Not all dads have the same idea of fun. Some love to relax over an ice-cold craft beer. Some jump at any chance to rock out to live music. Some prefer to soak up some fresh air and ocean views. Whatever your dad enjoys most, plan ahead for an unforgettable Father’s Day.
For Foodie (and Drinkie) Dads
When: June 13, 6 p.m.
Where: 4601 Park Boulevard, University Heights
Price: $76.50 per plate
Kick off your Father’s Day festivities early with a five-course meal for Dad at Kairoa Brewing Company. Dads who love beer pairings will enjoy this New Zealand-style cuisine while taking in the sunset on this brewpub’s rooftop patio.
When: June 16, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad
Price: Varies
From maple bacon bourbons to man-mosas (beer with a splash of orange juice), show dad your appreciation with sweet and savory brunch dishes and drinks at 20Twenty Grill inside the new Westin Resort in Carlsbad. Bananas foster French toast, prime rib hash, and omelets will help kick the special day off right.
Surf and Turf at Death By Tequila
When: June 16
Where: 569 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas
Price: $36 per plate
Try San Diego Magazine’s 2019 Reader’s Pick for Best New Restaurant this Father’s Day, Death By Tequila! Meat-loving dads will devour a steak with squid ink and tempura-fried fish served with a red mole tartar sauce from celebrity chef Angelo Sosa.
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 12865 El Camino Real, Del Mar
Price: $17.95 per Taco Feast
$19.95 per Carne Asada Vaquero
$20 per Bucket of Beer or Tequila Flight
Nothing says a San Diego Father’s Day like tacos and cerveza. Give your dad a big “gracias” with his choice of three tacos or carne asada Vaquero, flame-grilled carne asada with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and mild green chili peppers. For dads who like to say “salud,” a beer bucket and tequila flights are also available.
When: June 16, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1710 W Mission Bay Drive, Mission Beach
Price: $19.95 per plate
$5 per flight
Bring your barbeque-loving dad for some mouthwatering brisket, ribs, baked potato, and coleslaw at Firefly Eatery and Bar.
Death by Tequila | Photo: Paula Luna
San Diego International Beer Festival
When: June 14–16
Where: 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Price: $60
For the man who loves beer, hit up the International Beer Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds to taste hundreds of different brews.
For Dads Who Want to Jam Out
Jazz Brunch at The Westgate Hotel
When: June 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 1055 Second Avenue, Downtown
Price: $75 per adult
$35 per child ages 4–12
Jazz up dad’s day with live music and craft beer at the Westgate Hotel. From a carving station to fresh seafood and an ice cream bar, families can savor a large menu while listening to saxophone sounds from the Charlie Arbelaez Quartet.
Concert and BBQ at Hotel Del Coronado
When: June 16, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Price: $75 general entry
$2,450 per tandem skydiving guest
Get ready to watch your dad rock out to Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band as they cover hits from Bruno Mars, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, and more—and it’s all for a great cause. The event supports America’s veterans and military through the Gary Sinise Foundation.
For a next-level Father’s Day adventure, give your dad the opportunity to skydive at the concert! Dad will get to jump with a Naval Special Warfare (retired) SEAL or SWCC Tandem Master as part of the opening show.
For Beach-Loving Dads (and Gearheads)
Cruise to Belmont Park Car Show
When: June 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 3146 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach
Price: Free
If your dad loves to hang by the beach and obsesses over cars, there’s no better way to celebrate his special day than at the Belmont Park Car Show! Enjoy live music, raffles, and beautiful views.
When: June 16
Where: 1800 North Harbor Drive, Downtown
Price: $47.40–$79 per ticket
Treat your dad to a luxury day on the San Diego Bay. With daytime brunch cruises featuring bottomless beer and champagne and live jazz from Dave Scott Duo, he will get the stunning views he deserves.
Father’s Day Sail with the Maritime Museum Crew
When: June 15–16
Where: 1492 N Harbor Drive, Downtown
Price: $99 per adult
$59 per child ages 3–12
Board the schooners California or San Salvador while enjoying lunch during this three-hour tour on the San Diego Bay. Dads can join the crew to help trim the sails or lean back and take in the view.
Sip ‘n Shop at Culture Brewing Co.
When: June 16, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 111 S Cedros Ave, Suite 200, Solana Beach
Price: Varies
Dads who enjoy both getting barreled and a barrel-aged stout will love the Sip ‘n Shop event at Culture Brewing Co. in Solana Beach. Dads can peruse through selections from Viva La Vacay, SurfDurt, Slippa, Todo Bien Tours, and Deep Water Clothing with beer in hand.
Maritime Museum Father’s Day Sail | Photo: Mark Albertazzi