Outdoor Fun
La Jolla Zip Zoom
Reopened. Get your heart pounding with a one-of-a-kind zip-line experience. La Jolla Zip Zoom takes guests down four zip lines that, totaled together, are more than 6,000 feet long—making it the longest zip line in California. Located on the La Jolla Indian Reservation, the family-friendly experience offers scenic views of Palomar Mountain and Pauma Valley—while reaching speeds of 55 miles per hour. We suggest the 90-minute guided tour that takes you along three thrilling courses. See website for safety measures. From $107 per person. 22000 CA-76, Pauma Valley, 760.742.3776. lajollazipzoom.com
Lions, Tigers & Bears Animal Sanctuary
Reopened. Say hello to rescued big cats, bears and more at this 93-acre East County animal sanctuary. From its “Feed with a Keeper” experiences to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, guests have a chance to learn the personal stories of its 65-plus animals. Handsome white tiger Hank (pictured), for example, spent the first decade of his life in prison-like conditions at an Ohio tiger cub breeding facility that was later shut down. He was rescued and now is thriving. Advance reservations required. Call for hours and pricing. 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, 619.659.8078. lionstigersandbears.org
Easter Eats
Cardellino
April 4. Trust Restaurant Group’s Italian-inspired cafe, bakery and restaurant has reopened with a new brunch menu just in time for Easter. Highlights include a variety of tartines—including seared ahi, smoked salmon, local tomato and avocado—on house-baked bread; plus hearty brunch bowls, omelets, banana-vanilla pancakes with whipped-honey butter and more. Guests also can enjoy the usual Italian fare, such as gourmet pizzas and house-made pastas; along with wine and craft cocktails. Reservations recommended. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 4033 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.600.5311. cardellinosd.com
The Gluten Free Baking Co.
Through April 4. The deadline for special preorders was March 24, but fear not: A variety of goodies will be available for walk-ins through Easter Sunday. Stop by the bakery for holiday-themed cupcakes, cream puffs, scones, cookies, doughnuts, muffins and “Happy Easter” cookie cakes. In addition to holiday treats, patrons can choose from a rotating daily selection of muffins, breads, bagels, cinnamon rolls, cookies and lemon bars. (Dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free options are available.) Tu-Su beginning at 11 a.m. 4594 30th St., North Park, 858.270.9863. thegfbakingco.com
Food + Drink
Hidden Fish
Reopened. Consider it a speakeasy for sushi (sort of). With just 12 seats, the Convoy District’s intimate dining den is the city’s first traditional omakase sushi bar. This means the chef decides your meal of strictly nigiri (and maybe a few handrolls)—featuring rotating catches flown in from the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan. Centered on a “timed dining” concept that is popular in Japan and NYC, the 90-minute experience includes 18 pieces of sushi. See website for hours and reservations. $100 per person. 4764 Convoy St., Suite A, Kearny Mesa, 858.210.5056. hiddenfishsushi.com
Poseidon Restaurant
Reopened. This beloved North County outpost is known for its seafood and beachfront patio boasting panoramic ocean views. Menu highlights include daily fresh catches, scallops, steaks, salads and more; plus wine, craft beer and cocktails. Try the new chef’s tasting menu (three courses for $60), with dishes such as lobster risotto and braised short ribs. And weekend brunch is back—including the famous Brunch Burger with applewood-smoked bacon and white cheddar. Reservations required. Tu-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sa-Su 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.9345. poseidonrestaurant.com
Raised by Wolves
Reopened. CH Projects’ lavish lair (read: a boutique bottle shop with a hidden cocktail bar inside) has reopened with some expectedly adventurous spring cocktails. Cozy up inside an opulent, intimate English library while sipping on the Bidi Bidi Bom Bom (pictured)—a spin on a margarita made with local strawberries, blanco tequila, Aperol, habanero, lime and a secret spice mix. Or opt for the refreshing Sundress cocktail—a blend of vodka, Thai basil, dry vermouth, pandan leaves, lime and seltzer. Limited seating and reservations only. Westfield UTC, 4301 La Jolla Village Drive, #2030, UTC, 619.629.0243. raisedxwolves.com
Tabu Shabu North Park
Reopened. The traditional Japanese hot pot concept takes a modern turn at this casual haunt. From old-fashioned shabu-shabu—in which thinly sliced veggies and meats such as prime rib and wagyu short rib are boiled in water and served with dipping sauces—to house-made dumplings to build-your-own ramen bowls (there’s just something extra fun about slurping that fragrant broth), Tabu Shabu is simply a fun dining experience. Try the black-sesame ice cream for dessert. Limited seating; first come, first served. Open daily (see website for hours). 3647 30th St., North Park, 619.408.0369. tabushabu.com
New Menu at Nomad Donuts
Now Available. San Diego’s cult-followed outpost for artisanal donuts and Montreal-style bagels has launched a new menu of savory breakfast items—including scrambles, Benedicts, new bagel sandwiches and craft beer. Offerings include the kimchi-hot-chicken-katsu sandwich; the house-cured salmon Benedict; poutine with brined fries and Wisconsin cheese curd; and the brisket-machaca scramble. And of course, watch for monthly rotating donut flavors—such as the lemongrass-yuzu donut with shortbread crumble. Th-Su 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 3102 University Ave., North Park, 619.431.5000. nomaddonuts.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Reopens April 2. All aboard! Commemorating the 40th anniversary of its first public opening, this gem of a museum in Balboa Park also celebrates its grand reopening this weekend. Inside, discover a family-friendly treasure trove of all things locomotive. Learn about the heritage and history of American railroading by way of educational displays and exhibits, scale models of railroads across California, toy trains and more. Admission is available at the door, but advance online tickets are encouraged. (See website for pricing and safety protocols.) F-Su 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.696.0199. sdmrm.org
Creative Saturdays at One Paseo
April 3. The Del Mar lifestyle center has partnered with The New Children’s Museum to create a quarterly art-making pop-up for families to enjoy while visiting its shops and restaurants. Participants can pick up an art kit at One Paseo’s Plaza West and enjoy an alfresco art-creating session. This week’s project: making colorful butterflies from coffee filters in celebration of spring. The pop-up continues on April 10 and then quarterly in June, October and December—with a new theme each time. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (while supplies last). 3725 Paseo Place, Del Mar. onepaseo.com
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Reopened. The family-friendly Balboa Park Museum is a wonderland for kids of all ages—showcasing spacecraft, jets, historical aircraft, science exhibits and more inside the domed, cylinder-shaped former Ford Building. Don’t miss the special exhibition SPACE: Our Greatest Adventure—an interactive and educational exploration of our final frontier and how space research impacts our daily lives—complete with selfie stations on the moon, Mars and the International Space Station. Open daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $12-22. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.8291. sandiegoairandspace.org
Photo credits: The Gluten Free Baking Co. by Lindsay Kreighbaum. Raised by Wolves by Shannon Partrick. Nomad Donuts by Kimberly Motos and James Tran. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
