Handel’s 12843 El Camino Real, Ste. 108 858-925-7308 www.handelsicecream.com Handel’s has been serving scoops of homemade ice cream to happy customers since 1945. Choose from sundaes, shakes, smoothies or a “Handel’s Hurricane.” Also in Carlsbad; check website for more locations coming soon!
Encinitas www.encinitasca.gov Cottonwood Creek Park 95 N. Vulcan Ave. Spend the afternoon at this relaxing park that offers unique play structures, grassy lawns, picnic areas, creekside trails, and tennis and basketball courts. Walk to nearby restaurants and shops. Dave’s Rock Garden 200-298 B St. This hidden gem is a favorite of artists, families, beachgoers and passersby. Take a stroll through the garden and enjoy a delightfully landscaped oasis with hundreds of hand-painted rocks placed by locals and visitors. Be sure to say “hi” to Dave if you see him working in the garden.
Rockie's Find a list of San Diego County’s favorite frozen treats at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/out-about/ ice-cream-shops.
One Paseo 3725 Paseo Pl. www.onepaseo.com Cute and trendy complex featuring shops, family-friendly restaurants such as Shake Shack, Tender Greens, Salt & Straw, Parakeet Juicery and unique spots to sit and relax. Pelly’s Mini Golf 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 858-509-5130 www.delmargolfcenter.com/pages/ pellys-mini-golf Play 18 holes of mini golf on one of two fun, themed courses: Pelly’s Ocean Adventure or Surfin’ Safari. San Dieguito County Park 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. 858-755-2386 www.sandiegocounty.gov/parks/ picnic/sandieguito.html Surrounded by eucalyptus groves, this awesome, expansive park has lookout platforms, suspension bridges, trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and more.
Encinitas Community Park 425 Santa Fe Dr. This large, beautiful park has sports fields, a skate park, walking paths, a popular children’s playground and dog park. Moonlight State Beach 400 B St. The crown jewel of Encinitas, this gorgeous beach has it all: swim, surf, sand, children’s playground, snack bar, volleyball courts, firepits, lifeguards and more. Free parking lot. San Diego Botanic Garden 230 Quail Gardens Dr. 760-436-3036 www.sdbgarden.org Explore the tree house and Children’s Garden, and visit for Family Fun Nights and other kid-friendly events. San Dieguito Heritage Ranch 450 Quail Gardens Dr. 760-632-9711 www.sdheritage.org Home to the Heritage Museum, where you can explore local history, music and art. Check the website for hours and family events such as Prairie Day. Swami’s Beach 1298 S. Coast Hwy. 101 Enjoy spectacular 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 www.buccaneer-cafe.com A true hidden gem at Buccaneer
14 • SD Family’s Out&About 2021 • North County Coastal
Park and across the street from Buccaneer Beach. Before your morning beach stroll, fuel up at this popular snack-shack turned delicious quick-service breakfast/brunch joint. Locals recommend the Kitchen Sink Breakfast Burrito and fluffy pancakes. “Sunset Tacos” available every Friday from 4-7:30 pm. Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center 2202 S. Coast Hwy. 760-439-2473 www.bvaudubon.org/nature-center Explore interactive exhibits, visit the bird-viewing deck and walk along the nature trail. Located next to the Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Closed Mondays. California Surf Museum 312 Pier View Way 760-721-6876 www.surfmuseum.org This museum celebrates surfboards, surfers, and shapers while chronicling the sport of surfing through permanent and revolving special exhibits. Check out the fun gift shop! Guajome Regional Park 3000 Guajome Lake Rd. 760-724-4489 Spend a relaxing day (or weekend) at this lovely county park. Walk the trails, enjoy playgrounds, ponds and an expansive lawn, or reserve a camping spot. Parking fee. iFLY Oceanside Indoor Skydiving 3178 Vista Way 760-606-4359 www.iflyworld.com/oceanside Vertical wind tunnels simulate the thrill of skydiving in a safe, familyfriendly environment. Mission San Luis Rey 4050 Mission Ave. 760-757-3651 www.sanluisrey.org Explore the historic church, museum, gardens and architectural beauty of this “King of the Missions.”
Solana Beach www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us Fletcher Cove Beach Park 111 S. Sierra Ave. This awesome park sits above the beach, offering gorgeous ocean views, picnic areas and a playground. Grab lunch (or an order of tater tots) across the street at Pillbox Tavern & Grill.
