From Beers to Backyard Game Night, Make Dad Smile This Father’s Day

It’s no secret that dads are among the hardest folks on Earth to shop for. What do you get for the guy who has everything and (claims he) needs nothing? Our advice: this Father’s Day, skip the usual tie and cufflinks and treat your main man to a SoCal experience that you’ll both remember for years to come. Read on for eight different ways to show Dad some love this year. Celebrate Father’s Day

 

Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Celebrate Father’s Day

Every Sunday from 2-4 p.m., Chef DuVal Warner of Ranch 45 in Solana Beach hosts a barbecue that’s sure to knock Dad’s socks off. Pre-order a full or half rack of ribs and add on comfort food extras like mac and cheese and collard greens. Be sure to place your order by Saturday to enjoy the festivities, or if Dad’s too tuckered out to go out, order a grill box to go that you can fire up on the grill at home. Ranch 45 is known for its premium selection of Brand Beef, including items like ribeye steaks, all-natural hot dogs, skirt steaks, prime rib and more. Many of the grill boxes include rubs, sauces and sides, so nailing that smoky flavor isn’t an issue!

Ranch 45
Location: Solana Beach

 

Dinner on Tracks Celebrate Father’s Day

Just because indoor dining is making a comeback, that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up the al fresco experience just yet. Nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, this lively spot has some of the best patio dining in town and treats diners to live music and entertainment daily. The expansive patio features heaters, string lights and a central bar surrounded by lush scenery—the perfect setting for a Father’s Day meal. Nosh on their take on classic American fare, such as Trevor’s ahi poke nachos, Far East Fire Wings or Backyard BBQ Chicken Flatbread, and enjoy the charming sounds of the Amtrak line that whizzes by. Better yet, hop on the train post-meal and take an impromptu trip through Orange County by rail.

Trevor’s at the Tracks
Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Grab a Cold One Celebrate Father’s Day

A dad and his beer—name a better duo! Raise a pint to the man that made you the person you are and spend the day kicking back with some of the best lagers in SoCal. OC dwellers will love Helmsman Ale House in Newport Beach for its specialty craft beers and neighborhood pub vibes. If you’re down in San Diego, stop by Latchkey Brewing for the on-site brewed suds and stay for the food trucks that come around. And up in LA, visit Angel City Brewery for a rotation of eight hops on tap and an outdoor beer garden.

Helmsman Ale House
Location: Newport Beach

Latchkey Brewing
Location: San Diego

Angel City Brewery
Location: Downtown Los Angeles

 

Plan a Golf Staycation 

For the serious golfer dad, a proper staycation might be in order. Take Pops down to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Carlsbad for an unforgettable weekend on the green. Home to the LPGA Kia Classic, this award-winning, par 72 golf course is the perfect place to showcase your swing. Book a tee time together and enjoy coaching from world-class instructors in a gorgeous seaside setting. For some post-round downtime, head to the hotel spa for a little pampering or sip drinks by the resort’s pool.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Location: Carlsbad

 

Rent an Electric Boat

Bring the little ones along and make it a full family affair when you rent an electric boat at Lido Marina Village Electric Boat Rental. Perfect for groups of 10 or less, you and your crew can take to the bay and enjoy the California blues from the comfort of your own cruiser. Bring along the snacks and the tunes for an afternoon of quality time at sea, and let the Big Guy be captain for a day—or at least by the hour.

Lido Marina Village Electric Boat Rental
Location: Newport Beach

Give a Thoughtful Card 

If putting your sentimental thoughts into words doesn’t come easily, pick up a thoughtful card for Dad at Sugar Paper in Newport Beach or Seaside Papery on San Diego’s Coronado Island. While you’re at it, consider creating a professional photo book to share a highlight reel of your best memories together over the years, or monogram Dad some desk stationery to keep him looking like the ultimate pro at the office. Either way, nothing says “I love you” like a tangible keepsake!

Sugar Paper
Location: Newport Beach

Seaside Papery
Location: Coronado

 

Head to the Desert for Family Fun

Pack up and get out of town for a getaway to desert country. Book your stay at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells and get ready to unplug. Play a round of golf surrounded by the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains at Classic Club in Palm Desert, luxuriate at Renaissance Esmeralda’s world-class spa and celebrate the man of the hour with some tasty tapas and wine at Cork & Fork, a local La Quinta favorite. 

Renaissance Esmeralda
Location: Indian Wells

Cork & Fork
Location: La Quinta

 

Play Bartender

Put Dad’s bartending skills to the test this Father’s Day with this classic old-fashioned recipe from Glenfiddich. Check out the recipe below!

 

What You’ll Need:

– 1 teaspoon simple syrup
– A dash of Angostura Bitters
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey or Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
– Two large orange peels

How to Make it:

– Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass over ice and stir well
– Strain over large cube of ice into an old fashioned glass
– Zest the oils of two large pieces of orange peel into glass
– Add one peel to glass as a garnish

 

Backyard Game Night

Most dads have a competitive streak—though they may not always show it. And with the season’s warm temps, there is no better time for a little backyard competition! Gather your family and set up a tournament of lawn games like cornhole, Spikeball or Giant Jenga. If you’re feelin’ extra crafty, check out these DIY cornhole instructions to build your own boards—talk about the perfect Father’s Day gift!

 

Pack a Cooler

For the dad who prefers to drink on the go, an Igloo cooler is the gift that will keep on giving. Perfect for summer barbecues, concerts, picnics and jaunts to the seaside, Dad’s mug will runneth over when you stock one of these babies with a caseload of Corona Premier. He’ll feel like the king that he is with his crown beverage in hand.

 

Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Grab a blanket and make the evening memorable with a movie under the stars. Best Buy and Amazon have an assortment of outdoor projectors and screens that are perfect for backyard viewing. Want to level-up your cinema night? Add a popcorn bar to the mix with candy treats, marshmallows and other fun mix-ins!