Father’s Day is an oft forgotten sequel to Mother’s Day celebrations known for lavish bouquets, decadent brunches, and bottomless mimosas. But what do dads get? A “best dad” mug, a shaving kit, or maybe a bottle of imported whiskey if you’re lucky. Let’s mix it up this year, and celebrate Dad in style this Father’s Day.
Whether your dad is the type to savor his favorite brew and the game or is a patron of the arts, we’ve got you covered. Make it a memorable one for dad with these San Diego events and ideas for Father’s Day.
Courtesy of Belmont Park
Father’s Day Events in San Diego
Father’s Day Car Show at Belmont Park
Head to the free Father’s Day Car Show at Belmont Park this year to marvel at vintage rides like classy 1960s Camaros, sleek 1950s Bel Airs, and plenty of souped-up lowriders. Got a hot rod worth showing off? Vintage car owners can display their chariot for $35 per vehicle. Afterward, take a stroll on the Mission Beach boardwalk, dodge SloMo as he glides with grace, and hit the rides at Belmont Park—just like old times.
Visit Elmo, Ernie, and the gang at Sesame Place in Chula Vista with the family at this kid-friendly amusement park. Guests can enjoy a Father’s Day-themed storytime, a fun art session, and spend time exploring the park’s many attractions alongside beloved muppets.
Price: $95 per person; free for children under 35 months Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: $25 per adult ($20 in advance); $22 for seniors 62+ ($17 in advance); $22 for kids 6-12 ($17 in advance); free for kids 5 and under Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Courtesy of Belly Up Presents
Don McLean at the Belly Up
Take your dad to see classic rock legend Don McLean at the Belly Up this year. Sing and dance along to classic dad anthems like “American Pie, “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air” at this iconic North County venue. Tickets start at $95.
Address: 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach Time: 7 p.m.
All’s Well That Ends Well and One of the Good Ones at The Old Globe Theatre
Take your old man to the Old Globe this year for one of two comedy productions. The first is One of the Good Ones from Emmy-winning writer Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time), which follows a Latino family navigating their daughter’s unexpected new boyfriend. The second is a production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well about the lengths we go for love.
Price: Tickets start at $46 Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park Time: One of the Good Ones – 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. | All’s Well That Ends Well – 8:00 p.m.
Harney Street Market in Old Town
Take a stroll with Dad down to Old Town and explore the Harney Street Market. At this weekly gathering, you can browse handmade goods, sip on local coffee, and indulge in authentic Mexican street food. Old Town, the first European settlement in modern day California, is the perfect place to spend a day with your history-buff dad on Father’s Day.
Address: 3998 Harney St, Old Town Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Courtesy of City Experiences
Father’s Day Brunch Cruise Around San Diego Bay
Cruise the bay in style this year with an upscale take on seafaring in the San Diego Bay. This Father’s Day brunch offered by City Cruises features a decadent brunch buffet paired with bottomless mimosas, beers, or champagne while you take in views of the city skyline. Don’t miss the boat, reserve your seat today on this cruise the whole family can enjoy.
Price: $105 per adult; $85 for kids (ages 4–12); free for kids 3 and under Address: 1800 North Harbor Drive, Downtown Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jeff Dye Comedy Show at the La Jolla Comedy Store
Laugh the night away with NBC’s Better Late Than Never star and Bigfoot enthusiast Jeff Dye at the La Jolla Comedy Store. A two-drink minimum applies so be sure to buy your dad the first round.
Price: $29 per person Address: 916 Pearl St, La Jolla Time: 7 p.m.
The Mountaintop at Carlsbad New Village Arts Theater
If your Dad is a theater aficionado, take him to this captivating production of The Mountaintop at the Carlsbad New Village Arts Theater. The show depicts Martin Luther King Jr.’s final days and an especially introspective discussion with a hotel worker about civil rights, his legacy, and our inner struggles.
Price: $50 per person Address: 2787 State St, Carlsbad Time: 2 p.m.
Father’s Day Brunch at Rancho Valencia
Spoil dad with a courtyard brunch at Rancho Valencia this Father’s Day. The resort’s brunch will feature a steak carving station, baked potato bar, and other breakfast fare plus all the craft beer, tequila, and mezcal he could want for his breakfast of champions. After brunch, enjoy games on the lawn with your kids, hit the Padel courts, or give pops some space to watch the final round of the U.S. Open.
Price: A la carte Address: 921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Courtesy of San Diego Zoo
Things to Do on Father’s Day in San Diego
Pedal Around Mission Bay with Dad
Whether you wear spandex race suits or rainbow sandals and a hoodie, Mission Bay is a biker’s paradise. Work on your time trials through 12 miles of smooth bayside paths or take in the sights with a tandem bike from Ray’s Rentals on Mission Blvd. Mission Bay is one of the most fun places in San Diego to explore on two wheels (or one if your dad rolls that way).
Father’s Day Fishing Charter Out of Shelter Island
Skip an outing on your dad’s old dinghy and opt for a more capable vessel for an angling excursion. This Father’s Day, take Dad on a fishing charter from H&M Landing for a chance to hook a yellowtail, bonito, or rockfish. H&M offers two half-day charters departing from Shelter Island and cruising around the kelp beds of Point Loma this year.
Price: Half-day charter starting at $80 Address: 2803 Emerson St, Point Loma Time: 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Torrey Pines Golf Course
Father’s Day Tee Time at Torrey Pines
The most iconic way to spend a Father’s Day in San Diego is a tee time at Torrey Pines. Typically the most sought after golf outing in the city, a day at the South course will definitely leave a lasting memory and potentially shed a few strokes from your handicap. Hit the 19th hole at A.R. Valentien at The Lodge to review the scorecard and toast to your Dad for shooting a course record 62 (minus a handful of unrecorded mulligans).
Address: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla RestaurantHours: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Catch the Padres vs. Diamondbacks at a Local Sports Bar
Take dad to a local sports bar to watch the Padres take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. There are plenty of great spots to watch the game, but our pick is Novo Brazil’s Mission Valley location. Opened in January of 2023, Novo is the ultimate sports bar to cheer on the Friars with its 100 feet of TV screens, spacious outdoor patio, and surround sound system to hear every crack of the bat.
Address: 1640 Camino Del Rio N suite 341, Mission Valley Time: Padres vs Diamondbacks at 1:10 p.m.
Barber Shop Shave with Dad
There’s nothing like a clean shave, so start the day with a couple for you and pops at Barber Craft in Cortez Hill. A classic straight razor shave starts at $35 add another $35 for a haircut and trim combo or opt for a hot lather head shave for our bald-headed brethren. Once you’re trimmed and feeling like a million bucks, walk down the hill to the Gaslamp Quarter to continue the festivities.
Address: 1633 Sixth Ave, Cortez Hill Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Courtesy of The Whiskey House
Sample the Largest Collection of Whiskey in the World
Take your Dad on a flavorful journey through samples of the best whiskey from across the globe at the Whiskey House this year. Order a flight of your choice sourced anywhere from the Scottish highlands to the casks of Japan. With over 4,000 unique varieties from around the globe, we think you and Dad will be quite busy this Father’s Day.
Address: 420 Third Ave, Gaslamp Quarter Time: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Rooftop Cinema Club on Father’s Day
Get comfy for a Father’s Day movie marathon at the Rooftop Cinema Club downtown. The lineup for Father’s Day includes Finding Nemo at 12:30 p.m., Big Daddy at 3:00 p.m, Interstellar at 5:45 p.m., and Goodfellas at 9:30 p.m. to wrap things up. Thinking about bringing in your own food? Forget about it and order popcorn, candy, or a cocktail from the bar instead.
Whether your dad’s a veteran or not, the Midway Museum at Navy Pier is one of San Diego’s most impressive museums. This piece of history is home to more than 60 exhibits and 29 restored planes, offering an inside look at life on board one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers. For a small price, you can get your dad reminiscing about that time he was almost accepted into the Top Gun program.
Price: $39 for adults, $26 for kids (ages 4-12), and $26 for veterans (with ID) Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, Downtown Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Courtesy of Mark’s Guitar Exchange
Father’s Day Guitar Shopping at Mark’s Guitar Exchange
Maybe it’s too late for Dad to buy a flying V like Hendrix used to play, but there’s always time to rediscover your dad’s love of music at a local guitar shop. Consider buying your dad’s first acoustic guitar at Mark’s Guitar Exchange or enroll in private lessons together to get him back into the swing of things. Nothing like jamming out with your dad, like it’s 1979 all over again.
Nothing beats spending some quality outdoors time with Dad on Father’s Day. This year, head 30-minutes east of downtown San Diego to the Sunset Highway, a gorgeous destination full of mountain biking trails and outdoor bliss. The Meadow Loop at Mount Laguna is the perfect place to take in nature and get the wind in your hair while you pedal through winding trails. End your day outside with s’mores by the campfire, a visit to the Laguna observatory, or stargazing by Lake Cuyamaca.
Address: Sunrise Hwy, Mt Laguna
Take Dad on a Safari
Give your dad a break from his public park bird-watching endeavors, and treat him to a day at the San Diego Safari Park. The out-of-this world park is home to more than 3,000 animals across the spacious 1,800-acre facility. Level up your visit with a Wildlife Safari tour, starting at $95, for an up-close and personal experience with wildlife aboard an open air safari truck. The adventure offers ample opportunities for creature-themed dad jokes (see the above improv workshop), but I would be lion if I said I didn’t appreciate them.
Price: $95 per person; kids must be 3 years and older Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Courtesy of Brewing Tours San Diego
Father’s Day Beer, Food, or Tequila Safari
The Scavengers Beer Tour Safari is easily the most fun you can have on six wheels this Father’s Day. Choose between a beer, food, or tequila-based trek through San Diego’s best bars and restaurants. Hop aboard the Swiss Pinzgauer, with up to 12 of your closest friends or family members, and taste various libations while you’re escorted through the city (yes, you can drink in the vehicle).
Price: North County Beer Safari – starting at $92 per person | Downtown Tequila Tour – starting at $77 per person Address: 241 14th St, Downtown Time: Private Safari of Your Choice – 12:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. | Downtown Tequila Tour – 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Father’s Day Treatment at Spa Pendry
Who said a spa day is only for Mother’s Day? Give your pops the royal treatment with a day of relaxation at Spa Pendry in the heart of the Gaslamp. Reserve your spot for a hydrafacial, a renewing body scrub or their Urban Green Coffee & Lime Detox paired with a green tea detoxifying mud to offset your Dad’s non-existent skincare routine.
Price: Massages starting at $114 Address: 550 J St, Gaslamp Quarter Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kayak with Dad at La Jolla Cove
Your dad has always kept you afloat, so show your appreciation with an outdoor adventure at La Jolla Cove. Rent kayaks from La Jolla Kayak on Avenida De La Playa, starting at $55 or join their guided kayak and snorkel tours for a more immersive experience for $129 per single kayak or $182 for a tandem. As you explore the depths, you’ll have the chance to spot leopard sharks, seals, sea lions, garibaldis, eels, yellowfin tuna, and sea turtles.
Address: 2199 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla Hours: 9 a.m. – Sunset
Photo Credit: Cole Novak
Surf Old Man’s With Your Old Man
Take your dad for a nostalgic longboard session at Tourmaline Surf Park, where he can relive his ‘70s dawn patrol days. Before heading out, check the conditions by calling the San Diego Lifeguard surf report at 619-221-8824. Arrive at daybreak to avoid the crowds (and kooks) to score some quality wave time together.
Take Dad for a trolley tour of San Diego’s breweries and learn a bit about brewing along the way. The Beer Train Trolley Tour is five and a half hours and covers four breweries. For $126 per person, beer lovers can enjoy a crafted flight of four brews at each stop and learn about the behind-the-scenes brewing process. Guests must be at least 18-years old and 21 years and up to partake in the tasting.
Price: $126 per person
Father’s Day Gondola Ride
Take a Father’s Day Gondola and take a tour of the Coronado Cays. For $239, four passengers can embark on a 50-minute cruise while enjoying complimentary snacks and drinks like Ballast Point beer, Father’s Day heart-shaped meat from Manly Man Co., chocolates, and more.
Price: $239 for four people Address: 503 Grand Caribe Causeway Suite C, Coronado Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Courtesy of Mission Bay Sportscenter
Sail Through Mission Bay
Start practicing your nautical knots and tacking before you embark on a day of sailing at Mission Bay. Sailors can get behind the wheel of a 16-foot Catalina sailboat from Mission Bay Sports Center for $35 per hour. If your sailing skills aren’t up to par, consider an afternoon on paddleboards, kayaks or pedal boats and save on the dramamine.
Address: 1010 Santa Clara Pl., Mission Beach Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See a Broadway Play at the Civic Theatre
If your father’s a live theater buff, the San Diego Civic Theatre is performing Broadway musicals year-round. This Father’s Day the theater will be presenting The Book of Mormon, the bitingly hilarious comedy from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to get yours early.
Price:Tickets starting at $61 Address: 1100 Third Ave, Downtown Time: Showtimes at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Address: La Jolla Open Aire – 7335 Girard Ave, La Jolla | Hillcrest Farmers Market – 1795 University Ave, Hillcrest Hours: La Jolla Open Aire – 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Hillcrest Farmers Market – 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Courtesy of Expedia
Sip on Gin Cocktails at Kate Sessions Park
We love a good reason to have a picnic at Kate Sessions. Head to your favorite grocery store (we love local faves People’s Co-Op and Baron’s) for sandwiches, chips, and treats then grab a bottle of Eden Mills gin along with tonic to enjoy a refreshing and light summer cocktail with pops under the SD sun.
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.
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.
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.
How Scrojo Became One of Rock’s Most Prolific Poster Artists
The San Diego designer has created more than 3,000 concert posters over nearly 40 years for artists including the Rolling Stones and the Red Hot Chili Peppers
When he was in high school, he and his friends were trying to come up with the perfect name for their punk band that would encapsulate all their personas. Nicaragua. The Freds.
One of his friends said he was going to go by Jimmy Stacks and called it “the perfect rock and roll name.” Their names changed so much that Haskett erupted: “Fine, I’m f—ing Scrotum Joe, the true defender of the Open West.”
Their response: Wow, that’s a great name.
As a teenager, he drew chalkboards for Del Mar’s Pannikin coffee shop and would design T-shirts for surf/skate brand Life’s a Beach. He signed the shirts with his moniker, but even in punk rebellion, who wants a shirt with the words Scrotum Joe on it? “They just cut out the ‘t-u-m,’ and the next thing you know, a client referred to me as that, and it stuck,” he says.
Courtesy of Scrojo
Scrojo could have been part of a band as iconic as The Misfits—had he been able to learn the famously cumbersome bassline to The Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie.” Becoming one of the most renowned concert poster designers—someone who quite literally designed the cover of Art of Modern Rock: The Poster Explosion—is a pretty good Plan B.
“To my knowledge, he’s done more rock posters than anybody else alive,” says Dennis King, whose D. King Gallery in Berkeley, California, serves as one of the largest private rock poster collections in the world. “He’s the hardest-working guy in the poster business.”
King not only co-authored the sequel to music historian Paul Grushkin’s The Art of Rock, but he also handles distribution and sales for all of Scrojo’s work. That’s more than 3,000 different posters over nearly 40 years. (That’s over one poster each week. For four decades straight.)
For anything from boxing matches to rodeos, posters have long been used as promotional items. Toulouse-Lautrec’s famous lithographs advertised Moulin Rouge in the late 1800s. Around the same time, Hatch Show Print in Nashville was making handbills for the Grand Ole Opry.
“I propose this: Cave paintings are the first poster art,” Scrojo says.
Courtesy of Scrojo
Rock and roll posters took off in the 1960s, when the hippie counterculture era replaced conformity and suburbia. Artists like Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead used their vibrant, psychedelic prints as a form of rebellion from the mainstream. Posters were promotional, commemorative, collectible, and especially expressive.
If the name Scrojo is any indication, he doesn’t shy away from imagery that toes the line of being too provocative. He focused more on what inspired him instead of trying to be offensive for the sake of getting attention.
“Didn’t want to show it to my grandmother, but my parents were fine with it,” Scrojo says with a laugh.
“We’ve had to ask him to put a Band-Aid over a nipple every now and then,” says Chris Goldsmith, president of Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, where Scrojo started out and hundreds of his posters currently line the walls.
Scrojo spent six weeks at Otis College of Art and Design for a summer semester before drugs, alcohol, and a self-described lack of discipline prevented him from enrolling full time. Still, he taught himself concepts like text hierarchy and later found his niche at the Belly Up and in the surfing and skating world, working with brands like Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Scorpion Bay, and DGK.
His first concert poster was for North County band Borracho y Loco, of which Goldsmith was bass guitarist. Scrojo drew an abstract version of the Belly Up’s iconic shark with colorful calypso and tiki themes.
Early on, he would craft using a pencil, pen, non-reproduction blue pencil, X-Acto knife, rubber knife, and proportion scale to create each poster, and the finished product could take a week or even longer.
Courtesy of Scrojo
“I recommend every artist coming up to do that for like six weeks,” Scrojo says. “It forces you to think about every design decision as you’re going along.”
He has since mastered vector imagery through Adobe Illustrator to the point where, depending on the level of detail needed, he could finish two projects in a day. Still, he fills sketchbook after sketchbook to blueprint.
“I liked his line in particular, and he knows how to draw, which a lot of people don’t really know how to do these days,” King says.
Scrojo would research what each musician’s merchandise looks like to get a feel for each artist’s tone and voice. Once he has his central image in mind, he focuses on what and where to place the text.
He doesn’t have one specific style, ranging his talents from art deco to psychedelic and everything in between (and outside the lines). Want a pop surrealist comic book cartoon devil with splattered paint textures, halftone dot patterns, and pure chaos? Red Hot Chili Peppers, February 1986. Want a minimalist graphic portrait with bold strokes and graffiti text? P!nk, October 2023. Want a carnival sideshow style piece with a tasteful caricature of Jeff Bridges? The Big Lebowski, August 2011.
Scrojo calls himself a jack of all trades because he can create posters for all music genres. King calls him a chameleon for his ability to adapt his voice to new eras.
Courtesy of Scrojo
“The variety of his skillset makes it possible for us to put 50 of his posters on a wall next to each other and have it look compelling, not just a bunch of the same thing over and over,” Goldsmith says.
Some of Scrojo’s favorite posters are when he feels a personal connection to the artist or the album. He has a vivid memory as a child of being trapped in a closet filled with marijuana leaves while playing hide and seek and staring at Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come” LP. “For whatever reason, as a kid, that sparked a desire to do graphic design,” Scrojo says.
Fast forward to February 2012, Cliff is performing at Belly Up. Scrojo decided to modify Cliff’s original album cover from rainbow gradient fills to classic reggae psychedelia while preserving Cliff’s striped pants and bold hat. Cliff’s manager called him and said they wanted to use it for the rest of their tour.
“We always get artists requesting that he does their posters,” Goldsmith says. “A lot of artists don’t want venues to go all rogue because they want to control how they’re being presented. With him, they’re like, ‘Let him go nuts.’”
Matt Eisenberg is an award-winning writer and photographer based in San Diego. A former ESPN editor, his work has also been published by CNN, Bleacher Report and the New York Daily News.
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.
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.
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.
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
It’s happening, San Diego. The pre–Comic-Con excitement jitters begin to creep in as soon as July hits the calendar. But for those who forgot to set an alarm on registration day, whose batteries died or whose luck ran out in the virtual waiting room, or who simply prefer to soak up the fandom frenzy from the outside, we’ve got the best ways to experience Comic-Con weekend—no badge required.
Ready Party One: The Final Level 2026 SDCC Kickoff Party
Ain’t no party like an after-hours party, and XLE Productions’ Ready Party One is definitely one for comic book fans. Kick-start your convention weekend at Parq Nightclub and enjoy music by fan-favorite ’80s tribute band The Flux Capacitors, along with enough fandom fun, cosplay, retro gaming and pop-culture nostalgia to satisfy your inner geek. At least for the night.
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 22, 8 p.m. Location: Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Tickets start at $34
Interactive Zone at Petco Park and Gallagher Square Events
With more than a dozen activities and brand activations, Petco Park’s Interactive Zone is a badgeless fan’s playground, bringing together brands, games, celebrity appearances and immersive experiences all in one place. On Friday, July 24, Funko’s beloved annual party, hosted by Funko founder Mike Becker, returns to Gallagher Square. This year’s “Quest for the Grail” event will take guests on a journey to the sunken city of Atlantis. Expect themed décor, food, drinks, games and special guest appearances.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23–Sunday, July 26 (times TBD) Location: Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park Price: Free; Funko Funday event is ticketed
Cartoon and art lovers can celebrate the work of Chuck Jones, creator of some of animation’s most iconic characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote and Pepé Le Pew, at Seaport Village’s Chuck Jones Gallery. During Comic-Con weekend, the showroom will also host meet-and-greets with talented artists including Disney artist and seascape painter Steve Barton, The Simpsons animator Stephen Reis, and licensed Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera and Disney fine artist Ben Olson.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23–Saturday, July 25, 2026 (times TBD) Location: Chuck Jones Gallery, 809 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA Price: Free
PAWmicon Pet Cosplay
Get your pup’s—and your own—cosplay game ready because Helen Woodward Animal Center’s PAWmicon is back. Enjoy a Comic-Con-themed outing with the whole family while raising awareness for orphaned pets in San Diego. Divided into three categories—Flying Solo, Dynamic Duos & Trios & More, and Fantastic Floats—the event is a paw-fect way to jump-start the festivities.
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 4:30–7 p.m. Location: Presidents Way Lawn at Balboa Park Price: Free
Comic-Con-Themed Bar Crawl
Why leave all the fun, mischief and mayhem to badge holders when you can join more than 300 partygoers and crawl through some of downtown San Diego’s top bars and nightclubs? Whether you’re called to save the universe or have an allegiance to the dark side, the annual Comic-Con Bar Crawl gives attendees exclusive access to more than 20 venues throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, with free welcome shots, exclusive drink discounts and complimentary entry along the way. This event for ages 21 and older is a fun way to celebrate your fandom outside the convention center.
Date & Time: Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26, 2026, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Location: Check-in at Toro, 672 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101, from 8–9 p.m. Price: $13–$30
Her Universe Fashion Show
Geek out over couture at the annual Her Universe Fashion Show at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Hosted by founder and Star Wars: The Clone Wars actress Ashley Eckstein and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, this year’s show will feature a selection of designers showcasing one-of-a-kind DC-inspired creations as they compete for a $2,000 cash prize.
Note: Wristbands are traditionally distributed the morning of the event on a first-come, first-served basis, but official details have not yet been announced.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23, 6 p.m. Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, Seaport Ballroom, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Free
Comic-Con Museum
A destination for all things fandom, Balboa Park’s Comic-Con Museum brings world-premiere and exclusive exhibits and events to the heart of San Diego, giving fans a place to geek out all year long. The museum is currently featuring the U.S. debut of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, showcasing 17 of the Doctor’s most iconic costumes, a full-size TARDIS and a collection of original sonic screwdrivers used on-screen. Visitors can also explore Sangre, Sudor y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre, featuring rare collectibles and authentic masks and costumes worn by legendary luchadores.
Date & Time: Open Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays), 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Location: 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: $15–$30; free for children younger than 6
Comic-Con Art Show
Browse an extensive collection of original drawings, paintings, jewelry and other whimsical creations from more than 100 professional and amateur artists at the Comic-Con Art Show. Many pieces will be available for purchase through the silent auction or Quick Sale, giving fans the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind Comic-Con souvenir while supporting talented artists.
Dates & Times:
Thursday, July 23: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, July 24: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, Grand Hall CD, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Free
Looking for a supercute way to fuel your Comic-Con adventures? Swing by the Hello Kitty Café Truck. This traveling pink café on wheels will be parked at Petco Park’s Interactive Zone, serving up tasty treats and exclusive merchandise. From limited-edition tote bags and hats to mugs and T-shirts, it’s the perfect stop to grab a snack and a little extra kawaii cuteness.
Date & Time:
Thursday, July 23–Saturday, July 25: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 10 a.m. (closing time TBD)
Location: Petco Park Interactive Zone, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Menu items vary
PopUp Bagels, Spider-Man and Donut Bar Activations at Pendry San Diego
Get ready to fuel up and hype up. Whether you’re a plain-bagel purist or an everything-bagel fan, don’t miss your chance to grab breakfast or recharge at PopUp Bagels’ Volkswagen bus parked outside Pendry San Diego. Then satisfy your sweet tooth at Provisional with a rotating selection of character-themed doughnuts from Donut Bar. Both are available throughout the weekend beginning at 7 a.m. until sold out.
On July 24 and 25 from noon to 4 p.m., head to Nason’s Beer Hall for photo ops to celebrate Sony Pictures’ upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Guests can sample Tom Holland’s nonalcoholic beer brand, BERO, served in limited-edition themed cans available exclusively during the event.
Camila Ibarra Gallego is a CaliBaja native pursuing a master's degree in culinary journalism at the Basque Culinary Center. Shaped by the culturally rich, bicultural megaregion, she's passionate about sniffing out stories that connect people, territory and culture through food. When she's not tumbling down internet rabbit holes, you can find her pretending to be a wine connoisseur at a local wine bar or nose-deep in a good book.
Summer has officially kicked off, and San Diego is celebrating the sunny season with a myriad of fun events. From San Diego Pride week and a fairytale performance at Civic Theatre to a Santigold concert and Comic-Con, there are dozens of opportunities to make memories worth adding to your scrapbook. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this July:
Divine inspirations, operatic ballads, and symphonic pop production elevate Rosalía’s Lux to heavenly levels. Hear angelic vocals ascend—in up to 13 languages—during her performance at Pechanga Arena.
Enjoy a night of feel-good indie rock and sing-along anthems at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre courtesy of Young the Giant and special guest Cold War Kids.
29
Santigold collects genres like gold stars: musical accouterments that brighten her uniquely alternative sound. See her live in concert with dancehall producer Troy Baker Sound at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay.
Two male government workers pursue a secret romance amid the Lavender Scare in the San Diego Opera’s production of “Fellow Travelers” at the Balboa Theatre.
Audrey Hepburn. Marlon Brando. Salvador Dalí. What do these icons have in common? Each was the enigmatic focus of a Cecil Beaton portrait. Step inside Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World, an alluring showcase of 20th-century style at San Diego Museum of Art.
Courtesy of San Diego Pride
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
1
The Little Italy Mercato will trade morning rays for golden-hour glow through its free Summer Sera, an expansion of the neighborhood’s farmers market with live music, artisanal finds, and a fetching amount of pet activities.
11–19
San Diego Pride week starts with a Dyke March and ends with the two-day “Pride Shines On” festival. The days in between? Run a 5K, march in the parade, visit the rainbow-lit St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, and more.
19
Dress up for a Mediterranean-themed tea time at the Estancia La Jolla, a laid-back yet refined afternoon planned for the resort’s monthly Tea in the Garden series.
23–26
Nerd culture’s biggest gathering returns to the Convention Center. San Diego Comic-Con welcomes fans of everything from comic book cinema to ultra-rare collectibles for panels, exhibits, sneak peeks, and much more.
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.
National Philanthropy Day, presented by PNC Bank, Celebrates the Best of Philanthropy in San Diego
The 53rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Takes Place on November 21. Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the new Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center!
Once yearly, AFP San Diego joins with others worldwide to celebrate National Philanthropy Day (NPD), a special day set aside to recognize the great contributions of donors and nonprofits that enrich of our community and the world. San Diego’s NPD is one of the largest and most successful in the U.S., attracting nearly 900 participants, including philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, CEOs, board members, development professionals, and business, community, and civic leaders.
Sponsorship proceeds from National Philanthropy Day are reinvested in education, training, scholarships, career development, and the advancement of fundraising professionals throughout San Diego. These resources and training provide fundraising professionals with the tools necessary to support our region’s diverse array of nonprofit organizations, which rely on charitable giving for close to half of their annual revenues.
The National Philanthropy Day Honorees are selected by the NPD Honorary Committee, a group of highly respected, diverse nonprofit and business leaders. Our 2025 Honorees include:
Outstanding Development Emerging Leader – Taylor Thompson Self-Nominated
Outstanding Development Professional – Sharyn Goodson Nominated by: AJ Steinberg & Jeanne Schmelzer
Outstanding Organization for IDEA – Accessity Self-Nominated
Outstanding Philanthropic Institution – Life Science Cares San Diego Nominated by: Blair Search Partners
Outstanding Philanthropist – Dan & Phyllis Epstein Nominated by: CSU San Marcos & KPBS
Outstanding Student Volunteer – Camden Hall Nominated by: Curebound
National Philanthropy Day San Diego provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and to celebrate the selfless contributions of individuals and organizations across the region. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available. Please visit www.afpsd.org for more information.
