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Mother-Daughter Day Out in San Diego: Exploring Del Mar and Encinitas
Hey guys! If you’re looking for a fun day out with your mom, I’ve got the perfect itinerary for you! Here’s what you need to do:
Around noon, head over to Torrey Pines State Reserve for a beautiful ocean-view hike with your mom. The hike is not too tiring but offers amazing views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you for the photos! To be transparent, I always try to look a little better for this hike over other hikes because of the potential opportunity to take Instagram photos. Shhh! I didn’t say anything.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite and burned off your calories, head to Monarch Ocean Pub for an early dinner and happy hour, what mom isn’t into discounted food and drinks 😉 While you wait for your table, head to the opposite side of the restaurant to grab happy hour drinks at the Monarch’s outside bar or grab a coffee at Kini Koffee while you wait for your table.
- Just an FYI, my favorite cocktail at Monarch is the Selleck and my favorite drink at Kini Koffee is an iced matcha latte with strawberry cold foam! SOOOO yummy! Maybe don’t recommend those to your mom though, they are very sweet drinks.
Finally, wrap up the day with a movie at Cinepolis. The theater is a bit fancier than your average cinema, with comfy leather seats, food service, and a full bar. As of 2023, if you go on a Tuesday, tickets are 50% off! Perfect for a relaxing end to a fun-filled day with your mom! Tip: bring a blanket to the theater, it makes the theater that much cozier!
Here is an additional day of activities you and your mom can do based out of Encinitas!
Start your day off with a delicious and healthy breakfast at Goodonya. Their breakfast bowls and smoothies are amazing, and they have plenty of vegan and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Next up, head over to Philz Coffee for a caffeine fix. They have a great selection of coffees and teas, and their cozy and rustic vibe is the perfect spot to catch up with your mom. I recommend getting the Tesora and a chocolate chip cookie! After your coffee break, take a stroll down the 101 and check out some of the amazing stores in the area. Hansen’s, Salt Culture, Vuori, Birkenstock, and Brixton are just a few of the awesome stores you can visit.
If you’re up for it, make a stop at the beautiful Swami’s Meditation Gardens. The gardens are a peaceful and serene spot, perfect for some quiet reflection and relaxation. Just remember to be respectful of those who are meditating, and keep your voices low. Be mindful that they close at 5 pm and are not open on Sundays.
Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Encinitas. My personal favorites are Union Kitchen and Tap for their farm-to-table meals or Biergarden for the fun atmosphere!
I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas for a fun day out with your mom in Encinitas. Whether you’re shopping, sipping coffee, or enjoying the beauty of the meditation gardens, you’re sure to have a great time together!
Check out my handpicked playlist that’s perfect for spending a fun day with your mom! You can also listen to it on Spotify – just search for travelwmusic or click the title of the playlist below!
Mother-Daughter Day Out in San Diego:
- Norah Jones – Sunrise
- The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
- Surfaces – Come With Me
- Fitz and The Tantrums – Out of My League
- Harry Styles – As It Was
- Dayglow – Hot Rod
- Empire of the Sun – Walking On A Dream
- Jack Johnson – Upside Down
- Foster The People – Sit Next to Me
- The Cure – Just like Heaven
- Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
- Daryl Hall & John Oates – You Make My Dreams (Come True)
- Bee Gees – More Than A Woman – SG’s Paradise Edit
- SG Lewis – Time
- Fleetwood Mac – Gypsy
- Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Maroon 5 – Sunday Morning
- Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)
- Mariah Carey – Fantasy
- Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Quality Time with Dad in San Diego: A Two-Day Itinerary of Fun and Bonding
Hey, y’all! If you’re looking for a fun day out with your dad, head over to Liberty Station! Start your day at The Loma Club, where you can enjoy a round of mini-golf and maybe even teach your dad a thing or two. It’s the perfect way to bond and show off your skills (or lack thereof, like me!)
Next up, head over to Stone Brewing for a beer and some grub. They have a great selection of craft beers and delicious food options, so you’re sure to find something you both love. Plus, the laid-back vibe is perfect for a chill day out with your dad.
After dinner, catch a movie at The Lot. They have a cozy and intimate theater with comfy seats, perfect for snuggling up with your dad and enjoying a good flick.
If it’s baseball season, take your dad to a Padres game at Petco Park. There’s nothing like the energy and excitement of a live game, and you can indulge in some classic ballpark snacks like hot dogs and peanuts. But still, be sure to check out the food options at Petco Park before or after the game. My personal favorite is the Carnitas Snack Shack – their carnitas queso fries are so delicious (or anything with carnitas). And for all the dads out there (including mine), make sure to swing by Hodad’s Burger Joint, which is conveniently located inside the stadium. I mean, it’s gotta be good if it has “dad” in the name, right? Their burgers are seriously delicious, but don’t tell anyone I said that – especially not In-N-Out fans!
I hope this itinerary gives you some fun ideas for a memorable day out with your dad in San Diego. Enjoy the quality time and make some great memories together!
Check out my handpicked playlist that’s perfect for spending a fun day with your dad! You can also listen to it on Spotify – just search for travelwmusic or click the title of the playlist below!
Quality Time with Dad in San Diego:
- Slightly Stoopid – 2am
- Eagles – Hotel California – 2013 Remaster
- Talking Heads – This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) – 2005 Remaster
- Sublime – Santeria
- Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
- Mr. Probz – Waves – Robin Schulz Radio Edit
- Jack Johnson – Upside Down
- 2Pac – California Love – Original Version
- Eagles – Take It Easy – 2013 Remaster
- Khalid – Young Dumb & Broke
- Boston – More Than a Feeling
- Roosevelt – Moving On
- Bob Marley & The Wailers – Three Little Birds
- John Mayer – Still Feel Like Your Man
- The Outfield – Your Love
- Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl
- Van Halen – Jump – 2015 Remaster
- Don Henley – The Boys Of Summer
- Rascal Flatts – Life is a Highway
- The Notorious B.I.G. – Hypnotize – 2007 Remaster
A Guide to the Perfect Girl’s Day Out with Your Best Friend
Get ready for the ultimate girl’s day out with your bestie! You know what they say, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. When it comes to a perfect day out with your bestie, shopping and dinner come in a close second. First stop, UTC mall in La Jolla! Trust me, I’ve shopped at a lot of malls in my day, but nothing compares to this one.
Here are some of my favorite stores that you can’t miss:
- Gorjana (my favorite jewelry store)
- Nordstrom
- Aritzia
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Sun Diego
- Zara
- Madewell
- Free People
- Sephora
- Cotton On
Now, let’s talk food. If you’re a dumpling fan, Din Tai Fung is an absolute must-try. But be prepared, they don’t take reservations, so it’s best to put your name down sooner rather than later (the wait can be from 1-2 hours long). But believe me, it’ll be worth it!
Some recommendations for Din Tai Fung:
Sweet & Sour Pork Baby Back Ribs, Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao, Chicken Spicy Wontons, String Beans with Garlic, Noodles with Spicy Sauce, Chicken Fried Rice, and Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao. I saved the best for last! Din Tai Fung is best enjoyed with company, so make sure to share these dishes with your bestie!
If you’re trying to keep things healthy, True Food Kitchen is the place for you. Just make sure to check out their Instagram to plan your outfit to match the vibe of the restaurant. Yes, I’m that extra.
Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, Javier’s is the way to go. Their Mexican cuisine is to die for, and their margaritas are legendary. But be prepared to pay a little extra for the experience.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, UTC mall has a hidden speakeasy bar called Raised By Wolves. The front of it looks like a regular old liquor store, but inside, there’s a secret bar you can only access by a rotating chair.
Your day with your bestie at UTC mall promises to be an exciting day filled with shopping, tasty food, and even some new additions to your closet!
For an unforgettable day with your bestie, head to Mission Beach in San Diego! Start your day at Mission Bay Beach Club’s Superbloom, where you can indulge in some delicious coffee and fuel up for the day ahead. But that’s not all, they also serve up some of the best avocado toast in town, with various toppings to try. I highly recommend trying the Mediterranean avocado toast with feta cheese, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They’re so good, you and your friend should definitely split two! While you enjoy your coffee and toast, take some time to explore the gift shop as well. There are many fun and unique items in there, but my personal favorite is the sunglasses. Trust me, you’ll want to spend more time there than you planned!
After your morning walk and coffee run, you can head back home to freshen up and get ready for the rest of your day, or you could head to the beach. Mission Beach has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for some tanning, surfing, or just relaxing and reading on the beach. If you have some extra time, be sure to check out Beach House on the water and the Giant Dipper rollercoaster located in Belmont Park.
As the sun starts to set, it’s time to head over to Cannonball for dinner. This iconic hip sushi spot is located right on the water, making it the perfect place to enjoy delicious food and breathtaking views. Be prepared, as there may be a long wait. But again, it’s worth it! The menu is filled with a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese-inspired dishes. You must try the En Fuego roll, which features crab, avocado, torched salmon, spicy aioli, eel sauce, and scallions, as well as the salmon tacos. If you’re in the mood for cocktails, don’t miss out on the Cactus Cooler or the Mai Tai, two fan favorites that will perfectly complement your sushi and the sunset view. Overall, Mission Beach is the perfect destination for a day filled with amazing coffee, delicious food, breathtaking views, and unforgettable memories with your bestie!
Check out my handpicked playlist that’s perfect for spending a fun day with your best friend! You can also listen to it on Spotify – just search for travelwmusic or click the title of the playlist below!
San Diego Fun with My Bestie: The Ulitmate Soundtrack:
- Tame Impala – The Less I Know The Better
- Dayglow – Can I Call You Tonight?
- Disclosure – Latch
- Calvin Harris – Feel So Close – Radio Edit
- Big Wild – Awaken
- Two Door Cinema Club – This Is the Life
- Duke Dumont – I Got U
- Sam Evian – Right Down the Line
- Mac DeMarco – Still Beating
- Goth Babe – Driving South
- Lorde – Tennis Court – Flume Remix
- Her’s – What Once Was
- Flight Facilities – FOREVER – Roosevelt Remix
- Darius – FADED
- RÜFÜS DU SOL – Sundream – Casino Gold Remix
- Local Natives – Dark Days
- Foster The People – Sit Next to Me – Stereotypes Remix
- Surfaces – I Can’t Help But Feel
- KAYTRANADA – YOU’RE THE ONE
- The Killers – Mr. Brightside