Get Out: Padres, Star Gazing and Music

It’s Thursday, and you’ve ready to think about the weekend, or even willing to start the festivities a little early. Patch to the rescue! We’ve got the best bets for you whether you want to stay close to home or find something to do outside your backyard. Check our picks for the places to see and things to do.

This week there's a huge Navy celebration in Coronado, and the San Diego Padres throw open the doors to Petco Park for a day.

• Where/when: Naval Air Station, North Island, 8 a.m., Feb. 12

• Why Go: To help celebrate a century of flight in the Navy. Civilians will get the rare opportunity to see the base, along with tours of aircraft carriers and a big flight show.

• Price: Free

• Where/when: Petco Park, downtown San Diego, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 12

• Why Go: Padre fans can give their team a rousing send-off for the baseball season by attending FanFest at Petco Park in downtown San Diego, featuring clinics with the players, park tours and the chance to grill management about the team. 

• Price: Free

•  Where/when: Mission Trails Regional Park, sunset to 10 p.m., Feb. 11.

• Why Go: It's Valentine's and you're looking for something unique, and cheaper, to do. So head here, where the park hosts "Stars at Mission Trails" each month, and the San Diego Astronomy Association offers guidance to the uninitiated. Telescopes are provided.

• Price: Free.

•  Where/when: Friendly Grounds Coffeehouse, Santee, noon to closing, Feb. 12.

• Why Go: For music and food and to get a load of the new management, Barry Sappington, pastor of Crosspointe Life Church in La Mesa.

• Price: Discounts will be offered.

•  Where/when: The Water Conservation Garden, El Cajon, 10 a.m., Feb. 13.

• Why Go: Try something different for Valentine's weekend- cook together. Making tamales is notoriously laborious, so it's always better to do it with at least one other person. This class will show you how.

• Price: $70-80