Outdoor Fun
La Jolla Kayak Tours
Open. Discover La Jolla’s spectacular sea cliffs, the Seven Caves and abundant ocean life from the unique perspective of a kayak. Suitable for all skill levels, La Jolla Kayak’s expertly guided tours let you access the area’s most beautiful natural wonders with ease. The Original Kayak Tour is our pick for first-timers: a two-hour kayak experience that explores coastline scenery and local marine life. Kayakers often spot dolphins, sea lions, leopard sharks, garibaldi and more. (Bike and snorkel tours and rentals are also available.) Kayak tours start at $44. 2199 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.459.1114. lajollakayak.com
Old Mission Dam
Open. Located in Mission Trails Regional Park, the Old Mission Dam is an unsung local gem to visit. A nationally registered historical landmark, it dates back to the early 1800s and was one of the first dams on the West Coast. Built out of stone and cement by Spanish missionaries and Kumeyaay natives indigenous to the area, it’s now an idyllic place for picnics, bird watching and meditating. It’s also a prime starting point for hikes into such areas as Oak Canyon, East Fortuna Mountain and more. 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, Mission Gorge. mtrp.org
San Dieguito River Park
Open. Take in the park’s vast and diverse landscape—which includes Lake Hodges and Bernardo Mountain—with a hike along 45 miles of the 70-mile Coast to Crest Trail. Also popular with equestrians and mountain bikers, the trail starts in Del Mar (the coast) and reaches the summit of Volcan Mountain (the crest), north of Julian. Hikes range in difficulty and terrain, which becomes more rugged and remote as you head east. Bring plenty of water. Accessible trailheads located in Del Mar, the Del Dios Gorge, at Lake Hodges and in San Pasqual Valley. sdrp.org | sdrvc.org
Food + Drink
Outdoor Dining at Barbusa
Reopened. Serving Sicilian cuisine with seasonal offerings, the Busalacchi family’s modern trattoria has reopened its dining patio. Our menu picks: the fried-squash blossoms stuffed with four cheeses; blackened lamb lollipops with gorgonzola; and polenta with beef-and-sausage ragu. Barbusa is also known for its handmade pastas, such as the cavatelli with bone marrow, ricotta and sausage; and Southern Italian wines and cocktails. Try the Sicilian mule, made with vodka, Aperol, ginger beer and lemon. Walk-ins only. Tu-F 4-10 p.m.; Sa-Su 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 1917 India St., Little Italy, 619.238.1917. barbusa.com
Outdoor Dining at Giardino
Reopened. This quaint cucina is continuing its to-go services and also welcoming guests back for onsite dining. Feast on Italian-inspired seasonal fare on one of two heated, covered patios. The garlic knots and meatball lollipops with garlic-pomodoro sauce make for great starters; followed by the roasted pear pizza and truffle risotto. Entrees include traditional osso buco with saffron risotto; and pan-seared, pistachio-crusted salmon. Save room for the dessert sampler: limoncello cake, Nutella cheesecake, mini cannolis and tiramisu. See website for hours. 8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 619.825.7112. giardinosd.com
Outdoor Dining at Son of a Toast
Reopened. We love this adorable eatery devoted almost entirely to toast. Son of a Toast has reopened its cheery “Garden” sidewalk patio for breakfast and lunch. Order from the toast bar—featuring around 10 savory and sweet creations, served on French or gluten-free bread. Try the Brown Derby with avocado, egg, bacon, blue cheese, tomato and micro greens; and the Donkey Kong with peanut butter, bananas and almond granola. The cafe also offers a full espresso bar, cold-brew smoothies, sandwiches and more. Open daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 3066 University Ave., North Park, 619.326.8125. sonofatoastca.com
We Olive & Wine Bar
Open. The epicurean specialty market features a well-curated selection of California wines, local craft beer, balsamic vinegars, tapenades, gourmet pantry items, cookbooks and gifts. (Inside tip: In between perusing, head to the back balcony for postcard-worthy La Jolla Cove views.) The star, of course, is We Olive’s vast selection of cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oils—all certified by the California Olive Oil Council. Flavors include organic Meyer lemon, fresh garlic, blood orange and more. Free tastings offered daily. See website for hours. 1158 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.551.8250. weolive.com
Retail Therapy
CoCo Rose
Open. The flowy, feminine resort-wear pieces at CoCo Rose look and feel like a breath of fresh air. Mother-daughter owners Eileen and Shannon Burke have traveled to Bali for inspiration and to find women’s fashions and fabrics that strike a bohemian, tropical chord. Shop in-store or online for elegant, exquisitely adorned Balinese dresses, caftans, coverups, jumpsuits, rompers, jewelry and accessories. See website for hours at each location. 2975 State St., Carlsbad, 760.707.2262; 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.356.9774; The Headquarters at Seaport, 789 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 760.334.1638. cocorose.com
Home + Hound
Open. Are you a dog parent? Or perhaps a homebody who prefers your pad to be as stylish as it is comfy? This is the place. Home + Hound lives up to its name, offering impeccably curated artisanal goods for dwellings and dogs that you never knew you needed—available online and in-store. On the home front, find pillows, throws, rugs, accent furniture, candles, plants, wall art, glassware, bar amenities and more. On the hound front, shop for dog collars, leashes, beds, toys, treats and more. W-Su 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 3768 30th St., North Park, 619.485.0330. homeandhoundsd.com
Meyer Fine Art
Open. Tucked in the heart of Little Italy’s art and design district, Meyer Fine Art has showcased 19th- to 21st-century artwork since 1978—and in a comfortable, pretension-free gallery space. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, art-buying is easy and accessible here. The gallery specializes in original graphics, limited-edition prints and other works on paper. Highlighted artists have included Salvador Dali (pictured), Clay Walker, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jean Kazandjian and more. Tu-Th 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; F-Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 104, Little Italy, 619.358.9512. meyerfineartinc.com
Photo credits: San Dieguito River Park / Lake Hodges by James Coffee Studios. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
