Weddings are some of the most fun, emotional, and downright magical days of our lives. Wedding planning, on the other hand, can become a different story. There are so many decisions you need to make from where to wed, what to eat and wear, how many people to invite, and which extra adventures and surprises you should include with your day that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Worse still, as you face down each of these decisions, the pressure mounts to make sure you’re not messing up and that you’re creating the most perfect day.
While we can’t exactly make those decisions disappear, we can make them a whole lot easier — dare we even say fun?! All it takes is some assistance from an experienced group of venues, jewelers, industry experts, and more who may have done this whole wedding planning thing a time or two before.
The people on this list can help you achieve the ultimate beachfront wedding or a more romantically rustic vineyard ceremony with laidback charm. You can treat your guests to a private yacht chartering the San Diego Bay or an afterparty that includes an appearance from one of the San Diego Zoo’s favorite furry, scaled, or feathery friends. We’ve got jewelers who can offer you rings with edge or classic elegance, lighting companies who can make it look like the stars are twinkling above even though you’re getting married in the middle of the city, and mixologists who create cocktails inspired by you and your partner that look just as good as they taste.
Maybe best of all, these experts’ ultimate goal is always to get rid of the external pressures and put together a wedding that feels the most like you. Because wouldn’t you know it, that’s exactly how you end up creating the most perfect day of all.
WHERE TO WED
Santa Barbara
Seriously, how could we not include Santa Barbara, known as The American Riviera®, when putting together a list of great wedding locales? The venue options are limitless, from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse to the city’s many luxury hotels. There’s great weather year-round, so you can pick whatever month works best for you. There’s world-class food and drink, gorgeous Spanish-colonial architecture, and the views, making Santa Barbara an ideal backdrop for a wedding celebration. Truly, words can’t capture the beauty of these views.
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
Nestled in Oceanside, the original Southern California beach town, The Seabird offers couples an exclusive beachfront wedding experience. Beyond its stunning coastline views, The Seabird offers a few other California staples: A vibe that manages to be both high-end luxury and laidback and breezy, as well as fresh, locally sourced catering options. The Seabird’s dedicated team offers flexible packages where you can customize everything from the venue to the menu to the décor.
Alila Marea Beach Resort
If you’ve always dreamed of an oceanfront wedding atop a coastal bluff—or if you’d never thought about it before, but the idea sounds pretty ideal now that we mention it—you might want to consider the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas. Venue options that are equal parts sophisticated and coastal chic include an outdoor ocean bluff, an open-air terrace, and an elegant ballroom for up to 200 guests, and all come with views as romantic as they are breathtaking.
Omni La Costa Resort and Spa
California coastal ease meets a gorgeous Spanish-colonial style backdrop at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. The Omni offers customizable wedding packages, indoor and outdoor venue options, and some of our favorite event add-ons—like trips to the resort’s award-winning golf courses and spa. Omni La Costa’s team assists with everything from flowers to menus to seating charts, meaning you can let them stress about the details while you focus on enjoying your day
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Picture this: The sun is setting over the ocean as you walk down the aisle barefoot on the beach. It’s the quintessential San Diego beach wedding, and who else could pull this off like La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club? Its many packages and venues accommodate ceremonies of all sizes, and the experienced catering team is ready to make every wedding day want come true.
CHAPEL at Liberty Station
You can get married at a storied San Diego institution by booking at the historic CHAPEL at Liberty Station. Snake Oil Venue Company recently restored and reopened this Spanish-style, multi-faith chapel, which housed wartime Navy events during WWII. The space retains period-specific 1940s Douglas Fir flooring, stained-glass windows, and other original details that make it a one-of-kind space for smaller gatherings or services up to 425 guests. Naturally, Snake Oil Cocktail Company will handle all beverage services—which can include creating signature drinks.
Weddings at Twin Oaks
Located at the Twin Oaks Golf Course, Weddings at Twin Oaks offers couples a backdrop of rolling hills, trees, ponds, rock formations, and vibrant gardens. This venue prides itself on offering packages that are both flexible and affordable, and it handles everything from the menu to the dance floor right on-site.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
If you want to ensure your wedding guests have a real wild time, consider booking with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Its truly one-of-a-kind ceremony spaces include a savannah with views of giraffes and rhinos as well as a lagoon overlook filled with rare birds and plants. You can even add an animal encounter to your reception for an afterparty experience your guests will never forget. Even better, every wedding held here helps support the alliance’s invaluable conservation work.
Adventuress Luxury Catamaran
Enjoy the romance and elegance of saying “I do” on board a gorgeous 60-foot luxury catamaran as you sail through the tranquil waters of San Diego Bay. Every wedding aboard the Adventuress Luxury Catamaran is fully customized, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable celebration tailored to your vision. Exclusively available for private charter, this stunning yacht offers an elegant sailing experience for gatherings of 2 to 48 guests. Choose from breathtaking ceremony backdrops—including the rugged cliffs of Point Loma, a stunning sunset on the horizon, downtown San Diego’s skyline and the iconic Coronado Bridge—for a truly magical on-the-water wedding experience.
Bernardo Winery
The rustic charm of the 136-year-old Bernardo Winery makes it a must-see for anyone considering a vineyard wedding. You’ll be well-supplied with a California-style bar of Bernardo wines, as well as local draft beers and non-alcoholic options. On-site catering as well as nearby hotels make it an especially convenient location for guests.
Roy’s Restaurant
A wedding at Roy’s guarantees you’ll receive the restaurant’s signature Aloha service and a dedicated private dining director ensuring your day looks and tastes exactly as desired. You can work with the team to put together your perfect Hawaiian Fusion menu. And you can choose from venue options that can accommodate 400 guests or 20, including an intimate wine room, the lanai patio for an al fresco event, or the entire restaurant for the biggest bash. Of course, with every space, you’ll get Roy’s sweeping views of the San Diego Bay.
Wedgewood Weddings & Events
Wedding planning should be fun—that’s why we love Wedgewood Weddings & Events. The company has helped put together more than 46,000 weddings(!), meaning it has perfected the art of hassle-free planning. It has pre-created build-your-own package options, plus venues of all styles around Southern California (and beyond!). We’re partial to The Headquarters in Seaport Village, a historic Art Deco-style venue steps away from the bay, and the unique Carlsbad Windmill, a contemporary space with vaulted ceilings and oversized windows enclosed in classic Dutch architecture.
Malibu Farm
Can’t decide between rustic cowboy and modern coastal vibes? Malibu Farm might just be your answer. This coastal venue is located in the heart of Seaport Village right on the San Diego Bay, combining all the best elements of boho and waterfront weddings.
Rimrock Ranch
Sitting just outside Joshua Tree National Park, there’s really no wedding spot quite like Rimrock Ranch. You can exchange vows in this open-desert venue surrounded by nothing but Joshua Trees and the vast, open wonder of untouched nature. And don’t worry: though the surroundings are au naturale, the accommodations offer a thoughtfully designed mix of rustic and modern character.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Begin your forever at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa— San Diego’s only Forbes Five-Star rated, Relais & Châteaux sanctuary. Romantic gardens, lantern-lit pathways, intimate courtyards, fountains, and sweeping views create a breathtaking backdrop for weddings and honeymoons. Indulge in couples’ spa rituals, award-winning cuisine, and warm, anticipatory service, all elevated by a dedicated concierge and wedding specialist who perfect every detail—from the ceremony to extraordinary sendoffs. From 10 guests to 500, Rancho Valencia’s enchanting 45-acres sets the scene—then invites you to retreat to private, spacious, casitas for effortless relaxation in absolute luxury.
WHAT TO WEAR
Passion Fine Jewelry
Passion Fine Jewelry doesn’t just sell rings—it crafts stories in metal and stone. Each bespoke engagement ring is created in tandem with clients, resulting in a piece that is unique to each person. Designs are infused with symbolism and inspired by nature, with organic forms and elemental details woven into each piece. Beyond the studio, Passion Fine Jewelry also hosts wellness and jewelry retreats, creating experiences that weave creativity, connection, and self-discovery.
Friar Tux
Whether you’re renting or buying, Friar Tux simplifies the process from start to finish. With services designed to fit your schedule, bringing your wedding look together is seamless and stress-free. A dedicated stylist will help you find a look that feels like you and fits the occasion.
Presley & Co. Fine Jewelers
If you’re looking for an engagement ring that’s not only unique but has a bit of edge to it, try Presley & Co. The store’s jewelry with attitude only uses ethically sourced and lab-created diamonds and gemstones. Its pieces come at a variety of price points, so you’ll stay on budget while getting something you love.
Unicorn Jewelry
As the largest independent family-owned and -operated jewelry store in the city, Unicorn Jewelry is the place to find the biggest selection of designer jewelry brands and custom-made pieces. The 46-year old San Diego staple is known for its top-tier service and no-pressure environment.
WHAT TO PLAY
Williams SoCal Entertainment
The right music can make or break a wedding reception. To make sure yours meets the moment, try Williams SoCal Entertainment. This company does it all from the hits to the classics, whether that means country, rock, EDM, hip-hop, disco, or a special request from the dance floor.
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Studio S
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
Vi at La Jolla Village – Senior Living in the Heart of Everything
At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Sharp Community Medical Group connects patients with high-quality, coordinated health care close to home while supporting the communities its physicians serve.
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Kaveh Bahmanpour, a family medicine physician and patient
When it comes to health care, convenience matters. Whether you need a routine checkup, a specialist appointment, diagnostic imaging, or hospital care, receiving services close to home can make a meaningful difference for you and your family. That is the philosophy behind Sharp Community Medical Group (SCMG), one of Southern California’s largest physician networks, built around a simple idea: exceptional health care should be available in the communities where people live, work, and raise their families.
SCMG’s local care delivery model begins with choosing a primary care physician in your neighborhood. When specialty care is needed, your doctor can refer you to local specialists who are part of the SCMG network. Those specialists can admit patients to nearby Sharp HealthCare or Palomar UC San Diego Health hospitals, helping ensure care remains coordinated and close to home.
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Sharp Community Medical Group’s local care delivery model
The benefits extend far beyond physician visits. SCMG patients have access to community-based laboratories, MRI and radiology centers, urgent care locations, pharmacies, and other ancillary services throughout the region. Instead of traveling across the county for care, patients can often receive the services they need in the communities they know and trust. As a result, care becomes more convenient, more connected, and easier to navigate.
For many SCMG physicians, the word “Community” in the organization’s name is more than branding. It reflects a commitment to giving back to the people and neighborhoods they serve.
That commitment is evident in the work of Dr. Joseph Novencido, an SCMG-affiliated physician and President of the Filipino Medical Association of San Diego, who organized the inaugural 2025 Carabao 5K. The event was created to encourage healthy lifestyles and physical activity among Filipino Americans, a population that experiences cardiovascular disease at significantly higher rates than the general U.S. population.
“Community is extremely important to me,” said Dr. Novencido. “I grew up in a very diverse community, and working in this area, in the community I grew up in is so fulfilling. It is so nice to be in a position where I can make a difference in the lives of the people here.”
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Joseph Novincido, a family medicine physician and his family
SCMG physician Dr. Leticia Polanco shares a similar passion for serving her community in Chula Vista.
“The reason I decided to go into medicine is because I felt there was an overwhelming need for people like me to take care of the community that I live in,” she said. “In our practice, we work as a team, we collaborate with our staff, and we really want to give that warm feeling to people who come here for care.”
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Leticia Polanco, a family medicine physician and a staff member
Stories like these highlight what distinguishes SCMG: a network of physicians who are deeply invested in the health and well-being of the communities they serve, while providing patients with access to a coordinated local system of care. From preventive care and specialty services to imaging, urgent care, and hospital treatment, SCMG helps patients receive the right care, in the right place, close to home.
About Sharp Community Medical Group
Sharp Community Medical Group (SCMG) is one of Southern California’s largest physician networks, with more than 1,200 affiliated primary care and specialty physicians practicing throughout San Diego County. SCMG physicians can admit patients to local Sharp HealthCare and Palomar UC San Diego Health hospitals, providing convenient access to coordinated care throughout the community. For more information, visit scmg.org.
It’s fall again. You’ve done the cider tasting. You’ve done the three-legged race at the rec center down the street. You’ve done the craft fairs and candle-making class but have you pedaled down a railroad track built in the 1880s in a two-person, auto-assisted Railbike with the wind blowing through your hair as you take in the sights—citrus groves dotted with bright yellow lemons, sun-drenched mountains—and stopped at a pumpkin patch (with a petting zoo!) along the way?
Enter Sunburst Railbikes in Santa Paula, the bucket-list experience your bucket didn’t even know it was missing. Until now. “It’s the perfect escape from the city, from the hustle and bustle,” said Nicholas Martinez, who, as a manager and frequent guide for the Railbikes, has taken more than 500 rides and wants to do at least 500 more. “It’s exhilarating.”
It goes like this: You meet at the quaint historic Santa Paula Depot and hop on a bike, one specially created to perch snugly on the tracks. Because of the electric assist, you get to be as lazy or overachieving as you’d like. Kids three years old and up can do it, too. The whole journey is 10 miles and takes two hours, during which you take in fresh air and listen peacefully to the hypnotic clickety-clack while snaking in and out of lush groves. In April and August, you’ll see the avocado harvest. During fall, it’s all about the lemons. “It’s just a thrill to be gliding along,” says Martinez, explaining the uniqueness of the experience. “It’s like nothing else.”
The activity is a fit for all ages, with children under three riding in a front-facing chest carrier. Adults love the feeling of freedom. Kids love railroad crossings. They often wave at the stopped car traffic as they cruise by. “It’s such a hoot!” says Martinez.
Courtesy of Sunburst Railbikes
Toward the end of the journey, there’s a stop at Prancer’s Farm, a local business which is pretty much the holy grail of October activities. You can buy local produce like avocados, strawberries and honey, but also zipline, pet animals, pick a pumpkin or fresh produce, and go on hayrides or horse rides, get lost in a corn maze, pose in a marigold field or a sunflower field, ride a barrel train or…or…or maybe all of the above.
You’ll also experience a bit of history along the way. The tracks, laid down in 1887, used to shuttle passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You can envision it as you go—travelers embarking on big trips before air travel. Later, in the 1940s and ’50s, freight trains used the tracks to haul fresh citrus.
It’s still a working railroad today, but it’s also a bit of a celebrity. The very tracks used by the Railbikes have been in more than 500 television and movie productions, everything from a Dr. Pepper commercial to the feature film Seabiscuit. So yeah, riding those tracks is Hollywood adjacent, kind of like meeting a well-known prop like the sofa from Central Perk.
While driving up from San Diego and back in one day is possible, you can easily turn the occasion into a fun weekend getaway. The cute-as-heck town of Ojai is a short car ride away. Think idyllic meanderings through nature, picturesque historic downtown and top-notch food choices. Ventura, equally close, is a chock-full of craft breweries and beach walks. Book a night somewhere and indulge.
Fall has plenty of traditions. So yes, you could spend another autumn afternoon at another craft fair. You could make some soup or play pin the stem on the pumpkin, but you also might want to climb aboard a Sunburst Railbike, pedal down a 139-year-old railroad track, wave at confused motorists and make an entirely unique core memory for you and your people.
Come experience the Sunburst Railbikes for yourself during their year-round trips through the citrus groves – sunset, extended, and other themed rides available seasonally.
Though shock waves may sound like something more likely to cause pain than relieve it, physicians have been using the technology to treat musculoskeletal conditions for decades. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used in sports medicine for a variety of tendon, muscle and ligament injuries. By delivering acoustic energy via targeted sound waves, it activates the body’s natural healing processes. Scripps officially launched its shockwave therapy program earlier this year, making it one of the first major healthcare organizations in the region to offer the innovative service. Click here to read more about shockwave therapy and the doctor who advocated to bring the treatment to Scripps.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
It’s estimated that one in four adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol. It’s a condition that’s preventable and treatable; however, it often has no symptoms, so many people are unaware they have it. That puts them at higher risk for heart attack or stroke. A recent update to national guidelines for preventive cholesterol screenings, the first since 2018, aims to change that by screening and intervening earlier, and calculating long-term risk differently. Click here to find out more.
For more nutrition, wellness and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million people in the U.S. The condition, characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, raises the risk of stroke, heart failure and death. Advances in electrophysiology, a subspecialty of cardiology focused on the heart’s electrical system, are transforming how AFib and other dysrhythmias are diagnosed and treated. Scripps electrophysiologists use state-of-the-art therapies—some of which they helped develop. They were instrumental in the pre-FDA approval research for an effective new treatment, pulsed field ablation, and are on the forefront of other innovative treatments. Click here to learn more.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
