Shoots, Smooches and Simple Pleasures

The weekend’s almost in reach—do you have your days off planned out? Don’t worry, we have a list of the weekend’s best bets right here (and we don’t really expect you to have plans—it’s the weekend! Let loose!)

Stay in Coronado for plenty of fun and feel-good activities Aug. 12-14. Take a class on photography or sit in on a lecture on the Taj Mahal. Or just enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like the outdoors and music.

If you’ve got island fever, Imperial Beach has an environmental volunteer opportunity, there’s a workshop to avoid home foreclosure nearby or you can go see Jimmy Eat World in concert at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. You can also be Italian for the day downtown with a masquerade party.

Whatever you do, have fun. And don't forget to try to catch the Perseid meteor shower, which will peak Saturday night, but might be hard to find because of the bright moon.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 1340 Orange Ave., Coronado, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.
• Why go: Learn the ins and outs of your digital camera.
• Price: $95.

• When/where: Winn Room at the , 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, 2 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Explore the Taj Mahal with a lecture by Helen Anderson.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 601 Orange Ave., Coronado, 6 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Watch a free concert at the park by the Marine Band.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave., Coronado, 1-4 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Be a part of the Smooch! Project and get your portrait taken with a loved one, sealed with a kiss.
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, 2721 Monument Rd., San Diego, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.
• Why go: Help other volunteers clean up a natural trail that’s been marred by trash, plastic, sediment and tires.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: 5560 Overland Ave., San Diego, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Register for this clinic and receive advice on foreclosure prevention and housing assistance.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, following the race Friday.
• Why go: Watch the horse races then stick around for a rockin’ concert by Jimmy Eat World.
• Price: The concert is free if you paid race admission; otherwise cost is $20.

• When/where: Little Italy, intersection of India Street and West Cedar Street, San Diego, 6 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Get a taste of San Diego and Venice with dining, entertainment, raffles and a chance to visit the real Italy way over yonder.
• Price: $100-$150.