North County Coastal San Diego

Cardiff-by-the-Sea • Carlsbad • Del Mar Encinitas • Oceanside • Solana Beach

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve & Nature Center

2710 Manchester Ave. 760-634-3026 www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/ en/park-pages/SanElijo.html

The nature center features interactive animal and plant exhibits, cultural displays and more. Enjoy views from a stroller-friendly, ADA-accessible observation deck overlooking the marsh. Ask about TRACK Trails, a nature-themed scavenger hunt for kids.

Carlsbad www.carlsbadca.gov

Batiquitos Lagoon & Nature Center

7380 Gabbiano Ln. 442-320-7009 www.batiquitoslagoon.org

Explore coastal wetland on a strollerfriendly 1.6-mile trail along the north shore. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and learn about different species that inhabit the lagoon. Ask about guided walks and nature presentations.

Carlsbad Lagoon

4215 Harrison St. 760-434-3089 www.carlsbadlagoon.com

Spend a day on the water at this aquatic oasis. Available watercraft rentals include WaveRunners, standup paddleboards, single or tandem kayaks, pontoons and swan pedal boats (great for a family of four).

Green Dragon Tavern & Museum   6115 Paseo Del Norte  760- 918-2421  www.greendragontavernca.com/ museum

Historic restaurant and museum inspired by the original 18th-century Green Dragon Tavern in Boston. Free museum gives visitors a look into the architecture, historical artifacts and culture of Colonial America.

K1 Speed Indoor Kart Racing

6212 Corte del Abeto 760-929-2225 www.k1speed.com

Embrace the need for speed at the original K1 Speed racetrack. Off the track, compete in arcade games and grab a bite at the snack bar. Height requirement: 48” for kart racing. Also in Chula Vista and downtown San Diego.

LEGOLAND California

One Legoland Dr. www.legoland.com/california

Celebrate LEGOLAND California’s 25th birthday with kid-friendly rides, shows, attractions and a water park (additional admission). Check out 55 iconic San Diego landmarks in Miniland USA and the all-new Dino Valley, featuring two new rides, dinothemed character meet-and-greets and more. Consider staying overnight in one of two LEGO-themed resort hotels on property.

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park  6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln.  442-339-5042  www.carrillo-ranch.org/visit   Spanish-style 27-acre ranch built by Hollywood actor and preservationist Leo Carrillo. Visitor center, select buildings and exhibits are open intermittently for self-guided tours. Guided walking tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Call to confirm availability.

Museum of Making Music

5790 Armada Dr. 760-438-5996 www.museumofmakingmusic.org

Learn about the music industry at this recently renovated museum, now featuring two interactive rooms, one for kids and one for adults. Get hands-on with instruments, try the live mixing station and more. Closed Mondays and holidays.

SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND

One Legoland Dr. www.visitsealife.com/california

Embark on an underwater adventure with over 6,000 sea creatures including sharks, octopi, sea turtles, jellyfish and seahorses. Don’t miss the interactive touch pools, feeding demonstrations and educational talks.

Windmill Food Hall

890 Palomar Airport Rd.

760-214-9127 www.windmillfoodhall.com

Enjoy an electric variety of quick-service eateries located inside the county’s iconic Windmill building. Check website for weekly happy hour deals, open mic nights, trivia and other events.

Del Mar www.delmar.ca.us

CeramiCafe

12843 El Camino Real #206

858-259-9958 www.ceramicafe.com

Create a personalized piece of pottery for yourself or make a gift for a friend. Choose from a wide selection of plates, bowls, figurines and more. Also in La Mesa.

Del Mar Beach/Powerhouse Park

1658 Coast Blvd.

858-755-1524

Soak up some sunshine at this beautiful coastal park overlooking Del Mar’s favorite beach. Amenities include a large grassy area, renovated playground, restrooms, outdoor showers and more. Easy access to the beach and other eateries along 15th Street.

Del Mar Fairgrounds www.delmarfairgrounds.com

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Home to the San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Racetrack, concerts and many other fun events, be sure to check the schedule to see what’s happening.

Del Mar Highlands Town Center

12925 El Camino Real www.delmarhighlandstowncenter.com

Home to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Batch & Box cookies (the best!), Geppetto’s Toys, Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee, Sky Deck (multirestaurant dining destination), DIESEL Bookstore and many other eateries and boutique shops. Check the calendar for free events like Hullabaloo concerts and more.

Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary

2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

858-481-3148 www.freeflightbirds.org

Meet resident exotic birds, adoptable parrots and colorful koi in a tropical habitat. Stop by the learning center for educational programs on conservation and care of endangered birds. Reservations only. Guided tours, including ASL interpreted tours, available.

One Paseo www.onepaseo.com

3725 Paseo Pl.

Boutique shops and kid-friendly eateries such as CAVA, Parakeet Café and Salt & Straw. Check the calendar for fun events such as Discover Together with San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, Creative Wednesday with Fleet Science Center (monthly), Family Yoga and more.

Pacific Highlands Ranch Park and Pump Track 5977 Village Center Loop Rd. www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/recctr/ pacifichighlandsranch

Put your pedal to the metal (or concrete) at this impressive pump track that offers non-stop fun to bike, scooter and skateboard enthusiasts of varying skill levels. The 20,000 square-foot area is built for one-way riding to avoid collisions. Just inland from Del Mar (in Carmel Valley).

Pelly’s Mini Golf

15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd; 858-509-5130 https://delmargolfcenter.greensidegolfer.com

Play 18 holes of mini golf on themed courses: Pelly’s Ocean Adventure or Surfin’ Safari. Perfect for a family outing or groups. Located at Del Mar Golf Center across from Del Mar Fairgrounds.

San Dieguito County Park 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr; 858-755-2386 www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/ SanDieguito.html

This awesome, expansive park is surrounded by eucalyptus groves and features multiple playgrounds, lookout platforms, suspension bridges, picnic areas, a pond and five miles of hiking trails.

Encinitas

www.encinitasca.gov

Candles on Tap 687 S Coast Hwy. 101 #155 760-395-7161 www.candlesontap.com

Customize and pour your own candle from 100 unique fragrances at San Diego’s first candle bar. Take home a one-of-a-kind, personalized candle. Flameless options available. Reservations encouraged. Closed Mondays.

Cottonwood Creek Park

95 N. Vulcan Ave.

Spend the day at this relaxing eight-acre park, featuring unique play structures, lots of grass, picnic facilities, creekside trails, and tennis, basketball and pickleball courts. Walking distance to restaurants and shops.

Encinitas Community Park

425 Santa Fe Dr.

Find more awesome playgrounds on page 29!

Moonlight State Beach

400 B St.

The crown jewel of Encinitas, this beach offers swimming, surfing, sand, a playground, beach rentals (boogie boards, beach umbrellas, etc.), firepits, lifeguards and Beach Wolf Restaurant, serving all-day breakfast sandwiches, tacos, coffee, shaved ice and more.

San Diego Botanic Garden

300 Quail Gardens Dr. (at Ecke Ranch Rd.) 760-436-3036 www.sdbgarden.org

With 29 themed gardens and four miles of trails, there’s plenty for families to explore at this urban oasis.

Climb Toni’s Tree House in Hamilton Children’s Garden, challenge yourself at Junior Quail Trail and enjoy the miniature railroad at Seeds of Wonder.

San Dieguito Heritage Museum

450 Quail Gardens Dr. 760-632-9711 www.sdheritage.org

Explore north county coastal history at this museum housed at Heritage Ranch. Open Fridays and Saturdays. Discounts for kids under 12; under 6 are free.

Swami’s Beach

1298 S. Coast Hwy. 101

Enjoy cliff-top coastal views, a grassy area for picnics and a great stretch of sand for family walks. Small parking lot has stairs down to the beach.

Oceanside

www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

Buccaneer Cafe

1508 S. Pacific St.  www.buccaneer-cafe.com

A hidden gem at Buccaneer Beach Park and across the street from Buccaneer Beach. Meet friends for an espresso or acai bowl at this unassuming snack shack. Locals recommend the Kitchen Sink Breakfast Burrito and fluffy pancakes. Sunset Tacos available Fridays from 4-7:30 pm (May–Sept).