From unique gift ideas to decadent brunches, here are the best places to celebrate Mother’s Day in San Diego.
Edited by Eva Scattergood.
MainStreet Oceanside
May 11. Get a taste of the sweeter side as you treat mom to dessert and beverage pairings at 19 Sweet Stops throughout downtown Oceanside. Bring the whole family and enjoy sidewalk chalk fun for the kiddos and sweets while you walk, plus live music from Ovrcst and Melody Maker. 2-5 p.m. $20 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Artist Alley, 511 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.754.4512. mainstreetoceanside.com
San Diego Botanic Garden
May 11. Bring mom to the garden for their famous Chocolate Festival. Enjoy dozens of delectable chocolate tastings, demonstrations, a chocolate fountain and more. This family-friendly event also features children’s activities and a variety of Mother’s Day gifts. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Included with general admission. 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbgarden.org
You & Yours
May 11. Stop by the You & Yours tasting room to grab some last minute gifts for mom while sipping on hand-crafted garden cocktails paired with macarons from Patisserie Melanie. Meet with Chef Melanie and sample her signature viennoiserie before scooping up a four-pack of fresh floral macarons, featuring rose, violet, elderflower and poppy flavors. Small wrapped bouquets from Native Poppy will be available for purchase as well bottles of You & Yours Sunday Gin. Noon-3 p.m. Free to attend. 1495 G St., East Village, 619.955.8755. RSVP
Art Glass Guild
May 11-12. Find the perfect gift for mom at the Spring Patio Show and Sale. More than thirty juried artists will be exhibiting their beautiful art glass creations, plus live demonstrations featuring torch work, an area for kids and adults to create their own unique mosaic art pieces to take home and live music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park, 619.702.8006. artglassguild.com
Searsucker Del Mar
May 11-12. Spend all weekend with mom at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. On Saturday, stop by for a Mommy and Me workshop to create your own succulent wreath arrangements together. Then on Sunday, join the Pet Adoption Brunch, including a full buffet, a Veuve Clicquot spritz bar and adoptable puppies from the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Sa 2-4 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Workshop $56.50; brunch $45 adults, $60 including bottomless mimosas, $20 kids ages 3-12, free kids under 3. 12995 El Camino Real, Suite #121, Del Mar, 858.369.5700. Workshop Tickets. searsucker.com
THE US GRANT
May 11-12. On Saturday, treat mom to Afternoon Tea accompanied by sweet treats, gourmet petit sandwiches, live music and a children’s menu tailored specifically to the youngest guests. Continue the celebration on Sunday with a decadent Champagne Buffet Brunch offering mouth-watering culinary stations including breakfast favorites, prime meat and seafood specialties, with sparkling celebratory cocktails and a flower crown station to make a personalized gift for mom. Tea 1-2:35 p.m. $59 adults, $35 children. Brunch 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $82 adults, $72 seniors, $39 children. 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2046. theusgrantsandiego.com
20|Twenty Grill
May 12. Invite mom to enjoy a chilled glass of rosé or spirit-free elixir and a decadent brunch complete with ocean views. The brunch buffet includes a made-to-order omelet station, raw bar, carving station, freshly baked desserts, as well as a children’s menu, all prepared by Executive Chef Julian Quiñones. After brunch, extend the celebration with massages and facials in the resort’s Ocean Pearl Spa. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $85 adults, $30 children 12 and under. Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad, 760.827.2500. 20twentygrill.com
Bahia Resort Hotel
May 12. Treat mom to a decadent brunch with breathtaking views of Mission Bay, live piano entertainment and a complimentary bay cruise aboard one of the resort’s sternwheelers. The buffet includes a chef made-to-order omelet station, top sirloin and honey mustard glazed ham carving station, as well as a fully stocked seafood station and decadent desserts. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $56 adults, $25 children ages 5-11, free children under 5. 998 W. Mission Bay Dr., Mission Beach, 858.539.8666. bahiahotel.com
Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
May 12. Step into Gaslamp’s landmark seafood restaurant for the gift that keeps on giving. Moms receive a complimentary entree for the holiday. Order from a special Mother’s Day brunch menu from 1-4 p.m. or a limited menu from 1-8 p.m. Enjoy entrees such as an 8-ounce filet mignon, steamed Maine mussels or a baked stuffed Maine lobster. 1-8 p.m. 565 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.6623. bluepointsd.com
Bull and Bourbon
May 12. Head to Sycuan Casino Resort’s fine-dining steakhouse to celebrate mom with a steak dinner. Mothers within the dining party will enjoy a complimentary entree (large-format steaks not included). Enjoy braised short rib, filet mignon, grilled Baja striped bass and more as you toast to mom. 5-10 p.m. 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 619.659.3374. bullandbourbon.com
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
May. 12. Celebrate mom at this picturesque bayfront resort. Enjoy a brunch buffet that includes a wide array of dishes, such as red wine braised beef, peel-and-eat shrimp, a prime rib and roast pork lion carving station, an assortment of desserts and much more. Brunch also includes a complimentary scenic Mission Bay cruise aboard one of the resort’s vintage sternwheelers. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $62 adults, $25 children ages 5-11, free children under 5. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.539.8666. catamaranresort.com
Cesarina
May 12. Experience a special menu inspired by the mothers of the three restaurant owners, the Executive Chef and the Pastry Chef. Enjoy Gnocchi alla Norcina from owner Giuseppe’s mother Cinzia or Cesarina’s mom’s Coda alla Vaccinara (Roman-style oxtail). Each mom dining will receive a gift of a mini jar of homemade tomato pasta sauce to take home. 4:30-9:30 p.m. 4161 Voltaire St., Point Loma, 619.226.6222. cesarinarestaurant.com
Coasterra
May 12. Feast your eyes on a decadent Mexican-influenced buffet with the iconic San Diego skyline as your backdrop. Chef Deborah Scott is pulling out all the stops, from a cold seafood display stacked with Snow Crab Legs and Lemon-Pepper Prawns to a carving station with roasted leg of lamb, as well as sweet pastries and Mexican specialties. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $69.95 adults, $17.95 children ages 6-12, free children five and under. 888 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island, 619.814.1300. coasterra.com
CUCINA enoteca
May 12. Treat your mom to a buffet of gourmet goodies. Enjoy a decadent spread of scrambles and omelets, a show-stopping carving station, antipasti, salads, housemade pastas, pastries and desserts. Champagne and beverages are available for purchase. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $49 adults, $19 children 12 and under. Flower Hill Promenade, 2730 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.704.4500. urbankitchengroup.com
El Roy’s Tequila Bar + Kitchen
May 12. Spice up your celebration with a three-course menu of Mexican-inspired dishes like mole carpaccio, grilled whole Maine lobster with citrus, jalapeño and garlic sauce, and dulce de leche cake. An a la carte menu will also be available. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First St., Coronado, 619.537.0195. elroyssd.com
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
May 12. Shower mom with love in lush, botanical gardens at a Roses & Rosé Brunch, where moms will receive a complimentary glass of rosé to toast the special day. Helmed by Executive Chef Vincent Savignano, the delectable brunch buffet will feature fresh assorted pastries, a collection of savory egg dishes, a chilled seafood display, delicious paella and risotto dishes and a selection of sweet desserts including a gelato station. Those who’d like to extend the holiday with treatments at the Spa at Estancia can book the Besties Spa Package, including two massages, two facials and lunch with a glass of bubbly for two. Brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $75 adults, $25 children. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 855.567.2400. meritagecollection.com
Lou & Mickey’s
May 12. For the mothers who can’t say no to a well-cooked steak, head to a restaurant that’s famous for them. Menu highlights of this family-friendly brunch buffet include freshly carved Prime Rib with horseradish and au jus, pineapple honey-glazed ham, breakfast specialties like eggs Benedict and fresh waffles with an apple compote, as well as other favorites including New Zealand King Salmon, wild Mahi Mahi, fresh oysters and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $59 adults, $21 children 12 and under. 224 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.237.4900. louandmickeys.com
Maretalia
May 12. Indulge in a delectable brunch featuring seafood-driven items such as a crab benedict, tuna tartare, $1 raw oysters, lobster-stuffed squash blossoms and more. Pair with bottomless mimosas for $15 or a refreshing brunch cocktail like a pineapple mojito. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1300 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.0946. maretalia.com
Mister A’s
May 12. Take mom up to the 12th floor for brunch with a view. Start with the green asparagus poached egg with maitake, béarnaise and pancetta salt. To follow, try special dishes like the fried Manchester Farm quail with a cast iron biscuit or a basmati carrot galette with tzatziki, sugar snap peas, pickled turnip and grilled zucchini puree. The strawberry rhubarb tarte or mocha crème brulee are the cherry on top of a lovely brunch celebrating the mother in your life. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $72.50. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
Park 101
May 12. Bring the whole family for a celebration at this open-air North County spot serving up specialty brunch dishes, as well as their weekend Mega-mosas. $15 gets you a bottle of Cupcake Prosecco and your choice of orange juice, guava or strawberry puree. All mothers will also receive a complimentary mimosa. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 3040 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad. Email events@park101carlsbad.com for reservations. park101carlsbad.com
Park Hyatt Aviara
May 12. Take your pick of two special brunches at California Bistro and Argyle Steakhouse. Both restaurants will feature a buffet complete with a carve station with tomato and basil crusted seabass and Prime rib, iced seafood display, California Artisan cheese tasting, omelet station, selection of pastries, platters of cured meats, California handcrafted salumi, and a cold buffet with items such as green tomato gazpacho and tuna poke tostadas. California Bistro 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Argyle Steakhouse 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $98 adults, $35 children ages 6-12. 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad, 760.603.3773. hyatt.com
The Prado
May 12. Pamper your mom on her special day with a specialty crafted buffet. While sipping on a sparkling glass of champagne, moms can decide between indulgences, treats, savory proteins, chilled seafood displays or a unique dim sum station. Highlights range from the crowd-pleasing pancake station complete with toppings such as fresh fruit, caramel bananas, and chocolate chips, as well as juicy Prime rib cut to order. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $69.95 adults, $17.95 children ages 6-12, free children under 6. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.557.9441. pradobalboa.com
Provisional Kitchen Cafe + Mercantile
May 12. Guests and families can indulge in a Mother’s Day brunch at the Pendry San Diego hotel. Menu highlights include a cheese and charcuterie board, seafood and sushi bar, eggs a la carte, a carving station, savory corner with pork belly benedict, chicken and artichoke flatbread, and a sweet corner with s’mores french toast, tropical parfait and a chocolate fountain. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $75 adults, $20 children ages 3-12. 425 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7300. pendryhotels.com
Rustic Root
May 12. Celebrate with a specialty menu prepared by Executive Chef Marcel Childress. Menu highlights include brie and honey toast, breakfast risotto, various scrambles, lobster rolls, crab cake po boys, desserts and more. In addition, moms will receive a complimentary mimosa or glass of house wine (for later reservations). 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 535 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.232.1747. rusticroot.com
The Shores Restaurant
May 12. Located along the sands of La Jolla Shores, enjoy a delightful Mother’s Day brunch buffet with plenty of choices for everyone in the family, including a children’s station. Courses include garlic rosemary crusted Angus Prime Rib, brown sugar pineapple ham and seasonal berry cheese blintzes. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $68 adults, $39 children ages 6-10, $6 per year for children 5 and under. 8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, 858.456.0600. theshoresrestaurant.com
Theatre Box
May 12. Pamper mom with a decadent brunch buffet complete with bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and a complimentary movie ticket. The celebratory brunch buffet will feature a complete spread of sweets and treats inside Sugar Factory American Brasserie, including omelet and waffle stations; signature breakfast dishes including scrambled eggs, country potatoes, biscuits and gravy; roasted herb salmon; and more. Seatings at 10 a.m. and noon. Brunch $45 adults, $15 children 12 and under, additional $19.99 for bottomless bloody marys and mimosas. 701 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.814.2225. Tickets
Vistal
May 12. Treat mom on her special day at InterContinental San Diego, starting with a scenic bayfront brunch at their signature dining venue. In addition to a decadent buffet of chilled seafood, cheese, charcuterie, salads, pastries, bottomless Veuve Clicquot mimosas and made-to-order entrees from Executive Chef Amy DiBiase, the day’s festivities will include a bouquet-making station to make a floral gift for mom and an on-site Kendra Scott Color Bar. Known for high-quality pieces of jewelry that capture unforgettable moments through tangible keepsakes, this experience allows mothers to design their own customized necklaces, bracelets or earrings with their daughter as a treasured keepsake of the special day. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Brunch $68 adults, $34 children ages 12 and under. 901 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.535.0485. vistalsd.com
Bahia photo courtesy Evans Hotels. You & Yours photo courtesy Chemistry PR. Bull and Bourbon photo courtesy CliQue Hospitality. Estancia La Jolla photo courtesy J Public Relations. Park Hyatt Aviara photo courtesy C and R PR.
