Outdoor Fun
Electric Ocean at SeaWorld
Begins June 11. Take summertime fun to the next level with SeaWorld’s new themed experience. Just before the sun begins to set, the park comes alive with special lighting and music. Enjoy a family-friendly dance party beneath the “waves,” complete with DJs, performers, glowing sea creatures and attractions, and a spectacular “sea to sky” fireworks show to end the evening. See website for full hours of operation and newly updated ticketing and safety info (effective June 15). Festivities begin at 4 p.m. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
Balboa Park Carousel
Reopened. Around and ’round we go again! First built in 1910, this iconic Balboa Park attraction epitomizes family-friendly San Diego fun. Take a five-minute ride aboard this enduring artsy masterpiece, featuring three chariots and a menagerie of animals, including horses (both leaping and standing), giraffes, frogs, pigs, roosters and more—all boasting original, hand-carved European craftsmanship. The carousel is open this Saturday and Sunday and then daily beginning June 16. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $3 per single ride; $10 per groups of four (large group rates available). 1889 Zoo Place, Balboa Park, 619.232.2282. balboaparkcarousel.org
Food + Drink
“Drag Me to the Beach” at Duck Dive
June 11. A bottomless-mimosa brunch paired with a drag show sounds like a fun Friday to us! Duck Dive has partnered with Rich’s San Diego for the special event—featuring beats by DJ Jeremiah James; two-for-one punch bowls and other drink specials; gluten-free and keto-friendly treats from Fitness Donuts; and live entertainment by the fabulous drag queens of Rich’s. Guests can also order from Duck Dive’s brunch menu (try the candied-walnut French toast) and the all-day lunch/dinner menu. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is $5. 4650 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.273.3825. Tickets
Callie
Now Open. One of the more anticipated restaurant openings of 2021, Callie is the brainchild of chef Travis Swikard (pictured). Step inside an airy, 6,500-square-foot space designed by Studio UNLTD—featuring an arch-shaped bar and open kitchen. Swikard’s “cuisine du soleil” menu offers Mediterranean dishes such as harissa lamb chops, crunchy Moroccan carrots and Calabrian baked clams. To drink, try the Freshly Minted cocktail with blanco tequila, Greek yogurt, vanilla bean, pistachio and lime; or let sommelier Tyler Grimsley select the perfect wine pairing. W-Su 5-10 p.m. 1195 Island Ave., East Village, 619.255.9596. calliesd.com
Westerly Public House
Now Open. San Diego’s newest boutique hotel, The Monsaraz, is also home to Point Loma’s newest restaurant. Chef Jesse Paul helms the kitchen of Westerly Public House—a beach-inspired, Cali-Aussie concept highlighted by locally sourced cuisine. The all-day menu features the Bondi breakfast plate with eggs, crispy potatoes, grilled tomatoes and roasted mushrooms; the signature Westerly burger; chicken rigatoni with sun-dried tomatoes; and much more. The eatery opens out to a sunny courtyard with a living wall and large-scale mural. Open daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 1451 Rosecrans St., Point Loma, 619.790.5700. westerlysd.com
Buona Forchetta Encinitas
Open. Carbs—especially in the form of pizza and pasta—are some of our best friends. This Italian cucina is known for its wood-fired, Napolitano-style pies, such as the Nicola with mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle oil. The scratch-made-daily pastas and homemade sauces are equally swoon-worthy. Choose from traditional spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, pappardelle and bucatini; or favorites such as the risotto and lasagna Bolognese—plus gluten-free and vegetarian options. Pair with a glass of vino and enjoy on the quaint patio. L, D daily (see website for hours). 250 N. Coast Hwy., Encinitas, 760.704.8070. buonaforchettanc.com
Harbor & Sky
Open. Nestled on the fifth floor of the Residence Inn & Springhill Suites, this alfresco rooftop bar and lounge is one of the city’s better-kept secrets—located just steps away from the USS Midway and San Diego Bay. Take in expansive waterfront views while sipping craft libations and sampling refined small plates. We suggest the signature Harbor cocktail made with vodka by local distiller San Diego Cutwater; and the arugula flatbread with goat cheese, caramelized onions and oyster mushrooms. Th-F 5-10 p.m.; Sa-Su 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 900 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.831.0224. harborandskysandiego.com
Scuderie Italia
Open. Find elevated Italian fare at this casual-cool eatery by Florence-born owner Leo Landini (known for his popular Landini’s Pizzeria). Choose from antipasti, pastas and Napolitano-style pizzas; plus entrees such as local sea bass and roasted chicken with cannellini beans. The restaurant also now serves weekend lunch, offering hearty sandwiches and burgers in addition to its regular menu. The decor is fun, too—a nod to Italian racing culture with blow-up art showcasing Ferraris, motorcycles and more lining the walls. M-F 4-10 p.m.; Sa-Su noon-10 p.m. 1525 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.352.6912. scuderieitalia.com
Arts + Culture
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival
June 11-19. Bravo to Mainly Mozart and its music director Michael Francis for organizing this open-air festival at Del Mar Surf Cup Sports Park—comprising the largest gathering of classical concertmasters and principal players in North America. Opening weekend includes performances of Mozart’s Symphony 40 and Beethoven’s Symphony 5 on Friday; and Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, Joseph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto and Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 on Saturday. See website for tickets, full schedule and lineup of musicians, and Mainly Mozart’s concert safety guide. 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. mainlymozart.org
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 the Nomad Donuts mural (3102 University Ave.) by Nicholas Mcpherson; You Are Radiant (pictured, 3803 Ray St.) by Channin Fulton; and Slowly But Surely She Blooms (3120 University Ave.) by local artist Kyra. Visit the North Park Main Street website for details and the latest mural debuts, and make an afternoon out of exploring these artsy gems. northparkmainstreet.com
Photo credits: Balboa Park Carousel by Richard Benton. Callie/Travis Swikard by Lucianna McIntosh. North Park mural by Eric Scire. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
