How to Spend Mother’s Day Weekend in San Diego

There are 100 ways to show the maternal figures in your life that you love and appreciate them this Mother’s Day. Whether you’re looking to spoil mom with a delicious brunch or you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, we’ve put together some of the best Mother’s Day offerings in San Diego below.

Photo Courtesy of Lakehouse Hotel & Resort

Lakehouse Resort

Lakehouse Resort will be offering a Mother’s Day to remember with a buffet-style brunch from 10am-4pm followed by lawn games and live music for the entire family to enjoy. Brunch menu highlights include Smoked Salmon Station with capers, sliced tomato, shaved red onion, whipped cream cheese, and bagels, the Carving Station featuring Herb Crusted Prime Rib, Garlic Thyme Over Roasted Chicken and Blackened Salmon with Charred Lemon Cream, and of course your traditional breakfast favorites such as an Omelet Station and Buttermilk Pancakes.

Pair your dish with specialty Mother's Day cocktails, including the Strawberry Margarita made with Califino Tequila Blanco, Triple Sec, Fresh Strawberries, and Margarita mix, Empress Cucumber Gimlet with Empress 1908 gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, cucumber slice and basil leaves, and the fan favorite Espresso Martini.

Tickets are $85 for adults and $35 for children under 12 and can be purchased here. Also available for the entire month of May, book the Bad Moms Getaway Package, tailored for moms wanting to let loose and have fun. The package includes lush room accommodations, a Pontoon boat ride on Lake San Marcos and a bottle of Champagne to enjoy on the lake.

Photo Credit: Haley Hill

One Paseo

Give mom and all the other amazing women in your circle the gift of self-care and luxury at Del Mar’s favorite retail experience, One Paseo. From shops and services to dining and entertainment options, One Paseo is a one-stop shop for everything Mother’s Day! For the fashionista moms, stop by Whiskey x Leather, West of Camden or Van de Vort, to pick an outfit that will make her look and feel her best.

Treat the self-care-obsessed moms to a facial at Shop Good or a blowout at DryBar. With an online booking, DryBar customers who use the promo code MOMSDAYOUT will receive $10 off a blowout, a complimentary hair mask or scalp massage and a 10% product discount, valid from May 1 - May 13. What’s better than a blowout followed by brunch?

For the foodie moms, use the same promo code MOMSDAYOUT and receive a $10 gift card from Parakeet Cafe and a complimentary mocktail from the new menu, including Espresso Mocktini, Collagen Dill’n Tonic, Cucumber Mint Mojito and more.

For the simplistic moms, treat mom to a delightful stroll around the center’s lush landscaping and chic architecture and stop by the One Paseo Farm Truck for an increased selection of farm-fresh fare and stunning floral arrangements for Mother’s Day, open every Friday 12pm - 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm.

In anticipation of Mother’s Day, heirloom quality childrenswear brand Wild Wawa will transform the Farm Truck into a whimsical retail experience from May 8 until May 11, open 10am to 6pm.  The pop-up will offer a curated selection of Wild Wawa’s latest spring collection for children, including playful rompers, quilted sets and dainty dresses. There will also be a mommy and me photo opp. End the day with treats from SusieCakes or Salt & Straw to complete the sweetest Mother’s Day. 

Photo Courtesy of Invita Cafe

Invita Cafe

Invita Café, a family-owned Italian-inspired coffee bar made modern, invites the community to join them for their Spring Maker’s Market on Saturday, May 13th from 9am to 2pm. Happening in the plaza of Invita’s Rancho Santa Fe location, 50+ vendors will flood the courtyards with one-of-a-kind handmade goodies, perfect for any last-minute Mother’s Day gifts. As guests wander the market, they can also sip on Invita’s classic cappuccinos or seasonal lattes, such as spring bouquet lattes with flavors including Orange Blossom, White Rose and Lavender Matcha.

Photo Credit: Dustin Bailey

Animae

In honor of AAPI month, Chef Tara Monsod and her team at Animae have curated a special one-time all Filipino Mother’s Day dinner menu inspired by Chef Tara’s mom. Priced at $125 per person and available only on Sunday, May 14, the four course menu begins with Pan De Sal with garlic confit butter, followed by first course options like Tara’s signature Tuna Kinilaw with coconut, calamansi, cucumber and cilantro oil and Heirloom Tomato Salad. Second course options include Spicy Roasted Eggplant Dip, Arroz Caldo Arancini, and  PEI Mussel Sinigang, a Filipino stew with tamarind broth, green beans and bok choy. Dishes like Pan Seared Snapper Filet and Mushroom & Tofu Sisig are amongst the options for the third course, with the option to treat mom to luxurious upgraded dishes like A5 Wagyu or Lobster Tail. The meal concludes with a choice of dessert, including Animae’s beloved Turon Tart with brown sugar custard, banana ice cream and jackfruit gel.Reservations are available via OpenTable.

Photo Credit: Diana Rose

Garibaldi

Take taste buds on a tour of Sardinia and Sicily with the Festa Della Mamma Mother’s Day Brunch at Garibaldi, the al fresco restaurant located within the InterContinental San Diego. On May 14, diners can soak up the sunshine on the restaurant’s terrace and enjoy Bread and Frittatas for the table and Mamma’s Choice of items like Lasagna al Uovo with potato sheets, eggs, truffle fonduta, spinach, summer squash, yellow tomato and buffalo mozzarella and Toast alla Francese with crema al mascarpone, figs amarena, berries and maple syrup. Moms can indulge in the relaxing bubble bath that they deserve in the form of a cocktail, with the ultra premium Sophia and Rose. Served in a miniature bathtub, the cocktail combines Carbonadi Vodka, Campari Cask Tales, Torbato Brut, Planeta Moscato Passito and a bubbly topping of rose foam. Reservations are available via Resy, priced at $67 per person and $39 for children aged four to twelve, including kids options entrees.

Photo Credit: James Tran

Herb & Wood

For Mother’s Day this year, Puffer Malarkey Collective's iconic restaurant Herb & Wood will offer an extra special brunch menu for a dining experience that is sure to make moms feel like queens. For $70 per person on Sunday, May 14 only, Herb & Wood will present a two-course brunch menu crafted by Chef Carlos Anthony, beginning with a bread service of freshly-baked Lemon Blueberry Danishes from Executive Pastry Chef, Laura Warren. Options for the first course include Crab Cake with old bay aioli, lemon, Butter Lemon Salad or Pork Belly with eggs, bacon, and bernaise. For the second course, options include Filet & Eggs with rosemary chimichurri, mustard greens, Baja Shrimp & Polenta, Brioche French Toast with strawberries and ricotta cream, or the Lobster Roll with heirloom tomato, lemon aioli, old bay, lettuce, and salt & vinegar chips, all served with a choice of crispy potatoes or seasonal fruit on the side. For children under 10, there will also be a kids menu available for $30. Reservations can be made here. 

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

Herb & Sea

Encinitas’ chic coastal escape, Herb & Sea, is bringing back their brunch for a special Mother’s Day.  Welcoming spring with a vibrant pre-fixe three course menu, the brunch begins with a bread service of fresh Lemon Blueberry Danishes from Executive Pastry Chef for the Puffer Malarkey Collective, Laura Warren. The following eclectic courses include diners’ choice of offerings like Gin Cured Salmon Toast with whipped ricotta, avocado, shaved red onion, celery, lemon, dill and mint or Peach & Arugula Salad with radish, burnt grapefruit, toasted macadamia, lemon vinaigrette. Next, diners can choose from dishes like Hangar Steak and Poached Eggs, the quintessentially East Coast Lobster Roll, or Grilled Portobello, all served with sides of Fried Potatoes or Seasonal Fruit. Gather friends and family to enjoy Herb & Sea’s Mother’s Day Brunch, priced at $70 per person. Reservations can be secured via OpenTable. 

Photo Credit: Brendan Cleak

Hommage

Treat Mom to the ultimate breakfast-in-bed with elevated goodies from Hommage Bakehouse. Pick up a mix of sweet and savory delights from Hommage’s newly opened storefront in Sorrento Valley—with fresh offerings daily there’s always a plethora of flaky and crusty carbs to choose from. This Mother’s Day, sample goodies from their list of spring specials like the Sundried Tomato, Asparagus and Pecorino Scone, their seasonal Kouign Amann flavored with Earl Grey and Meyer lemon, the Rhubarb Chamomile Pound Cake or Carrot Cake with Ginger Crumble. Explore all their offerings online and order ahead here. 

Photo Courtesy of Trust Restaurant Group

Trust

A neighborhood restaurant at heart, Trust is the perfect location to gather for a special Mother’s Day brunch, bringing loved ones together with its shared-style plates. Devoted to embracing seasonality and honoring relationships with local farmers, Mom can feel good about indulging in favorites like the Baked Eggs with moroccan sauce, peppers, tomatoes, tzatziki, kale, chickpeas, feta cheese, grilled bread and be sure tosnag an Ultimate Sticky Bun before they sell out for the day, topped with an ever changing combination of chef selected flavors. Guests can cheers to all the special women in their lives with non-alcoholic beverages like the Vanilla Whip Cold Brew or sip on something spirited like the Trust Cocktail with jalapeno tequila, grapefruit, lime and agave, all crafted by Trust Restaurant Group Bar Manager, Jess Stewart. Reservations can be made online via Tock.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

Cardellino

Cozy up inside the dining room or spread out on the patio to celebrate mom at Cardellino. Blending traditions from midwest chophouses and Italian trattoria, Cardellino offers brunch drawing flavors from the grill with a sprinkle of nostalgia to create a brunch menu with the perfect balance of sweet and savory dishes, ideal for spoiling the ladies in your life. Standouts include the Green Eggs and Avocado Bowl, with soft scrambled eggs, charred kale, spinach and chopped Italian salsa verde and Prosciutto Hash, with a perfectly cooked sunny side egg, pickled peppers, potatoes, calabrian aioli, arugula and pesto. Chef Brad Wise’s Ultimate Cinnamon Roll graces the menu at Cardellino too, so make sure one is ordered before it sells out for the day. Don’t forget about the brunch cocktails, both spirited and non-alcoholic, from TRUST Restaurant Group Bar Manager, Jess Stewart. Reservations can be made via Tock. 

Photos Courtesy of Puesto

Puesto (Multiple locations)

This year, give mom more than just a day off from cooking, get her a free margarita! Puesto, the family-friendly and family-owned Mexican restaurant, is thrilled to bring back their Margaritas for Mama deal this Mother’s Day. All moms who come in to dine will receive a complimentary Puesto Perfect Margarita, a classic and balanced Puesto cocktail made with tequila reposado, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a hint of agave nectar. But don’t think a free drink is all that mom deserves! Take this special day as an opportunity to enjoy Puesto’s new spring menu items such as the Squash Blossom Quesadilla made with a fresh flour tortilla, crispy melted cheese, Mexican shrimp, poblano, pickled red onion, and jalapeño salsa and the Spring Lamb Taco with a traditionally braised leg of lamb, mint avocado salsa, nopales pico, and herb salad.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

Vistal

Celebrate mom with a brunch buffet at Vistal, the Baja-inspired signature restaurant located on the third floor of the InterContinental San Diego. Focused on seasonality and locally-sourced ingredients, the menu highlights dishes that draw upon the palate of the Pacific. The buffet includes some of Vistal’s signature entrees including Cage Free Egg & Crab Benedict, Buttermilk Fried Mary’s Chicken and Waffles, and Baja Shrimp & Grits a la Diabla. Plus, Mom will feast to her heart’s content on a spread of Artisanal Cheese & Charcuterie; Baja Coast Chilled Seafood; Breakfast Breads & Pastries; Chef’s Carving Station; Omelette Station; and a delectable assortment of Petit Fours. Live music will also from 11am-3pm featuring island-style and reggae groove beats. Reservations are available online from 11:30am-1:30pm, and are priced at $95 for adults, $55 for children ages 5-12, and free for children ages four and under with purchase of an adult.

Photo Courtesy of Cardiff 101 Mainstreet Association

Cardiff Farmers Market

Add some color and love to mom’s grocery trip this Mother’s Day weekend and take her to the new Cardiff Farmers Market to buy fresh produce, support local farmers and get a free flower from Maldonado Growers. On Saturday, May 13th the farmers market will be handing a flower to every mom at the market. Located at Mira Costa College San Elijo Campus, Cardiff Farmers Market happens every Saturday from 10am to 2pm and offers plenty of parking.

Photo Credit: Chris Costa

Ranch 45

Ranch 45, the Solana Beach eatery and butcher shop, is offering two options to spoil mom this Mother’s Day including special meal kits along with their full breakfast and lunch menus.

The meal kits take the work out of cooking up a special Mother’s Day meal with options including quiche, smoked salmon, strawberry crepes, Brandt Beef Rib Roast, and an assortment of pastries. Guests can also add on a mimosa kit complete with a bottle of sparkling and cold pressed orange juice. The Mother’s Day meal kicks are available for pre-order online and must be placed by Wednesday, May 10 for pickup on Saturday, May 13 or Sunday, May 14. The breakfast and lunch menus will be available for dine-in and takeout.