1. Santa Barbara Zoo: There are over 500 animals in this 30-acre zoo filled with colorful gardens. The animals spend most of their time in outdoor enclosures that are designed to resemble their natural habitats. The zoo also offers some great event spaces for casual picnics, teambuilding adventures and upscale after hours functions.
2. El Presidio State Historic Park: This park is filled with the rich culture of Santa Barbara. Founded in 1782, taking a stroll through the whitewashed buildings is a great way to see the history and culture of Santa Barbara.

3. Santa Barbara County Courthouse: The Courthouse opened in 1929, and is still being used today. This amazing series of buildings with Spanish architecture style encompass a square block there is also a sunken garden, palm groves, and rare plants. This is a must see when visiting Santa Barbara!

4. Santa Barbara Maritime Museum: Located right on the water in the Santa Barbara Harbor, the Maritime Museum is the perfect place to learn about the rich maritime history present in Santa Barbara.

5. Santa Barbara Museum of Art:  Looking  to for a great art museum to visit? Look no further than the Santa Barbara Museum of Art! This highly-regarded encyclopedic museum was opened in 1941 but it feels like a place that’s been around much longer in order to have acquired such a large collection of antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia.

6. Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens: This hidden treasure features 65 acres of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and cacti. With 5.5 miles of easy-to-walk nature trails, the gardens are perfect for both group tours, educational classes and event space.

7. Stearns Wharf: Stearns Wharf is arguably the most beautiful wharf on the California coast.  Here you will find many shops filled with souvenirs and some great places to sample the local seafood.
8. Museum of Natural History: Prehistoric fossils from the region are just a few of the interesting things to see. This is the place to learn about local history, geology and anthropology. 

9. The Canary Hotel: This adorable boutique hotel features hand-painted tiles, elegant wrought iron and postcard-perfect views from a rooftop pool deck. Located within walking distance to all the downtown shops and restaurants, The Canary blends R&R and hustle & bustle perfectly!

10. Santa Ynez Wine Valley: A tour of the wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley and adjoining Santa Rita Hills has become a popular attraction for tourists coming to Santa Barbara. The vineyards here are producing some wonderful Rhone varietals (Syrah and Viognier), and also Pinot Noir, Cabs and Merlots.

11. Cabrillo Bikeway: This three-mile paved road by the beach is used daily by hundreds of runners and bikers. A bike ride along the Cabrillo bikeway is the perfect way to see all the beauty of Santa Barbara.

12. Seven Falls: Ideal in the spring, the falls and the hike to the falls offers much for the visitor. The hike is about 2 or 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 800 ft. This is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery of Santa Barbara.

13. Chumash Painted Cave: Not too far outside of Santa Barbara rests a sandstone cave filled with pictographs created by the Chumash Indians. Drawn with mineral pigments, they are believed to have been religious and date from a couple hundred years back to nearly a thousand years ago. This park allows visitors to see the pictographs first-hand and up-close.

14. Chase Palm Park: This long, narrow park sits waterfront with and the walking/riding path is lined with California’s popular palm trees. Walking and bicycle riding is ideal on this path but on the weekends there are arts and crafts festivals to browse through.

15. State Street: Santa Barbara’s main street is lined with popular shops and restaurants. Join the locals for a stroll down the street and some leisurely shopping at Paseo Nuevo.
16. Polo Matches: Trade in the normal baseball game and visit the Polo Fields in Santa Barbara! Polo season runs from April through October, and anyone can watch.

17. First Thursdays: On the first Thursday evening of each month from 5-8PM, downtown Santa Barbara becomes filled with cultural activities. Art galleries open their doors, as do museums and other venues. There are wine tastings, impromptu performances, open artists’ studios and crafts to buy.

18. The Douglas Family Preserve: This is a wild grassy park on a bluff over Arroyo Burro Beach. Locals stroll the beach and the pathways through the preserve—with their dogs. This is one of those rare places where dogs are allowed off-leash. You can even hike to the preserve from Stearns Wharf.

19. Red Tile Tour: This self-guided walking tour can be downloaded from several sites, including the Santa Barbara Visitors Bureau. The tour covers an easily walk-able, fairly compact area of downtown’s “Old Town,” containing some of the most beautiful of the city’s historical landmarks, starting at the Courthouse and zig-zagging along a rectangle from State Street across Anacapa to Santa Barbara Street, and from Ortega Street to Anapamu Street.

20. Old Mission: The Santa Barbara Mission is the only California mission that has remained in continuous operation by Franciscans friars. This mission has survived earthquakes and countless remodels but it still holds its character and charm. You can stroll the grounds, including the rose garden, visit the museum and the cemetery, and spend time in the magnificent church, which is actively in use.
If you are interested in planning tours, teambuilding events, dine-arounds, or offsite functions in Santa Barbara, call us at 888-EVENT-88 or email us at info@eventteam.com!

Each district’s station will be set up to enclose a playing field & “cornucopia” of supplies. Districts will begin the challenge with an identical amount of basic ingredients for their food preparation. Throughout the event, “tributes” will be randomly selected from each district to compete in a physical or mental challenge against the other districts. The winning district for each challenge earns not only team points, but also the opportunity to select additional ingredients and/or utensils from the cornucopia that will enhance their final culinary creation.

After the final challenge, districts will have additional time to create a demonstration that accompanies their mouthwatering masterpiece! Led by our blue-haired Master of Ceremonies, judges will come around to interview each district and taste their creations! These final scores will be added to the challenge scores, and a winning district will be crowned the Hungry Games Champions! “May the odds be ever in your favor!”

Culinary Challenge Examples (selection based on venue accommodations & client preference): Salsa, Sangria, Guacamole, Cupcake/Cake decorating

Hungry Games Challenge Examples (Number of challenges depends on number of people/teams): “Hunting” – (target challenge), “Gathering” – (one tribute is blindfolded and must place designated objects in a basket using only their teammate’s voices for guidance), “Throwing” – (distance throwing and/or slingshot challenge), “Mental Strength” – (puzzle challenge), “Total Recall” – (trivia challenge), “Empty Stomach” – (good old fashioned speed-eating)

Lindsay White, The Event Team’s Director of Sales & Marketing (and self-proclaimed Hunger Games addict) is excited to incorporate this new teambuilding event into The Event Team’s catalog of options. “Our culinary competitions are already pretty popular with clients, but this adds a whole new element of excitement and adventure,” White said. She also joked, “If you get rid of the violence and death aspects, themes from The Hunger Games actually lend themselves very well to corporate teambuilding.”

If you’re interested in hosting “The Hungry Games” for your company, contact The Event Team at 888-383-6888 or email info@eventteam.com

1. Amazing Hotel Properties:  From La Valencia to The Lodge, The Grande Colonial to Estancia, La Jolla offers some of the lushest accommodations in Southern California. Whether you’re looking for business, pleasure, or family fun –La Jolla hotels shine on every level.

2. Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this aquarium and interactive museum features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico and the Caribbean.

3. Children’s Pool: This popular tourist attraction consists of a tiny cove protected by a concrete breakwater. It was once a swimming area for children until the seals and sea lions moved in. Now visitors can enjoy the added bonus of an ongoing marine mammal show courtesy of the seals and sea lions that play in and around the shore or at Seal Rock, their offshore reserve.
4. La Jolla Village: Streets in the village like Girard Avenue and Prospect Street offer a range of expensive boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, and magnificent restaurants that overlook the coastline. There is something for everyone here!

5. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: This museum holds over 3,000 works and can also be used as a fantastic event space for art lovers!

6. Torrey Pines Golf Course: Sitting on coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this course is recognized as the premier municipal golf course. It is named after the Torrey Pine, a rare tree that grows in the wild only along this local stretch of the coastline in San Diego County and on Santa Rosa Island.

7. Kayaking La Jolla Caves: Launching from La Jolla Shores, our kayaking adventures take you along one of the most scenic stretches of San Diego coast. These caves are home to various types of exciting wildlife including seabirds, sea lions, seals, rays, and (harmless) leopard sharks.

8. Fine Dining: George’s at the Cove, Azul, and Eddie V’s are just a few of the many famous restaurants offering the best ingredients and most spectacular ocean views. They are pros when it comes to hosting indoor or outdoor corporate events, so you can rest assured knowing you will be in great hands!

9. The Cuvier Club: With all of the modern class of La Jolla, the venue still retains some of the historical magic of the village. The Cuvier Club has plenty of room to handle even the largest guest list with ease and yet retains an intimate charm.

10. La Jolla Cove: Just down the road from downtown La Jolla, this swimming and diving mecca is nestled against the side of beautiful cliffs and offers picturesque views of the Pacific.

11. Scripps Seaside Forum: This extraordinary, ocean-front venue is located in the heart of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The breathtaking view and state-of-the-art equipment makes the Scripps Seaside Forum a wonderful location for social and corporate events such as weddings and galas. Our National Sales Manager Dick Burson recently utilized this space for his daughter’s wedding!

12. Torrey Pines Glider Port: This city-owned gliderport is the home to hang gliding, paragliding, radio-controlled model sailplanes, and full-scale man-carrying sailplanes. You can visit just to watch, or you can sign up for a gliding adventure of your own! Whether you stay on land or venture into the sky, the glider port offers amazing views no matter which direction your head turns.

13. Interactive Culinary Adventures: From sushi school & sake pairing at Roppongi to Iron Chef challenges at Harvard Cooking Girl, La Jolla invites its guests to join in the culinary fun! These events are educational and also serve as wonderful icebreakers for groups!
14. Mount Soledad: This prominent landmark sits on a mountaintop overlooking all of San Diego. It is a great place to ooh and aah at beautiful homes and views of the entire city. This is also where we love to take groups for our famous bike plunge!

15. Torrey Pines State Reserve: Miles and miles of trails on this reserve offer some of the best hiking in San Diego. Don’t forget to bring a snack, some sunscreen and most importantly, a camera!

16. Windansea Surfing: Windansea beach is one of the best spots in La Jolla to find the perfect wave to surf and the perfect stretch of sand to take in the sunshine. Windansea also offers great spots to snorkel or bodysurf.

17. La Jolla Playhouse: This non-profit professional theatre has won over three hundred honors, including the 1993 Tony Award as America’s Outstanding Regional Theatre. It provides a number of educational opportunities for children, teens, and adults interested in theatre arts.

18. The Comedy Store: While La Jolla can get a bad rap for being a little too high class, its residents know how to let loose and have a sense of humor! See for yourself at The Comedy Store, where hilarious shows are offered 7 nights a week!

19. La Jolla Shores: This popular beach community offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere that you might not find in La Jolla Village. The beach itself is about a mile long and stretches from the sea cliffs just north of La Jolla Cove to Black’s Beach south of Torrey Pines State Park. A little further inland, you can stroll up the street to find rental companies or kitschy gift shops and ice cream parlors.

20. Blacks Beach: While we don’t usually recommend this clothing-optional beach to our corporate clients, it’s worth mentioning if only for its infamy. Go if you dare to get bare!

20 Things We Love About Los Angeles

1. Griffith Observatory: From the Griffith Park observatory on the top of Mount Hollywood you can see all of Los Angeles, from the high-rises of downtown to the Pacific Ocean! If you’re up for a challenge you can hike to the top, but driving paths are also available for a more leisurely trip.

2. Grauman’s Chinese Theater: Home to hundreds of movie premiers, Grauman’s Chinese theater is a Hollywood landmark, make sure to check out the concrete blocks which bear signatures, hand and footprints of famous Hollywood stars dating all the way back to the 1920’s.

3. Rodeo Drive: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel…The list of designer stores that call Rodeo Drive home is endless. If you’re looking for high fashion, look no further than Rodeo Drive, located in the heart of Beverly Hills.

4. Malibu:Famous for its sandy beaches and beachside mansions, Malibu is a must see destination when visiting LA. One of our favorite gems in this neighborhood is Malibu Wines, where you can have a small tasting or a 100+ person event.

5. Santa Monica Pier: As a top destination in LA, the Santa Monica Pier is sure to be a good time for tourists of all ages. From the Ferris wheel to the various food vendors, a nice stroll along the Pier is the perfect activity for a sunny day in Los Angeles.

This photo of Santa Monica is courtesy of TripAdvisor

6. 3^rd Street Promenade: Located in Santa Monica blocks away from the Pier, 3^rd Street Promenade is a premier dining and shopping destination that draws crowds from all over Los Angeles County.

7. LA Live: Situated in the heart of Downtown LA and home to hotels, bars, restaurants, concert venues and a movie theater,  LA Live has everything you need for a fun night out on the town.

8. Getty Museum: The Getty Museum is an LA landmark well known for its large collection of art as well as the beautiful surrounding gardens. With an estimated 1.3 million visitors each year, The Getty Museum is one of the most visited museums in the U.S.

9. Olvera Street: Known as the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles, this landmark started as a short lane, Wine Street, it was extended and renamed in honor of Agustín Olvera, a prominent local judge, in 1877. There are 27 historic buildings lining Olvera Street, including the Avila Adobe, the Pelanconi House and the Sepulveda House. In 1930, it was converted to a colorful Mexican marketplace. It is also the setting for Mexican-style music and dancing and holiday celebrations throughout the year.

10. LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art): Holding more than 100,000 pieces of art spanning from ancient to present day, LACMA is one of the most visited art museums in the U.S. and a perfect destination for art lovers.

11. Walt Disney Concert Hall: Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is an unmistakable landmark of Los Angeles. With it’s stunning architecture and praised acoustics, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must-see LA landmark.

This photo of Walt Disney Concert Hall is courtesy of TripAdvisor

12. Hollywood Bowl: As the largest natural amphitheater in the US, seating 18,000 the Hollywood Bowl is the perfect place to catch an afternoon concert. The “bowl” refers to the concave hillside where the theater is situated.

13. Venice Boardwalk: From fortune tellers to street performers, the two and half mile ocean front Venice Boardwalk is always full of surprises and a great way to spend the afternoon!

14. Pantages Theater: The palatial art deco theater opened in 1930 and has since been a Hollywood landmark and is one of the leading venues for live theater. Catching a musical at the Pantages Theater would be the perfect addition to your Los Angeles visit.

15. Little Tokyo: Also known as The Little Tokyo Historic District and spanning over a one square mile area near downtown LA, Little Tokyo is full of Japanese restaurants and shops.

16. Dodger Stadium: Take me out to the ball game…As the third oldest ballpark in the country, Dodger Stadium is the perfect place to a catch a baseball game.

17. Hollywood Walk of Fame: The walk of fame has over 2.400 stars covering the sidewalks of Hollywood Blvd. Famous actors, producers and directors are given stars for notable achievements in the entertainment industry.

18. Universal Studios: Universal Studios is the oldest Movie Studio still in production today and a must-see Los Angeles attraction.

19. Rooftop Parties: Whether you’re overlooking the downtown skyscrapers at Loft Seven or gazing at the famous Hollywood Sign at Siren Studios, there’s no question that LA is magnificent from a bird’s eye view.

20. Dance/Nightclubs: LA is the place to see and be seen, and there is no shortage of locations where you can party it up while getting down on the dance floor. Amazing new venues are constantly popping up from the nightlife powerhouse company SBE. Some of our favs are The Colony, Greystone Manor, Eden and My House.

Taking a group to LA? Call The Event Team for help organizing your tours, transportation, off-site events, dinners, teambuilding activities and/or accommodations. We are experts in site selection and event customization across Southern California. Call 888-EVENT-88 or email info@eventteam.com today!

1. Donated 80 Backpacks to Euclid Elementary: These backpacks were filled with thousands of dollars worth of school supplies requested by Euclid. They were presented to the school by a client after the conclusion of a fun backpack-stuffing teambuilding program operated by The Event Team. Guests had a blast competing in several team challenges that “earned” them supplies for their backpacks. In a note from Ana Luisa Biffle, the school’s principal, Euclid thanked The Event Team and our client “for focusing their resources towards helping communities in high need such as ours.” It was our pleasure!

Loading the Truck full of Backpacks!

Operations guru Sally Davis making a special delivery!

2. Donated Lego Sets to the Polinski Center: The aforementioned teambuilding competition also incorporated a Lego construction element. After the completed event, hundreds of dollars worth of Lego sets were donated to the Polinski Center, a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children who must be separated from their families for their own safety.

3. Donated 200 Shirts to Father Joe’s Village: Approximately half of these shirts were brand new cotton T-shirts leftover from a 5K operated by The Event Team. The other half were new button down dress shirts once used as staff uniforms. Father Joe’s is an  internationally recognized, cutting edge provider of innovative housing programs and services for the homeless and underprivileged.

Next on the horizon, we plan to donate several functioning desktop computers from our office to the local Salvation Army. We are on a roll! We are so thankful for clients who open up their hearts and donate their time, money and energy to creating successful teambuilding events with long-lasting benefits to our local community. AND we are grateful that there are so many wonderful organizations within the community that can put these supplies to the best use possible!

If you’re interested in philanthropic teambuilding activities for your next Southern California event, check out some more options here, and contact us at 888-EVENT-88 or info@eventteam.com.

Twenty Things We Love About Orange County

1. Huntington Dog Beach: Located right off of Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, this dog beach is the best place to spend the day soaking in the rays with your pooch.

2. Balboa Island: Full of quaint water side cottages, cute boutiques and many restaurants, Balboa Island is the perfect place to spend a day walking around and taking in all the sights.

3. Mission San Juan Capistrano:  The historic landmark and museum at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is great for family or educational outings. Rich with California history the sprawling 10 acre grounds filled with gardens, adobe architecture and fountains is an Orange County must-see.
4. Disneyland: Opening its doors in 1955 the Disneyland Theme Park has become famous for being  “the happiest place in the world” From Tomorrowland to Mickeys Toontown, Disneyland is a guaranteed good time for all.

5. Table Rock Beach: Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County, Table Rock Beach is full of amazing rocky cliffs and secret little coves.

6. Catalina Island: Located 37 miles off the Orange County coast, Catalina Island is a quick ferry ride away. The small town of Avalon is home to almost a million visitors each year. With Scuba diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boats, parasailing and more! Catalina Island is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

7. Whale watching: Departing from Dana Wharf or Newport Landing, Orange County is the best place to go for a whale watching adventure! Every year thousands of Gray and Blue whales pass through on their way to the warmer waters of Mexico.
8. South Coast Plaza: As the largest mall in California, South Coast Plaza does not disappoint. Home to over 250 retailers and many restaurants, it’s the perfect place to spend the day shopping.

9. Orange County Zoo: Bobcats, Coyotes, and Porcupines Oh My! Located inside the sprawling 477-acre Irvine Park, the Orange County Zoo is home to animals that are native to the Southwestern US.

10. Discovery Science Center: With over 100 interactive science exhibits the Discovery Science Center is the best place for some hands-on science fun!

11. Fashion Island: If you’re looking for a five star shopping experience, Fashion Island is the place to be! Home to upscale department stores and many great restaurants, Fashion Island is a premier shopping destination.
12. Bowers museum: From kid friendly exhibits to ancient cultural artifacts, Bowers Museum is the best place to experience a variety of art and culture.

13. Angels Stadium: Take me out to the ball game! Angels Stadium, home to the Anaheim Angels baseball team, is the perfect place to enjoy a day of baseball. With three full service restaurants, family friendly seating areas and beautiful landscaped courtyard Angels Stadium is an Orange County must-see!

14. Sport Fishing: Whether you’re a fishing pro or have never caught a fish in your life, Orange County has a sport fishing adventure for you! Complete with gear and a knowledgeable staff, the sport fishing in Orange County is a must!

15. Laguna Beach: With its ocean views and unique art galleries, Laguna Beach is the perfect place to spend wandering, window shopping and taking in all of the sights.
16. Crystal Cathedral: Constructed with over 10,000 rectangular panes of glass, the Crystal Cathedral is a must see for tourists and architecture enthusiasts alike.

17. Santa Ana Arts district: The Santa Ana Arts District is 8 blocks of creative effort to one of Orange County’s most historic cities.  The monthly Art Walk is a great way to take in all the attractions of the Santa Ana Arts District.

18. Surfing Heritage Foundation: Dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of surfing, the Surfing Heritage Foundation is home to a great museum with an extensive surfboard collection.

19. Downtown Disney:  Experience the magic of Disney without the hefty admission fee! Downtown Disney with its restaurants, nightclubs, shops and even a movie theater, is the perfect place for a night out on the town, Disney style.

20. Honda Center: Home to the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Team and fabulous concerts and events throughout the year, the Honda Center is the premier arena in Orange County.

We know there are so many more things to love about Orange County, but this is a great start, don’t you think? If you are looking at Orange County for one of your group meetings or events, feel free to call us and we will show you around! 888-EVENT-88 or info@eventteam.com

4 Ways to Coordinate the Perfect Site Visit
by Ciera Davis, Sales Manager

1. Coordinate with your vendors.  If you are taking a client to see multiple venues or restaurants make sure that you contact everyone and that you are all on the same page in terms of the timing of the site visit.  If you realize that will not be visiting one of the venues or you are running late, do your best to let your vendor know.

2. Roll out the Welcome Mat. If the client flying in from out of town offer to pick them up from the airport or at least see if you can assist with setting up any transportation.  Also, keep them updated on the weather so that they know what to pack and what to wear.  Little details like this will impress your client before you event meet them! Another great tip: put cold bottles of water and dry snacks in your car in case the client gets thirsty/hungry at some point during the site visit.

3. Over Prepare. Go over your schedule/route before you meet with the client.  Make sure you know how to get to each of the location and how much time it will take to get from point A to point B.  The worst is getting lost on a site visit, especially when they are counting on you to know San Diego like the back of your hand.

4. Make Conversation (not controversy).  It is likely that you will be sitting in the car with this person for at least 15-20 minutes at a time as you drive from venue to venue, and that can be an incredibly painful 20 minutes if it is a silent car ride. The idea of a site visit is to not only show the client around but to also get to know them and bond with them.  Bonding with a client will get you 2 steps closer to signing a contract, guaranteed.  So make conversation about anything light: sports, where they are from, have they ever been to San Diego before, how long have they been with their company, etc.  This probably goes without saying but make sure to steer clear of conversations about religion, politics, etc, unless for some reason it pertains to their site visit.

The Event Team presents the ultimate Teambuilding event “So You Think You Can Rock,” where teams create their own Rock Bands and learn from professionals how to perform on stage. Each “Band” chooses a song, writes their own lyrics, and works with our live House Band to win the Battle of the Bands competition. Extra points awarded if a participant can actually play an instrument! Find the hidden talents of your group in a fun and entertaining evening where everyone is a rock star!
Suggested itinerary:
-Group arrives & Team Captains are briefed
-Teams select songs
-Teams write new lyrics, name band, & rehearse performance & choreography
-House Band Performs while Scores are Tallied
-Awards Ceremony
While this event really shines at a local music venue like the House of Blues, The Event Team can transform practically any venue into a rock-ready arena! Other exciting add-ons include celebrity guest appearances or look-alike judges like Simon Fuller, Steven Tyler, Paula Abdul and/or Randy Jackson.

Interested in hosting this event for your group? Contact The Event Team today and we’ll send you a proposal that will rock your socks off! 888-EVENT-88 or info@eventteam.com.

3 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget
by Ciera Davis, Sales Manager

1. Know what to splurge on and what to save on.  I think that eating organically is so important, especially given the amount of pesticides and chemicals that are sprayed on/injected into our food these days.  That being said, you don’t necessarily need to buy ALL of your food organic.  Here is a link to a pesticides chart that I like to use when deciding what foods are important to buy organic and which foods aren’t,  http://static.ewg.org/reports/2011/foodnews/pdf/2011EWGPesticideGuide.pdf.

2. Buy Seasonal.  If eating organically isn’t necessarily in your budget, try to at least eat only fruits and veggies that are in season.  OR, if you really like your blueberries year-round, then buy them frozen.  Frozen fruits and veggies are a great alternative and often times they are frozen at their peak which is when they have the most nutrients.  Not to mention frozen foods are often times a lot less cheaper than their fresh counterparts.

3. Plan your meals.  Planning out your meals and snacks for the week can save you a ton of time and money.  You will find that once you start planning your meals you will probably start wasting a lot less food.  Wasting less food = more money in your pocket!

Here’s a quick and healthy smoothie for people on the go!

Ingredients:
Almond milk (unsweetened)
Greek Yogurt
1 Banana
Almond butter (a great healthy alternative to peanut butter.  Make sure to get raw and unsalted)
Cinnamon
Agave Nectar
Ice Cubes

Blend together and enjoy!  This smoothie has a ton of protein and fiber to keep your full and energized.

3. Healthy Living: The dedication to healthy and sustainable living is seen throughout San Diego, from Farmers Markets (there are multiple every day of the week throughout San Diego county) to an emphasis on exercise and outdoor activities, this city is full of resources to promote healthy lifestyles.

4. Rich Military History: San Diego has been home to many US military bases.  Aside from the Naval Base, Marine Corps Air Station at Miramar and Camp Pendleton,  The USS Midway  has been transformed into an amazing museum full of military history. The well known Miramar Air show is a 3 day event held every year and is one of the largest military air shows available to the public.

5. Shopping: The shopping opportunities in San Diego are endless, whether you are looking for small boutiques to find one of a kind pieces, or large department stores San Diego has it all.

6. Gaslamp Quarter: Gaslamp Quarter is the historical heart of San Diego. Located downtown, Gaslamp is well known for its nightlife scene and is full of endless restaurants and bars that are sure to please every palate.

7. La Jolla: Just north of downtown sits the quaint beach town of La Jolla. La Jolla is home to some of the most gorgeous coastline in all of San Diego offering kayaking, paddle boarding , snorkeling and more! For the theater lover The La Jolla Playhouse, founded in 1947, offers amazing plays and musicals.

8. Old Town: Old Town is known as the “Birthplace of San Diego”. As the location of the first settlers, Old town is full of San Diego history. Filled with shops and restaurants, Old Town is the perfect place to stop for authentic Mexican food and a margarita on a hot summer day.

9. Sea World: Spread over 22 acres along Mission Bay, SeaWorld is a premier tourist stop in San Diego. Filled with amazing animals, (who doesn’t love Shamu?) and fun attractions, SeaWorld is a must see destination in San Diego.

10. San Diego Zoo: The World Famous San Diego Zoo is home to 4,000 animals of more than 800 species . The exhibits at the San Diego zoo mimic the animal’s natural habitats promoting natural behavior of the animals and allowing visitors to understand how the animals live in the wild.

11. Safari Park: San Diego animal adventures don’t simply stop with the zoo, the San Diego Safari Park offers visitors a chance to see animals in wide open enclosures. From Giraffes to rhinos, a trip to the San Diego Safari Park will make you feel as though you have experienced a real African Safari.

12. Del Mar: Del Mar, most notably known for the Del Mar Racetrack which hosts American Thoroughbred horse races every summer, is a great gem of San Diego. The beachfront restaurants and hotels make this small beach town a great place for a weekend getaway or summer vacation spot.

13. Legoland: Built in 1999, Legoland has become a family favorite destination of San Diego. Along with the traditional attractions Legoland offers a Lego-themed water park, perfect for those hot summer days!

14. North County: North County San Diego is full of quaint and cozy beach towns. From Oceanside to Carlsbad, Encinitas and beyond, a trip to North County is a perfect way to experience a different side of San Diego.

15. Golf Courses:  Golf enthusiasts far and wide travel to San Diego for the many amazing golf courses.  With over 80 golf courses, there is a course for everyone. Whether you are planning on going pro or just learning, San Diego has the golf course for you!

16. Balboa Park: Built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition Balboa Park has grown into a 1,200 acre park filled with 15 museums, multiple theaters and gorgeous landscape. Balboa Park is a must-see destination in San Diego.

17. Craft Breweries: San Diego has become a growing and thriving community for craft and microbreweries. From the well known Karl Strauss and Stone Brewery to the smaller Alesmith and Ballast Point Brewing Company, San Diego is full of breweries for all sorts of beer enthusiasts!

18. Temecula: Located in the north-east region of San Diego, Temecula is home to 35 wineries and 9 great golf courses. Sitting equally distant from Los Angeles and Orange County, Temecula is the ideal place for a relaxing weekend getaway!

19. Fabulous Hotel Properties: With hundreds of hotel properties located throughout San Diego there is sure to be a hotel for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront hotel, a downtown high-rise, or a secluded mountain cabin, San Diego has it all!

20. Convention Center:  Set in the Marina District of Downtown San Diego the Convention Center offers over 600,000 square feet of convention space. Home to the famous Comic-Con convention, the San Diego convention center hosts some of the city’s largest conventions and events each year.

The list goes on and on! What do YOU love about San Diego?