Events

Coronado Flower Show

April 18-19. A Coronado tradition for 104 years, the Coronado Flower Show is Coronado’s longest-running community event and the largest tented flower show in the U.S. This year’s theme: “Welcome to the Jungle.” Peruse dazzling floral displays and immersive installations at Spreckels Park, where world-class exhibitors compete for blue ribbons; plus movie night under the stars; live music, food, and a wine and beer garden; and the Velvet Jungle, the event’s signature gala. See website for full event schedule and tickets. Coronado. Details 

Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival

April 18. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort has partnered with 35 area restaurants, wineries and breweries for this fifth annual festival. Enjoy an afternoon of sipping, sampling and live music on its lakeside lawn. Restaurants include Cannonball, The Pit BBQ, Amalfi Cucina Italiana and Glass Box. Wash it all down with offerings from Orfila Vineyards, Karl Strauss, CaliFino Tequila and more. 1-4 p.m. (VIP includes early entry at noon and an exclusive cruise to the private island on Lake San Marcos). $89-$160. 1105 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. Details

Yoga at The Rady Shell

April 18. Breathe your way through April with this popular event by the bay. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has become a regular gathering—inviting yogis and novices for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by Viktoria Talbot. Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. Admission is free but space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your space. And bring your own mat. 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival

Through April 26. Tour the seven seas via your tastebuds at this family-friendly food festival—Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at SeaWorld San Diego. Enjoy new entertainment this year, from Polynesian fire-knife dancers to a concert series spanning indie pop to country music; plus a new menu by executive chef Zuric Ramirez (pictured). Sample 14 dishes at his Chef’s Corner; plus myriad food areas around the park highlighting flavors from the Caribbean to Tuscany. See website for hours and pricing. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com

Food + Drink

NÓMADA 

Now Open. Grand Restaurant Group and acclaimed chef/partner Alex Carballo have debuted a stunning Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad: NÓMADA. The 5,600-square-foot, indoor-outdoor space features a lush patio, expansive dining room and central bar. Feast on wood-fired, Sinaloan dishes, from duck mole tacos to ahi tostadas, salads and enchiladas. The restaurant also offers daily lunch and weekend brunch; plus extended hours until midnight (F-Sa), with late-night bites and DJs. See website for hours. 6996 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. nomadadining.com

Pastaria Vivi

Now Open. Encinitas welcomes a chef-driven pasta destination: Pastaria Vivi. Opened by chefs Brandon Jennings and William Treff, the home-kitchen-style outpost is one part retail shop; one part counter serving daily handmade pastas and sauces; one part casual eatery; and also offers a monthly pasta subscription box service. Plus: more than 75 rotating pasta-and-sauce combos, house-made foccacia and burrata, curated wines and even pasta-making classes. See website for hours. 119 N. El Camino Real, Suite G, Encinitas, 760.232.6878. pastariavivi.com

Playa Kitchen

Now Open. Clique Hospitality brings us a coastal-inspired cafe at Torrey Pines Science Park. Open for breakfast and lunch, Playa Kitchen serves healthy, locally sourced fare, including salads, sandwiches, bowls, wraps, fresh juices, smoothies, coffee drinks and teas. Start the day with a croissant and acai bowl; or pop in for lunch and try the roasted chicken salad, fish tacos or classic club sandwich. The indoor/outdoor space is ideal for unwinding, offering lounge seating, cornhole and shuffleboard. M-F 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 11011 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. playakitchensd.com

Verise

Now Open. The new Hotel Solea (formerly Sheraton Carlsbad Resort) also debuts an elegant dining destination, Verise. The all-day, modern Italian restaurant offers cuisine inspired by central Italy—from antipasti to handcrafted pastas to wood-fired pizzas and dishes, all spotlighting seasonal ingredients. Grilled meat and seafood entrees on the dinner menu shine in particular, with stars like the Tagliata di Manzo and a daily fresh catch. See website for hours and reservations. 5420 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, 760.827.2514. verisecarlsbad.com

Arts + Culture

MCASD: New Giants Exhibit

Opens April 18. Set to the soundtrack of Marvin Gaye, Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys makes its West Coast debut at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD). On view through Aug. 9, the exhibit comprises 130 works from the personal art collection of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz—exploring themes of Black joy, cultural legacy and more. Peruse creations by 37 African American and diasporic artists from Africa, Europe, the U.S. and Caribbean—including sculptures, photographs, paintings and installations. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.3541. mcasd.org

Balboa Park Pergola & Gardens

Now Open. The recently restored Botanical Building in Balboa Park has unveiled its now fully restored, historical pergola; as well as nine new surrounding Mediterranean gardens (set to bloom this summer). Led by Forever Balboa Park and the City of San Diego, this monumental project began in 2019. The five-bay pergola stretches 45 feet in length, crafted with a redwood trellis and surrounded by plantings such as jasmine, wisteria and lavender. See website for more details. 1550 El Prado, Balboa Park. Details

Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival is by Alexis Metz. Nomada is by Kimberly Motos. Playa Kitchen is courtesy of Clique Hospitality. MCASD: “Rainbow Sky at Sunset” is by artist Barkley L. Hendricks; photo is by Glenn Steigelman / courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys / The Dean Collection. Balboa Park Pergola is by Forever Balboa Park. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.