Mother’s Day Guide | Where to Eat & Things to Do
From botanical paradises to delectable spreads, treat Mom to something special this Mother’s Day.
Where To Eat
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Belmont Park
Beach House
A brunch buffet by the beach is just what Mom deserves, and there is no better place than Beach House. Located at Belmont Park, enjoy a delicious spread while soaking in the ocean views of Mission Beach with everything from a Pancake Bar and Omelette Station to a Craving Station and Dessert Bar, along with assorted breads, pastries and more. Plus, sip on fun cocktails such as a Strawberry Aperol Spritz made with strawberry-infused aperol, along with a Bottomless Mimosa Bar ($25 per person) with your choice of juice, syrups, and fruit. Beach House’s brunch buffet will run from 10am-3pm and is priced at $80 for adults and $30 for children 12 & under. Reservations can be made online. For Moms looking to dust off their cowboy boots, be sure to grab tickets to KSON’s Leading Ladies LIVE at Beach House on Friday, May 10 at 6pm featuring an electrifying all-female guitar jam staring Runaway June, Tigerlily Gold, HunterGirl, Kassi Ashton and Annie Bosko, performing together in an intimate acoustic setting. Tickets are $10 per person and selling fast!
Photo Credit: Haley Hill
California English
Pinkies up, for a scrumptious brunch at California English, featuring a variety of British favorites, classic American items, and cheeky dishes inspired by the Southern California Coast and English flavors by Chef Richard Blais. In addition to the regular brunch menu, enjoy Mother’s Day specials including House Cured Lox and English Muffin Plate with Capers, Red Onion and Hard Cooked Egg, Crab Cake Benedict with Old Bay Hollandaise, Potatoes and Broiled Tomato; Faroe Island Salmon Wellington with Preserved Black Truffle and Savoy Cabbage; Smoked Salmon Crepes and an extra special Caviar Service for $140/oz with Traditional Accompaniments, Cheddar Chive Scones. California English has also signature brunch cocktails perfect for celebrating Mom including the Blood and Smoke, Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa or the Wake Up Call with Bourbon Cream, Dark Rum, Demerara, Coffee and Tiki Bitters.
Photo Credit: Dustin Bailey
Herb & Sea
Immerse yourself in Herb & Sea's coastal ambiance on Sunday, May 12th from 10am to 2pm for Mother’s Day Brunch! For $70 per person, treat your mom to a lavish three-course meal, nestled in the heart of Encinitas. The brunch begins with a bread service of delicious Lemon Thyme Danish. For your second course, choose from Brie Toast with bruleed fig, shaved hazelnut, balsamic glaze, Beet Cured Lox with boursin, fried caper, tomato, Strawberries & Greens with goat cheese, balsamic reduction, walnut, or Crab Cake with old bay hollandaise. For your third course, choose from an array of flavorful dishes including Confit Duck Hash with new orleans pepper, sweet bbq drizzle, NY Steak & Poached Eggs with confit garlic butter, toast, Scallop Roll with chorizo hollandaise, fried lemon thyme, French Toast with chai mascarpone whip, compressed pear, mint, candied pecan, or Loaded Avocado Toast with confit mushroom, tomato, za’atar, all served with your choice of Rosemary Potatoes or Seasonal Fruit. Reservations can be made online here.
Photo Credit: James Tran
Herb & Wood
This Mother’s Day, treat the women in your life to an unforgettable brunch experience at Herb & Wood on Sunday, May 12th, from 10am to 2pm. Join for a delightful meal in the Secret Garden or inside Herb & Wood’s open and airy dining room. The menu includes two courses plus bread service, and will feature some of Herb & Wood’s most loved dishes. Start your meal with the freshly baked lemon blueberry danish with juniper powdered sugar. For your first course, choose from Avocado Toast with everything spiced dukkah, radish, fine herbs, lemon, Crab Cake with old bay aioli, lemon, Butter Lemon Salad with green goddess dressing, or Pork Belly with pea, carrot. Second course offerings include Benedict with prosciutto, heirloom tomato, basil, lemon hollandaise, Filet & Egg with chimichurri, mustard green, Baja Shrimp & Polenta with garlic chili butter, polenta, endive, Chilaquiles with guajillo chili, feta, labneh, salsa verde, cilantro fried eggs, Brioche French Toast with strawberries, ricotta cream, or BLT with lemon aioli, heirloom tomato, lettuce, za’atar, sweet and spiced bacon, as well as a side of Crispy Potatoes or Seasonal Fruit to share. Make this Mother’s Day truly special for $70 per person. Reservations can be made here.
Photo Credit: Victoria Perez
InterContinental San Diego
Soak in picturesque waterfront views at InterContinental San Diego and maybe book mom a room for herself the night before celebrating Mother’s Day with two incredible brunch options. The hotel will be hosting two brunch buffets on Mother’s Day including showcasing everything from frittatas and Italian treats at Garibaldi to seafood and charcuterie at Vistal. Reservations for Garibaldi are available from 11am-3pm and can be made online. Reservations for Vistal are available from 10am-2pm and can be made online.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lakehouse Resort
Lakehouse Resort
Join Lakehouse Resort at its new restaurant, Brickmans, for a truly special Mother’s Day brunch buffet. Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Lake San Marcos, Lakehouse makes for a picturesque setting perfect for a memorable celebration with Mom. Indulge in Brickmans’ buffet offerings including, an omelet station, french toast bar, smoked salmon station, and holiday staples like herb-crusted Prime Rib, whipped potatoes, roasted veggies and more. Additional dishes include Roasted Pork Loin, Oven Roasted Salmon, Cobb Salad, House Salad and more. For the kids, Lakehouse has a special buffet just for them, filled with Chicken Fingers, Waffle Fries, Cheeseburger Sliders and French Toast Sticks. And of course, no meal is complete with dessert and drinks like an Espresso Martini, Strawberry Margarita, and Empress Cucumber Gimlet. Create lasting memories at Lakehouse Resort, where every moment with Mom will be cherished with love. $85 per adult and $25 per child under 10 years old. Make your reservations here.
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
Pali Wine Co.
Head to Pali Wine Co.’s Little Italy outpost this Mother’s Day for a special wine blending party, celebrating the release of the fourth vintage of ‘My Fruit Trees,’ a vibrant wine from Pali’s natural wine label, Neighborhood Winery, made in collaboration with gardener extraordinaire, Carmen in the Garden. On Sunday, May 12th, enjoy a glass of ‘My Fruit Trees’ with the maker herself, Carmen Perr, (who will be bringing her own mom to the event in honor of the holiday), and learn all about the various components that went into the 4th vintage of this vibrant wine. Taste each of the varietals, discover how they were grown in California’s Central Coast, what sort of profiles they bring to the glass, and build your own blend to take home. Stay tuned on @paliwineco_littleitaly for more information about how to secure tickets. Before or after the event, treat the special women in your life to brunch or lunch from Pali Wine Co.’s flavorful menu, designed to pair perfectly with their thoughtfully crafted wines.
Photo Credit: Mandi Geller
Puesto
Celebrate your Mama with a free Mini Margarita and delicious Mexican food from San Diego’s beloved family-owned Puesto. On Mother’s Day, Puesto is gifting all Moms a free mini Puesto Perfect Margarita made with Pueblo Viejo reposado tequila, fresh lime and organic agave nectar. While toasting to Mom enjoy Puesto’s famous award-winning tacos made with handmade, organic, non-GMO blue corn tortillas available in Short Rib Quesabirria, Lobster, Tamarindo Shrimp, Baja Fish and more! Other Mexican favorites include Potato Taquitos, Ceviche, Chilaquiles and Enchiladas. End your meal with mom on a sweet note with Puesto’s Candy Bar Sundae with organic vanilla ice cream, mazapán, choco crunch, salted caramel sauce or Fresas Con Crema made with meringue, mascarpone, fresh strawberry, caramelized pistachios.
Photo Credit: James Tran
Union Kitchen & Tap
Raise a glass with bottomless mimosas at Union Kitchen and Tap. Enjoy brunch at any of Union’s three locations (Encinitas, Gaslamp, and the newly-opened Pacific Beach) and indulge in favorites such as Skillet Cornbread Benedict with grilled andouille, poached eggs, roasted okra, mustard-bacon hollandaise, and Chicken and Waffle with bacon, cheddar & scallion cornbread waffle, buttermilk fried chicken, sunny farm egg, accompanied by Bottomless Mimosas. To elevate the celebration, choose from a selection of draft beers, wines, and craft cocktails including the Zesty Purple Haze and the Tropical California Soul to quench your thirst.
Things To Do
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Belmont Park
Belmont Park
Surround Mom in flowers at Belmont Park during their annual Belmont in Bloom festival. The beachfront amusement park has transformed into a Kaleidoscope of color surrounded by stunning floral arrangements and vibrant, spring sculptures. Dive into the colors of spring with interactive art installations scattered across the park, seasonal treats and a talented lineup of live music and local community performances. Enjoy whimsical character appearances from characters including Dancing Tulip Stilt Walkers, a Bubble Girl, and a Flower Princess. Get your thrills on any of the park’s rides and attractions including the Arcade, Escapology, and the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. Plus, enjoy seasonal treats including Peach Cobbler Funnel Cake at Belmonty’s, Matcha Raspberry Latte at Draft, and Orange Waffle Cones with ice cream at Sweet Shoppe.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden
San Diego Botanic Garden
Enjoy the vibrant blooms of orchids with mom during the San Diego Botanic Garden's annual spring showcase, World of Orchids! Happening May 4-27, the stunning orchid installation will be staged in the Garden’s state-of-the-art, 8,000 square foot, glass-enclosed facility featuring impressive orchid specimens, locally bred hybrids, and rare species plants displayed in unique and unexpected ways. In addition to the many orchids that typically grow in the Garden’s Conservatory, displays will include plants on loan from private growers belonging to two local groups, the San Diego County Orchid Society and the Palomar Orchid Society, as well as orchids and materials from local businesses. Admission to World of Orchids is free for Members, and an additional $7 for non-members ages 17+. Admission includes access to the vendor booths and the rest of the Garden’s 37 acres during the same visit. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online. Purchase your tickets here.
Local Gifts
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sipwell
Sipwell Wine Co.
Founded by Encinitas local and mom, Hilary Cocalis, Sipwell Wine Co makes premium wine with a can-do spirit: a single serving of award-winning sustainable wine in an infinitely recyclable can, perfect for everyday celebrations. Sipwell is offering a special ‘Cheers to Mom’ Mother’s Day Gift Box ($45) this year. For mamas and mother figures, pet moms and second moms - no matter their role, Sipwell is delivering a well-deserved toast! The Mother’s Day Gift box is the perfect way to celebrate any mom with wine and a little self-care. Each gift box includes: 6 cans of Sipwell’s award-winning sparkling rosé, Rock Steady, a handwritten gift note on a custom Mother’s Day card, a gold foil sheet mask from FaceTory (woman and AAPI owned), and wine tasting notes and a special spritz recipe from Sipwell’s founder. Plus, with the purchase of every “Cheers to Mom” Gift Box in the month of May, Sipwell Wine Co. will be donating 10% to Every Mother Counts.
