Stroller-Friendly Spots for Mom Meet-Ups!

Welcoming a new baby into the family is often a blur for parents. Catching up with friends is easily put on the back burner with all the hustle and bustle, but connection with others can be a saving grace when you’re parenting in the thick of babyhood. So, do your best to make mom meet-ups a priority. Put the baby in the stroller, grab a cup of coffee and go for a walk together. Not only will you benefit from a dose of San Diego Vitamin D and adult conversation, but baby will love being out in the fresh air. Luckily for us, there is no shortage of great coffee shops or beautiful, stroller-friendly walking paths in America’s Finest City.

Photo credit: @playdatesandpints

Mission Bay

Postcard-worthy views and droolworthy vegan snacks welcome visitors to Superbloom at the new Mission Bay Beach Club (open to the public). Located on the coastline of Mission Bay, this spot has its own parking lot and winding sidewalks along the water.

Grab an oat milk Matcha Chai Latte and head down the path; in just under one mile, you’ll come to San Diego Mission Bay Resort—that’s your cue to head back. The wide path makes it easy to walk next to friends, no matter the size of your stroller.

Insider’s tip: Couldn’t make it out for a morning coffee? Mission Bay is also a beautiful spot for a sunset stroll.

La Jolla

Order the Best Drink Ever or a smoothie from Better Buzz, then take a walk along Coast Blvd. in La Jolla. While enjoying your coffee and catching up, you’ll enjoy the coastal breeze (which always helps babies sleep) and panoramic views from La Jolla Shores to Torrey Pines.

The walk from Better Buzz to La Jolla Cove takes about 10 minutes, but keep in mind it’s uphill on the way back. Give yourself a few extra minutes on the return as you’ll be pushing your stroller up the grade.

Insider’s tip: Order Avocado Toast to-go from Better Buzz and picnic under the unique Torrey Pines at Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea/Encinitas

Walking with a group? Your best bet in town is the Coastal Rail Trail in Cardiff/Encinitas. This pathway is wide enough for two or three strollers to walk and talk (just be mindful of bikers passing by). Start off at Chesterfield Dr. & San Elijo Ave. off S. Coast Highway 101 and walk as far as you’d like—you can walk five miles if you’re feeling ambitious!

Insider’s tip: If you’ve worked up an appetite, Swami’s Café is a short walk from the trail (near Santa Fe Dr.) and offers everything you could want for breakfast or lunch.

Poway

Poway is a unique area of north San Diego County. With a motto like “The City in the Country,” you can bet they have some surprises in store! You’ll find beautiful antique stores, a general store, and of course, unique and delicious coffee. New to the area is a coffee shop owned by two Poway locals: Luckie Coffee, which specializes in pour overs. Grab a High Noon House Blend and seasonal vegan doughnut for your walk down Midland Rd. to Old Poway Park. There is so much to explore at the park—trains that operate on weekends, museums, historic houses and plenty of grass and shade trees.

Insider’s tip: Every Saturday the Poway Farmers Market is right next to Old Poway Park (on Midland) from 8 am–1 pm. Take your walk, then enjoy everything from delicious smoothies and made-to-order food to fresh pasta and produce.

Point Loma

Liberty Station NTC Park offers stroller walking paths with convenient parking any day of the week. Access flat, dirt paths that loop around playgrounds, grass and along the water. If you want more shade, walk between the buildings and through the arches of paved, covered walkways. You’ll find large grassy courtyards there as well. Before your walk, stop at Moniker Coffee Co. for a Chai latte or WestBean Coffee Roasters (inside Liberty Public Market) for a macchiato or iced tea.

Insider’s tip: On weekends you’ll often find musicians playing at Liberty Public Market! v

Local mom and San Diego blogger Sandra Page can be found adventuring on Instagram at @playdatesandpints.

Baby & Toddlers Guide 2022 • SanDiegofamily.com • 23