Our pseudo-winter season has officially come to an end. While I enjoy overreacting to rain storms, hibernating on stay-cation from rooftop pool hopping, and justifying the impulsive purchase of too many winter boots just as much as the next girl, I am ready for spring.

Springtime in San Diego means the annual advent of many things such as Carlsbad Flower Fields, Padres Spring Training, and outdoor festivals like ArtWalk and EarthFair. Because DiscoverSD Insiders are savvy to the return of these ’08 favorites, let’s focus on a lighter side of the season. As soon as the Mardi Gras floats turned off Fifth Avenue, San Diego was ready to celebrate spring with such new trends as indoor tanning, spa happy hour, eco-friendly nightlife, beach sports, and of course bold and breezy spring fashion.

From where to tan to what to buy and how get more out of your nightlife, discover my top ten must-have picks for spring. 

Discover Spring Beauty

HyperTan - New Mystic Tan - at Hollywood Tans
Though I was initially overwhelmed by the idea of a spray tan, the pros at Hollywood Tans elevated my indoor tanning experience with their no-fuss Instant Tan. This spring, Hollywood Tans introduces HyperTan - an improved version of the UV-free Instant Tan by Mystic Tan - a sunless spray tanning system that takes approximately 90 seconds from start to finish. This is the ultimate indoor tanning solution for busy San Diegans in need for a quick bronze glow. Read the Tan Commandments for details.

Spa Happy Hour at Sé Spa

Acoustic Wave Therapy at Evolve Med Spa
Hydrating massages are perfect for warming up on chilly winter nights, but this spring I’m looking for more out of my massage. The Acoustic Wave Therapy treatment massages your skin while exerting pressure on the circulatory system, reducing cellulite, firming your skin and dropping inches off your shape. Get the relaxing spa experience while you lose weight at Evolve – the hippest new downtown med spa.

Discover Spring Shopping

New Spring Dress from Lily Grace Boutique
Put your winter coats away and slip into a haute spring dress from Lily Grace in north Pacific Beach. This surfer-chic boutique always carries adorable dresses perfect for spring fashion. My pick is the Delicia Sequins Printed Maxi Dress. From the gold sequined top to the light ocean-inspired colors and long and breezy fit, this is the quintessential spring dress for a night on the Ivy Rooftop – available at Lily Grace. Pre-shop online and see pictures.

New Spring Shoes from Forward Footwear
This new Pacific Beach shoe boutique is the go-to spot for affordable spring footwear. Give your bulky boots a break and rediscover open toe sandals with wedge heels and strappy ankle accents. My pick is the Bootsy design by Chinese Laundry. With a faux croc platform, shimmering gold color, cork heel and open toe teaset, these eye-catching heels are a perfect match for my new spring dress – available at Forward Footwear. (pictured left)

Bold Clutch by La Chica Chic
This line of Brazilian accessories features organic leather, suede, and recycled material infused with semi-precious gemstones and South American crystals. This spring, every girl needs a bold spring clutch. My pick is the April Clutch Blue Agate purse. This style is the perfect accent to my spring outfit, combining ocean allure with edgy patent leather sass. Shop at lachicachic.com.

Discover Spring Entertainment

Elevate Your Nightlife at Stingaree
It’s no surprise rooftop lounges are all the rage this season. However, this March DiscoverSD.com sponsors the Green Side of Sting – a new weekly Friday night party with an eco-friendly twist, presented by Fortune 421. Elevate your nightlife and support our earth with such green companies as Surfrider Foundation and Center for Sustainable Energy - every Friday on the Stingaree rooftop.

Bring Your Workout to the Beach with VAVi
Push your stale winter gym routine aside and trust your workout to VAVi Sport and Social Club. While cardio strip tease and cardio boxing are great all year-round, my pick for spring is the Beach Fitness class, including drills on the sand, plyometrics, running, conditioning, and stretching. Other great classes for spring are Surfing, Hiking, and Kayaking. Trust me, anything VAVi touches is ten times more fun than the gym. Sign up at govavi.com.

The Happy Hour Glass is Half Full at Quarter Kitchen
One positive element of the recession is that drinks just keep getting cheaper. Put a smile on your face and head to one of the revamped happy hours in San Diego. My pick is Happier Hour at Quarter Kitchen. This spring, the Ivy’s Kitchen has you covered with half-price meals, half-price glasses of wine, and $5 cocktails Sunday through Friday from 4-9pm. In case you’re new to the Ivy, these specials are unheard of – hurry over to Happier Hour.

Head to the Beach Bars in North County
No matter the season, the Gaslamp is on fire for local entertainment. However, during spring there is nothing more refreshing than exploring a new nightlife scene. My picks are the upscale restaurants and bars in the North County communities of Del Mar and Encinitas. Check out such venues as Poseidon (pictured main), Jake’s Del Mar, Del Mar Brigantine, En Fuego, Las Olas, and Yogi’s Bar and Grill. Look for discount nights at Poseidon and Jake’s, happy hour at the Brig, and margaritas at Las Olas.

Insider Tip: Watch DiscoverSD Editor Michelle Guerin sharing her top ten picks for spring live on NBC on Wednesday, March 4th.