New, Now, Next: 2026 Spring Edition

Baseball returns to the best ballpark in the country when the Padres take on the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, March 26, at Petco Park. And, there’s already plenty of excitement building downtown leading up to Opening Day: Just days before the Friars make their season debut, the Savannah Bananas will bring their distinctive brand of baseball fun to Petco Park on March 21 and 22. The ticket lottery closed last year, but suites are still available to see their beloved “Banana Ball” antics live. Off the field, the 50-seat Diamond Room recently opened on the corner of 7th Avenue and K Street, adjacent to Gallagher Square. The cocktail lounge oozes ’70s chic — complete with a disco ball and moody interiors — offering an intimate downtown destination for happy hours, cocktails, and pre- or post-game bites Thursday through Monday evenings.

NuForm 101 is a new, locally owned and operated wellness spa in Encinitas offering advanced, non-invasive body contouring and rejuvenation treatments such as laser lipo, cryolipolysis (fat freezing), red light therapy, vibration therapy, infrared sauna sessions, and more, helping clients tone, tighten, sculpt, and enhance overall wellness without surgery or downtime. Each visit includes a customized treatment plan using cutting-edge technologies designed to target stubborn fat, improve circulation, stimulate collagen production, and support long-term well-being. 

Coastal Roots Farm’s new Coffee Cart serves freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and cozy lattes. Whether guests are stopping by the Farm Stand, bringing children for Nature Play, or enjoying a peaceful morning outdoors, the cart features locally roasted beans from Ironsmith and is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 8am to 3pm. 

Opening March 3, Lucid Head Spa introduces a new standard of scalp and hair wellness. Each experience begins with a personalized scalp analysis and customized treatment plan delivered in a serene, spa-like setting enhanced with your choice of aromatherapy. Founded by Ali Johnson, Lucid Head Spa brings an inclusive, holistic approach, with treatments that promote circulation for healthy hair growth, help minimize shedding, relieve tension in the scalp, neck, and jaw, and support lymphatic drainage for overall well-being.

Hotel Solea opens March 4 in Carlsbad. Previously the Sheraton, the hotel has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation to debut as a 201-room Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection property, with botanical-inspired interiors and seamless indoor-outdoor design that leans into SoCal coastal living. A major highlight of the opening is Verise, a new modern Italian restaurant helmed by Chef Riccardo Bilotta (Il Pellicano, El Celler de Can Roca) in collaboration with Resort Chef Jason Luke. The Italian-inspired menu centers around pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes amongst an indoor-outdoor garden setting with a modern Mediterranean aesthetic. Future programming will include al fresco wine dinners, cooking classes, and communal gatherings celebrating Italian hospitality. 

On March 6, Legoland California Resort will debut Lego Galaxy, an immersive, story-driven land marking the park’s first new rollercoaster in more than 20 years and part of a $90 million investment across the California and Florida resorts. Designed to blend cutting-edge ride technology with hands-on Lego creativity, the space-themed expansion features the indoor Galacticoaster, where guests design custom spacecraft before launching into a high-energy adventure, along with additional rides, a Junior Astronaut Training Zone, interactive building experiences, and galactic-inspired dining for an out-of-this-world experience.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch return March 1, open daily through May 10 as one of Southern California’s most beloved spring traditions. Spanning 55 acres, vibrant Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers blanket the hillsides with sweeping color and ocean views. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, wander the fragrant Sweet Pea Maze, experience a butterfly encounter, and even pick blueberries on Mondays and Tuesdays. Weekend offerings include live music, yoga sessions, and other seasonal activities. 

Ahead of the Coronado Flower Show’s April 18-19 return, the festivities kick off with the beloved Homefront Judging Competition, taking place March 27 to 29. Coronado residents, businesses, schools, and community spaces will “prep and primp” their gardens and storefronts in hopes of earning coveted blue ribbons. More than 100 volunteer judges will stroll island neighborhoods evaluating standout landscapes for creativity, presentation, and eco-conscious design. This spirited tradition transforms Coronado into a vibrant gallery of floral pride and community participation, setting the stage for the nation’s largest tented flower show in its 104th year, themed “Welcome to the Jungle.”

The East Village Association will host the 14th Annual East Village Block Party on Saturday, March 28, from 10am to 4:30pm on J Street outside Petco Park. This free, family-friendly celebration kicks off baseball’s opening weekend with live music, local DJs and bands, sports-themed activities, fitness demonstrations, interactive family fun, a walk-through classic car show, vendors, and plenty of food and drinks from local favorites.

The 5th Annual Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival returns to San Marcos on April 18, bringing together more than 30 of the region’s top restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries for an afternoon of lakeside indulgence. From 1 to 4pm, General Admission guests can enjoy unlimited tastings of gourmet bites and craft beverages, plus vote for their favorite food and drink offerings. VIP ticket holders receive early entry at 12pm along with exclusive access to the Island Experience, featuring a luxury boat ride and curated tastings. 

The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance returns April 24 to 26, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a seaside showcase of automotive excellence. This milestone event will spotlight the theme “Icons of Speed: Historically Significant Super Cars,” honoring the groundbreaking vehicles that redefined performance through innovation, craftsmanship, and style. The Concours features 16 classes of exceptional race cars, legendary sports cars, and supercar icons that shaped automotive history. The anniversary weekend will include exclusive ticketed events, complimentary displays, and an inviting atmosphere for both serious collectors and first-time attendees to experience the artistry and evolution of speed.   By Mia Park and Deanna Murphy