Things To Do
Looking to get outside?
Make the most of the San Diego weather with a beach day, hike, or time on the water! Moonlight Beach — Encinitas: One of our favorite beaches for a classic beach day! Great for swimming, laying out, or playing beach volleyball. South Ponto Beach — Carlsbad: Right next to our wedding venue, Alila Marea! A beautiful stretch of beach for relaxing, taking a walk, or enjoying the ocean. Fletcher Cove — Solana Beach: A smaller, laid-back beach surrounded by coastal cliffs, with a park and beautiful ocean views above. Annie's Canyon Trail — Solana Beach: A fun, relatively short hike through a narrow sandstone canyon with beautiful views of the lagoon at the top. Surf Lessons — Encinitas: Want to try surfing while you're here? Encinitas is a great place to take a beginner lesson and get out on the water!
In the mood to shop?
A few of our favorite areas to walk around, shop, and grab a bite to eat! One Paseo — Del Mar: A beautiful outdoor shopping area with great boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. Don't miss Salt & Straw for ice cream! Cedros Design District — Solana Beach: A fun area to explore with local boutiques, home décor shops, art galleries, and unique finds. Downtown Encinitas — Highway 101: One of our favorite areas to walk around! Lots of surf shops, local boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, all close to the beach. Carlsbad Village — Carlsbad: A cute, walkable downtown area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés just a few blocks from the ocean.
Feeling creative?
A few fun spots to try something new and make something to take home! Candle Bar — Carlsbad Village: Create your own custom candle by choosing your favorite scents and pouring it yourself. A fun activity to pair with lunch or shopping around Carlsbad Village! Custom Hat Bar — Carlsbad Village: Design your own hat with different bands, charms, and accessories. A fun way to make something unique to take home! Pigment — Carlsbad: One of our favorite local shops for home décor, gifts, and plants! You can also create your own succulent arrangement to take home. Common Project — Solana Beach: A creative studio offering pottery, painting, and other hands-on workshops. A fun activity to do with friends!
Coffee Shops
Better Buzz Coffee — Multiple Locations: One of our longtime favorites! Cierra actually worked here during college. Known for their Best Drink Ever and fun coffee creations. PARA — Encinitas: A cute, Persian-inspired coffee shop with unique specialty lattes and delicious pastries. Sip-N-Sea — Leucadia: A laid-back coastal spot for coffee, smoothies, and açaí bowls. Perfect for a quick stop before the beach! Pannikin Coffee & Tea — Leucadia: A local staple in a historic yellow train station. Great coffee, pastries, and a cute outdoor patio. Coffee Coffee — Leucadia: A relaxed neighborhood coffee shop right next to Surfhouse Boutique Hotel. Great for coffee and breakfast. Necessity Coffee — Encinitas: A modern specialty coffee shop with great espresso drinks, right in downtown Encinitas. Vici Cafe — North County: A great spot for coffee and delicious sandwiches if you're looking for something more filling!
Breakfast and Brunch
A few great spots for a slow morning, a good breakfast, or weekend brunch! New Wave Bagel — Leucadia: A cute local bagel shop with fresh bagels and delicious breakfast sandwiches. Perfect for a quick breakfast before heading to the beach! The Cottage — Del Mar: A San Diego brunch favorite with everything from pancakes and French toast to savory breakfast classics. Great for a sit-down brunch! Atelier Manna — Encinitas: A beautiful brunch spot with creative, seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients. Great for a more unique breakfast experience. Coffee Dose — Del Mar: A fun, retro-inspired café with playful décor, specialty coffee drinks, and great breakfast options.
Lunch & Casual Bites
A few of our favorite spots for a casual lunch, especially after a morning at the beach! Haggo's Organic Taco — Leucadia: A laid-back local spot serving organic tacos with fresh ingredients and plenty of healthy, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options. Board & Brew — Multiple Locations: A San Diego staple and one of our favorites for sandwiches! Perfect for a quick lunch or grabbing something to take to the beach. The Taco Stand — Encinitas: A must for authentic Mexican street-style tacos, burritos, and fresh guacamole. A great spot for a casual San Diego lunch!
Dinner & Drinks
Herb & Sea — Encinitas: One of our favorites for a nicer dinner! Great seafood, wood-fired dishes, and a beautiful coastal atmosphere. Happy Hour! Honor Bar — Del Mar: A cozy, upscale spot with American classics, great cocktails, and a nice atmosphere for dinner. Punta Mar — Encinitas: Authentic Mexican seafood with fresh ceviche, aguachiles, and other delicious coastal dishes. Pastaria Vivi — Encinitas: A cute Italian spot with fresh pasta, focaccia, and a relaxed atmosphere. Leu Leu — Encinitas: A stylish spot for cocktails and small plates. Great for dinner or drinks with friends! Sago — Encinitas: A lively, tropical-inspired spot with creative cocktails and a fun atmosphere. Happy Hour! The Waverly — Cardiff: A beautiful coastal-inspired spot with great cocktails and a lively bar. Happy Hour! Anigma — Encinitas: A hidden speakeasy with creative cocktails and a unique atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Want to Explore a Little More?
If you're staying a few extra days or want to explore more of Southern California, here are a few places worth checking out! San Diego Zoo — Balboa Park: One of San Diego's most popular attractions and absolutely worth visiting! Balboa Park — San Diego: A beautiful area filled with gardens, museums, historic architecture, and walking paths. La Jolla Cove — La Jolla: A beautiful coastal area known for its ocean views, sea lions, and kayaking. Del Mar Racetrack — Del Mar: Horse racing season is typically in full swing during August! A fun way to spend an afternoon, especially if you're looking for something different. Coronado Island — San Diego: One of our favorite areas for a beach day or a little getaway! Temecula Wine Country — Temecula: Just over an hour inland, Temecula is known for its wineries and beautiful vineyards. Joshua Tree National Park — Joshua Tree: If you're up for a longer adventure, Joshua Tree is a beautiful desert destination with unique landscapes.