The Best of San Diego Party presented by Palomar Health on August 19, 2022 brought together 2000 partygoers and top restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and businesses as featured in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego and Best Restaurants issues. Guests received unlimited bites and sips from more than 80 vendors along with live music, acrobats, lounges, pop-up shops, dancing, and more.
Sponsors included Palomar Health, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Ketel One Vodka, Golden Road Brewing, Neft Vodka, Ballast Point Brewing, Orange Theory Fitness, CANN Social Tonic, Baja California Tourism, 21 Seeds Cocktails, GoGo Amigo, SD Legion, Boochcraft, CaliFino Tequila, Patron Spirits Company, Tailored Hair, Broadway San Diego, Chervona Vodka, Kevita, Izo Spirits, Topo Chico, Jiant Kombucha, Onda Tequila Seltzer, Wonderfront, Juneshine, Recess, Malahat Spirits, and Feeding San Diego.
The Meals on Wheels ‘Galaxy Gala: Reach for the Stars!’ raised over $275,000 to help seniors throughout San Diego County who depend on our hot meals and warm smiles delivered by volunteers. Thanks to all who came out in support!
Hit up one of these San Diego hotspots to watch football, eat and drink all day, and cheer on your team this Super Bowl Sunday
Courtesy of Harrah’s Resort Southern California
By Jenna Miller and Cole Novak
Updated February 2, 2024
Hosting a Super Bowl party is hard work. All of the food prep, clean-up, and rowdy houseguests can make this day into a nightmare. So why not go out and enjoy some drinks, eat some great food without the clean-up, and cheer on your team? Whether you root for the 49ers or the Chiefs, spend February 11 at one of these San Diego hotspots to watch Super Bowl LVIII. Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, so we made the list for you. Kick off is at 3:30p.m., and all you have to do is pick which spot sounds best.
If you’re planning on steering clear from the downtown chaos, Slater’s 50/50 in Liberty Station is home to over 50 beers taps and 22 screens to enjoy the game. Attend their Big Game Watch Party for $90 and receive one entree, one appetizer, and access to their open bar throughout the duration of the game.
2750 Dewey Rd #193, Point Loma
Draft Republic
For North County fans, Draft Republic locations in Carlsbad and San Marcos both has over 70 TVs to choose from and hundreds of beers on tap. Grab a seat anywhere because chances are good that you’ll be facing at least one TV. Enjoy Draft Republic’s all day Super Sunday Special offering $8 appetizers and Draft Republic beers, $2 off their pound of wings, and their Half Time Happy Hour Blitz offering 50 percent off well cocktails and selects pints and wines.
5958 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad and 255 Redel Rd, San Marcos
If You Want a Comfy Chair
Harrah’s Resort SoCal
Take a little trip up to Funner, CA, go to Harrah’s Resort Southern California and settle into one of their plush recliners located in the Events Center. Opt for their VIP Viewing Package featuring Topgolf Swing Suites transformed into exclusive viewing theaters for the big game, along with a bucket of beer and a private cocktail server upon reservation. Tickets are $150 which includes a table for two and entry at 2:30 p.m.
777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center
Courtesy of Moonshine Beach
San Diego Bars for San Francisco 49ers Fans
Moonshine Beach
Don yourself in scarlet and gold before making your way to Moonshine Beach in PB for their Super Sunday Party, featuring special offers like five Bud Light or Budweiser beers for $32, $8 Tito’s or Jack Daniel’s, and $10 sliders. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., there is no cover, and it’s first come, first served, so don’t be late!
1165 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach
Saddle Bar
North County 49ers fans can gather at Saddle Bar in Solana Beach, a cozy 1920s bike-shop-turned-sports-bar. For the ultimate Super Bowl watch party, don you’re Patrick Mahomes or Joe Montana jersey and join the fun at this 49ers hub.
123 Plaza St, Solana Beach
Courtesy of Kansas City Barbeque
San Diego Bars for Kansas City Chiefs Fans
Kansas City Barbeque
The name of this spot says it all: Kansas City Barbeque. Known for it’s appearance in Top Gun, this Gaslamp watering hole is the ideal spot to revel in another Chiefs Super Bowl win with quality BBQ, local craft beers, and fellow Chiefs fans.
600 W Harbor Dr, Gaslamp Quarter
Home and Away
Make your way over to Home and Away to be greeted by friendly faces dressed in red and white on Super Bowl Sunday. This popular Old Town sports bar serves as the home field for local members of the Chiefs Kingdom.
2222 San Diego Ave, Old Town
Courtesy of Pendry Hotels
Super Bowl Sunday Specials in San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt
At Manchester Grand Hyatt‘s The Landing, football fans can watch the big game on a large projector screen while indulging in their game day menu consisting of loaded nachos, BBQ candy, and buffalo chicken sandwiches with $2 off draft beers.
1 Market Pl, Seaport Village
Morena Provisions
Bay Park’s Morena Provisions is cooking up a modern twist on stadium favorites this year for takeout and delivery. Their special Super Bowl Sunday menu includes salt and pepper chicken wings, pigs in a blanket, onion dip, baby back ribs, and so much more.
1122 Morena Blvd, Bay Park
Nason’s Beer Hall at the Pendry
Celebrate the end of the NFL season downtown at Nason’s Beer Hall at the Pendry Hotel. The hotel’s brewery is home to 23 televisions to catch every moment and is offering fans $10 Don Julio Tequila drinks along with $30 buckets of Modelo Especial or Pacifico beer.
570 J St, Gaslamp Quarter
Village Pizzeria
Coronado’s Village Pizzeria is offering a to-go Super Bowl Party Pack that caters to six to 10 guests. Meal packs come with 10-piece wings, 10 mozzarella and zucchini sticks, and a 12-pack of Diablo garlic knots for $60. Add on a large single-topping pizza or a family salad for an additional $12.
1206 Orange Ave and 1201 1st St, Coronado
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Scramble over to The Clubhouse Grill at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar for a Super Bowl buffet for the books for $89 per person with the option of bottomless beers for an addition $49. Buffet starts at 2 p.m. and ends once the game clock stops. Reserve your spot here.
5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Carmel Valley
Del’s Hideout
Swing by this Del Cerro Texas BBQ joint to catch the pigskin game or an order of pigskin to go. Swing by the restaurant for tailgate specials including $25 and $30 buckets of domestics and import beers along with plenty of game day bites like their tri trip nachos or pulled pork sliders. For those hosting your own watch party, check out their catering offerings for groups of eight to 80.
5351 Adobe Falls Rd, Del Cerro
The Rabbit Hole
Located on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, The Rabbit Hole is your destination for the big game. Their game day specials include $7 bloody Marys, $30 Nütrl hard seltzer buckets, and savory bites like their loaded fries topped with bacon bits, or their fried pickles.
Oceanside’s Michelin-starred Valle is hosting 12 Days of Giving from December 1-12 by donating up to $1,000 from their dining proceeds to The Autism Society of San Diego which supports the local autism community and El Sauzal Foundation, Casa Hogar, which supports “education and advocacy for abandoned, abused and wounded children.”
Duck Dive in Pacific Beach is launching their Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up on Friday, December 1 with eight festive cocktails and Christmas decorations for the holiday season. On the menu, try the Bah-Rum-Bug with rum, aperol, pineapple, maple, lime and cinnamon.
This past spring, we shared that Korean restaurant Choi’s was heading to the Petco Park area. Now, the restaurant has finally opened its doors.
Patisserie Melanie is starting a new dinner service on December 6. To give diners a sneak peek of the upcoming menu, the North Park restaurant is hosting pop-ups leading up to the big day. The last two pop-ups are on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2 featuring dishes like gratin dauphinois (Friday) and boeuf bourguignon (Saturday).
Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].
Elena Gomez is an Emmy-nominated reporter who has spent much of her journalism career working in broadcast news in San Diego and Los Angeles. She joined the San Diego Magazine team as a freelance writer in 2020.
Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights
Taking off from Old Town Market, the Old Town Town Trolley will take San Diegans on a local tour of the area’s Christmas celebrations as the trolley’s elf conductors discuss yuletide trivia, history and traditions. Passengers will see several of the city’s holiday sights as the trolley rides around to the Embarcadero, Little Italy and other areas with a special 15-minute stop at Seaport Village. Tickets for the trolley can be purchased here. Check the schedule for select dates of operation. | 4010 Twiggs Street, Old Town
December 1-2
Community Holiday Parades
As the countdown to Christmas begins, several holiday parades will be marching down the streets of San Diego throughout the weekend. This Friday night at 6 p.m., the annual Coronado Holiday Parade, stretching from Ferry Landing down to the Hotel Coronado, will include live music, a local business open house and a parade including local organizations, lights, holiday costumes plus a tree lighting ceremony.
Beginning at sunset this Saturday, Ocean Beach will host its 44th annual holiday parade with the theme of “Santa’s Disco Luau” with various categories for entries including “most unusual,” “best OB spirit” and “best use of lights.”
Plus, this Saturday in North County, Encinitas will host a tree lighting ceremony and an appearance from Santa Claus followed by a parade that embodies the “Traditions of Encinitas” at 5:30 p.m. | Orange Avenue, Coronado | Newport Avenue, Pacific Beach | Coast Highway 101, Encinitas
Courtesy of the San Diego Tourism Authority
Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park is throwing a massive two-day holiday festival that’s free for all from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. December Nights will have entertainment from more than 100 different performers at onsite venues like the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, plus more than 200 food and retail vendors selling handcrafted gifts and holiday treats. The festivities also include a family zone where children can enjoy photos with Santa, holiday hat making, a silent disco and pro skateboarding demos. | 6th Avenue at Laurel Street, Balboa Park
December 1 & 3
El Milagro del Recuerdo
Mariachi opera El Milagro del Recuerdo (The Miracle of Remembering) is a story of family, love and big decisions set in Michoacán, Mexico during the holidays that will be hosted at the San Diego Civic Theatre this Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The production will be sung in Spanish with English subtitles visible above the stage. There will also be several activities before and after the show in the plaza with a live muralist, music, holiday decor and tamales, Mexican hot cocoa, and specialty cocktails available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased here, ranging from $13 to $270. | 1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp
December 2
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Saturday, Little Italy will deck the halls with 10-foot tall nutcrackers, and light-up holiday displays to celebrate the holiday season. There will be Christmas songs, live music, seasonal vendors, and plenty of holiday treats, highlighted by a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony that commences at 6:30 p.m. The Christmas Village on India Street will offer attendees the chance to search for stocking stuffers and shop from several holiday vendors with items like toys, jewelry and boxed cookies up for grabs. | 523 West Date Street, Little Italy
Courtesy of the La Mesa Village Association
Holiday in the Village
This Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., downtown La Mesa will resemble the North Pole as attendees enjoy live music, fire pits and photos with Santa. This free community event will feature several local craft vendor stands, holiday crafting, two stages of live entertainment from local schools, clubs and organizations, plus participating downtown businesses will show off their decorated storefronts. | La Mesa Boulevard between Spring Street and 4th Street, La Mesa
Big Hammer Wines Warehouse Tasting and Sale
This Saturday in Poway, Big Hammer Wines will host its first holiday warehouse tasting and sale from noon to 7 p.m., concluding with a party hosted by DJ Chris Cantore taking place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees will get the chance to sample over 50 international wines including exclusive imports and selections of red, white, sparkling and Petit Château Bordeaux. The event will also feature olive oil tastings, charcuterie bites, gourmet tacos, and mixed cases of wine for sale. It will finish with Chris Cantore spinning vinyl for the crowd. Tickets are available here for $20. | 13831 Danielson Street, Poway
December 2-3
Winter Wonderland Festival
Be immersed in all the hallmark elements of Escondido’s free Winter Wonderland Festival this Saturday and Sunday. Once whisked into the winter wonderland, there will be snow for kids to build snowmen and take part in snowball fights, holiday character face painting, seasonal ornament making and Santa Claus. Attendees can also continue their holiday shopping and enjoy student holiday recitals, storybook character performances, and film screenings. | 340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
If you weren’t able to take advantage of Small Business Saturday and Black Friday deals, this weekend offers a chance for San Diegans to shop holiday items and support more than 100 local businesses at the Makers Arcade Holiday Fair. In addition to highlighting small vendors, there will be craft cocktails, a food truck court, photo booths, interactive live music and more. Held at Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier, tickets are priced at $7 at the door ($6 online). VIP tickets are $50 with front-of-the-line entry, a drink ticket, discount coupons for vendors and handmade goodies included. Kids under 10-years-old and pets are free. | 100 North Harbor Drive, Downtown
December 3
Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival
A South Bay staple, the Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival returns to Third Avenue for the first time in three years with a whole afternoon of holiday fun. Beginning at 3 p.m., festival goers can enjoy shopping at the holiday market, snapping a few photos with Santa Claus, riding on the Chula Vista Express and taking in live music at Memorial Park. The festival will be followed by the tree lighting ceremony for the 25-foot-tall Chula Vista Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m. and the Starlight Parade commencing at 6 p.m. with 100+ community entries including plenty of classic cars, marching bands and holiday floats. | 353 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista
Courtesy of the SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
As the city begins to embrace the (subjectively) harsh frost of a SoCal winter, San Diegans can enjoy a day of shopping, live music and hot bowls of chili this holiday season. The SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off will feature local restaurants serving up chili tastings and competing for glory, vendors selling handmade holiday gifts, local bands, food trucks, a craft beer and wine garden, plus a kids fun fest with bounce houses, carnival games, and face painting. Tickets start at $25 and proceeds will benefit the McKinley Elementary School Foundation. | Thorn Street & 32nd Street, North Park
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
The 67th Annual La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a wintery Santa’s Village featuring arts and crafts, games, music, face painting and visits with Santa. At 1:30 p.m., the parade will begin and go until around 3 p.m. throughout downtown with a camel, equestrians, marching bands, drill teams, and vintage vehicles roaming the streets of La Jolla. The holiday festival will continue until 4 p.m. following the end of the festival. | Girard Avenue & Prospect Street, La Jolla
Courtesy of the World Ballet Series
World Ballet Series: The Nutcracker
TheNutcracker returns with a cast of 50 ballet dancers helping tell the tale of this century-old story. This production from the World Ballet Series is soundtracked by Tchaikovsky’s score and will feature shimmering costumes, snowy hand-painted sets, and elegant choreography. There will be two showings of The Nutcracker at the Balboa Theatre this Sunday, with an afternoon show at 2 p.m. and a night performance at 6 p.m.
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.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
Freshly debuted in Bird Rock in what used to be a running shoe store is Found Studio, an indie hybrid event and retail space founded and created by Danielle Moreno.
With more than 10 years of creating experiential events, Moreno moved her business, Marbles Found, from San Francisco to SoCal in 2020. Found Studio is the next evolution of her business.
“When entering a new market like La Jolla, we knew we had to have a creative edge. Bringing an event space to life seemed like the most exciting, hands-on approach to showing prospective clients who we are and how we create tangible event experiences that represent their goals,” Moreno says. She adds that the studio’s retail collective arm is intended to “highlight local brands that we love.”
Right in time for holiday gatherings, interested parties can rent out the 1,800-square-foot space located blocks from the beach. Pricing ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 for weekend evening packages from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and includes event bells and whistles like built-in restrooms, a venue manager, cleaning, sound, and tabling options.
Photo Credit: Portola Diez
These hybrid event-retail-gallery-snacking spaces are becoming more popular around San Diego, with several popping up in the last few years, including The Space in Little Italy (where James Coffee is); The Template in OB; Sea Hive Station, Liberty Public Market, and Moniker General in Liberty Station (markets in markets… very meta); City Tacos’ OB location, which has a VW van converted to a rentable retail space; Connect San Diego in North Park; Maya Moon Collective in Normal Heights; and 1835 Studios in Sherman Heights (where Cafe X is housed).
Unsurprisingly, retailers and the like are increasingly opting for shared spaces. Not sure if you’ve heard, but San Diego has some of the highest rents in the country.
Courtesy of Collins & Coupe
The retail collective boasts familiar names. “We’re bringing a little slice of Collins & Coupe to Bird Rock,” says Gary McIntire, co-owner of the stylish glassware purveyor, which also operates a brick-and-mortar in North Park. “We have something for everyone: cocktail shakers, locally crafted bitters and syrups, non-alcoholic drinks, a beautiful piece of vintage glassware, or a bar book to give inspiration.”
Other retailers within the collective include boutique florist Queen of Vase (who rolls around town doing flower arranging demos and installs in a branded turquoise hearse), visual artist and clothing designer Parker Heath’s Par Ker Made concept shop, natural interiors store Earth Based Goods, houseplant oasis Wild Island Collective, and disco-themed homegoods shop Sofiest Designs.
Jackie is a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to finalize your plans with some of San Diego’s best restaurants and chefs crafting prix fixe menus for the holiday. From modern twists on Thanksgiving classics to lavish seafood buffets and ready-to-cook feasts, we’ve got your guide to ensuring your turkey day is worthy of your friends and family’s thanks. Here are 21 places to get Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego this year:
Courtesy of Visit Temecula
Thanksgiving Dinner Specials
The Vineyard Rose Restaurant
On Thanksgiving day, the Vineyard Rose restaurant in Temecula will host their Bountiful Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet, offering guests a variety of seasonal favorites. The spread includes meat and charcuterie boards; a seafood display with shrimps, mussels, and poke; a salad bar; carved turkey; and an omelet station. The Vineyard also offers a takeout special from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are required via OpenTable or by calling (951) 719-8356.
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Price: $79 for adults; $39 for guests five to 11
Address: 34843 Rancho California Rd, Temecula
Turf Club
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Del Mar Racetrack with a Thanksgiving brunch at the Turf Club followed a day of racing and festivities. Brunch consists of a three-course meal serving traditional Thanksgiving favorites and bottomless Mimosas. Dress code is enforced, so be sure to don your finest turkey day attire. Reserved tables seat up to four and larger groups will be seated adjacently.
Time: 11 a.m
Price: $125 per person
Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Rustic Root
Celebrate Thanksgiving at this stylish rooftop venue in the heart of the Gaslamp offering a modern take on Thanksgiving classics. Rustic Root’s Thanksgiving meal includes roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cream corn, butter biscuits, and herb roasted turkey breast. These seasonal favorites are available in addition to their full dinner menu options.
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Price: $32 for in-venue dining; $100 for a to-go family pack that feeds four
Address: 535 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
20|Twenty
After a round of Thanksgiving Day golf at the Crossings, savor a Thanksgiving dinner at 20|Twenty, offering a three-course feast of locally sourced ingredients. The prix fixe menu begins with your choice of chicory greens or ginger miso carrots, followed by entree options like Diestel turkey, Campbell River salmon, stuffed acorn squash, or prime rib. The service concludes with a butter cake or pumpkin pie sure to hit the spot. Enjoy this feast on the outpost’s spacious outdoor patio, offering a panoramic view of the North County coastline.
Time: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Price: Prix fixe menu – $95; reservations recommended
Address: 5480 Grand Pacific Dr, Carlsbad
Courtesy of STK Steakhouse
STK
Steak isn’t the only thing on the menu at this downtown locale; those looking for a Turkey dinner can dine-in between November 23 to 26 this year. STK is offering free-range turkey dinners featuring cornbread and sage stuffing, shallot and thyme thighs, sautéed green beans, baked sweet potatoes, cranberry orange chutney, and spiced pumpkin pie which can also be ordered to-go. Pre-order this feast to go starting November 13.
Time: November 23-26
Price: Dining in costs $64 for adults and $29 for children (12 & under); take-home dinners are $64 per serving plus signature sides at $16 each plus whole pumpkin pies available for $64
Address: 600 F St, Gaslamp Quarter
Ambrogio by Acquerello
Indulge in a Thanksgiving dinner at the charming Ambrogio by Acquerello. Experience an exceptional eight-course tasting menu curated by esteemed chef Silvio Salmoiraghi, featuring signature dishes like Trancio di Tacchino in Stile Ringraziamento (an Italian spin on a turkey dinner), Raviolo d’Autunno (a pasta dish featuring harvest flavors like pumpkin and chestnut), and Torta Morbida alle Noci (a crumbly cake offering hints of pecan and vanilla). Reservations for this Italian feast are filling up fast; visit Tock to secure your spot.
Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Price: Chef’s signature menu is $159 per person; vegetarian menu is $139 per person
Address: 7556 Fay Ave, La Jolla
Rancho Bernardo Inn
For a Thanksgiving meal in true Country Club fashion, visit Rancho Bernardo Inn for a feast by the links. Enjoy a four-course meal at their French American bistro, Avant, curated by chef Sergio Jimenez offering seasonal specials like pumpkin veloute, crispy duck leg, butternut squash gratin, and sweet potato pie. For guests interested in traditional a la carte options, there will be a Thanksgiving buffet in their Bernardo Ballroom from 1-4 p.m. and freshly baked 9” pies from Cafe Granada, including pumpkin, Dutch apple, bourbon pecan, and a unique orange and cranberry pie with rosemary compote.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
SeaWorld dazzles with a drone show, big-name entertainers, new animal adventures and more
By Partner Content
Nights are heating up at SeaWorld San Diego. The quintessential summertime staple on Mission Bay is transforming into a destination for unforgettable day-to-night adventures, bringing back some of its most popular Summer Nights programming and introducing exciting new experiences sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The 2026 Summer Day to Night at SeaWorld San Diego is the park’s most ambitious season yet. SeaWorld has planned a highly anticipated entertainment lineup that features nine weeks of throwback concerts featuring R&B and hip‑hop favorites from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including Jordin Sparks, Too $hort and Warren G, Ashanti, and an array of boy band heartthrobs performing together as part of the Pop 2000 Tour.
New this season is perhaps the park’s most visible update: a nightly drone show, Ocean of Dreams, which illuminates the sky with hundreds of synchronized sparklers. Drones form sea otters, sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca that tell a breathtaking 12-minute story of marine life and underwater ecosystems. The show culminates with a spectacular electric neon finale celebrating hope, wonder, and ocean stewardship.
Nighttime visitors are also in store for animal adventures that fuse education with high-energy fun and the dreamy ambiance of nighttime. The park has launched two all-new animal presentations: Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night and Dolphins: Touch the Sky. Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night features vibrant lighting, music, and dynamic choreography that celebrates the power and beauty of killer whales. Dolphins: Touch the Sky showcases playful bottlenose dolphins and the special connection between humans and the natural world. And back by popular demand is fan-favorite Sea Lions Tonite. See the charming pinnipeds splash, play, and parody pop culture in this refreshed crowd-pleaser.
More must-sees: a newly reimagined Shark Encounter, one of the country’s more immersive exhibits highlighting 11 different species up close, SeaWorld’s beloved BMX Blast! stunt show, and high-seas escapade, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. And don’t miss the park’s all-new Deep Sea Disco, which encourages guests to dance the night away under the glow of the SkyTower, and vibrant closing time laser light display Laser Reef Summer Spectacular.
Amp up the nighttime vibe with local craft beers, curated cocktails, and nostalgic theme park treats with $1 beer all summer long. SeaWorld is the place for day to night summer fun. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up, and inspires guests of all ages to embrace their inner whimsy and see why generations of San Diegans head to SeaWorld to make memories they’ll never forget.
