by Caroline Atkins

Created on: January 15, 2008

SAN DIEGO in the spring time is a popular place for tourists, and an alternative warm-weather destination to Florida or Hawaii. Springtime is the second most popular season to visit San Diego, behind summer. If you will be visiting America's Finest City in the months leading up to the summer, book your reservations early, at least by the first of the year.

The weather is usually in the high sixties to mid seventies, but San Diego does get cold spells and storms occasionally. Always check the weather forecast before you pack your clothes, and make sure you at least bring a sweatshirt.

If you do visit San Diego on a rainy week, you should not be disappointed that you got to experience a rare weather phenomenon. Every so often somebody will get struck by a lightening bolt, and no, I am not talking about the San Diego Chargers. As long as you don't fly a kite with a key on the string, or run out on a golf course holding an umbrella during a thunderstorm, you should be okay. If it does rain, you can always go to Scripps Birch Aquarium, visit the museums in Balboa Park, or catch a movie at one of the local theaters.

POPULAR ANNUAL EVENTS:

CARLSBAD FLOWER FIELDS: Want to visit the only commercial Ranunculus field in the world open to the public? Head to Carlsbad to view the 50-plus acres of breathtaking Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, abundant fragrant roses in the All American Rose Garden, and the world famous Ecke poinsettias. and tour the entire ranch on an exciting tractor ride that is fun for the whole family, young and old. The flower fields are open daily each year from the beginning of March through mid-May. For more information, visit www.theflowerfields.com.

WHALE WATCHING: If you've never spotted the California Grey Whale up close, definitely book a whale watching trip during your stay in San Diego. Some charters offer a marine life sighting guarantee, meaning you can go out again if you don't see any marine life. Enjoy whale-watching in San Diego from December through May.

PORT OF SAN DIEGO "DAY AT THE DOCKS": This annual event is usually held in mid April. If you enjoy sportfishing, head to the west coast's largest celebration of sportfishing. Experience boat rides on San Diego Bay, displays by marine artists and fishing tackle experts, great food, entertainment, fishing seminars, open house aboard sportfishing boats, kid's fishing, contests, prizes and more! For dates, visit www.sportfishing.org.

Ideal year-round activities are trips to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park or Legoland. San Diego is a also a half-hour drive from Mexico! If you enjoy a game of baseball, you can watch the Padres play a home game at Petco Park.

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