Outdoor Fun
Campland on the Bay
Open. Beachfront glamping, anyone? This waterfront property offers RV and tent camping just steps from Mission Bay. Simply select your rig type—options range from tents to motorhomes—and preferred dates, and the staff can arrange the rest. The fun includes bike and water-toy rentals, two heated pools, and alfresco dining at Cantina restaurant. If your staycation is also a “workation,” the resort offers its open-air Study Hall—complete with Wi-Fi and power outlets—where kids also can complete coursework and attend school virtually. 2211 Pacific Beach Drive, Mission Bay, 858.581.4260. campland.com
The Flower Fields
Now Open. All hail the healing power of flowers! An Instagram influencer’s dream backdrop, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch span 50 rolling acres of vibrant flora in full bloom. Visitors can roam among more than 100 floral species—including tecolote ranunculus flowers, orchids, roses and sweet pea blossoms. The property also features landscaped display gardens, a sweet pea maze, flower-filled greenhouses, a picnic area and more. See website for safety protocols and tickets, which must be purchased in advance. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through May 9. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352. theflowerfields.com
Whale Watching with Flagship Cruises
Ongoing. Imagine the awe of spotting a 45-ton gray whale just off the San Diego coastline … while aboard a comfy yacht. Flagship is offerings tours—departing twice daily through April—in which chances are good such a dream will come true. An estimated 20,000 gray whales migrate every winter from Alaska to the warm lagoon waters of Mexico, passing by California along the way. Also be on the lookout for humpback whales, dolphins and other marine life. Tours feature spacious, open-air seating and onboard restrooms. See website for reservations and pricing. 990 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.4111. flagshipsd.com
Food + Drink
La Taverna Ristorante
Now Open. Using recipes from Rome and Sicily, this new trattoria offers a casual Italian dining experience. Choose from scratch-made pastas, brick-oven pizzas, entrees and desserts—all made with organic ingredients (plus vegan and gluten-free options). Signature pasta dishes include the lasagna Bolognese and ricotta-stuffed cannelloni; or guests can build their own pasta bowls, with add-ons such as meatballs and fennel sausage. Also try the smoked Alaskan salmon pizza (pictured) with brie and mozzarella. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. for outdoor dining and takeout. 3650 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.230.5508. latavernasd.com
Born and Raised
Reopened. The rooftop dining terrace at this high-style steakhouse is all things opulent, glamorous and spacious. And it’s all about the beef here. Choose from dry-aged steaks, classic cuts, American and Japanese wagyu, beef Wellington, and prime rib served with Yorkshire pudding; plus delicacies such as caviar, uni spaghetti and snails with bone marrow. We also love the dinner omelet and “dirty hash browns.” To drink: Prohibition-era cocktails and the city’s largest collection of scotch. Reservations required. D nightly. 1909 India St., Little Italy, 619.202.4577. bornandraisedsteak.com
Trust Restaurant
Reopened. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Trust Restaurant Group’s flagship has reopened for outdoor dining. Known for his urban-rustic plates such as braised oxtail raviolini and ricotta agnolotti, chef Brad Wise also has added new dinner dishes. Feast on smoked, braised lamb shoulder with charred-jalapeño yogurt and naan bread; mushroom gnudi with ricotta; and spiced pork tenderloin with kimchi, Brussels sprouts, Persian cucumber and pickled shrimp. Oh, and pastry chef Jeremy Harville’s Ultimate Sticky Bun is back! W-Su 5-9 p.m.; Sa-Su 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 3752 Park Blvd., Hillcrest, 619.795.6901. trustrestaurantsd.com
Weekend Brunch at La Valencia Hotel
Reopened. Brunch just tastes better when served with a side of ocean views. Welcome back to La Jolla’s “Pink Lady” for the most important meal of the weekend. Relax on The Med’s ocean terrace while enjoying live music and decadent dishes. Savory favorites include the chorizo benedict, steak ‘n’ eggs, and kale-and-goat-cheese frittata. For a sweet finish, indulge in the signature La V cinnamon roll (pictured), topped with pink icing and fresh berries—made in collaboration with local bakery Sugar & Scribe. Reservations recommended. Sa-Su 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 855.476.6870. lavalencia.com
International Women’s Day at Cesarina
Upcoming | March 8. Celebrate International Women’s Day at this beloved cucina by chef Cesarina Mezzoni (pictured). The Rome native and self-taught chef emigrated to California in 2015—opening Cesarina in 2018 as an homage to the Italian matriarchy. The restaurant will be giving out mimosa flowers—prominent blossoms of Italy’s Festa della Donna, symbolizing strength, sensibility and sensitivity. Dine-in guests also will receive a complimentary torta di mimosa dessert. Noon-3 p.m.; 4-8:30 p.m. for outdoor dining, takeout and delivery. 4161 Voltaire St., Point Loma, 619.226.6222. cesarinarestaurant.com
Arts + Culture
Lane Field Park Market
March 7. This popular weekly market by the waterfront across from Broadway Pier features live music, street food, artwork and pop-up installations, handmade jewelry, crafts and more. Sample cuisine from a dozen vendors, including waffles, crepes, empanadas, burgers, Mexican dishes, Thai food, hot mini doughnuts, smoothies and craft coffee by Nostalgia Coffee Roasters. Bring your own blanket (and sunscreen) to relax on the lawn. Lawn umbrellas are provided for shade. Masks and social distancing enforced. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. 1009 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info
A Thousand Ways
Extended through March 7. Presented by La Jolla Playhouse, this immersive experience is so popular that it keeps getting extended. Created by theater-making duo Michael Silverstone and Abigail Browde of 600 Highwaymen (pictured), the digital adventure begins with “Part One: A Phone Call.” All ticket holders need is a phone, through which they will be connected to another ticket holder who is a total stranger. They’ll then be guided by automated prompts over the course of an hour—after which, a portrait of their mystery “partner” will emerge. Ideal for ages 16 and older. Tickets are $25. lajollaplayhouse.org
Photo credits: The Flower Fields by Andre Nantel. Trust Restaurant by Haley Hill Photography. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
