Get up close to sea turtles, ride an iconic wooden roller coaster, and glide past floating military ships and marine life – all in San Diego! Also explore our beloved cultural venues: Balboa Park and Old Town. Celebrate with fresh and flavorful cuisine, and toast to good times at urban and hilltop wineries.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES & RECREATION
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego • (858) 488-1549 • 29 map on page 73
Immerse yourself in San Diego’s ONLY premier beachfront amusement park with 20+ rides and attractions just steps from the sand. Nestled in the heart of Mission Beach since 1925, Belmont Park offers the quintessential San Diego beach culture experience from surf and sand, to boardwalk brews and dining. Adventure seekers can take a dip on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and enjoy other beachfront fun like carnival-style games, an arcade, laser tag, mini golf, a zipline and more. Full-service beachfront restaurants and outdoor dining offer breathtaking ocean views for upscale and casual bites. Sports and beer lovers are welcome at Draft, where American fare and 70+ beers are served up all while enjoying a 31-foot TV screen for big games. Looking for a casual sand bar vibe? Head to the Beach House and enjoy American fare and cocktails while soaking in the sun with beachfront tiki bars and cabanas. Elevate your experience at Cannonball, San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop, offering award-winning sushi, coastal cuisine and breathtaking sunsets. Free parking and admission is always guaranteed. For more info, visit belmontpark.com [Coupon on page 67]
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla • (858) 534-3474 • 9 map on page 73
Dive into the world of sharks, seahorses and coral reefs at Birch Aquarium. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium features more than 60 habitats with amazing creatures including a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, a Giant Pacific Octopus, Weedy Seadragons and Moon Jellies. Don’t miss the two-story Giant Kelp Forest or the outdoor tide pools where you can touch local creatures including juvenile sharks while enjoying stunning ocean views. New this summer, Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins follows the world’s smallest penguins on their journey from hatchlings to adults, highlighting the challenges they face in a changing climate while celebrating the features that make them so unique. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round with extended summer hours. Advanced reservations are required for all guests, even members. aquarium.ucsd.edu
Flagship Cruises & Events
990 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego (800) 442-7847 or (619) 234-4111
7 map on page 73
Dine under the sun or stars, enjoy high-speed jet boat fun, and take in the scenery aboard the Coronado Ferry — all with Flagship Cruises & Events! Offering breathtaking city and harbor views, the family owned-and-operated fleet sails around San Diego Bay year-round. Book a gourmet dinner or brunch cruise, harbor tour, Patriot Jet Boat thrill ride, corporate event, wedding or any other special occasion. Whale-watching excursions run December through April, while the iconic ferry between Coronado Island and San Diego offers daily service. At only $7 a ride, it’s one of the best values around! flagshipsd.com [Coupon on page 67]
FUNBelievable Play
11655 Riverside Drive, Lakeside • (619) 456-2474 • 19 map on page 74
Enjoy San Diego’s award-winning play and party arena for children. FUNbelievable has been bringing FUN and smiles to San Diego since 2011. 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. Enjoy unlimited visits and discounts on their most popular services with the new VIP pass. For great food and coffee, visit their café and espresso bar! funbelievableplay.com [Coupon on page 65]
Living Coast Discovery Center
On the Corner of E St. and Bay Blvd. in Chula Vista • (619) 409-5900 8 map on page 72
Get up close with the unique coastal wildlife of San Diego with the Living Coast Discovery Center. Located within a National Wildlife Refuge on San Diego Bay, this non-profit zoo and aquarium offers an interactive and up-close nature experience for animal-lovers of all ages. They are currently open Thursday through Sunday from 10AM - 5PM, no reservations required! Go behind the scenes with a Private Animal Encounter offered Monday through Wednesday by reservation only. Learn more at thelivingcoast.org. [Coupon on page 65]
Oceanside SEA Center
315 Harbor Dr. South, Oceanside • (760) 450-0403 3 map on page 72
Get hooked on Sportfishing, Whale Watching (in season) and marine science learning adventures at Oceanside SEA Center at Oceanside Harbor! The outfitter offers daily Sportfishing excursions and the chance to catch yellowtail, halibut, calico bass, and much more! Choose from spectacular half-day, 3/4-day and fullday trips. Visitors wanting an offshore fishing or sea-going adventure can book an open-party ticket or private charter, will find that the OSC has the boats, experience and staff to accommodate them. Private charters can be arranged for any size group. Fishing gear is also available for rent while licenses, plus live and frozen bait are available for purchase. Reel in some fun and get out on the water today! Book easily online at oceansideseacenter.com.
USS Midway Museum
910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego • (619) 544-9600 3 map on page 73
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. San Diego’s most-popular attraction features an extensive collection of restored aircraft, theater, and self-guided audio tours for adults and families narrated by former Midway sailors to more than 60 locations. Open spaces for visitation subject to change. For hours of operation, safety regulations and a list of the current exhibitions, please check the website for the latest information. midway.org
Wheel Fun Rentals • 32 map on page 72 & 73
Coronado Island: 1019 C Avenue, Coronado
Downtown San Diego: 333 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego
Embarcadero: 1355 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego
Oceanside: 300 North The Strand
Get rolling at Wheel Fun Rentals, providing the ultimate outdoor fun experience. Featuring everything from traditional cruiser bikes to carriage-like Surreys, Deuce Coupes, electric bikes and tandem cycles, you won’t find a wider variety of recreation rental equipment anywhere! Also enjoy a waterfront adventure on one of Wheel Fun’s self-guided bike tours. With several locations in the San Diego and Oceanside areas, Wheel Fun Rentals has you covered. wheelfunrentals.com/sd (619) 342-7244 [Coupon on page 65]
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Balboa Park • map on page 71
Expanding more than 1,200 acres, Balboa Park features the world-class San Diego Zoo and 17 museums devoted to topics such as anthropology, art, aviation, science and the history of San Diego itself. A sampling includes the real capsule used in the Apollo 9 space mission at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Just a stroll away, IMAX® films wow guests in the iconic Heikoff Giant Dome Theater at the Fleet Science Center. For sheer beauty, the Japanese Friendship Garden beckons visitors to see its ornamental plants, colorful koi pond and bonsai display. View many of these venues with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, and save up to 58 percent over purchasing admission separately. Also take a spin on the Balboa Park Carousel, an original menagerie model celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022. For direct access to Balboa Park, take a Metropolitan Transit Service bus, with several stops along Park Boulevard.
Carlsbad • map on page 72
Spend time in this beautiful North County coastal city, home to Legoland, a state beach, oceanfront boardwalk and an eclectic downtown scene. For accommodations, choose from two family-friendly hotels with Pacific Ocean views: Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa; and Hilton Garden Inn, Carlsbad Beach. Watch the waves, and enjoy delectable fare at both venues. Up the coast to Carlsbad Village, savor homemade fare at Prontos Gourmet Market, a beloved deli and neighborhood market in Carlsbad Village, or enjoy an array of culinary choices at nearby Village Faire, an outdoor dining and shopping complex about a block from the beach. The center’s eateries include longtime favorites Vinaka Cafe, serving smoothies, wraps, coffee and more; and Gregorio’s Italian Restaurant, known for its pizzas and pastas. For art and entertainment, educational and interactive fun, take in a concert or try out an instrument at the Museum of Making Music, completely remodeled in 2021.
Coronado • map on page 73 This seaside resort community features gorgeous beaches, spectacular bayside views, a lively downtown, and the best in fine dining and shopping. From San Diego, drive over the Coronado Bridge or hop on the Coronado Ferry, operated by Flagship Cruises & Events. The boat zips across the bay to the Coronado Ferry Landing Restaurants & Shops, a waterfront shopping and dining village with an architectural design reminiscent of the city’s famous Hotel Del Coronado. Stroll into the Landings’s boutiques, savor sweet treats and fine or casual dining at this lovely spot. Also enjoy live music each weekend and a Tuesday afternoon farmers market. On Orange Avenue, satisfy your soles at Birkenstock of San Diego, the famous comfort footwear retailer and home of the iconic two-strap sandal.
Downtown San Diego/Embarcadero • map on page 73
Locals and tourists often stroll along San Diego’s beautiful waterfront, known as the Embarcadero. Two of the city’s most treasured attractions are found here: the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum. The Maritime Museum is housed in an iconic collection of ships, with the magnificent Star of India as the main draw. Steps to the south, the awe-inspiring naval aircraft carrier USS Midway invites guests to explore its impressive 4-acre flight deck. For spectacular views of San Diego Bay, book a harbor or dinner cruise with Flagship Cruises & Events. Need a llittle retail therapy? Pick out souvenirs and specialty items at Seaport Village, the 14-acre waterfront complex with one-of-a-kind shops. Also find timeless treasures at India Street Antiques/Danish Modern San Diego. In the Gaslamp Quarter, try on a pair of iconic German sandals at Birkenstock of San Diego | Sole Concepts or hang out with furry felines at The Cat Café. Nearby, buy a beautiful bauble at the San Diego Jewelers Exchange. Celebrate the day’s fun at Kansas City Barbeque, serving barbecue and beer and famous as the home to the 1986 hit film Top Gun. Or toast to good times with boutique wines from around the world at Quigley Fine Wines. To lease the perfect home or condo, visit Stay San Diego.
East County • map on page 74
Visit this inland playground with fun attractions and delicious dining options. In La Mesa, celebrate at Mexican food favorites Marieta’s (with other locations in Santee and Alpine), and festive Casa de Pico, serving famous enchiladas, warm handmade tortillas and giant birdbath margaritas. Also in La Mesa, shop for sole-satisfying footwear at Birkenstock of San Diego. Northeast to El Cajon, journey through time at the Heritage of the Americas Museum housing four museums at one location, represented by natural history, archaeology, anthropology and art. In Lakeside, let the kids loose at FUNBelievable Play, San Diego’s colorful indoor play and party arena for children. Also sip estate-grown varietals at Granite Lion Cellars in Jamul.
Visit Escondido
201 North Broadway, Escondido • (760) 839-4777 map on page 72
Spend time in Escondido, the heart and cultural center of San Diego’s North County. At the city’s eastern gateway, the world-famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park provides a home to giraffes, big cats, rhinos and other animals in a vast reserve. A few miles west, giant recreation complex Kit Carson Park contains Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, a renowned large-scale sculpture garden by French/American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The city also features one of the few remaining authentic downtown historic districts, as well as the regional California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The Center plays host to renowned artists and local recitals, stages Broadway musicals, and produces dozens of free community events, such as the Independence Day Concert & Fireworks, and the Winter Wonderland Festival. Just a few blocks away is Grand Avenue, the downtown’s main thoroughfare. The picturesque avenue and its surrounding streets are dotted with eclectic shops, appealing restaurants, art galleries and The Historic Ritz Theater, fully restored. Strolling about, visitors will love interactive, kid-focused museums, glass-blowing experiences, tea service in a Victorian setting, and eateries serving up diverse fare. Main downtown events include the Certified Farmers Market on Tuesdays; Cruisin’ Grand, a gathering of vintage cars on Friday nights through September; a February Chocolate Festival; and the Escondido Street Festival. The city’s annual Grape Day Festival, heralding the city’s agricultural heritage, will return this September. VisitEscondido.com
Escondido Downtown Business Association
243 S. Escondido Blvd., #701, Escondido • (760) 207-6321 map on page 72
Visit historic downtown Escondido, a shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Grand Avenue, the city’s thoroughfare, offers plenty to see and do. The Grand Tea Room provides an elegant daily tea service, while Cuscatlan Salvadorian Cuisine serves up pupusas, El Salvador’s national dish. Just off Grand Avenue, Sunny Side Kitchen prepares delicious breakfast and lunch fare. Other downtown venues include EcoVivarium Living Museum, offering animal encounters with lovable lizards, snakes and tarantulas; the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, an action-packed venue for kids; Stone & Glass, a glassblowing studio and gift gallery; Jacked Up Brewery, a popular tasting room; and Hawthorne Country Store, carrying animal feed and homesteading supplies. Events include Second Saturdays, a monthly arts and culture tour; the Tamale Festival on Nov. 5, and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26, an opportunity to shop locally during the holiday season. DowntownEscondido.com
Ocean Beach • 21 map on page 73
Groove to the beat of this eclectic California beach community, famous for its halfmile long fishing pier, OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off, OB Oktoberfest, St. Paddy’s O’Beach Party, weekly OB Farmers Market (Wednesdays 4-8 p.m.) and OB Holiday Parade. Start any visit to “OB” at the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association on Bacon Street (oceanbeachsandiego.com). Smiling staffers can recommend favorite eateries, tasting rooms, shops, entertaining events and specialty services. Shopping for a unique gift? Pop into Humble Heart, a “thrift store with more.” Looking for fun in the sun? Check out Dog Beach, where canines play in the sand and surf. Afterward, dog owners venture to the do-it-yourself Dog Beach Dog Wash to clean up their furry friends. Thinking of lunch or dinner? Pick up fresh Italian fare at Leucadia Pizzeria, a take-out and delivery eatery in nearby Point Loma, or down by the pier, enjoy OB’s endless sunsets along with a cool cone from Lighthouse Ice Cream. Start a dream home search with Catrina Russell, a top-tier real estate professional in the area.
Oceanside • map on page 72
A New England-style harbor, an iconic pier, sandy shores, recreational pursuits, unique shops and a hot dining scene beckon visitors to Oceanside, the quintessential Southern California beach city about a 30-minute drive north of San Diego. At Oceanside Harbor, reel in a memorable time during a sportfishing excursion with Oceanside SEA Center. Or cruise the Strand on a bike or surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals. Explore Oceanside’s downtown, filled with new offerings like Frankie’s, a classic cocktail lounge, and Señor Grubby’s a Mexican food hot spot and just a walk to the beach. Also shop for retro furnishings, decor and clothing at Marketplace 101, and at Previously On, selling items from the sets of Hollywood TV shows. Next door, check out highly curated art and vintage items at Goblin Shark Emporium. At Blade 1936, dine on Neapolitan style wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta and seafood in a restored newspaper office.
On Thursdays, gather at the downtown community Farmers Morning Market and Sunset Market hosted by MainStreet Oceanside (mainstreetoceanside.com). A few blocks away, grab a protein-packed smoothie at Roots Craft Juice. Also order a graze board or graze table from Tremont Street shop Al ‘Fresk , curating and presenting worldly meats and cheeses and local crudités and dips for small and large gatherings. Next door, catch a bite of fresh, sustainably sourced poke at Shootz Fish x Beer. In South Oceanside, shop treasure troves such as Sea Hive Marketplace, carrying modern and vintage home decor, chic bohemian apparel, estate jewelry and more; and Estate Sale Warehouse, an estate sale bands and Folklorico dancers, who take the courtyard stage on weekends. A stroll away, tour the Mormon Battalion Historical Site, where docents provide tours dressed in period attire. Along Old Town’s San Diego Avenue, find stylish footwear at Birkenstock of San Diego and savor samples of extra virgin olive oil and balsamico vinegars at Temecula Olive Oil Company. Enjoy easy access to Old Town via the MTS Trolley’s UC San Diego Blue Line and Sycuan Green Line, which delivers riders to the historic neighborhood’s doorstep.
Ramona Chamber of Commerce
1306 Main St., Ste. 103, Ramona • (760) 789-1311 22 map on page 74
Encompassing an area of 156 square miles, the town of Ramona offers a slow pace and much to discover! With a historic and charming downtown, more than 30 wine and beer tasting rooms, unique antiques and vintage finds, and dozens of pristine hiking trails, Ramona is the hidden gem of San Diego County. Serving the community since 1908, the Ramona Chamber of Commerce presents exciting happenings year-round, including the Annual Fireworks Display (July 4), the Ramona Country Fair (July 29-31), Ramona Motorcycle Rally (Oct. 14-16), Merchants Safe Trick or Treat (Oct. 28) and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 3). Events attract attendees from near and far to discover San Diego’s beautiful backcountry. Visit RamonaChamber.com, drop by the chamber office or call for more information.
DAY & MED SPAS
Ocean Crest Spa | Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa
1 Ponto Rd., Carlsbad • (760) 683-5555 5 map on page 72
Ocean Crest Spa, inspired by the healing powers of the sea, offers an environmentally sensitive, organic spa experience, utilizing custom-blended, organic, pure and locally sourced ingredients and products. The spa offers an array of rejuvenating facials, body therapies and scrubs, stress-relieving massages and couple’s experiences. Start to unwind when entering this beautifully designed space with both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. The spa is open to resort guests and visitors. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thurs.-Mon. by appointment. caperey.com/spa
GOLF
The Crossings at Carlsbad
5800 The Crossings Dr, Carlsbad • (760) 444-1800 1 map on page 72
Tee it up and take in the natural beauty of this 18-hole championship public golf course, sporting impeccable greens, rolling fairways and spectacular ocean views. The hilltop venue is a favorite of overnight guests taking advantage of Stay To Play golf packages offered at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa or the Hilton Garden Inn, Carlsbad Beach. thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com
HEALTH | DISPENSARIES
Torrey Holistics
10671 Roselle St. #100 • San Diego • (858) 558-1420 38 map on page 74
Elevate your wellness with Torrey Holistics, the first California dispensary to be licensed for recreational cannabis. All are welcome. You do not have to be a California resident to purchase. Anyone 21 and up can purchase (with valid ID). With a deep-rooted commitment to providing the community with superior customer service and science-backed cannabis education, Torrey Holistics proudly leads the way in empowering adults to purchase safe, legal, sustainably-sourced cannabis. Torrey Holistics offers high-quality, lab-tested, top-shelf products ranging from vapes, edibles, flower, pre-rolls, topicals, tinctures, CBD products, and so much more! Not quite sure where to start? Knowledgeable and friendly staff can guide you to the proper product with a personal consultation. Shop any day of the week at the centrally-located shop in Sorrento Valley — just 5 minutes from Torrey Pines Golf Course! Or, for even more convenience, order online for pickup and delivery to all of San Diego County including North County. For more information visit torreyholistics.com [Coupon on page 67]
WINE COUNTRY: SAN DIEGO & TEMECULA
Sample and savor local wines at inviting tasting rooms around the region! Urban standouts include Quigley Fine Wines in downtown San Diego and Rose’s Tasting Room in Old Town. In East County, pair wines with a picnic at Granite Lion Cellars. To the north, Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum blends vintage wines with classic cars. In Temecula, drink in the picturesque Avensole Winery, Wiens Family Cellars, Vindemia Vineyard & Winery, and the De Portola Wine Trail, a collection of family-owned boutique wineries including Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Frangipani Estate Winery, Fazeli Cellars, Danza del Sol Winery, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Leoness Cellars, Oak Mountain Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery and Somerset Vineyard & Winery.