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Guides DECEMBER 23, 2020

How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego This Year

What to watch and where to eat to ring in 2021

How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego This Year
David Boca / Unsplash

We made it to the end of 2020, and that calls for some serious (but safe) celebration. Here, we’ve rounded up what to watch and where to order takeout to celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego. Eat, drink, and be happy that 2020 is officially over!

 

What to Watch

Celebrations are limited this year, but you can still count down to 2021 at home with two virtual events.

 

San Diego Symphony

Led by music director Rafael Payare with pianist Ray Ushikubo, San Diego Symphony is ringing in the new year with a virtual performance. Enjoy the music of classic Viennese waltzes and jazz-influenced pieces, as well as a special performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” performed by Ushikubo. The evening’s festivities are available for streaming after a $25 donation to the symphony.

 

New Year’s Eve / Times Square Ball Drop

Times Square Ball Drop

Times Square Ball Drop

New York’s traditional ball drop is still happening this year, just without the thousands of spectators in person. Catch all the coverage of the big event in a completely digital format, starting at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time with New Year’s Rockin’ Eve or through one of their many live-streamed shots to watch the ball drop in real time. You and your quarantine family can count down to a new year all from the comfort of your own home (and with easier access to the bathroom!).

 

What to Eat

Toast to the new year with takeout from one of San Diego’s top restaurants.

 

A.R. Valentien

The Lodge’s signature fine dining restaurant is offering a takeout cocktail party menu filled with all of your favorites. Nosh on chilled seafood bites, housemade pâtés, caviar, and more, and pair the lineup with a bottle from their curated wine collection. Pickup is on December 31.

George’s at the Cove

The La Jolla staple is offering a takeout dinner for two this New Years Eve. Enjoy a delicious salmon or short rib entree and sides like potato and truffle gratin, squash fritters, and grilled mushrooms in a smoked onion butter sauce. End on a sweet note with a spicy chocolate firecracker and you’ll be set to ring in the new year! Pick up on December 31.

Juniper and Ivy

Leave it to the professionals this year with Juniper and Ivy’s multiple New Year’s packages. Whether it’s a Best Bites of 2020 (think smoked sturgeon and a yellowtail tostada), Just the Two of Us date-night dinner with wagyu short rib, or a Robin Leach–inspired caviar package, the restaurant has a dinner menu ideal for any kind of at-home celebration. And if you need some hangover help? Look to their Pandemic PJ Party for a filling brunch on New Year’s Day.

 

Mister A’s and Mille Fleurs

This restaurant duo is serving up a Holidays at Home menu perfect for your homebound New Year’s Eve. Enjoy classic entrées like prime beef tenderloin or a salmon Wellington and a traditional yule log! Add special appetizers like osetra caviar and foie gras for a true gourmet experience. You can order through either restaurant and pick up on December 31.

 

New Year’s Eve / Nolita Hall

Nolita Hall

James Tran

Nolita Hall

Nolita Hall’s holiday dinner packages continue with a New Year’s Eve dinner complete with all the fixings for a festive celebration. Enjoy a bottle of prosecco and hors d’oeuvres like confit duck-stuffed mushrooms and seared albacore bites along with a party kit with tiaras, hats, horns, and squawkers to ring in 2021. Anticipating a boozy night? Add on the hangover brunch French toast platter to help you wake up on the right side of the bed. You can also add cocktail kits or choose a smaller package of two pizzas and a bottle of prosecco from Nolita’s pizza pop-up. Orders must be placed by December 28, pickup is on December 31.

 

Parc Bistro-Brasserie

Give your New Year’s dinner a French flair with Parc Bistro’s holiday takeout package. All packages come with a baguette, baked Brie, sides for your main, and a classic French yule log for dessert. Your main course selections include coq au vin, baked salmon, or a filet mignon Wellington. The restaurant is also offering bottles of wine to add on to complete your meal. Pickup is on December 31.

 

New Year’s Eve / Puesto

Puesto

Photo courtesy of Puesto

Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar

Let the pros do the cooking this year with a multicourse meal and cocktail pairing menu from Puesto’s Erik Aronow, Beau du Bois, and Ian Tenzer. The menu, dubbed Puesto en Casa, offers star-studded selections like duck confit en mole negro, truffled elote, and oyster mushrooms in browned butter. Pair it with a lavender martini and you’ll be all set and ready to toast to a new year! Orders will be available on December 31.

 

Rare Society

Rare Society’s Surf ’n’ Turf package has everything you need for a delicious dinner at home. The package, which feeds two, comes with an array of appetizers to start the evening, a choice of prime ribeye or a filet mignon for the main course, savory sides like butter-poached lobster tail and truffled beef fat smashed potatoes, and a chocolate mousse to end on a sweet note. Add on wine or craft cocktails to send 2020 packing. Place your order by December 28 and pick up on December 31.

 

Trust Restaurant

Because 2020 has been a year, Trust Restaurant Group is reviving Trust’s beloved brunch for a New Year’s Day takeout. Start your 2021 off on the right foot with a to-go menu including brunch favorites like pancakes and fried chicken or chilaquiles, along with a collaboration with Cutwater Spirits to ease your hangover (or continue the celebrations, we won’t judge). Enjoy during the New Year’s weekend, Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New Year’s Eve / Fireworks

David Boca / Unsplash

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Everything SD AUGUST 5, 2026

Your Guide to Del Mar Wine & Food Festival 2026 

From celebrity pickleball tournaments to intimate dinner parties with your favorite Food Network chefs, here are all of the can’t-miss events going on Sept 30–Oct 4

Your Guide to Del Mar Wine & Food Festival 2026 
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Play is underrated. Somewhere along the way, someone decided it was something we should outgrow. That you A good song comes on, and they dance. A game appears, and they’re in. Someone hands them a melting ice cream cone, and somehow it’s the best part of the day.

Adults tend to need a reason. Or maybe just the right setting.

That’s part of what makes the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival feel different. Yes, the week revolves around food and wine, with celebrated chefs, winemakers, and restaurants drawing crowds from across the region. But what lingers afterward is the conversations that stretch a little longer than expected, the strangers who become dinner companions, the live music that pulls people out of their seats, and the rare chance to spend a few hours simply enjoying yourself without much of an agenda.

The Grand Tasting is the festival’s centerpiece, bringing thousands of guests together over two days for hundreds of bites and pours. But some of the week’s most memorable experiences happen on a smaller scale. In the days leading up to the main event, intimate dinners, chef collaborations, and guided tastings create opportunities for guests to interact more closely with the people behind the food and wine and with each other.

Here’s your guide to the 2026 Del Mar Wine & Food Festival happening September 30–October 4.

Photo Credit: Olivia Lillian

Wednesday, September 30

Signature San Diego Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub

Start festival week the San Diego way: ocean views, Baja-inspired bites, and a drink in hand as the sun goes down. The Signature San Diego Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub sets the tone for the week ahead with a walk-around tasting experience celebrating the flavors that make this city impossible to replicate. It’s an evening of fresh coastal cuisine, bold Mexican flavors, Baja seafood, and plenty of local favorites—all served against one of Del Mar’s most iconic backdrops. Consider it your first official toast to the weekend ahead…

  • Monarch Ocean Pub | 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
  • 5–9 p.m.
  • Get Tickets 
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Friday, October 2

Celebrity Pickleball Tournament Presented by Justin Vineyards & Winery

Wine and competition make an unexpectedly perfect pair. You can join Drew Brees and celebrity players at Barnes Tennis Center for a pickleball tournament benefiting Feeding San Diego, where the sidelines are just as exciting as the court. Grab a paddle, cheer from the sidelines, or simply enjoy a glass of wine while the action unfolds. The day blends friendly competition with an all-inclusive tasting experience.

Since year one, Del Mar Wine & Food Festival has partnered with Feeding San Diego to raise $100,000 in support of the organization’s mission to fight hunger across the region. Every serve, sip, and bite helps give back to the community that makes this festival possible.

Remember that pickleball paddle you swore you’d use? Time to put it to work.

  • Barnes Tennis Center | 4490 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
  • 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
  • Get Tickets
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Thursday, October 1

Rioja Uncorked at Rancho Valencia

This is essentially a passport to Spain with no airport required. Set among the lush grounds of Rancho Valencia, Rioja Uncorked celebrates one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions with an evening of exceptional pours and thoughtfully paired bites. Guests will sip their way through Rioja wines while enjoying a menu featuring everything from Hiramasa crudo and uni toast to duck rillette, birria mini tacos, Cardiff Crack tri-tip sandwiches, and a sweet finale from Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts (date night plans, solved).

  • Rancho Valencia | 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe
  • 6–9 p.m.
  • Get Tickets
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Friday, October 2

Justin Wine Dinner with Chefs Kaitlyn Weber, Buddha Lo & Jackson Kalb

Justin Wine Dinner sounds simple: three chefs, one unforgettable table. But chefs Kaitlyn Weber (Estancia La Jolla), Buddha Lo (Top Chef), and Jackson Kalb (Top Chef) are taking you on a one-night-only culinary ride where three styles collide over a multi-course menu paired with exceptional pours from Justin Vineyards & Winery. Set in Estancia’s coastal estate, the evening unfolds course by course with pairings from Justin wines as each chef brings their own style to a menu focused on craft, connection, and a bit of friendly culinary overlap. It’s the kind of culinary conversation that only happens when very, very talented people cook together. 

  • Estancia – Olive Lawn | 9700 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 
  • 6–9:30 p.m
  • Get Tickets
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Saturday, October 3

Official After Party at Guesthouse La Valle

Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.

Music AUGUST 4, 2026

15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: August 4–9

Watch Flicks on the Bricks, sample the Taste of Imperial Ave. and explore paradise at Tiki Oasis

15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: August 4–9
Courtesy of Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

The beautiful, wide-ranging relationship between art and culture is the driving force behind several of this weekend’s standout events. Locals and tourists can explore every aspect of a tropical getaway at Tiki Oasis and tap into the kinetic energy of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods through Hillcrest CityFest. Museum visitors can view culturally resonant art via MCASD’s closing celebration for Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys and the Chicano Block Party at California Center for the Arts Museum. Lastly, what is food if not art? And during the Taste of Imperial Ave., foodies can try the diverse culinary offerings that make Logan Heights such an engrossing destination.  

JUMP TO: Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Courtesy of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Chef’s Dinner: The Study of Stone Fruit at MCASD

August 6

What do nectarines, apricots and cherries have in common? Two things: all are stone fruits, and each one is an element on the menu for this Thursday’s Chef’s Dinner: The Study of Stone Fruit at The Kitchen inside the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Guests will dine on seasonal fare via a five course, prix fixe meal highlighting seasonal ingredients and the delicious versatility of stone fruits. Reservations are $95 per person, with seatings from 5-8 p.m.; if no reservations are available online, join the waitlist by emailing [email protected]

700 Prospect Street, La Jolla

Taste of Imperial Ave.

August 7

Sample the shopping, culture and, most important, cuisine, that Logan Heights has to offer during the 5th annual Taste of Imperial Ave. this Friday from 4-9 p.m. Try bites from a wide range of local mainstays along Imperial Avenue (4-7:30 p.m.) and enjoy an entertainment hub at Gilliam Place (6-9 p.m.) with a beer garden, live music and a small business marketplace. Ticket options include food-only tickets ($30), food and drink tickets ($40) and a four-ticket family pack ($110). 

Imperial Avenue (19th Street to 31st Street), Logan Heights 

Turf & Surf Festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

August 8

This Saturday from 1-6 p.m., indulge in Brandt Beef steak and imported Maine lobster during the first-ever Turf & Surf Festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Festivalgoers can watch the day’s races from the Seaside Cabana, sip on libations and enjoy a meal with 1.25 pounds of steamed lobster—butter and lemon included—with watermelon, coleslaw and a dinner roll on the side. Ticket options include adult early bird admission ($43), which comes with five drink tickets and a souvenir cup, admission for ages 11-20 ($14) and the lobster feast add-on ($52). 

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

Courtesy of Death Cab for Cutie

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Death Cab for Cutie at Gallagher Square

August 4

As one of the most remarkably consistent indie rock bands which emerged from the genre’s ‘90s-00s golden age, Death Cab for Cutie remains a reliable source of audial and lyrical enchantment. I Built You a Tower, released in June, is the band’s first independent release in over two decades and sees lead singer Ben Gibbard grieving his divorce with considerate self-exploration. The indie rock veterans will perform their new album this Tuesday (7 p.m.) at Gallagher Square, with synth-pop group Nation of Language as the opening act. Tickets start at $60 for this concert.

899 J Street, Downtown

Tiki Oasis

August 5-9

Live on island time throughout Tiki Oasis, the yearly mecca for fans of tiki culture and the laid-back life, returning Wednesday-Sunday to Town and Country Resort with a psychedelic theme. As is tradition, the festivities will kick off in Mission Bay Wednesday with a luau at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, before heading back to Mission Valley for mixology seminars, drink tastings, burlesque shows, concerts, a groovy art exhibition and much more. Ticket options include seminar tickets (free-$132), luau admission ($68-$175) and admission for three ($189), four ($235-$525) or all five days ($699) of the festival.

500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley

Hillcrest CityFest 

August 9 

Make the most out of a day in Hillcrest during the free Hillcrest CityFest, home to an eclectic live music lineup, local art and craft vendors and an electric After Dark dance party. The festivities will include a kid’s zone, DJ sets and a drag performance from Lydia B Kollins plus two beer gardens, cocktail bars and a new wine garden, featuring two ounce pours from Cork & Stem, Pali Wine Co. and Negociant Winery. Wine garden ticket options include a three ticket ($12), six ticket ($20) and 10 tickets + a commemorative wine glass package ($45). 

Fifth Avenue from University Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, Hillcrest

FNGRS CRSSD x Cross Pollination Present: Lane 8 + more at Waterfront Park

August 9

Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.

Music JULY 29, 2026

The Best Things to Do in San Diego: August 2026

From concerts and festivals to theater, food, and outdoor fun, here are the San Diego events worth adding to your August calendar

The Best Things to Do in San Diego: August 2026
Photo Credit: Courtney Reed

August is San Diego at full volume. Summer crowds are still chasing sunshine, but the calendar belongs to locals who know this is when the city really shows off. One night you’re dancing under the stars, the next you’re watching thoroughbreds with a plate of oysters in hand, catching Broadway hits, wandering gallery exhibitions, or rallying on a downtown pickleball court. Whether you’re looking for live music, festivals, theater, food, or an excuse to spend as little time indoors as possible, these are the August events worth putting on your calendar.

JUMP TO: Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Courtesy of The Rady Shell

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month

August 9

On the heels of Cross Pollination II’s release, house musician Lane 8 will co-headline FNGRS CRSSD x Cross Pollination, a day of back-to-back grooves at Waterfront Park.

August 11–16

Cross coasts at the Civic Theatre for a jukebox musical rooted in family, coming of age, and blossoming talent in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, inspired by the 16-Grammy Award-winning singer’s NYC upbringing.

August 23

Jeff Goldblum is a classic man. In his show at The Rady Shell, Goldblum will accentuate his old-school charm with his Mildred Snitzer Orchestra and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.

Photo Credit: Aaron Rumley

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

August 1–October 10

Explore gallery walls lined with artwork juried by acclaimed artist Paul Mpagi Sepuya and chosen by the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library for its esteemed 34th Annual Juried Exhibition.

August 7

As you already know, we adore San Diego. That’s why we’re assembling the city’s crème de la crème—including over 90 curated vendors—in Liberty Station for our annual Best of San Diego Party, presented by Pechanga Resort & Casino.

August 12

Helado Negro and Reyna Tropical each specialize in bilingual music, songs overflowing with proud markers of Latinx identity. Hear the ear-tingling transmissions from their collaborative LP at Epstein Family Amphitheater.

August 16

Country music superstars, proud Georgians, and close pals Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan are doubling down on their summertime stadium tour with a boot-stomping concert at Petco Park.

August 27–September 6

The one-woman play Eleanor—told via the eloquent perspective of Eleanor Roosevelt—will make a limited return to the North Coast Repertory Theatre.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

Now Through September 3

For six straight Thursdays, downtown’s Fifth Avenue will shut down and become the city’s first-ever street-style pickleball event. Bring a paddle and enjoy DJs, a wellness market, and zero-proof drinks at Gaslamp Urban Pickleball.

August 8

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s newest foodie event, the buttery Turf & Surf Festival, offers a luxurious combo of land and sea, built for watching trackside with a loaded plate in hand.

August 22

For the first time since 2019, the free Chula Vista HarborFest will hit the shores of Bayside Park with a classic car expo, lucha libre showdowns, and the chance to meet a mermaid.

August 29

Celebrate the seven decades (and counting) spent upholding Point Loma’s coastal landmark during Cabrillo Under the Stars, a 21-plus fundraiser with bites, Beatles covers, and, best of all, twinkling lights.

Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.

Studio S AUGUST 10, 2026

The Secret to a Home That Feels Just Right

Behind every beautiful space is a thoughtful process, and ASID San Diego is helping homeowners understand the value of professional design.

The Secret to a Home That Feels Just Right
Courtesy of ASID

A perfectly designed home rarely happens by accident. Those kitchens that feel effortless and rooms that seem to tell a story the second you walk in? They’re usually the work of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.

It’s knowing which ideas will actually work, which materials will hold up over time, and how to turn a collection of choices into a space that feels intentional. That’s where a professional interior designer comes in.

For the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) California San Diego Chapter, the goal is to help people see interior design as more than just the finished look. Behind every well-designed space is a process built on technical expertise. Designers are educated in everything from professional software and construction details to building codes, space planning, materials, and functionality.

Courtesy of ASID

“People don’t always realize how much goes on behind the scenes,” Kirsten Recce , current president of the ASID California San Diego Chapter, says. “Our designers are not just doing furniture placement and color selection and picking out new fluffy pillows. That’s not what they’re trained for.”

ASID members bring formal education, continued learning, and industry knowledge to their projects, helping create spaces that are not only beautiful, but designed to work. A paint color that changes completely depending on the lighting. A material that looks beautiful in a showroom but doesn’t make sense for everyday life. A layout that photographs well but doesn’t function for the people living there. These are the details where professional guidance can make all the difference.

Still, one of the biggest misconceptions about hiring an interior designer is that it’s reserved for massive renovations, luxury homes, or people who already know exactly what they want. The process can feel intimidating. Where do you begin? Is a designer worth the investment? What if you only need help with one room?

ASID’s answer: start with one hour.

ASID’s Spruce Up events break down one of the biggest barriers between homeowners and professional design: knowing where to begin. Held twice a year, the community program gives homeowners the chance to work directly with an ASID designer through a one-hour, $125 consultation in their own home. Whether you’re looking for advice on furniture placement, window treatments, kitchen and bath updates, remodeling ideas, vacation rentals, color selections or something else entirely, the upcoming September 2026 event offers an approachable way to get expert guidance before committing to a full project. Signups are open through Sept. 7, with consultations taking place Sept. 21 through Oct. 31. Proceeds benefit ASID San Diego’s educational and community programs. Register here!

Courtesy of ASID

“It’s a great opportunity for people who are in that exploratory phase,” Recce says. “Maybe they’re not sure they want to hire an interior designer yet, or they think it sounds daunting or expensive. This gives them a chance to discover what working with a designer is actually like.”

Design is personal. A good designer isn’t just creating a beautiful room; they’re helping create a space that fits the way someone lives.

“We’re a resource to all of San Diego County,” Recce says. “It doesn’t cost anything to pick up the phone and call and ask. We’ll answer.”

Follow ASID San Diego on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for updates on upcoming events, or connect with the chapter directly at [email protected] or 619-548-8847.

Partner Content
Arts & Culture JULY 15, 2026

The North County Band You Should Be Listening to Right Now

We the Commas are mixing surf, soul, alternative rock, and sibling chemistry into one unmistakable sound

Siblings make better music. That’s the hot take, and there’s some logic and science behind it. The Bee Gees, Jackson 5, Billie Eilish and Finneas, AC/DC, Van Halen, The Allman Brothers—heck, even the Hanson brothers, why not? Beyond just a shared sense of taste and nonverbal communication developed over decades of living and evolving together, there’s a thing called “blood harmony.” The genetically similar throat cavities, vocal cords, speech patterns, and resonant bone structures all blend each unique voice into a more homophonic sound than what comes out of two non-related singers.

Those throat cavities are working wonders for emerging San Diego band We the Commas—three brothers (from oldest to youngest) Lenny, Jordon, and Cam Comma.

Raised in Vista and Carlsbad, the family opted out of cable TV (video games got a pass). Without binge-watching to fill bored hours, the trio turned to music. Guitar Hero led to GarageBand and finally to live instruments—guitars for Lenny and Cam, drum set for Jordon. In their sound, the influence of Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, The Who, and Dave Matthews Band is obvious, and so is surf culture, specifically that laid-back chill of North County surf culture.

“We’re like the Black Beach Boys,” Cam says. (Note: Three of the five founding members of the Beach Boys were siblings—the theory gets stronger.)

Their debut EP pretty clearly lays out how they see their sound—titled SARB, an acronym for Surf Alternative R&B. That resonates in the song “Sherry,” with its easy-listening, windows-down-on-the-101 vibe. It also works in the louder, surf-punkier “Pissed Off.” Despite some advances in reducing core stereotyping tendencies, people still tend to autofill Black musicians into rap and R&B. The Comma brothers immediately circumvent that by declaring themselves out the gates.

“SARB makes it so [listeners are] open to all of the things that we want to do,” Lenny says. “From there, you can put a label on whatever you think it sounds like.”

Courtesy of We the Commas

People—and musicians further up the stream—are taking note. In 2023, they co-wrote the song “I Keep Fallin’” with Eric Cannata, guitarist for multi-platinum SoCal band Young the Giant. In early 2024, they were tapped to open the national tour of Brooklyn’s jazz-pop heroes, Sammy Rae & The Friends. Comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias invited them to warm up his show at Pechanga a couple months later.

“We really believe genuinely, with our whole hearts, minds and souls, that this is going to work the way that we think it’s going to,” Cam says, grinning ear to ear.

Currently, the Commas live together in Vista, and the dream, wholeheartedly, is more alive than ever. They’ve put out two dozen singles and a trio of EPs: SARB (2020), Old School Love (2021), and Aeroplane (2024); this year alone brought the release of three new singles, including “Let Me,” a silky-smooth entry in their growing collection of love songs.

“We fully realized the magic is in all of us together,” Lenny says. “We know that this doesn’t happen without each person, and we have respect for each other because we need each other.”

As they grow as brothers and as a band, the Commas try to always remember what unified them in the first place.

“Music has always been a glue,” Jordon says.

Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.

Everything SD JULY 13, 2026

San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Rancho Santa Fe

Explore restaurants, activities, and shops within this affluent North County community

San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Rancho Santa Fe
Courtesy of the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

The inland North County community of Rancho Santa Fe is often associated with wealth. It’s one of San Diego’s most expensive residential markets and is consistently ranked one of the highest-income zip codes in California and the U.S. Rancho Santa Fe is known for its large equestrian community including riding facilities and horse trails, as well as its country club lifestyle and associated golf courses.

At the center of this luxury master-planned community is a small, walkable downtown area referred to as the “village,” with The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe acting as both a landmark and social hub. Much of the community, including the historic Inn, was designed by acclaimed architect Lilian Rice, one of California’s earliest female architects. The Spanish Colonial-style architecture she brought to the village is still one of its defining characteristics today.  

Whether you’re coming to Rancho Santa Fe for golf, horseback riding, or pampering at a resort spa, be sure to start with a short walk around the village to take in the neighborhood’s charm. Plan your next visit here with our neighborhood guide to the area’s best restaurants, things to do, and shopping.

Jump To: Restaurants | Things to Do | Shopping

Courtesy of Goli

Rancho Santa Fe Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops

The Pony Room

Families congregate at The Pony Room for elevated California ranch-style cuisine. Lamb lollipops, carne asada tacos, burgers, and weekly dinner specials are offered here, alongside an extensive collection of wine and spirits (especially tequila) and sizeable kids menus. As the signature restaurant of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, this all-day eatery is a lively centerpiece of the local social scene.

5921 Valencia Circle

Mille Fleurs

The piano bar at Mille Fleurs is the buzziest spot to be on Friday and Saturday nights in Rancho Santa Fe. French classics like escargot, lobster bisque, duck confit, and steak frites are the main dinner attractions at this local institution that has been around for more than 40 years. Spring for the four-course prix fixe menu before nabbing a coveted bar seat near the piano entertainer.

6009 Paseo Delicias

Nick & G’s Restaurant

Nick & G’s is one of the most prominent restaurants in the village, with an outdoor patio that overlooks the main thoroughfare. Enjoy modern Italian food, steaks, and seafood dishes here, including homemade pasta, pizza, wagyu beef, and oysters. Be sure to check their live music schedule and events calendar for the latest happenings.

6106 Paseo Delicias

Lilian’s

Named after renowned architect and planner Lilian Rice, Lilian’s is The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s flagship restaurant. Their upscale menus feature sustainable seafood, grass-fed meats, local produce, and even sushi rolls during dinner. Outdoor seating provides a bird’s-eye view of the village and an elegant backdrop for weekend brunch. Stop by Bing’s Bar (a nod to Bing Crosby) for craft cocktails, beer, wine, and light bites in a refined setting.

5951 Linea Del Cielo

Thyme in the Ranch

Quaint cafe and bakery Thyme in the Ranch serves a small selection of breakfast and lunch items (don’t miss the tarragon chicken salad), but is perhaps best known for its pastries and baked goods. Cakes, pies, muffins, scones, and cookies fly off the shelves here, where locals come for special occasions, parties, and group catering orders.  

16905 Avenida De Acacias

Paseo RSF

Located inside a historic building once home to Rancho Santa Fe’s original schoolhouse, Paseo RSF is one of the village’s newest dining options. The charming American bistro has pasta, salads, burgers, meat and seafood entrees, plus a thoughtfully selected California wine list and new sushi and omakase program. Kids and dogs are both welcome here.

6024 Paseo Delicias, Suite C

Rancho Roasters

Grab a quick coffee to go from this walk-up window in the same shopping center as the post office. Cinnamon roll lattes, cold brew, spiced chai, smoothies, protein bowls, and more can be found at Rancho Roasters, where they brew beans from Dark Horse Coffee.

16950 Via De Santa Fe

Goli Pizza

Casual pizzeria and martini bar Goli is a popular spot for catching the latest sports games. Order one of their unique specialty pizzas like the Casbah with hummus and veggies, build your own pizza or burger, or go with one of their hearty wraps that’s made with an extra thin version of pizza dough.

18021 Calle Ambiente, Suite 403

Cocina del Rancho

Find generous portions of Mexican food at Cocina del Rancho, run by the same owners as Carlsbad’s Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana and Village Kabob. Get classic dishes like burritos, tacos, and enchiladas, plus their specialty items including pulpo, carne asada, and fajitas with lobster tail. Don’t skip the margaritas.

16089 San Dieguito Road

Chino Farm Stand

Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a San Diego-based writer who covers travel, dining, events, and culture. Her writing has been published in USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor's Travel, Marie Claire, and HuffPost, among others.

Partner Content AUGUST 10, 2026

Innovative Support for Sleep Issues

Circadian Sleep Clinic Helps Reset the Body Clock

Innovative Support for Sleep Issues
Courtesy of Scripps Health

Nearly everyone experiences a sleepless night once in a while. But for those with a circadian sleep disorder, being well-rested can feel out of reach. A circadian sleep disorder occurs when a person’s internal clock doesn’t align with their desired or socially required sleep schedule. This can significantly impact quality of life, mental health and physical well-being. Scripps Circadian Sleep Disorders Clinic, launched in 2019, was the first of its kind in the state. Its specialists diagnose and treat conditions like delayed sleep phase disorder, shift work sleep disorder and non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. Many patients have spent years—or even decade —thinking there was no hope for their sleep behavior. A solution can be life-changing. Read more about the Scripps Circadian Sleep Disorders Clinic here.

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1230 Columbia Street, Suite 800,

San Diego, CA