Enjoy flavorful Mexican fare around San Diego County at Diane Powers’ collection of colorful restaurants. At Bazaar del Mundo Shops, a beautiful entry to San Diego’s Old Town community, experience sun-splashed days and chile-inspired nights at Casa Guadalajara. The venue is famous for sizzling fajitas, tantalizing handmade tortillas and birdbath margaritas. In North County’s Carlsbad, Casa de Bandini welcomes guests onto its lush patio or inside its vibrant dining room. Enjoy award-winning seafood dishes, traditional combination plates, creative and healthy Mexican salads, and much more. At Casa Sol y Mar east of Del Mar, homemade dressings, salsas and sauces are prepared daily, along with hot corn and flour tortillas made by hand, right in view of delighted patrons. And in East County’s La Mesa, life is always a fiesta at Casa de Pico, which echoes the vibrancy of Old Mexico with its splashing fountains, beautiful patios, strolling mariachis and festive décor. Savor these San Diego favorites, open daily.

Stroll about, savor delicious fare and find eclectic souvenirs and gifts at downtown’s Seaport Village. There are 45 diverse shops, 17 unique eateries and four bayside restaurants along with four miles of meandering cobblestone pathways plus a quarter-mile slate boardwalk along the San Diego Bay. Live music is also part of the fun. Click here for a list of concerts in January: Entertainment at Seaport Village. Steps away, explore The Headquarters at Seaport. Through the restoration of San Diego’s Old Police Headquarters, built in 1939, the city has reclaimed a majestic urban treasure by offering a delightful destination where restaurants and specialty boutiques can make a lasting impression. Also check out the original 5-by-8-foot inmate jail cells, historic photos and police memorabilia on public display. 

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park hosts the 8th Annual Blessing of the Animals from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22. The main attraction will be a pet blessing of furry and feathered children. Admission is free. Sponsored by Fiesta de Reyes, the Blessing of the Animals event will be held in the Central Plaza. People and animals of all faiths and convictions are invited to participate. Call 619-297-3000 or visit Fiesta de Reyes online

Take a two-hour fully narrated tour of some of San Diego’s most haunted places with Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. Guests visit five documented haunted locations (and enter into some of them) while aboard “a coffin on wheels.” The locations include a creepy mansion in Sherman Heights, two places in the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego’s oldest graveyard, El Campo Santo Cemetery. The adventure blends suspenseful storytelling, rich San Diego history and ghoulish fun. Tours are at 7 p.m. daily year-round and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. May through October. Tickets are $35 per person. Call (619) 225-6170 or visit Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours online. Enjoy $2 off a tour here.

Fabulous treasures await you at Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Shops, voted “Best Place to Buy a Gift In San Diego” by the readers of CityBeat magazine. Located at the north entrance of historic Old Town, the charming village marketplace is overflowing with carefully selected fashions, accessories, folk art, colorful home accessories, artisan jewelry and crafts, handwoven textiles, and so much more. Many are one-of- a-kind collectibles. The Shops also feature an intimate courtyard where guests can read or relax by a sparkling fountain. Steps away, shoppers are invited to nibble on antojitos (appetizers), savor festive gourmet platters or linger over the legendary birdbath margaritas at the award-winning Casa Guadalajara Mexican restaurant. Bazaar del Mundo Shops

Explore the 4-acre flight deck of the awe-inspiring aircraft carrier USS Midway, a naval aviation museum in downtown San Diego berthed at Navy Pier. The floating “city at sea” houses an extensive collection of restored aircraft. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour, narrated by former Midway sailors to more than 60 locations, including sleeping quarters, engine room, galley, brig, post office, machine shops and pilots’ ready rooms, officers quarters and the bridge — the tallest point of the ship and its command and control center. Family-oriented activities for all ages include family audio tours, flight simulators, climb-aboard aircraft and cockpits, interactive exhibits, Battle of Midway Theater, and much more. Enjoy one free youth admission with a paid adult admission here.

Pop into the Dinosaur Gallery, a gem of a shop in downtown Del Mar. The unique store features a large inventory of semi-precious minerals and crystals. In addition, discover fossils, corals and shells, jewelry, amber, skulls, art, opals, meteorites and more! Stop in anytime from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (closed Wednesdays) and from noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Dinosaur Gallery is right next to the Del Mar Library. Call (858) 794-4855 for more information.

The San Diego Symphony celebrates American music throughout the month of January. From Native American drumming to folk tunes to the impact of Broadway and some of classical music’s most influential composers, it asks: is there a uniquely American musical voice, and if so, what is it and how did it develop? Join the symphony Jan. 5-29 for a series of concerts, panel discussions and community events delving into the heart of America’s musical voice and influence. Enjoy a FREE "Our American Music" special concert at the Jacobs Music Center on Jan. 7 featuring musical highlights of works that will be performed during the festival. The event is free, but ticketed. Reserve tickets here. 'Our American Music' Schedule

The “Serenity Retreat for All 12 Step Folks with Fr. Tom Weston, SJ” will be offered Jan. 20-22 at Mission San Luis Rey. It will focus on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with time for prayer, meditation and reflection. Fr. Thomas C. Weston, S.J., has been involved in 12-Step programs since 1976 and preaches nationally and internationally. The retreat begins Friday night with dinner at 6 p.m. and ends with a communal lunch on Sunday. Event Registration

Winter means gray whales are migrating right off the shores of Point Loma near Cabrillo National Monument! Hear a few whale tales about these majestic creatures from noon-1:30 pm. Jan. 14. in the Cabrillo Auditorium. The discussion is free and open to all ages. Contact the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation online or at (619) 222-4747.

More than 180 of San Diego's finest restaurants celebrate the local dining scene with prix-fixed menus during San Diego Restaurant Week, set for Jan. 15-22. No tickets or passes are required. Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like. A two-course lunch ranges from $10-$20 while a three-course dinner runs from $20-$50. Participants include Hornblower Cruises & Events, Eddie V’s, Seasons 52 and Puesto at The Headquarters at Seaport;  and Solare Ristorante at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. Bon Appétit! San Diego Restaurant Week

Bike the boardwalk or ride the waves with equipment from Cheap Rentals in Mission Beach. The shop rents cruisers, surfboards, boogie/body boards, kayaks, in-line skates, beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling equipment and much more. Rent any one item at a time with a Day Pass for $30 per person or with a Season Pass for $250 per person valid from January through April. Also enjoy an All Day Stand-Up Paddle Board Rental for $20 Monday through Friday. Check out the latest surf clothing, gear and accessories a few doors down at Liquid Foundation Surf. Cheap Rentals has two other sister locations on the Mission Beach Boardwalk and at Belmont Park. Call (858) 488-4457 or visit them online. Enjoy 15 percent off any rental here: Cheap Rentals Coupon

Spice up your lunch or dinner plans and head to Himalayan Cuisine, serving fresh and healthy Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan dishes in La Mesa. Open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, the restaurant impresses patrons with its authentic offerings, such as Himalayan Lentil Soup, Biryani (mixed rice) and Momo (steamed dumpling) selections, Vegetarian Takari, Chicken, Lamb and Tandoori dishes and the popular Garlic Cilantro Naan Bread. The popular lunch special features a choice of two entrees, rice, lentils, soup and naan for only $7.95. Himalayan Cuisine is at 7918 El Cajon Blvd., Suite P. Call (619) 461-2503 or visit Himalayan Cuisine online. Get $10 off a purchase of $50 or more here

Zoom around Coronado Island and see the sights via an easy off-and-on golf cart with Coronado Golf Cart Rentals. Rent street legal golf carts for two hours (walk-in only), for a half day (four hours) or all day! Families, couples, or anyone looking for sunshine and adventure may cruise around in a 2- and 4-passenger cart, 6-passenger vehicle or 8-passenger version. Reserve your cart today or call for availability and get ready for a memorable excursion. Walk-ins are always welcome! Call (619) 504-5537 or visit Coronado Golf Cart Rentals online.  Enjoy 10 percent off daily rentals here.

Learn about the history of the Mormon Battalion and join Commemoration Day set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 2510 Juan St. This free event features a parade with participants dressed in mid-19th century attire, interactive and hands-on booths, Dutch oven cook offs, flintlock muskets, pioneer crafts and toys, and so much more. The Mormon Battalion Historic Site will also be hosting free guided tours until 8 p.m. For more information, call (619) 298-3317. Learn more about the Mormon Battalion Historic Site here

Get rolling and see the sights with family or out-of-town guests a Wheel Fun Rentals, with multiple San Diego County locations, provides the ultimate outdoor fun experience. It offers everything from traditional cruiser bikes to carriage-like Surreys, Deuce Coupes and tandem cycles. You won't find a wider variety of recreation rental equipment anywhere! With locations at the Oceanside Pier, and several in San Diego, including next to the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, Wheel Fun Rentals has your ride covered! Rent one item and get the second item for 50 percent off! Wheel Fun Rentals Coupon

Enjoy a showcase of artisanal foods and the creativity of fantastic chefs and restaurateurs during Dine Out Escondido! Restaurant Week Jan. 22-28. Whether you’re looking for craft brew foodie pairings, local farm-to-table delights, chef-owned culinary experiences, international flavors, high tea or home cooking, Escondido’s fantastic restaurants have something for everyone. Learn more here

Zip around San Diego’s waterfront, downtown, historic neighborhoods and more via a GoCar, a speedy open-air two-seater equipped with a talking GPS system. The cute convertible makes getting around town fun and fast, though guests may set their own pace. Tour locations include Balboa Park, Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, the Harbor, Point Loma, and an “Everything San Diego” package lasting five hours to all day. Enjoy informative narration on historic sights and cultural landmarks while racing or rolling along. Drivers must be 21 or over. GoCar Tours

Enjoy the roster of entertaining artists coming to the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad in January! Pictured above is one of the world’s foremost fingerstyle guitarists and harp-guitarist Muriel Anderson, performing Jan. 26. Also don’t miss the Family Fun Tour on Feb. 11, when families can take interactive, kid-friendly guided tours through the museum galleries. Museum Events. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays year-round. For $1 off regular admission, Click here: Museum of Making Music Coupon

Enjoy "Open Show San Diego" from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5 at the San Diego Art Institute. The show provides a forum for San Diego's community of visual storytellers to share their projects. Several times a year San Diego-based photographers, filmmakers, and multimedia producers gather for an evening of live presentations and lively conversations. Five curated presenters have 10-15 minutes each to introduce one project/body of work. We welcome diverse topics ranging from documentary to fine art. Open Show is designed to be an interactive forum where audience members are encouraged to give feedback and ask questions of the presenters, both formally and in a social setting. SDAI Events

San Diego’s most anticipated pro golf tournament set for Jan. 26-29 has featured legends such as Tiger Woods and beloved local superstar Phil Mickelson. The Farmers Insurance Open includes practice rounds for the PGA Tour players, pro-am tournaments, women’s and men’s days, a junior clinic, military appreciation activities and celebrity after-parties. The fun takes place at Torrey Pines Golf Course, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla. Farmers Insurance Open

Join the Ramona Chamber of Commerce for "Connections Over Coffee" at Dunkin' Donuts, 1410 Main St. on Jan. 11! Check out Ramona's community events listed on the Ramona Chamber of Commerce of web site here

Take a terrific two-wheelin' tour with San Diego Segway Tours by Wheel Fun Rentals. Take your group on an adventure through the Gaslamp District and the historic waterfront on the popular Downtown Gaslamp Waterfront Tour, or glide through beautiful Balboa Park and Little Italy on a Balboa Park Tour. With so much to see, what better way to experience it all than on a Segway! San Diego Segway Tours by Wheel Fun Rentals. Enjoy 30 percent off your Segway Rental here: San Diego Segway Tours Coupon

Take the kids to FunBelievable, San Diego’s award-winning indoor play and party arena for children. Kids will love the main attraction, a colorful three-level play structure hosting fun amenities such as tube slides, climbing walls, tiki-figure punching bags and a ball pool and shower. The sports arena gives future athletes the chance to kick goals and shoot baskets. Toddlers play in their own space, which scales down big-kid fun into an area filled with soft toys, a mini ball pit and mini slides — perfect for playtime with Mom or Dad. Call (619) 456-2474 or visit FunBelievable online for more information or to inquire about party packages.  FUNbelievable is open daily. For $2 off adventure play, click here: FUNbelievable Coupon

The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park hosts its second International Coming of Age Ceremony from 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Young adults ages 18-22 from all cultures and backgrounds are highly encouraged to attend this event. When possible, please wear the traditional clothes of your culture to represent it and bring an exciting dynamic to the ceremony. Reserve your spot here

The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, an important resource to the San Diego community, offers these events in January:
• Free admission to the museum the second Tuesday of every month (Jan.10).
• Jan. 21 and 25: The BentProp Project is back with a special presentation and documentary. The BentProp Project, once featured on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” is a nonprofit group that conducts year-round research in support of the annual spring missions to Palau in Micronesia. 
• Every fourth Saturday of the month is a memorial service for all veterans who have passed away during the month. The January service is set for Jan. 28.
• Art For Vets, which includes literary, performing and visual arts with Tony LoBue. To register call Tony at 619-806-2075 or email tony@tonythevet.org
The inspiring Veterans Museum At Balboa Park is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Enjoy 2-for-1 on regular admission here: Veterans Museum Coupon

The William B. Kolender (San Diego County) Sheriff's Museum is an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages! The museum covers the entire history of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department from its inception in 1850 through today. The recently renovated museum contains cars, motorcycles, real-life jail cells from various eras, and replica Sheriff's offices from the 1850's, 1940's and present. Children can sit on a real-life motorcycle and use the siren, pick up a bullet-proof vest, play with handcuffs, and sit in a real Sheriff's car! Adults will appreciate the rich history of the department reflected throughout the Museum. Ask the docent to take a picture of your entire family — locked in a jail cell! Open at 11 a.m.. Wednesday through Sunday (last entry 4:30 p.m.) Donations are appreciated. Call (619) 260-1850 or visit the museum online.