Hike, bike and camp, view the world of little blue penguins, and glide past floating military ships and marine life – all in San Diego! Also explore our beloved cultural venues: Balboa Park and Old Town. From shopping meccas to bayside concerts to downtown restaurants and hilltop wineries, there’s much to do on our family-friendly playground!

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES & RECREATION

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla (858) 534-3474 • 9 map on page 77

Dive into the world of sharks, seadragons and Little Blue Penguins 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. 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. daily. Advanced reservations required. aquarium.ucsd.edu

Corporate Helicopters

3753 John J Montgomery Dr. #1, San Diego • (858) 505-5650

50 map on page 78

Take to the skies — soaring over the San Diego coastline, city skyscrapers and gorgeous inland locales — with Corporate Helicopters. The company offers tours above America’s Finest City and private charters to other getaway destinations in SoCal and Baja Mexico. Perfect for families, friends, couples and special occasions, the three most popular tours are the Diego Delight — a 30-minute thrill over La Jolla, Mission Beach, San Diego Bay, downtown, the USS Midway, SeaWorld and Torrey Pines Golf Course; the Unforgettable — a dramatic bird’s-eye view of the seashore from the Del Mar Racetrack to Point Loma, and Coronado; and Surf & Turf — 60 minutes of heaven covering major attractions and Rancho Santa Fe estates, the Rancho Bernardo countryside and Miramar Air Station. Other high-flying adventures include the Temecula Winery Lunch Tour, a Top Gun Military History Tour, a Golf Getaway to Rams Hill Golf Club in Borrego Springs, and the Taste of Baja Tour. Top-flight gifts include the Pilot Experience, allowing the guest to actually take the controls, and the exceptional Romance in the Air package, perfect for marriage proposals or anniversaries. View more details and prepare for an experience of a lifetime at CorporateHelicopters.com

Flagship Cruises & Events

990 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego (619) 234-4111 • 7 map on page 77

Enjoy the best of waterfront dining, high-speed jet boat fun, or 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 ride, corporate event, wedding, or any other special occasion! Whale-watching excursions run December through April, while the iconic ferries offer daily service between Coronado Island and Downtown San Diego. flagshipsd.com [Coupon on page 73]

FUNBelievable Play

11655 Riverside Drive, Lakeside (619) 456-2474 • 19 map on page 78

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 a membership. For great food and coffee, visit their café and espresso bar! funbelievableplay.com [Coupon on page 73]

Living Coast Discovery Center

On the Corner of E St. and Bay Blvd. in Chula Vista • (619) 409-5900

8 map on page 76

Get up close with the unique coastal wildlife of San Diego at the Living Coast Discovery Center. Uniquely located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, this non-profit zoo and aquarium offers interactive nature experiences for animal-lovers of all ages. They are currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., no reservations required! Go behind the scenes with a Private Animal Encounter offered Mondays and Tuesdays by reservation only. Learn more at thelivingcoast.org

Oceanside SEA Center

315 Harbor Dr. South, Oceanside (760) 450-0403 • 3 map on page 76

Get hooked on sportfishing and dive into dolphin and whale watching year-round, as well as seasonal youth programs at Oceanside SEA Center at Oceanside Harbor! Scope out the largest sea creatures in the world on 1.5-hour dolphin and whale watching trips, offered several times daily. The outfitter also offers daily sportfishing excursions and the chance to catch rockfish, yellowtail, halibut, calico bass, and much more! Choose from spectacular half-day, 3/4-day and full-day trips. Visitors wanting an offshore fishing or sea-going tour can book an open-party ticket or private charter, and will find that the OSC has the boats, experience and staff to accommodate them. Private charters can be arranged for any size group. While checking in, guests can rent fishing gear and purchase everything needed to reel in fun on the water, from licenses to bait, and ice and snacks. Not to be missed is the 1,500-gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with local, near-shore species. Students interested in marine science and the coastal environment may also take advantage of the Center’s Sea Star Ocean Classroom experience. Learn more and book an adventure easily online at oceansideseacenter.com.

The Shout! House

655 Fourth Ave., San Diego (619) 231-6700 • 61 map on page 77

Have the time of your life at this rock ‘n roll dueling piano bar in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. A team of exceptional pianists/singers perform in front of large mirrors playing hits from the 1950s to the present. Country, hip hop, pop, musical theater – they know it all. The evening is request-driven and interactive with the audience – from songs to skits to comedy bits – and with the use of multiple teams, the sing-along goes non-stop. To correspond with the venue’s musical motif, The Shout! House offers an expansive music-themed cocktail and shot list, including options like Raspberry Beret, Rock Me “Gin”tly, Watermelon Sugar High, Three Dog Night, and Phil “Cucumber” Collins. The Shout! House also offers a full food menu featuring traditional bar favorites, as well as beer and wine. The premier choice for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties and any other occasion, this high-energy hotspot delivers a night to remember. Table reservations are highly recommended as weekends get booked fast, though walks-ins are always welcome and enjoy free admission Tues.-Wed. theshouthouse.com.

Wheel Fun Rentals • 32 map on page 76 & 77

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 73]

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Balboa Park • map on page 75

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 101st anniversary in 2023. For direct access to Balboa Park, take a Metropolitan Transit Service bus, with several stops along Park Boulevard.

Carlsbad • map on page 76

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. Shop and 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. Southeast and just off El Camino Real, shop and dine at The Forum Carlsbad, home to Casa de Bandini, serving authentic Mexican fare in a setting reminiscent of Mexico’s beautiful and festive haciendas. 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 77

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 Bay 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. Browse the Landing’s boutiques, savor sweet treats and indulge in fine restaurants or casual cafes. Celebrating more than a quarter-century of Greek comfort food is Spiro’s Mediterranean Cuisine, a family-owned standout serving traditional mezes, gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, and other authentic specialties. Also enjoy live music each weekend and a Tuesday afternoon farmers market. Visitors to the Ferry Landing can explore San Diego Bay via kayak, paddle board, bicycle and Jet Ski, with rental locations right on site. The newest outfitter is San Diego Jet Ski Rentals (sandiego-jetskirentals.com), featuring a fleet of eight high-powered Sea Doos that offer big-wave ocean rides. A one-hour adventure is $99.

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/Little Italy • map on page 77

Locals and tourists often stroll along San Diego’s beautiful waterfront, known as the Embarcadero. Three of the city’s most treasured attractions are found here: the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego, the USS Midway Museum and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The Maritime Museum is housed in an iconic collection of ships, with the majestic 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. No less magnificent is the The Rady Shell, the open-air home of the San Diego Symphony. The stunning waterfront venue, anchoring the Embarcadero Marina Park South, hosts classical and pop guest performers during its outdoor season April-October. For other spectacular views of San Diego Bay, book a harbor or dinner cruise with Flagship Cruises & Events. Steps away, pick up souvenirs and specialty items at Seaport Village, the 14-acre waterfront complex with one-of-a-kind shops and diverse restaurants. Other unique delights include the smokin’ hot food at Kansas City Barbeque – famous as the home to the 1986 hit film Top Gun – on West Harbor Drive; and Richard Walker’s Pancake House, serving fluffy masterpieces, including its renowned oven-baked apple pancake, on Front Street. In the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, try on a pair of iconic German sandals at Birkenstock of San Diego | Sole Concepts, and nearby, hang out with furry felines at The Cat Café. To the north, buy a beautiful bauble at the San Diego Jewelers Exchange. Get breakfast or lunch at Cafe 222, famous for its Peanut Butter and Banana-Stuffed French toast; or over in East Village, The Mission, serving its signature French toast and classic sandwiches. For rockin’ entertainment, check out The Shout! House, where talented musicians peform a dueling piano show. Next door, get elevated eats at Garage Kitchen + Bar, serving up daily brunch and dinner, and a happy hour. Also savor Mezé Greek Fusion, serving Mediterranean classics with a SoCal twist; or Havana 1920, bringing Hemingway’s Cuba to life with authentic Cuban cuisine. Toast to good times at Prohibition, a charming speakeasy; or with boutique wines from around the world at Quigley Fine Wines, located north at Fourth and Cedar. Need a place to sleep? To lease a home or condo, visit Stay San Diego; or to buy or sell real estate, see property specialist Gerry Burchard. Northwest of downtown in Little Italy, get world-famous Argentinian-style steaks at Puerto La Boca, and find timeless treasures at India Street Antiques/Danish Modern San Diego.

Visit Escondido

201 North Broadway, Escondido (760) 839-4777 • map on page 76

Explore 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. Just down the road, the San Diego Archaeological Center curates artifacts documenting 10,000 years of San Diego County history. 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 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, diverse restaurants, art galleries and The Historic Ritz Theater, fully restored. Strolling about, visitors will love kid-focused EcoVivarium Living Museum and San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum; The Grand Tea Room, providing tea service in a Victorian setting; Escondido Antique Mall, an emporium filled with hidden treasures; Frida’s Taqueria, a Tijuana-style street tacos hotspot; and nearby BAPS!, a welcoming family restaurant serving homemade comfort food. Main downtown events in summer and fall include the Certified Farmers Market on Tuesdays; Cruisin’ Grand, a gathering of vintage cars on Friday nights through September; the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival in October; and the city’s annual Grape Day Festival, which heralds the city’s agricultural heritage, in September. VisitEscondido.com

Ocean Beach • 21 map on page 77

Groove to the beat of this eclectic California beach community, famous for its half-mile long fishing pier, OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off, OB Oktoberfest, St. Paddy’s O’Beach Party, weekly OB Certified 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 and restaurants, tasting rooms, shops, entertaining events and specialty services. Shopping for a unique gift? Pop into Humble Heart & The Heart of Rock N Roll, a music and 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 76

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.

On South Coast Highway, browse stores filled with clothing, collectibles, art and more. Shining in the spotlight is Previously On, selling furnishings and other home decor hot off Hollwood sets. In South Oceanside, shop treasure troves such as Sea Hive Marketplace, carrying modern and vintage home decor, chic bohemian apparel, estate jewelry and more.

Cap off the day’s activities with delectable and diverse options, such as Blade 1936, serving Neapolitan style wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta and seafood in a restored newspaper office, or Anita’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, a family-owned tradition serving the area since 1973. Also check out Mission Avenue standouts Pit Stop Diner, serving American classics amid cool car decor and new star Frida’s Taqueria, where customers flock for true Tijuana-style street tacos.

Old Town San Diego • 27 map on page 77

Step into history while exploring Old Town San Diego, known as the birthplace of California. Old Town encompasses a State Historic Park, which contains original adobe buildings and restored sites, recalling the Mexican-American period of 1821-1872. Locals and visitors love Old Town’s colorful boutiques and restaurants, such as Bazaar del Mundo Shops and the festive restaurant Casa Guadalajara, serving authentic Mexican fare; as well as Fiesta de Reyes, a village marketplace selling everything from olive oil to garden decor, ethnic-inspired clothing, Mexican pottery, an amazing array of Dia de Los Muertos merchandise, and local wines and craft beers at the inviting Rose’s Tasting Room. Celebrate good times with Mexican cuisine and frosty margaritas at the venue’s two lively restaurants, Barra Barra Saloon and Casa de Reyes. Top off the visit with entertaining mariachi 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 free samples of fresh-squeezed virgin olive oil and seasoned 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.

East County • map on page 78

Visit this inland playground with fun attractions and delicious dining options. In La Mesa, celebrate at Mexican food favorite 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. In Lakeside, let the kids loose at FUNBelievable Play, San Diego’s colorful indoor play and party arena for children. In Santee, join pizza and pasta lovers at Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant, which recently moved from its San Carlos location. The beloved eatery has served Sicilian cuisine in San Diego for more than 70 years.

Ramona Chamber of Commerce

1306 Main St., Ste. 103, Ramona • (760) 789-1311 • 22 map on page 78

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 35 beer and wine-tasting rooms – with many a part of the award-winning Ramona Valley Vineyards Association – 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, including the Fourth of July Family Picnic and Fireworks Show (July 4); Cheers to the Valley (July 27); the Ramona Country Fair (July 28-30); the Ramona Motorcycle Rally (Oct. 7-8), Merchants Safe Trick or Treat (Oct. 31) and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 2). 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.

PARKS & RECREATION

County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation

5500 Overland Ave #410, San Diego (858) 565-3600

2 map on page 78

Experience the upside of outside — from biking to hiking, backpacking to birding, camping, star-gazing and so many more activities in nature — across San Diego County. The County’s award-winning park system features 154 facilities across 56,000 acres of land, including 23 regional parks, dozens of local parks and open space preserves, 10 camping parks, 18 sports facilities, four community centers and two historic adobes. Some 380 miles of trails take visitors through diverse habitats, from the coast to the desert and from valleys to mountaintops. County teams work every day to promote health and wellness, safe communities and civic pride through hundreds of free programs with a special focus on families, seniors, people with disabilities, and at-risk youth. Popular excursions include the Experience the Outdoors Program, Warrior Hike Challenge and Women in the Wild. Plan an adventure at sdparks.org.

GOLF

The Crossings at Carlsbad

5800 The Crossings Dr, Carlsbad • (760) 444-1800

1 map on page 76

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

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 76

Ocean Crest Spa, inspired by the healing powers of the sea, offers an environmentally sensitive spa experience, combining custom-blended, organic, pure ingredients and product lines. The spa at Cape Rey offers an array of rejuvenating facials, body therapies and scrubs, stress-relieving massages and romantic couples treatments. Start to unwind when entering this beautifully designed space with both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas including pool access. The spa is open to resort guests and local visitors. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily by appointment. caperey.com/spa