spanning more than 8,000 square feet, the stylish venue will serve international dishes by acclaimed chefs from Mina’s slate of award-winning restaurants, such as Indian fry bread with spice-crusted snapper and turmeric pickles, grilled lobster with Japanese curry yakiudon, and duck wings with jerk spices. Chef Mina earned two Michelin stars in 2006 for his Michael Mina restaurant in . (4/19)

Also opening in May 2019, Il Dandy is the latest culinary venture from Dario and Pietro Gallo, the Calabrian-born brothers behind the lauded Civico 1845 in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood. The brothers will be joined by father and son duo, Antonio and Luca Abbruzzino, who will be relocating to San Diego to helm the kitchen. Located in the uptown Bankers Hill neighborhood, Il Dandy will offer a contemporary approach to cuisine rooted in Calabria, showcasing the talents and mindful technique of the chefs while educating guests on the healthy benefits of a Mediterranean diet. A thoughtfully curated cocktail program featuring Italian aperitifs and wine and beer selections from the Calabria region will complement the menu. Chefs Antonio

5 and Luca Abbruzzino earned Michelin stars in 2013 for their eponymous restaurant in Calabria. (4/19)

In May 2019, Executive Chef Matt Sramek, an alum of Thomas Keller’s Bouchon restaurant, opens Little Frenchie bistro in Coronado. The 1,600-square-foot restaurant is located in the historic 1911 Pacific Western Bank building and celebrates the Nouvelle French cuisine of Sramek’s early culinary training as a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu (Pasadena, CA) and his work alongside many of southern California’s culinary icons over the last decade. The restaurant will offer French bistro classics like steak frites, niçoise salad and escargots on the shell, alongside lighter adaptations of cassoulet and short rib pot au feu to cater to local palates. Little Frenchie’s ambitious cheese program will highlight an extensive rotating array of cheeses atop the restaurant’s aptly named “cheese altar.” (4/19)

San Diego is adding another speakeasy to its cocktail scene, and possibly the world’s only speakeasy located next door to a cemetery. In November 2018, mezcal bar and restaurant Tahona opened in Old Town and plans to add on a speakeasy called Oculto 477 in June 2019. Cocktail enthusiasts will have to wander through Tahona to discover the entrance to Oculto 477. The intimate space will seat 25 guests and be lit by candlelight―specifically, 477 candles to represent the 477 souls buried next door in the historic El Campo Santo Cemetery. The speakeasy plans to provide an elevated level of craft cocktails, many incorporating artisanal mezcal and all designed to provide multi-sensory experiences. (4/19)

In April 2019, Orfila Vineyards & Winery in San Diego’s North County opened a new tasting room near the beach in the coastal community of Oceanside. In addition to award-winning wine, Orfila is offering small plates created by Executive Chef Luke Morganstern. The dishes are made from locally sourced products such as artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, crispy Brussels sprouts, tortilla flatbreads, and a selection of desserts. Orfila offers 19 of their wines in the tasting room, including: Ambassador’s Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Element 119 Pinot Noir, and Sangiovese. Wine tasting options including flights of six, eight or by the glass or bottle and come with a logo wine glass to keep. Family owned Orfila Vineyards & Winery celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018 and is one of the leading producers of San Diego wines, with the production of over 20,000 cases annually. The original Escondido location offers a full winery and vineyard experience with seating options on the patio or in the park overlooking the grape vines. (4/19)

In March 2019, shops and dining tenants began opening at One Paseo in San Diego’s affluent Carmel Valley neighborhood, near the coastal village of Del Mar. This upscale retail and multiuse indoor-outdoor center is home to more than 40 concepts, featuring popular San Diego-based companies like Marrow Fine, Parakeet Cafe, URBN, Pigment and Shop Good and well-known national brands like Michael Mina’s International Smoke. With chic barn structures, state of the art amenities, and unique artwork throughout, One Paseo combines high-design with a country-coastal vibe. (4/19)

Arts and Museums

Art & Empire: The Golden Age of Spain runs May-Sept. 2019 at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. This is the first exhibition in the U.S. to examine the notion of “Golden Age” beyond the shores of the Iberian Peninsula by bringing together works from Spain’s European, American, and Asian realms. For the first time in the museum’s history, all five of the Spanish

6 masters represented on the museum’s building façade—Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, Ribera and El Greco—will be shown together. The exhibition represents more than 10 countries and includes the recently gifted panels by José María Sert (1874-1945). Painted by one of the greatest Spanish muralists, these panels illustrate three episodes of Sinbad the Sailor’s seven epic voyages. Sert was a Catalan muralist best-known for his commissioned mural, American Progress, painted for Rockefeller Center in New York City. (4/19)

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, home to one of the world’s finest collections of vintage vessels, now offers public sails every other Saturday on the San Salvador, the 1542 Spanish galleon replica built in San Diego by the museum. Space is limited and reservations are required. (4/19)

Performing Arts

Broadway San Diego continues to offer touring shows of popular plays and musicals at San Diego’s Civic Theater in downtown. The 2019 season includes The Book of Mormon (July 23-28), Anastasia (Oct. 1-6) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Nov. 12-17). (4/19)

The San Diego Symphony Orchestra (SDSO) performs its annual Bayside Summer Nights concert series, hosted on the Embarcadero Marina from June 28–Sept., with popular outdoor shows ranging from Beethoven to Blues Traveler to the B-52s. During Comic-Con International, the series screens popular films such as Back to the Future and Galaxy Quest accompanied by the live orchestra performing onstage, under the stars. The symphony’s new music director Rafael Payare continues his debut season with concerts featuring Mahler, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Bach and Strauss and debuting new works from Mason Bates, John Adams, Sofia Gubaidulina and more. (4/19) The Old Globe theater in Balboa Park continues its 2019 season with Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy (5/11–6/16), What You Are (5/30–6/30), As You Like It (6/16–7/21), The Tale of Despereaux (7/6–8/11), Steve Martin’s The Underpants (7/27–8/25) and Romeo and Juliet (8/11–9/15). (4/19)

Tours and Transportation

Frontier Airlines started offering direct flights from Las Vegas to San Diego on April 30. These low fare flights, starting at $25, are available five days a week, excluding Wednesdays and Saturdays. (4/19)

In January 2019, the Convivio Society began offering Bella Serata (beautiful evening) historic, walking tours of San Diego’s Little Italy. These bi-monthly immersive 90-minute cultural tours start at the Piazza della Famiglia and include Piazza Basilone fountain/war memorial, an Italian church built in 1925, historic homes from the 19th century, hidden neighborhood landmarks of the Italian quarter, artifacts from the days when the Genovese and Sicilian fishermen dominated the seas in San Diego, the house of the Black Hand―(a shadowy gang that reigned during Prohibition), and a visit to an Italian grocery store built in the 1920s. Upon returning to Amici House―a heritage center in the heart of Little Italy―adventurers will enjoy a Sicilian aperitivo. (4/19)

Awards & Recognition

In January 2019, Imbibe Magazine named Raised by Wolves, located in San Diego’s Westfield UTC Mall, the Cocktail Bar of the Year for 2019.

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In March 2019, Big Seven Travel ranked Balboa Park as the #1 Most Instagrammable Spot in California.

In February 2019, Forbes Travel Guide named San Diego as one of “14 Top Destinations of 2019” in the world.

Anniversaries

On April 8, 1969, the Padres made their major league debut with a 2-1 victory over the Houston Astros in front of 23,370 fans at San Diego Stadium. This summer marks the 50th season for the San Diego Padres, now playing at Petco Park downtown. Padres fans today enjoy one of the nation’s top ballparks combining the best sight lines in baseball, magnificent architecture, a dazzling array of food and drink venues and breathtaking views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. (1/19)

The year 2019 marks the 250th commemoration of the founding of San Diego and California. Today, San Diego is the 8th largest city in the nation known for its beautiful beaches, active lifestyle and diverse, vibrant communities. The area was home to the Kumeyaay Nation and their ancestors for tens of thousands of years and they continue to be part of the region’s cultural fabric. The first Europeans to arrive on the West Coast sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542 and named the land Alta California. This became the starting point for an exploratory expedition northward. Early settlers relied on the help of the Kumeyaay, and much of the exploration of California occurred over native trails. The San Diego we know today began on July 16, 1769, with the dedication of Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first of 21 California missions. This first mission was established near the ancient Kumeyaay village of Kosa’aay (Cosoy), known today as Old Town San Diego. Special events to celebrate the anniversary are held in May, July and September. (10/18 updated 4/19)

In 2019, LEGOLAND® California Resort celebrates its 20th anniversary in San Diego’s North County. The theme park is giving children aged 12 and under a free admission on their birthday in celebration of LEGOLAND’s 20th birthday. (1/19)

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org.

# # # Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.

4/19

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