Events

“Movies Under the Stars”

Aug. 7-9. Outdoor movie screenings are trending right now, and Westfield Mission Valley is offering a particularly fun and family-friendly weekend lineup—and for a good cause. Enjoy The Secret Life of Pets (Aug. 7), The Little Rascals (Aug. 8) and Despicable Me (Aug. 9). Gates to the parking lot (near Chipotle) open each night at 7 p.m., and movies start at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per car—with all proceeds benefiting Feeding San Diego—and includes a gift bag filled with movie snacks and discounts for select retailers. 1640 Camino Del Rio South, Mission Valley. Tickets

Fit Athletic Outdoor Workouts

Ongoing. San Diego’s indoor gyms may be closed, but you can pump some iron with views of the Pacific on the outdoor turf area at Fit’s Mission Beach location. (The outdoor turf and pool at its Carmel Mountain location are also open). Enforcing strict safety rules—including required face masks upon entry, social distancing, and advance reservations—the turf area is open to both members and nonmembers. Offerings include free weights, a boxing bag, tires, select Turf X classes and ocean views (our favorite “amenity”). M-Sa. See website for hours and info. 3115 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach, 858.674.4480. fitathletic.com

Halcyon Seas Charters

Ongoing. When the going gets tough on land (and cabin fever sets in), take to the sea. Climb aboard a 70-foot, luxury-class yacht for a customized private adventure along San Diego Bay, Mission Bay and the SoCal coastline; plus day trips, special occasion cruises, luxury getaways and more. Our pick: a day trip, (either a half-day or up to eight hours), which includes a licensed captain, meals, snacks and premium drinks for up to 12 guests. (Halcyon also adheres to stringent cleaning and sanitizing procedures. See website.) Bon voyage! 619.913.9219. halcyonseas.com

Food + Drink

Animae

Reopened. Be transported to the firefly forests of Japan’s Shikoku island by way of the enchanting new garden patio at Animae, which has reopened for outdoor dining. Nestled among lush foliage and trickling water fountains next to the Pacific Gate by BOSA tower, the experience includes a reimagined Pan-Asian menu by new culinary director and James Beard Award-winning chef, Nate Appleman. Standouts include the Singapore chili lobster noodles; golden butter dumplings with shrimp; and (if you dare) the 32-ounce, coal-fired wagyu porterhouse. Tu-Sa 5:30-9 p.m. 969 Pacific Hwy., downtown, 619.432.1225. animaesd.com

Civico by the Park

Now Open. Don’t worry; it’s the same stunning space and family ownership, but with a new name, menu and focus on more casual (but delicious!) Italian dining. Brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo welcome you Civico by the Park—formerly Il Dandy and now a sister restaurant to their popular Civico 1845 cucina in Little Italy. Dine on Calabrian pastas, pizzas and seafood specialties on the ample outdoor dining terrace; plus, a full vegan menu and Italian cocktails. Try the Civico Spritz with Aperol and grapefruit kombucha. W-Su beginning at 4:30 p.m. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.310.5669. civicobythepark.com

Huntress

Now Open. One of the more anticipated new restaurants of the year has partially opened its doors. With the kitchen helmed by executive chef James Montejano, the high-style steakhouse and Japanese whisky bar by RMD Group is offering alfresco dining on its expanded patio. The mini wagyu katsu sandwiches on the appetizer menu are already trending. We also love the 50-day, dry-aged tomahawk steak with black truffle butter (to splurge on and share); the miso Chilean seabass; and the Magic Mushroom for dessert. Th-Sa 5-10 p.m.; Su (call for brunch hours). 376 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.329.4868. huntresssteak.com

Weekend Brunch at Cesarina

Now Open. This beloved neighborhood eatery by chef Cesarina Mezzoni has launched a decadent weekend brunch menu, including Italian craft libations and six bottomless drinks available by the pitcher. They had us at “breakfast pasta.” Try the made-from-scratch spaghetti frittata with meatballs, mozzarella, Parmesan, potatoes and tomato sauce. Those with a sweet tooth will love the lemon-ricotta-raspberry waffles, oatmeal brûlée and lavender-lemonade mimosa. More bonuses: plenty of vegan options and an adorable front dining patio. L, D daily; Br Sa-Su 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 4161 Voltaire St., Point Loma, 619.226.6222. cesarinarestaurant.com

Arts + Culture

Meyer Fine Art Exhibit

Through Aug. 22. Peruse limited-edition oil paintings, watercolors and prints by mid-century modern artist Clay Walker in the exhibit Fifty Shades of Walker. Not to be confused with the country musician of the same name, Walker (1924-2008) was largely unknown in the art world during his life. The collection comprises more than eight decades of his work, including pieces such as “Women in the Mimosa” (pictured). The best part? You can view the exhibit in person, not virtually. The gallery is open but following small business safety protocols. 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 104, Little Italy, 619.358.9512. meyerfineartinc.com

North Park Murals

Ongoing. They’re everywhere, and they’re awesome. If you’ve been cruising around North Park lately, you’ve likely noticed the growing number of murals decorating building facades all over the ‘hood. Some of our favorite installations include this brand-new beauty (pictured) by Todd “Woodz” Woodward, painted on the side of a law office on Polk Street; and a mural by Kyra Wilson in the alley by the AKA gallery just off University Avenue. Follow Explore North Park online for the latest mural debuts, and make an afternoon out of exploring these artsy gems. explorenorthpark.com

Portside Pier

Now Open. The latest redevelopment effort to spruce up the downtown waterfront is at last open. Plunked right at water’s edge along the embarcadero, Portside Pier is a $25 million, 42,000-square-foot complex aimed at capturing the energy and spirit of the city’s coastal culture. A joint venture by the Port of San Diego and hospitality group The Brigantine, Inc., the two-level venue boasts four restaurants, a “dock and dine” area, verandas with ample seating, a unique barrel and glass dome-shaped facade, and bay views all around. 1360 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. portofsandiego.org

Photo credits: Animae by Jim Sullivan. Huntress by Sam Wells. Cesarina by Arlene Ibarra. North Park mural by A7D Creative Group. All other photos are courtesy of the venues.