What's New in San Diego, California, Spring 2017

Major Attractions

In November 2016, following a comprehensive nine-month, $12.6 million renovation, the North Course at Torrey Pines Golf Course reopened with modern refinements and state-of-the-art improvements that remain faithful to the original layout. The course remains fun and challenging for both the low handicap and casual golfer, and all 18 greens have been completely reconstructed to United States Golf Association standards. The average green size has increased from 4,500 square feet to 6,400 square feet. The front and back nines were also reversed, allowing golfers spectacular Pacific Ocean and canyon views as they finish their rounds. The North Course is now a worthy complement to Torrey Pines' world famous South Course, home to the 2008 and 2021 U. S. Open.

The San Diego Zoo's new eight-acre exhibit called Africa Rocks is scheduled to open in spring 2017. The largest in the 100-year-old zoo's history, the expansion is a $68 million project that will transform the area formerly known as Cat and Dog Canyon with new habitats for African plant and animal species ranging from savanna to shore. Africa Rocks will transform what was previously a steep canyon into a gently winding, ADA-accessible pathway through a West African forest, acacia woodlands, Ethiopian highlands, kopje gardens and a Madagascar habitat.

In late spring 2017, SeaWorld San Diego plans to open a new, multi-million dollar attraction that will take park visitors on an exciting ocean expedition highlighting scientific exploration. Ocean Explorer will contain multiple aquariums and rides that utilize state-of-the-art digital technologies to inspire park visitors to protect the wonders of the world's oceans. Guests will travel aboard submarines on a mission to collect data and learn how they can help animals. This three-minute experience will include an onboard digital navigation dashboard, as well as a few other surprises along the journey, enhancing the riders' understanding of the ocean ecosystem.

The heart of Ocean Explorer will be a series of undersea research bases housing specially designed aquariums, known as research pods, and interactive activities displaying unique and elusive ocean animals. Guests can also experience an exhilarating wave swing ride that flies through thousands of real bubbles in chairs suspended from the tentacles of a giant sea jelly.

Three additional family-friendly rides will round out this immersive, new attraction. Construction on Ocean Explorer began in summer 2016 on a three-acre site on the southeast side of the park. The final phase of Ocean Explorer is the debut in 2018 of the Electric Eel Coaster. This adrenaline-pumping coaster will offer riders the only upside-down view of Mission Bay.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California, open March 1 - May 14, 2017, features 80 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers on coastal farmland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to theme gardens, fresh strawberries, antique tractor wagon rides, a sweet pea maze and picnic areas, special events and activities are organized throughout the 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.

In January 2017, the U.S. Department of Interior officially designated Chicano Park in San Diego's downtown neighborhood of Barrio Logan as a National Historic Landmark.  Representative of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement, Chicano Park has become a cultural and recreational gathering place for the Chicano community in San Diego and is the location of the Chicano Park Monumental Murals, an exceptional assemblage of master mural artwork painted on the freeway bridge supports. On Apr. 20, 1970, community residents occupied Chicano Park in an ultimately successful effort to prevent the construction of a California Highway Patrol substation on land where the City of San Diego had promised the neighborhood a community park.

Major Events

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park, is inviting visitors to complete hiking challenges on some of the most famous (and infamous) peaks and trails in the region in celebration of the Anza-Borrego Foundation's 50th Anniversary. “Five Hikes for 50 Years” is a campaign to introduce visitors to the wonders of the park's family-friendly trails ranging from popular and well-traveled trails to less-visited hikes in more remote areas. The five hikes are: Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail, The Slot (off Buttes Pass Road), Pictograph Trail, Calcite Mine and Mountain Palm Springs Loop.

During March 4-5, 2017, downtown's scenic Waterfront Park on San Diego Bay will host the fifth CRSSD Fest, an electronic music festival featuring top acts such as Flume, Blood Orange, Justin Martin, Lauren Lance and Peggy Gou on three stages during this ticketed, paid-admission event for attendees 21 or older. Craft beer, mixed drinks, local food and a VIP area will be available.

New Hotels

Pendry San Diego, the debut property of a new luxury line from Montage Hotels & Resorts, will open in February 2017 at the epicenter of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Located a few blocks from Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres, and the San Diego Convention Center, Pendry San Diego will offer 317 guest rooms. The 12-story property houses three restaurants (Nason's Beer Hall, Lionfish, and Provisional Kitchen, Cafe and Mercantile) and three bars (Oxford Social Club, The Pool House and Fifth & Rose). The hotel's design reflects the San Diego vibe, with an upscale urban experience in a laid-back beach-inspired setting.

Arts and Museums

On view from Jan 21–Apr. 16, 2017, the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in downtown San Diego presents the first-ever Chinese typewriter exhibition, Radical Machines: Chinese in the Information Age, an exhibit dedicated to the history and importance of Chinese technology and modern Information Technology. Visitors can explore the intricate design, technology and art of Chinese writing during the 19th-21st centuries through rare typewriters and word processors, code books and vivid historic footage.

Transportation

In May 2017, Condor Airlines will begin flying seasonally from Frankfurt, Germany, to San Diego two times weekly during May and June. The flight will increase to three times weekly in July and August and then go back to two times weekly until San Diego service for the season ends on Oct. 7, 2017.

Awards

In October 2016, San Diego was ranked #10 by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine as The Best Big Cities in the U.S. according to the Reader's Choice Awards for 2016.