15 Minutes with San Diego Charger Dwight Freeney

I’m not a morning person, never have been. I’ve dragged myself out of my warm, oh-so-comfortable bed every day for work or school since the ’80s, and it hasn’t gotten any easier with practice.

I’m a night person. My wife and I are musicians, which often means being out well past midnight and crushing a plate of carne asada fries at 2 a.m. We go out to see shows, get drinks with friends, have dinner dates. We leave the house after the sun’s gone down and is no longer a threat to our pale, photophobic skin.

There is, however, something that makes the idea of waking up earlier a little more appealing: breakfast. When Leslie Knope asked, “Why would anyone eat anything besides breakfast food?” on Parks & Recreation, I felt that.

So we decided to make a date of it. We made an early Monday morning visit to Morning Glory in Little Italy, before the brunch, tourist, and yoga crowd shows up. And anyone who’s paid a visit to the vibrantly decorated Consortium Holdings property knows it fills up fast. Dropping by at 8 a.m., on a Monday no less, means not having to wait in line. My wife opted for the cinnamon waffle French toast and what might be the most decadent mocha I’ve ever tasted. I chose the chorizo and eggs, which was more like a rich breakfast stew—complete with toast to sop up the gooey remnants. We shared the deep-fried scalloped potatoes, whose crispy, creamy texture lived up to how good that sounds.

As much as we enjoyed the meal, something about making the morning feel special instead of routine improved my mood and made the day go by that much faster. Even just having something fun to look forward to made it easier to get out of bed and get ready to face the week. Don’t get me wrong: I don’t anticipate ever fully embracing the morning, and come Saturday I’ll be hibernating until at least 9 a.m. But the lure of something warm and delicious, smothered in syrup and powdered sugar and served with a large pot of coffee, might just be enough to make me a part-time convert.

Is it hard to date when you’re on the road with the team?

It’s hard because you travel so much, especially the time commitment for the season. If you’re trying to be social, it’s usually not the best time to meet anybody. Off-season, there is more time to see this, do that, travel there.

During on-season what’s you schedule like?

It’s your normal get there at 7:45, leave at 6. It’s a long day. If a game’s at 1:30, I get up at 7-7:15 and get ready for the game, the game ends at 4. Then it takes a toll emotionally, just based off everything you put into it: the working out, the training, year round, to play 16 games. Mentally, you just hang in there. Physically, obviously, you see what happens on the field. Your body goes through trauma every week, so it’s a 24-hour job. When you come home, you have to rest, you have to rehab, you’re still working on your body, you have to ice. It’s a continuous deal that never truly turns off.

With that said, what do you look for in a lady?

The biggest thing for me is they obviously have to be physically attractive, but that wears off quickly, and it’s more about personality. I think that’s the biggest thing. You have to connect with somebody, especially in the first few weeks that you meet. Attracted to her. Great. Now that’s done with. Then it becomes: Is she smart or not? How’s her personality? It keeps building.

What qualities turn you off?

When you feel like you’re better than people because of how you were raised, what family you came from, or what job you have. It turns me off cold, because the thing is, in life, you can get those things taken away from you so quickly and be right back down. I don’t like superficial, just down to earth. I don’t need all that.

What qualities turn you on?

I don’t need anything special. I don’t need anything extravagant. I can just hang out, put some sweats on, put my feet up, and relax. That’s what you’re going to do on a more consistent basis—not just the flash. Once in a while, we’ll do something nice, but that can’t be who you are. It has to be simple stuff. Simple will make you happy, more than the flashy.

What’s your ideal date?

I think it depends on her. I’d talk to her about the things she likes, kind of get a feel about the type of person she is. For me, if she’s having a great time, I’m having a great time. That’s kind of how I operate.

Are you more of a dinner and a movie guy? Do you like to go out dancing?

I love going out for dinner, trying different things, different ambiences, different restaurants. It just depends. I might drive up to L.A., do a dinner, road trip, get a hotel room, hang out, spend the day up there. There is no real go-to.

Being in the public eye, is it hard to find a genuine girl that you can trust?

You don’t know people’s intentions, and my life is out there. You can Google me and know how much [money] I make. You’re always being judged. People have a lot of information that you didn’t give them, and they’ve already formed opinions about you, and you don’t know if their intentions are good. So it takes me time to weed that out.

Do you feel like you weed that out pretty quickly?

Yeah, I think more times than not I definitely do, but sometimes I get it later. It’s not the easiest thing, but it comes with the territory. There’s always going to be things you have to sacrifice.

Do you want to get married and have a family?

Absolutely. The thing is, too many people do that before it’s time to do that. They’re almost forced to do it based on circumstances. They do it before they get to know the individual, because they feel like that’s what they’re supposed to do. If I have the luxury of picking the right person, I’m not doing anything because I have to do it. As long as I’m happy, I will meet that right person. I know I will. But I don’t need to do it just because I haven’t done it yet. Sometimes you rush into decisions and make the wrong one, and those decisions can cost you a lot in different ways, financially, emotionally. Time is the revealer of all. Just take your time, take a deep breath, and let things naturally develop the way it’s supposed to.

For more on Dwight Freeney, check out our photo spread of his home here.  

Just south of Lake Hodges near 4S Ranch and Poway, Rancho Bernardo is a suburban community that blends residential neighborhoods with industrial pockets, elevated by a decidedly diverse food scene.  

Over 60 years ago, this North County neighborhood was once part of a family ranch. Since that time, big tech companies have taken up residence here, including Amazon, Sony Electronics, Oura Ring, HP, Teradata, and ASML. Rancho Bernardo Inn serves as a community hub, with locals frequently meeting at the hotel’s restaurants, golf course, and spa.  

Whether it’s work or a round of golf that brings you to Rancho Bernardo, we’ve taken care of the agenda planning with our guide to the area’s best restaurants, activities, and shops.

Rancho Bernardo Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops

Avant

Sample ingredients plucked straight from Rancho Bernardo Inn’s onsite garden and served at their signature restaurant Avant. One of the neighborhood’s most upscale dining options, they serve a French-inspired menu with nods to California, including many seafood options. Don’t miss their more casual sister restaurant Veranda for al fresco dining.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive

The Kitchen at Bernardo Winery

Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas are standouts at The Kitchen, Bernardo Winery’s counter-service restaurant specializing in Sicilian flavors. Charcuterie boards and bruschetta make for great starters or snacks while wine tasting.

13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte

Bushfire Kitchen

Fast-casual and family-owned eatery Bushfire Kitchen recently opened a location in Rancho Bernardo, serving sandwiches, bowls, salads, burgers, protein plates, and housemade empanadas. Bushfire prepares comfort food with healthy ingredients, and offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

11962 Bernardo Plaza Drive, Suite 110

The Cork & Craft

Some might call The Cork & Craft an overachiever. This gastropub has an in-house craft brewery and winery: Abnormal Beer and Wine. The more, the merrier. Their sushi menu is definitely worth exploring, but don’t miss other specialties like garlic noodles, chicken wings, and pork belly.

16990 Via Tazon

Carvers Steaks & Chops

You don’t have to leave Rancho Bernardo to get a white tablecloth steakhouse experience. Carvers Steaks & Chops has prime rib (their best seller), filet, ribeye, porterhouse, New York strip, and other cuts, served alongside crab-stuffed mushrooms, wedge salad, French onion soup, potato skins, and other steakhouse specialties.

1940 Bernardo Plaza Drive

Burma Place

This no-frills Burmese restaurant is known for its traditional tea leaf salad that’s topped with sesame and sunflower seeds, garlic chips, peanuts, tomatoes, jalapeños, fried yellow beans, and fermented green tea leaf dressing. Tucked into a nondescript strip mall, Burma Place is a great takeout option when you want to eat garlic noodles, fried rice, chicken curry, and samosas from the comfort of your couch.

16719 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite A

Phở Ca Dao

Find authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Phở Ca Dao, including favorites like phở noodle soup, vermicelli noodles, broken rice dishes, and spring rolls. One of eight locations throughout San Diego, this family-owned chain uses robot servers for food delivery.

11808 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 100

The Kebab Shop

It’s all about the sauce at fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant The Kebab Shop. Smothering your chicken shawarma, gyro, or falafels in garlic yogurt, cilantro jalapeno, fire chili, and dill yogurt sauce is practically a rite of passage. The hardest part is deciding whether to order a wrap, bowl, or salad.

11980 Bernardo Plaza Drive

Casa Lahori

Get a taste of South Asian flavors at Casa Lahori, a Pakistani restaurant noted for its grilled meat kabobs. Other best-selling dishes include beef nihari, chicken biryani, and shahi paneer— best enjoyed with naan bread.

11975 Bernardo Plaza Drive

Kangnam Korean BBQ

Grill your own meat on the tabletop at Kangnam Korean BBQ, an interactive, all-you-can-eat experience that’s well-suited for large groups. Marinated beef bulgogi, grilled galbi short ribs, and spicy pork are served alongside traditional banchan dishes like kimchi, japchae glass noodles, and flavorful stews. Weekday lunch specials provide a nice discount on these filling meals.

11828 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 117–119

Curry & More Indian Bistro

Dig in to your favorite curries and kebabs at Curry & More Indian Bistro. Most entrees are served with a choice of two side dishes, including basmati rice, potatoes with cumin, daal, naan, or mixed greens. Help offset the spice with one of their sweet mango or strawberry lassi drinks.

11808 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 123

Sushi Kami

When three nations and 16 cities come together to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, the scale stops feeling like a tournament and starts feeling like geography. A continent becomes the stage as borders soften into corridors. And Southern California—shaped by migration, sport, entertainment, and constant movement—sits inside that landscape with all eyes on it.

San Diego and Los Angeles have always felt connected. Hop on the Pacific Surfliner, and the trip unfolds in one continuous stretch of coastline, passing beach towns, neighborhoods, and city centers.

Traveling from San Diego, everything still feels slightly suspended as the Pacific Surfliner follows the coast north with ocean on one side and a slow suburban blur on the other. San Diego stays in exhale. Los Angeles is already building toward something louder.

This summer, Los Angeles will host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium, including the US Men’s National Team opener on June 11, while the region stretches into 39 days of programming across stadiums, parks, transit hubs, beaches, and neighborhoods. Instead of one massive fan hub, Los Angeles is embracing a citywide celebration, with fan zones spread across its entirety.

But this pattern has been rehearsed here for decades. In 1994, Southern California became one of the defining stages of the World Cup, when matches at the Rose Bowl placed global attention on the region and turned local stadiums into international landmarks, confirming its ability to hold the world at scale.

What distinguishes Southern California is not just infrastructure, but cultural permeability. Fashion, music, film, art, and sport constantly overlap here, creating an environment where identity is flexible and always in motion. From the Venice boardwalk, where skate culture shaped modern street style, to global soccer stars rubbing shoulders with Hollywood celebs, to authentic Spanish cuisine moving up and down the I-5 corridor, everything circulates.

The World Cup is not introducing anything new here, it’s showing up for the summer and showing out, revealing what this city has always known about itself. What follows is a look at the fan zones and how Los Angeles turns itself into a city-wide stage for the tournament, one neighborhood at a time.

Los Angeles Union Station

As the heart of Los Angeles, Union Station is an official Fan Zone June 25-28 during the World Cup, but in practice it never really stops being one.

It is the city’s circulation point, its meeting ground, its pressure valve. Commuters, travelers, match-day crowds, and everyday Angelenos all move through the same space, and everything mixes, overlaps, and scales in real time. In a way, this is where the World Cup stops arriving in Los Angeles and starts moving through it.

The Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to Los Angeles makes that shift feel almost too easy. No stress or  gridlock anxiety, just a straight line up the coastline with ocean on one side and everything slowly becoming more built on the other. It’s one of the rare ways into LA that doesn’t feel like arrival as friction. You can sit with a laptop, watch the Pacific drift past, grab coffee from the café car, and let the city come to you in pieces.

That’s the beauty of arriving at Union Station. Instead of feeling like you’re on the edge of the city, you’re immediately surrounded by it. And, inside, the station already reads like a World Cup nerve center: banners, movement, multilingual energy, the sense that something global is about to funnel through this exact point. The Heart of the City Fan Zone only sharpens that feeling, with simultaneous match screens, DJ sets, meet and greets, and immersive activations built around marquee games like USA vs. Türkiye.

From there, the city splits outward.

ROW DTLA feels like the first exhale after arrival. A converted industrial campus turned creative district where restaurants, retail, and open-air courtyards form a self-contained ecosystem. If you’re looking for the perfect first meal in LA, make it lunch at Pizzeria Bianco. The thin-crust pizza is reason enough to go, but the space leaves just as much of an impression.

What I liked most about ROW DTLA is how quickly it resets you after the train. One minute you are stepping off at Union Station, and the next you are in a space that feels like its own version of LA, a city inside a city with some of the most curated shopping I’ve ever seen.

Bodega hides itself behind a convenience-store front, a sneaker and streetwear space disguised as something ordinary, like LA refusing to make anything feel too obvious. The whole campus moves like that, part retail, part gallery, part neighborhood you are only temporarily inside.

Father’s Day is often the overlooked summer holiday that doesn’t quite get the extravagant brunch treatment or overflowing bouquets that Mother’s Day does. Sure, there’s the annual pair of socks, Padres hat you’re convinced he doesn’t already own, beer subscriptions, phone case doubling as a wallet, plus the classic “Best Dad” keepsakes. But this year, let’s flip the narrative with events, activities, and specials made with Dad in mind.

Whether he wants a quiet dinner, a big screen full of San Diego sports and wings, or a weekend that somehow includes NASCAR, a jazz festival, and a Broadway reimagining, there is something for every dad. Here’s your guide to a memorable Father’s Day in San Diego. 

Jump To: Activities | Bars & Drinks | Dining Specials 

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Father’s Day Events and Activities in San Diego

NASCAR San Diego Cup Series

Nothing says “Happy Father’s Day” like the sound of engines ripping across Naval Base Coronado. NASCAR is turning this into a historic race weekend that feels less like a casual outing and more like a full-scale San Diego moment people will be talking about long after June is over. This is the first time a NASCAR Cup Series race has ever taken place on an active military base, which instantly puts it in “you had to be there” territory.

It’s fast, loud, and very on-brand for a Father’s Day where Dad suddenly becomes an expert on tire strategy, pit stops, and track positions. The bar might be set unreasonably high for every Father’s Day that follows, but that’s a next-year problem, right?

Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster  
Dates: June 19–21 | Weekend Schedule
Address: Naval Base Coronado 

Father’s Day Jazz Festival

At Humphreys, Father’s Day gets a little more sophisticated. Roger Friend and an all-star lineup of jazz musicians bring decades of international experience to the bay, where dads can lean into their musical side with head nods and shoe taps. It’s smooth, layered, and exactly the amount of jazz you didn’t realize your playlists were missing. 

Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster  
Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: 241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego

Father’s Day Cruise to Belmont Park Car Show

Belmont Park is rolling out a Father’s Day lineup that basically turns Mission Beach into a living garage scene, with a free car show featuring everything from polished 1960s Camaros to classic Bel Airs and lowriders. If he has a ride of his own, vintage car owners can join the lineup for $35 per vehicle. After the chrome tour, it’s straight into a Mission Beach classic: boardwalk strolls, fish tacos on the sand, and rides at Belmont Park.

Price: Free to attend | Register vehicle here
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Address: Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego

Bob Dylan at The Rady Shell

I think it’s an unspoken rule that dads love Bob Dylan. Mine is already figuring out how he’s getting to San Diego for this. But this isn’t just a Father’s Day activity, it’s a cultural event that happens to land on Father’s Day weekend and immediately becomes the plan. Bob Dylan at ​​The Rady Shell means you’ll be surrounded by city lights sparkling across the harbor, legacy music, and at least one moment where Dad leans over and whispers, “You know, this guy wrote everything.” And honestly? He’s not wrong.

Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster  
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Address: 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego

San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair returns with fried everything, questionable decisions, rides that definitely looked safer in the 2000s, and Dad’s very confident plan to “just walk around for an hour” that somehow turns into an entire day. It’s also the biggest, longest-running community event in San Diego County, running Wednesday, June 10 through Sunday, July 5, with a “Once Upon a Fair” theme. It basically becomes part of the Father’s Day season whether you planned it or not. So, consider this your annual reminder that “happily ever after” can, in fact, involve Cajun honey dogs, cinnamon rolls, a Ferris wheel you swore you wouldn’t go on, and Dad somehow knowing exactly which booth has the best Spam wonton tacos.

Price: Tickets available here: website
Date & Time: June 10 – July 5 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) | 11 a.m.
Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar

RENT at Diversionary Theatre