Events

MainStreet Oceanside’s Sunset Market 

Jan. 20. Oceanside’s popular seaside market comprises four city blocks and 200 merchants—including artisanal food vendors, international street fare, eclectic shopping, art, kids’ activities and live music. Shop for gifts, fashion accessories and home wares at World Marketplace; and sample gourmet cuisine from around the world, including Latin American, African, Middle Eastern, Asian/Pacific and Jamaican. The year-round event takes place every Thursday; this week is Authors’ Night, when guests can meet local authors and buy signed books. 5-9 p.m. Free entry. Along Pier View Way, Oceanside. mainstreetoceanside.com

“The Music of The Beatles” Concert Series

Jan. 20-22. “Come Together,” indeed. Blending classic rock with classical music, the San Diego String Quartet will perform the music of legendary band The Beatles at the historical J11 event space. The intimate concert series encompasses a nostalgic, candlelit experience with the quartet playing The Beatles’ nostalgic hits—including “Come Together” (of course), “Strawberry Fields,” “Black Bird,” “Yesterday, “Eleanor Rigby” and more. The best part: 100% of concert proceeds will benefit St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Showtimes are 7:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. $40 per person. 1051 J St., East Village. Tickets

Cinema Under the Stars

Jan 21-22. A night at the movies is always a good idea at this intimate outdoor venue. This weekend, take a ride through the “Swinging Sixties” with a screening of Last Night in SoHo. A present-day fashion student (Thomasin McKenzie) is transported to 1960s SoHo, where she becomes the mirror image of an aspiring singer (Anya Taylor-Joy). The theater offers comfy reclining chairs, beverages and snacks. Bring your own blanket. 8 p.m. (Online reservations close at 5 p.m. day of screening). Tickets start at $17. 4040 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.295.4221. More Info

Compass Hot-Air Balloon Tours 

Ongoing. Soar over San Diego at sunset with a hot-air balloon ride with Compass Balloons. Its private and semi-private tours (up to 10 people) take you up and over the beachfront and coastal canyons of Del Mar, and the rolling hills and luxury real estate of Rancho Santa Fe—with likely glimpses of the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Palomar Mountain in the distance. Tours last three hours and 30 minutes and include Champagne, cheese, fruit, water, soda and boundless photo opportunities. Starting at $300 per person. 1969 Villa Cardiff Drive, Cardiff, 760.704.7407. compassballoons.com

San Diego Sailing Tours

Ongoing. During the height of whale-watching season (which is right now!), San Diego is best explored by sea. Indulge in some “coastal distancing” by booking a private tour of the bay aboard a classic sailing yacht. Packages can be customized and range from a two-hour daytime sail, to a fully catered sunset cruise for two, to a private charter for up to six guests; plus packages for larger groups. The tour comes complete with your own captain, beverages and snacks. Cabrillo Isle Marina, 1450 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.786.0173. sandiegosailingtours.com

Food + Drink

Birrieria La Huasteca

Now Open. Riverside’s well-known Mexican eatery has opened a new location in north Pacific Beach. The casual indoor/outdoor taqueria serves authentic lamb and beef birria in the form of tacos, ramen, pizza and more; plus traditional mole, pozole, chile relleno, burritos, enchiladas, street tacos and breakfast dishes. We suggest the classic beef birria plate with a side of consommé, rice, beans and tortillas; and the wet burrito de mole. For dessert, good luck deciding between the flan, churros and pastel de tres leches. Open daily. 865 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach. More Info

Swan Bar

Now Open. Owner Abel Kaase’s breezy Normal Heights hangout of five years, Beerfish, has been transformed into the new Swan Bar—a darker, cozier cocktail den serving classic libations, wine, beer and burgers. Already-popular selections include the espresso martini (pictured), the Texas Two Step with roasted-coriander-infused tequila and manzanilla sherry, and the Not My Brother’s Burger—an Angus-beef patty slathered in jalapeño cream cheese. Save room for some half-baked cookie dough topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Tu-Sa 4 p.m.-midnight (kitchen open 4-9 p.m.). 2933 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. More Info

High/Low

Open. Pairing open-air casual dining with ocean views, this oceanfront eatery—located on the beachfront at Mission Pacific Hotel—serves locally sourced breakfast classics and remixes of brunch/lunch favorites, from sunrise to sunset. Offerings include breakfast cocktails, locally roasted coffee, banana pancakes, chicken ‘n’ waffles, pastries, sandwiches and salads; plus fresh-pressed juices and to-go items to complement the area’s active beach-going lifestyle. Return for “Golden Hour” and enjoy small plates, cocktails, craft beers and sunset views. Open daily 7 a.m.-5 p.m. 201 N. Myers St., Oceanside, 760.512.3329. highlowoside.com

Arts + Culture

California Surf Museum

Open. Founded in 1986, this surfing-lover’s oasis is stocked with surfboards, surf art, photographs, videos, memorabilia, surfing equipment and literature that capture and celebrate the surfing lifestyle and sport. Don’t miss the exhibit Riding Giants, which showcases big-wave surfboards around the world, alongside astonishing photos of each location; Courageous Inspiration, the story of Bethany Hamilton losing her arm to a tiger shark while surfing in Kauai; and Artistry in Wood, featuring exotic woods crafted by notable local board makers. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.721.6876. surfmuseum.org

Oceanside Museum of Art 

Open. The striking contemporary facade and rotating collection of modern art pieces at this gem of a museum—which also hosts unique cultural events—have made it a trailblazer of the North County art scene. Spotlighting regional and international artists, works range from landscape paintings to furniture, sculptures, art quilts and architectural glass. This weekend, catch two exhibits before they close on Jan 23: Saki: Birds of a Different Feather; and MartyO: Social Security. Visit website for hours, safety protocols and to purchase tickets. 704 Pier Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3721. oma-online.org

Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.