Skip the Touristy Attractions and be the Ultimate Guide With This Hidden-Gem Itinerary
There you are, soaking up the sun and enjoying the greatest weather of the yearāwhen your phone dings. The inevitable āWeāre coming to visit next week!ā text is staring you straight in the face. Panic sets in as you realize youāve been spending your days at donation-based beach yoga and your nights at questionable clubsāthings your parents would shudder at the idea of attending. Theyāve given you no time to plan, but fret not: Weāre about to make you look like a wholesome-activity expert. Awkward family outings be gone in our guide to 12 non-cringe activities to do with your out-of-town family in San Diego!
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Breakfast at Stratford Court Cafe (Del Mar)
At the heart of a good time lies a good meal. Strap in and head straight to Stratford Court Cafe in Del Mar for a brunch like youāve never had before. Go for a savory breakfast with the Harbor Burrito, which isĀ filled with egg, potato, cheddar, bacon and avocado, or take it all the way sweet with a coconut cream waffle topped with whipped cream cheese and mascarpone, apple marmalade and meringue. Pair your meal with a salted caramel latte or a boozy mimosa and let the bonding begin on their shady outdoor patio.
Location: Del Mar
Explore Liberty Public Market
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When family is involved, everyoneās got a different say, which is what makes a place like Liberty Public Market the perfect activity. Easily park in Point Lomaās Liberty Station and enter the food hall filled with international vendors, from local Mexican favorites and Argentinian empanadas to French crepes and New York-style pizza. Sneak off and peruse the jewelry vendors and specialty shops, or grab your favorite cousin and prepare for pints at Bottlecraftās tasting room; thereās no wrong answers at this choose-your-own adventure marketplace!
Location: Liberty Station
Ichiban Sando
After a dayās worth of activities have gotten to everyone, itās time for some good old-fashioned grub. Whether youāre all ready to chill and order in or just want an easy place with a ton of options, Chula Vistaās Ichiban Sando has you covered. These arenāt your average sandwiches: Theyāre served on traditional Japanese milk toast, giving them a distinct and sweeter taste. Go for the satisfying chicken katsu sandwich or their fluffy egg sandwich and order a mango fruit sando made with cream for a little late-night dessert.Ā
Location: Chula Vista
Grange Garden
Head up to the charming, quaint area of Solana Beachāthis seaside town is a parentās dream. Start the day with the family at Grange Garden, a unique space offering artisan coffees, plants and home decor all in one place. Itās the perfect place to relax and catch up over a cup of joe as much as itās a great place to find that finishing touch your outdoor space needs. Order their fan-favorite coffee, The Gardener, which features fresh flavors from their garden, like honey, lavender, and a dash of vanillaāand grab a cinnamon roll while you’re at it! They also host seasonal events, so keep an eye out.
Location: Solana Beach
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Free Flight Bird Sanctuary (Del Mar)
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Itās time to spread those wings and do something different. Weāre aiming to be more like the birds, and a visit to Free Flight Bird Sanctuary will do just that. Get the chance to see several of their resident exotic birds, rescued from owners that were unable to keep them. They now spend the day interacting with humans as a way to re-socialize them, and they love it just as much as their visitors do! Entry is only $8 per person, but they operate on a reservation-only basisānot to ruffle any feathers, but youāll have to pre-book this one.
Location: Del Mar
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
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Every winter season, Mother Nature meets the wonder of light at the San Diego Botanic Garden to create a vibrant show of splendor. Happening from Nov. 17-Jan. 1, this event allows guests to experience a 1-mile loop of larger-than-life art installations and beautiful botanics. Thereās even concessions located along the trail stocked with food, snacks and alcoholic beverages to satisfy any cravings during your visit. Many nights sell out, and pricing depends on peak dates, so book early to guarantee your evening of grandeur!
Location: Encinitas
1/10
Hike Annieās Canyon Trail
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Not everyone in the family will be a hiker, but Annieās Canyon Trail hits all the marks. Itās unique, serene and not too strenuousāthis is one that can be done by almost all levels! This 2.3-mile loop trail features a short, mostly flat dirt path lined with flowers and ends in a rocky cave-like walk between one-of-a-kind sandstone formations. It is a tight squeeze at moments, ending with a ladder to get you out safelyābut itās a moderate amount of adventure that adds some excitement to the dayās exercise.
Location: Solana Beach
Skating by the Sea
Weāre taking after our parents and bringing them to a day at the ice rink. If theyāre visiting during the holiday season, thereās no more iconic skating spot than Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado! If they arenāt up for joining in, theyāll be happy to watch you gracefully glide across the string-light lit rink for as long as your heart desires. Just like old days, right? Located right across from Coronado Beach, this is an ultra-festive San Diego activity. The rink is open between Nov. 17 and Jan. 7!
Location: Coronado
The Invigatorium
Thereās no such thing as an average cup of joe at The Invigatorium. Just as the name would suggest, this East Village gem breathes new life into your average breakfast. The interior is decked out with the most eclectic selection of decor you can imagine: think dinosaurs hanging from the ceiling and an actual OG Ronald McDonald permanently accompanying one of the booths. The decorations are just as much a talking point as the drinks; they serve everything from delicious coffees to alcoholic slushies and beer!
Location: East Village
Makerās Arcade 2023 Holiday Fair
Theyāre bringing their best makesāand youād be making the biggest mistake by not dropping by. The Makerās Arcade Holiday Fair happens twice a year at the Downtown Harborās expansive Broadway Pier, where vendors from far and wide set up shop to bring you their best jewelry, candles, blankets, knickknacks and more. The winter fair will be taking place Dec. 2-3, making it the perfect spot to snag holiday goodies for everyone on your list! Not only will there be over 120 makers, there will be craft cocktails, beer, gourmet food trucks, live music, photo trailers, make-and-take stations and more!
Location: Broadway Pier
Picnic at Torrey Pines Gliderport
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This oneās BYOBābut whether thatās your own basket, beverage or binoculars is up to you. Gear up for a family picnic and get a glimpse of the paragliders at the Torrey Pines Gliderport! Located atop the stunning sea bluffs of La Jolla, set up your blankets and chairs on the grassy area for an afternoon of sunshine and a show. Live vicariously through the brave paragliders that sign up to jump the bluffs and glide through on their breezy parachutes, while you get to hang back with your peanut butter and jelly.
Location: Torrey Pines
Sea Kayaking with Everyday California
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Itās not every day your family gets to experience California, but Everyday California can give them a taste of what itās like. Treat the family to an afternoon kayaking excursion through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life in the state. Experienced guides will take you through the journey of your choice, whether thatās seasonal whale watching, kayaking, snorkeling or their unforgettable seven sea caves tour. Potential sea guests include dolphins, harbor seals and the bright orange garibaldiāthe California state fish!
Location: La Jolla
Jaclyn is a sunshine chasing San Diego native with an extensive writing background. When she isnāt word-smithing, you can find her playing beach volleyball, skating the boardwalk, or on a rooftop enjoying a drink in the sunshine with her pals.
- Jaclyn Keagyhttps://localemagazine.com/author/jaclyn-keagy/
- Jaclyn Keagyhttps://localemagazine.com/author/jaclyn-keagy/
- Jaclyn Keagyhttps://localemagazine.com/author/jaclyn-keagy/
- Jaclyn Keagyhttps://localemagazine.com/author/jaclyn-keagy/