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San Diego is a great place to be, especially in the winter months! There are traditions, adventures, carnivals and celebrations you don't want to miss out on. Not only are the same advantages of the summer climate still available to you, but also the fun is increased as you participate in the events that are only available in San Diego's winter itinerary.

A spectacular event that can be witnessed in the winter only is the migration of the Grey Whale. Numerous local tour agencies offer a unique voyage to allow you and your party an up close and personal encounter with these awesome creatures. These tours are entertaining as well as educational and they make a great outing for all age and social groups.

Looking to get your feet wet? Go on a tide pool excursion with aquarium naturalists. Wintertime is the best time of the year for this aquatic treasure hunt because low tides reveal wider beach areas full of pools teaming with rainbows of exotic marine life. Allow an expert to respectfully guide you through the inhabitants' territory, identifying and informing you on these creatures along the way.

Now that you've done the touristy thing, it's time to join the locals in some annual events. Residents of San Diego take pride in their annual boat show that is held in the first week of January. This water display of majestic boats and yachts holds something in store for the water sports fan in you. Power and sailboats combined with hands on activities, seminars, demonstrations and giveaways make for an entertaining day at the docks. Enjoy a free sailing lesson or shop at the boutiques for marine accessories, electronics and clothing.

Another great benefit of visiting San Diego in the winter is the cool savings! February is Museum Month. This is where admission is half off at over thirty participating educational and historical institutions. This is also the time of year where the pirates at Maritime Museum of San Diego participate in a cannon battle reenactment aboard the world's finest collection of historic ships.

Not sure where to find the best dining establishment? Try them all without going broke during Restaurant Week. This six day culinary extravaganza takes place in mid January. More than one hundred participating new and established eateries allow you to sample three course meals for one low set price. The goal of this event is to raise awareness to the fact that San Diego is a dining hot spot.

Now that you know where to eat let the fun begin. You don't know what a New Year celebration is until you've experienced a Chinese New Year. Your senses will become over stimulated at this fair of food and culture. Witness colorful elaborate performances like dragon dancing. Enjoy demonstrations, Asian cuisine, crafts and a light illuminated parade.

If you thought New Years was exciting, wait until you find out we were just warming up for Mardi Gras! That's right, the party has just begun. The night takes off with a masquerade parade featuring the king and queen and over thirty floats throwing beads. Combine this with Brazilian style dancing, percussionists and elaborate costumes made up of sequins, feathers and beads. Make sure you come prepared with comfortable dancing shoes for this high energy all night long celebration of life.

So there you have it. If you thought winter meant bulky attire and suffering from cabin fever and boredom, think again as you create memorable experiences free from seasonal boundaries in San Diego.

Learn more about this author, Alexis Stone.
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