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 , Spring 2019 January 2019

Major Attractions

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is launching a new permanent exhibition that brings seadragon conservation to the forefront. Slated to open by Memorial Day 2019, the exhibition, which has yet to be named, will be home to weedy and leafy seadragons as well as several species of seahorses and pipefish. The centerpiece of the exhibition will be one of the most expansive seadragon habitats in the world. The 18-foot-wide, 9-foot-tall exhibit will hold 5,375 gallons of water, and the habitat is designed to create the ideal environment to breed leafy seadragons, which has never been done in captivity. With an expanded seahorse nursery, hands-on experiences for young learners and a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes Seadragon Lab, the exhibition will immerse guests into the underwater lives of seahorses and seadragons, while giving them a peek into the work ’s world-class husbandry team is doing to ensure the species survive into the future. The new seadragon exhibition will be the fourth major exhibition Birch Aquarium has opened in three years and the largest indoor aquarium addition since its grand opening in 1992. (1/19)

In 2019, LEGOLAND® 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. The park is also offering special events throughout the year starting with The LEGO® Movie™ Days on Feb. 16-18 and 23-24. Movie Days celebrate the release of The LEGO® Movie™ 2: The Second Part and are filled with fun activities for guests including photos with the cast, a scavenger hunt and a LEGO build activity inspired by the blockbuster film. An exclusive attraction will also be coming to in conjunction with the movie’s opening in February. Additionally, coming in spring, “LEGO® City 4D- Officer in Pursuit,” a new 4D short film exclusive to LEGOLAND parks debuting at the Showplace Theater, will combine dazzling 3D computer animation with 4D real-world effects. (1/19)

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SeaWorld San Diego’s new dueling , Tidal Twister, will make its debut in May 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)

New Hotels

The 128-room Moxy San Diego, the first California hotel under Marriott International’s millennial- minded Moxy Hotels brand, opened in December 2018 in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. The boutique hotel has plenty of playful touches including hotel check-in on wheels with a custom lobby "trike” for guests to receive their digital room key and Bar Moxy’s signature welcome nitro-cocktail. Moxy combines stylish design and approachable service at an affordable price point. Guest rooms are flexible and functional and feature open closet pegboards to hang clothing, ultra-fast and free wi- fi, 55-inch flat-screen smart TVs programmed with Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and more, and beds framed by an LED-lit platform. Bar Moxy offers the flavors of San Diego from morning to night with quality coffee courtesy of San Diego Coffee Co., signature and custom brews from San Diego’s buzzing beer scene, and an impressive menu of handcrafted cocktails. The bar also offers a menu serving three meals including grab-and-go breakfasts, lunch, bar bites and a late-night menu. The back of the hotel boasts the first San Diego mural by artist Paul Nandee (SWANK) that beckons visitors with Nandee’s distinctive lettering and character creations constructed with cubist angles. Moxy San Diego rates start at $250 per night. (1/19)

Opening in February 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. A signature restaurant will highlight the city’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle with greenery filled surroundings and a light Mediterranean-inspired menu. The YMCA’s former 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 original design elements. Various private spaces throughout the property will be available for special meetings, celebrations and signature programming. (10/18)

The new Carté Hotel & Suites San Diego is slated to open in June 2019 in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood. The 14-story hotel will include 240 upscale guest rooms and suites along with a restaurant, rooftop bar with fireplaces, wine shop, full-service athletic club, outdoor pool with spa and meeting space. The 151,248-square-foot property includes nearly 3,900 square feet of street- level retail space, 127 parking spaces on two levels of subterranean parking, 24-hour valet parking and a 2,000-square-foot plaza. (10/16)

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Major Events Shorter days and lower tides mean Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is kicking off Tidepooling Adventure season. Occurring now through March 2019, low tides expose hardy creatures that call the intersection of land and sea home. Birch Aquarium naturalists show guests how to tread lightly and discover the captivating world of local tide pools. They meet up with guests at Dike Rock or False Point near the coast and look for crabs, seahares, abalone, and even tiny colorful sea slugs. Naturalists teach guests what to look for while searching for ’ dens, how to safely look under rocks, and help train eyes to find even the most elusive creatures. Tidepooling Adventure dates vary based on tides. Guests should check the Birch Aquarium website for more information and to purchase tickets. Pre-purchase is required; this family program is for ages 2+, and children under age 15 must be accompanied by a paid adult. (1/19)

The team won the first game in their franchise history on Dec. 22, 2018, against the in Denver. The added two expansion teams in 2019, including the San Diego Seals. The Seal’s regular season continues through April 27, 2019; home games are played at the Pechanga Sports Arena in the Midway District.

The is the newest team in the 10-team (IFL). The Strike Force will play a 14-game season in 2019 with seven games at the Pechanga Sports Arena in San Diego’s Midway District, and seven games on the road. The San Diego squad will take part in the IFL’s first game of the 2019 season when it faces the Quad City Steamwheelers on Feb. 22 in Moline, IL. The Strike Force’s first home contest is set for March 3. All IFL games are streamed free on YouTube. The Strike Force’s complete 2019 schedule can be found here.

During Feb. 14-24, 2019, nearly 40 San Diego performing arts organizations will participate in the fourth annual San Diego Theatre Week. This celebration of performing arts will offer a variety of promotions including special performances, ticket discounts, concession offers, cast talk-backs and more.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California opens in March and features 80 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers on coastal farmland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The fields have theme gardens, fresh strawberries, antique tractor wagon rides, a sweet pea maze and picnic areas, and special events and activities are organized throughout its 10-week season. Events are free with admission and include a kids’ day, photography workshop, bonsai show and sale, and Mother’s Day celebration. Concert days include bands playing zydeco, bluegrass, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.

On March 2-3, 2019, downtown’s scenic Waterfront Park on San Diego Bay will host the seventh CRSSD Fest, an electronic music festival featuring top acts like ODESZA, Phantogram, Maetrik, The Martinez Brothers, and Justin Martin & Friends on three stages during this ticketed, paid- admission event for attendees aged 21 and older. Craft beer, mixed drinks, local food and a VIP area will also be available.

Celebrating 25 years of revelry, San Diego shamROCK will paint downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter green with San Diego’s largest Saint Patrick’s Day block party. Drawing more than 20,000 attendees, this annual celebration on March 16, 2019, is produced by and benefits the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. Six city blocks are covered with over 50,000 square feet of emerald green AstroTurf where guests can watch performances by traditional Irish steppers along with three stages

3 of live music including nationally recognized Irish rock and Celtic bands. Tickets to the age 21+ event start at $35.

Held April 12-14, 2019, at Scripps Park overlooking scenic La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance draws vintage car enthusiasts to the luxury seaside village of La Jolla. The sophisticated event includes a cocktail party, VIP Steam Punk party and the signature Concours d’Elegance car show.

Held April 27-28, 2019, the Mission Federal ArtWalk will celebrate its 35th anniversary in the streets of Little Italy. Featuring more than 300 artists filling 17 square blocks of the iconic urban neighborhood with art, craftsmanship and beautiful goods, this annual event attracts artists from across the globe. More than just an art event, the festival is a family-friendly opportunity to participate in interactive art installations and features live music and dance performances.

New Venues

In December 2018, Theatre Box® unveiled a luxury dine-in cinema and Sugar Factory American Brasserie and Chocolate Lounge in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Encompassing one city block, the 73,000-square-foot Theatre Box complex will open additional retail outlets on site in phases to come. This first phase is a collaboration between TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and Sugar Factory. The downstairs lobby area offers a candy shop, cocktail and dining lounge and reproductions of movie stars’ foot prints along Hollywood Blvd. The upstairs luxury cinemas offer in-seat dining and cocktail service along with a cocktail lounge and a place to purchase a theater box to fill with a personalized selection of candy. (1/19)

Slated to open in April 2019, the new home of the La Jolla Music Society, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, will serve as the cultural heart of La Jolla and offer arts activities, education and community events, in addition to the music society’s annual season. The Conrad will feature a 513-seat concert hall with orchestra pit, 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 Conrad plans to host a wide range of conferences, corporate meetings and private events. Guests can follow the progress of the construction live on a webcam. (updated from 1/18)

Restaurants, Breweries and Nightlife

In December 2018, speakeasy Realm of 52 Remedies opened on Convoy Street, the food thoroughfare affectionately known as San Diego’s Asian Restaurant Row. The new 2,400-square- foot 1920s-era inspired space transports guests with elements that reflect the owners’ Asian heritage and includes a lotus-shaped booth among its seating options, a dragon painted on the ceiling above suspended cloud sculptures and hanging lights crafted from dumpling steamer baskets illuminating a chinoiserie-wallpapered hallway. Twelve featured cocktails named after signs of the zodiac incorporate both Asian ingredients and spirits. Four premium seats at the 12-seat carved jade bar have a dedicated bartender who hosts special cocktail experiences. Small plates and snacks are also offered in this luxurious, opulent enclave. (5/18)

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse opened in November 2018 in the new InterContinental San Diego, marking the ultra-premium concept’s first location on the West Coast. Drawing on the expertise of Executive Chef Brian Christman and Wine Director Faith Fulginiti, Del Frisco’s offers 4 an intensive dry-aging program and vast selection of hand-cut USDA Prime steaks, sourced exclusively from the nation’s premier purveyors of beef. A certified sommelier, Fulginiti stocks the cellar with more than 1,400 varietals—amassing over 10,000 bottles, both old world and new world, including selections from the neighboring regions of Valle de Guadalupe, Temecula, Sonoma and beyond. From the first sip of a blood orange Manhattan to the last bite of a 45-day dry-aged USDA Prime cut, each detail is attended to at Del Frisco’s. (1/19)

Opened in December 2018, WhipHand American Brasserie + Beer Bank in San Diego’s East Village offers a Southern-inspired menu and self-pour beer bank. Guests purchase a card to use the self-serve beer taps, filling and tasting at will. In addition to self-serve beer, a full cocktail bar provides classic and innovative libations served by experienced bartenders. The 2,000-square-foot space is styled after traditional French brasseries with the addition of an open-kitchen concept that gives diners a sneak peek at meal preparation. Guests can enjoy sharable plates of simple cuisine with hearty portions like a lobster roll, sautéed in garlic butter with jalapeño slaw and crystal aioli or a savory seafood pie topped with a corn biscuit. The menu offers finger foods, soups, salads, breads and an assortment of gourmet sandwiches. Chef Quinnton “Q” Austin recently relocated from New Orleans and brings a Southern flare to San Diego’s dining scene. (1/19)

Kairoa Brewing Co. is slated to open in January 2019 in San Diego’s University Heights neighborhood. The expansive two-story venue will serve house and guest beer, a full food menu and more than a dozen wines. Kairoa will pay homage to its founders’ home country of New Zealand through the beer, food and design. Head brewer Joe Peach utilizes New Zealand hops, renowned for their unique, aromatic characteristics. Menu items include a sausage roll, butter chicken pies and Kiwi burger that combines beef with tomato chutney, beets, grilled onion, shredded lettuce, mayo, mustard and a fried egg between a brioche bun. The 10,500-square-foot space features a brewing system visible from the spacious downstairs area. An open-air upstairs patio overlooks the neighborhood and features a play area for children, private events space and fire pits for adults to enjoy. (1/19)

Arts and Museums

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, home to a collection of historic vessels, is displaying two new art exhibits during Feb. 23–Sept. 30, 2019. The new exhibitions are located aboard the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley and included with general admission. Arthur Beaumont’s Art of the Sea exhibit, displayed on the lower deck of the Berkeley, encompasses portraits of naval vessels, including aircraft carriers and battleships as well as personal yachts of presidents and celebrities. In 1958, Beaumont was named Artist Laureate of the U.S. Fleet. His art portrays not only admirals, but also common sailors and soldiers, and they formed the core of his series of significant wartime commissions for National Geographic magazine. The second exhibit, Sea and Shore, is displayed in the Compass Gallery on the main level of the Berkeley. The exhibit features paintings from members of the Plein Air Painters Association of San Diego (PAPASAN) and captures San Diego’s beautiful beaches, tidepools, estuaries, harbors and marinas “en plein air” (painting outdoors). (1/19)

Performing Arts

During Feb. 19–April 7, 2019, La Jolla Playhouse presents Diana, a world-premiere musical based on the life of the UK’s Princess Diana and directed by the Playhouse’s Tony® Award-winner Christopher Ashley. Facing an entrenched monarchy and unprecedented media scrutiny, Princess

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Diana surprises everyone―including herself―as she grows into a global phenomenon and manages to change the world. Diana is a highly-anticipated musical featuring an epic and sweeping contemporary score. (updated 1/19)

The Old Globe Theater’s 2019 season kicks off with Familiar by Danai Gurira, a new comic drama about tradition, marriage and family (Jan. 26–March 3), followed by the West Coast premiere of Tiny Beautiful Things, based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed (Feb. 9–March 10). Adapted for the stage by Academy Award nominee Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), the play follows the relationships between an anonymous advice columnist named Sugar and the many real-life readers who pour out their hearts to her. The Old Globe also presents the U.S. premiere musical Life After by Britta Johnson, a story about 16-year-old Alice who grieves the recent loss of her famous father and begins to question the events surrounding his death (March 22–April 28). Audiences follow Alice’s journey as she sets out to uncover what really happened on the night that changed her family forever. Life After is a bittersweet, witty and life-affirming new musical that explores the mess and beauty of loss and love. (1/19)

The San Diego Symphony Orchestra (SDSO) performs new and proven classics in concert in spring 2019. On March 1-2, famed conductor Edo de Waart returns for Mahler’s song-driven Fourth Symphony. Guest soprano Joélle Harvey, in her SDSO debut, will also sing Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, a haunting and nostalgic snapshot of early 20th century Tennessee. On March 31, the beloved Prokofiev classic, Peter and The Wolf, is performed for the whole family. This musical fairy tale tells the story of a young boy who outsmarts a wolf, and each character is portrayed by a different instrument. Children will recognize the bird's flute, the wolf's three horns and the cat's clarinet during this must-see classic. On April 4 and 6, Lord Voldemort is back in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert, and the rebellion begins when the Ministry of Magic tries to keep a lid on the truth. Audiences can experience the groundbreaking Harry Potter film as never before: projected in HD with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performing the magnificent score live with the film. (1/19)

Tours and Transportation

Visitors can get in the Mardi Gras spirit of eating, drinking and merrymaking during the Big Easy Bites & Booze Tour of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, from 1-5 p.m. on March 2. Guests can take their tastebuds on the self-guided tour that includes 20 delicious bites and 20 Mardi Gras inspired sips. Participants collect 10 beads during the edible excursion and redeem the beads for exclusive VIP access to a Bites & Booze after party. Tickets for the pre-Fat Tuesday festivities start at $25, and attendees must be 21 years or older with valid ID. For more information, visit sdmardigras.com. (1/19)

Carnival Cruise Line announced the return of its cruise ship Miracle to operate a new winter schedule from San Diego beginning Oct. 4, 2020. The itineraries include convenient three-day getaways to Ensenada, Mexico; four-day sailings to Ensenada and Catalina Island; and five-day cruises that spend two full days in the Mexican resort town of Cabo San Lucas. Also offered are four 15-day Carnival Journeys round-trip cruises to Hawaii departing Oct. 16 and Nov. 28, 2020, and Jan. 9 and Feb. 20, 2021. (1/19)

Awards & Recognition

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In December 2018, Forbes magazine included San Diegan Alexander Adler on its list of 30 Under 30 young innovators and entrepreneurs. Adler is co-founder of the Puesto restaurant group which has expanded to six California locations including the original La Jolla venue and the second bustling location at The Headquarters along San Diego Bay. (1/19)

The new El Jardin restaurant in San Diego’s latest culinary destination, Liberty Station, appeared on the list of “Best New Restaurants in America” in both Esquire and Food and Wine magazines in 2018. Opened in June 2018 by “Top Chef” contestant chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins, El Jardín features regional Mexican fare refined and reinterpreted with both indigenous Mexican ingredients and local produce alongside an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal. (1/19)

In December 2018, the San Diego Hall of Champions became the San Diego Sports Association and announced a new awards center has been installed at , home of the team. Located within the Breitbard Hall of Fame at Petco Park, the digital interactive awards center chronicles and celebrates the honorees who the organization have recognized during its long history. The center is also accessible via a new website and the San Diego Padres' MLB Ballpark app. (1/19)

Ernie Rossow, National Sales Director of the San Diego Tourism Authority, was named the Hotel Performance Network Global’s (HPN) CVB Sales Manager/Partner of the Year at the organization’s awards ceremony in November 2018. Rossow has been awarded this distinction by HPN four times in the past seven years. (1/19)

In November 2018, TripAdvisor ranked San Diego #7 in its Top 25 Destinations in the U.S. to visit, according to its Travelers Choice Award. This ranking is a move up from #8 in 2017. (1/19)

Anniversaries

On March 28, 2019, the San Diego Padres step up to the plate against the for the home opener of their exciting 50th season played in Petco Park in the heart of downtown. 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 . At Petco Park today, Padres fans 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 City of San Diego and Old Town Chamber of Commerce will mark the 250th commemoration of the birth of San Diego in 2019. In 1769, the first settlement of Alta California was established, which included a mission and presidio. A main calendar of events marking significant moments throughout the history of San Diego will be hosted on: oldtownsandiego.org/250th. Planned activities that commemorate events include monthly lectures, festivals like the Founders’ Day Festival, and other family friendly activities which will be held throughout the year to celebrate Old Town San Diego. (10/18)

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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. The park is also offering special events throughout the year starting with The LEGO® Movie™ Days on Feb. 16-18 and 23-24. Movie Days celebrate the release of The LEGO® Movie™ 2: The Second Part and are filled with fun activities for guests including photos with the cast, a scavenger hunt and a LEGO build activity inspired by the blockbuster film. An exclusive attraction will also be coming to LEGOLAND California in conjunction with the movie’s opening in February. Additionally, coming in spring, “LEGO® City 4D- Officer in Pursuit,” a new 4D short film exclusive to LEGOLAND parks debuting at the Showplace Theater, will combine dazzling 3D computer animation with 4D real-world effects. (1/19) On Dec. 9, 2018, Cross Border Xpress (CBX) celebrated its third year of service and operations for travelers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. CBX welcomed its five millionth passenger in October 2018, the first-of-its-kind pedestrian skybridge is slated to surpass previous annual passenger flow benchmarks by servicing more than two million travelers in 2018. CBX was designed to streamline international travel as the first-ever U.S. facility to connect directly into a foreign airport terminal. Designed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection, the 390- foot-long enclosed pedestrian skybridge connects a state-of-the-art passenger building in San Diego directly to the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) and services more than 6,000 ticketed airline passengers daily. (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.

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