Southern California Ultimate Staycation Guide 2025

A fresh new concept has bloomed at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. In collaboration with Native Poppy, Jenway Tea, and Cymbiotica, The Remedy Lounge is an apothecary-inspired elixir bar that features a thoughtfully crafted selection of eight beverages, each designed to support different functions of the body — whether to rejuvenate, restore, or bring balance with adaptogenic herbs, delicate florals, and aromatic spices. To complement the experience, a curated menu of food pairings elevates each drink.

Also, back for its fourth year, Agave Fest returns to Estancia on Friday, June 27, from 6 to 9pm. Featuring a curated selection of 100% agave-based tequilas and mezcals, this event brings together experts from renowned distilleries for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, paired with Baja-inspired bites. Tickets include access to unlimited food and beverage experiences, live entertainment, exciting surprises, and more. Consider making it a true staycation by booking the event’s exclusive room package.

Treat Mom to a relaxing retreat at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa this Mother’s Day. The resort’s thoughtfully curated retreat includes a $600 spa credit, robe, bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and Miraval intention bracelets, creating the perfect escape for relaxation and appreciation in the tranquil setting of Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara.

Nearby, The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is also celebrating Mom in style. Consider Mother’s Day Brunch at the resort’s 20|Twenty restaurant, followed by spa specials at Ocean Pearl Spa such as the Mother’s Day Escape package, complete with a 50-minute spa treatment, $100 dining credit, and late checkout. The Family Fun Package includes four tickets to Legoland, two kids meals per day, and an in-room movie night basket.

Celebrating its 60^th anniversary all year long, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa has created a range of exciting programming and events. Twice a month from June through August, the newly reimagined Spa at La Costa will offer Secret Garden Spa Parties with exclusive after-hours spa access featuring live music and a garden sound bath relaxation and rejuvenation. On July 4, celebrate Independence Day under the stars with a mesmerizing drone show choreographed to the sounds of a live band. The night’s festivities also include delicious food, inflatable play structures, a rock-climbing wall, face painting, and yard games. Omni La Costa’s 60th Anniversary Weekend July 11 to13 features ticketed themed events such as a movie night on the lawn, fitness classes, exclusive dining experiences, a golf tournament, and more. To round out the offerings, a specialty booking package offered through December 31 includes 25% off all accommodations (with a minimum two-night stay) and $100 resort credit. 

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina celebrates the return of its Splash! Summer, whenthe hotel’s expansive deck becomes the ultimate destination for family-friendly activities and entertainment. The festivities include giant lawn games, “Dive-In Move Nights” with blockbuster hits by the kids’ pool on Saturday nights, Live Music Friday and DJ Saturdays, and signature drinks from Agave Bar & Grill such as the “The Millionaire Margarita,” made with Don Julio 1942 and “Pineapple Splash,” a photo-worthy slushie served in a pineapple (virgin and alcoholic options available).

Then, the hotel’s newest immersive guest experience, the Pandamonium Package, created in partnership with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, celebrates Yun Chuan and Xin Bao at the San Diego Zoo, the only giant pandas on the West Coast and the first to enter the United States in 21 years. Designed to emulate the whimsical spirit of the giant panda, the package features a stay in the exclusive two-queen-bed Panda Retreat room, thoughtfully transformed to create a visually captivating and fun-filled setting. Guests will receive general admission day passes to the San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Adventures Inside Look tour tickets, providing unforgettable behind-the-scenes access to the zoo’s conservation efforts. The Pandamonium Package is available through December 31 starting at $499 for two guests. 

Act quickly to book Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach’s “’Tis the Sea-Sun” package, which includes a VIP daybed at the ocean-view heated pool, $100 food and beverage credit at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining, and a Cape Rey-branded keepsake candle. The package is available through May 23 and requires a minimum three-night stay.Then, the resort’s Cape Reggae summer kick-off pool party on Friday, June 20 features the reggae rhythms of Ginger Roots & DJ Chaps One performing live. Feel the ocean breeze and soak in the sunset at this coastal event while enjoying culinary creations by Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining available for purchase, along with signature sips.

Lakehouse Resort’s Live at the Lake summer concert series is back, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever. The lakeside open-air venue invites music lovers of all ages to gather and enjoy iconic tunes, stunning sunsets, and an unbeatable atmosphere. The series kicks off on June 21 with Hotel California, the Eagles tribute band known for their spot-on harmonies and faithful renditions of classics like “Take It Easy” and “Hotel California.” On July 26, Journey USA brings the house down with the epic rock anthems and powerful vocals that made Journey a household name. Then, on August 16, Elton Dan & The Rocket Band, a high-energy, sequin-studded tribute to Elton John, delivers all the flair, fun, and unforgettable hits from one of music’s greatest showmen.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar, in collaboration with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club,  presents The Grand Stakes Escape, an exclusive package that seamlessly blends luxury accommodations with the exhilarating world of thoroughbred racing.​ Guests can enjoy a lavish overnight stay at the award-winning resort, nestled within 400 acres of the serene Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The experience continues with VIP access to the legendary Del Mar Racetrack, including a private paddock tour, a walk along the finish line, and an intimate visit to the winner’s circle. Valet parking and a dining reservation at the private Turf Club, offering prime views of the track, are also included. This unique offering is available during the 2025 racing season.

It’s officially already “Summer at Sycuan.” Sycuan Casino Resort’s Retreat Pool and Cabanas offer guests the opportunity to relax, soak up some vitamin D, and escape in a picturesque aquatic oasis. The resort’s Red White & Swim, taking place May 24 and May 26 of Memorial Day Weekend, features live music by DJ Bateesa, DN Blu, and DU Dub-B, along with complimentary poolside popsicles. Complete with a swim-up bar and lazy river, Sycuan features a wide range of world-class dining options, including over ten restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, and more.

Taking place May 8 to 11 at Spanish Landing Park on San Diego Bay to celebrate the vibrant culture of Louisiana, Gator By The Bay features over 100 performances on seven stages, showcasing genres such as zydeco, Cajun, blues, rockabilly, salsa, New Orleans jazz, and much more, headlined by Grammy Award-winning band Ozomatli. The festival also brings the bold and irresistible flavors of Louisiana straight to San Diego, including Gator Gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and a staggering 10,000 pounds of crawfish flown in fresh from Louisiana. Plus, this year, the expanded French Quarter Food Court will serve up even more tantalizing treats.

Coastal Roots Farm invites the community to celebrate its tenth anniversary with Taste of the Farm on Sunday, May 18, from 5 to 9pm. Enjoy farm-to-fork tasting stations, artisan-crafted libations, live music, and meaningful connections in support of the farm’s mission of nourishing community and caring for the planet. Featured culinary partners include Chef Christina Ng of Berry Good Food Foundation, Chef Mark Enciso of Order Fire Barbecue, and Chef Tiffany Tincher of The Blooming Apron, as well as Culinary Concepts, Fox Point Farms, Jimbo’s, Pure Project, Snake Oil Cocktail Co., and Urban Kitchen Group.

Get ready for a delicious culinary adventure as the 3rd Annual Taste of East Village returns May 21 to 22 from 4 to 8pm. Food lovers will have the opportunity to sample diverse culinary offerings from over 30 of the neighborhood’s most popular restaurants. At check-in, ticketholders will be given a Taste Passport, which will serve as a guide to the participating restaurants in the neighborhood and allow them to record their favorite appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages.

Continuing its long-standing reputation for exceptional culinary experiences, The Lodge at Torrey Pines brings back two acclaimed dinner series: Playing with Fire and Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinners. The Grill at Torrey Pines will ignite taste buds with the June launch of its monthly Playing with Fire Dinner Series. Sparks will fly as Executive Chef Kelli Crosson and Chef de Cuisine Ryan Dzierzawski step out of the kitchen and pair up with some of San Diego’s hottest chefs for this interactive outdoor grilling session. Together they will serve up juicy proteins, roasted seasonal vegetables, and hearty sides straight from the flames of The Grill’s towering signature outdoor grill and rotisserie. Hosted on The Grill’s patio overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course, each dinner will also feature refreshing local craft brews for guests to enjoy with the delectable woodfired dishes. The lineup for Playing with Fire includes: Chefs Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan with 24 Suns, and Rincon Brewery (June 9); Chef Trey Foshee with George’s at the Cove, Chef Jason Knibb with NINE-Ten, and Chef Jeff Jackson, formerly with The Lodge at Torrey Pines, and Burgeon Beer Company (July 14); Chefs David Sim and Sydney Imlay with Kingfisher, and Coronado Brewing Company (August 11); and Chef Drew Deckman with 31ThirtyOne and Deckman’s Restaurant Group, and Latitude 33 Brewing (September 8).

At The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ monthly Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinner Series, guests will enjoy specially-crafted communal meals paired with California’s finest wines. Set on the scenic terrace of The Lodge’s newly opened A.R. Valentien restaurant, each Signature Wine Dinner begins with a reception, followed by a custom multi-course dinner menu skillfully prepared by Executive Chef Kelli Crosson to enhance the wine pairings. Throughout the evening, guests are guided on a sensory journey with insight from A.R. Valentien’s new sommelier Schuyler Munroe and a special guest from the featured winery about the winemaking process and what makes the evening’s wine selections so distinctive. Following is the lineup for this year’s Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinner Series: Hundred Acre Wines with special guest Dana Manison, Western Regional Manager (June 19); Far Niente Winery (Napa Valley) with special guest Bruce Mooers, President (July 17); Darioush Winery (Napa Valley) with special guest Roman Palumbo, National Sales Manager (August 21); and Patrimony Wines (Paso Robles) with a special guest Eryn Schnitzler, Luxury Sales Manager (September 18).

Join the Del Mar Village Association on June 12 from 5 to 8pm for Summer Solstice, an immersive culinary event featuring a lineup of Del Mar Village’s finest chefs alongside a carefully curated selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. Sway to live music by Ben Benavente just steps from the sea at this annual seaside summer soiree — all while contributing to the local Del Mar Village community.

Taste your way through 48 square blocks of Little Italy during Taste of Little Italy, a two-night culinary adventure taking place on June 17 and 18 from 4 to 8pm. Each evening will feature a different lineup of 15+ restaurants serving up curated bites and sips. Pick up your Taste Passport at the Piazza della Famiglia and enjoy live music, outdoor seating, and the very best of Little Italy’s food scene.

Debuting in Newport Beach June 27 to 29, Relish: A Food, Wine & Spirits Experience promises a weekend of culinary excellence. The Opening Cocktail Party on June 27 at Vea Newport Beach, Resort & Spa  offers a rare opportunity to mingle with some of the most celebrated names in the industry, including Tyler Florence, Food Network veteran and Michelin award-winning restaurateur;  Scott Conant, award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author; Aarti Sequeira, Food Network star and culinary storyteller; Tony Abou-Ganim, legendary mixologist and author; Gale Gand, James Beard Award-winning pastry chef; and Jamie Gwen, celebrity chef and co-founder of Relish, to name but a few. Guests will experience chef-curated hors d’oeuvres and a vibrant array of engaging food and beverage activations. On Saturday, take a deep dive into the world of culinary arts with immersive master classes. Sunday concludes the weekend with a Doughnuts + Sushi Brunch, blending sweet and savory delights, and a wellness-focused finale, providing the perfect balance of indulgence and rejuvenation.

The highly anticipated Champagne Jazz Concert Series 2025 at Thornton Winery in Temecula is set to delight audiences once again from May 3 to October 11 with its enchanting blend of jazz, wine, and picturesque scenery. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot for an unforgettable summer of music, fine wine, and breathtaking views at one of the region’s most beloved venues.

On May 8, from 4 to 8pm, Temecula’s Wiens Cellars presents Break It Down: Session 2 – Aging with Beauty, a multi-part experience designed to deepen your understanding of wine alongside Wiens’ expert winemaking team. Join Director of Winemaking Joseph Wiens and Winemaker Brian Marquez for an interactive deep dive into what makes each step of the barrel process unique.

The Leading Ladies Country Concert takes place at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula on May 16 at 7pm. Enjoy an acoustic performance by Leading Ladies: Avery Anna, CeCe, Meghan Patrick, Runaway Jane, and Priscilla Block.

The annual Big Bear Lake Maifest has become renowned as Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest’s little sister. Kicking off on May 17 and returning the following week on Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25, this year’s Maifest also includes a special encore date on May 31 for even more fun. Topping the list of offerings is Maibock, a German-style brew only available during springtime and primarily brewed for Maifest. Additional highlights include sizzling bratwursts hot off the grill, homemade sauerkraut, fresh pretzels, apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce, live music performed by Ladyhosen and Die Sauerkrauts, log-sawing contests, stein holding competitions, a balloon artist, kids’ activities, and the popular chicken dance. In addition, the Maifest Gaudi Crew will perform customary maypole dances, as well as lead patrons to amusing festive-ribbon dances and Pol Schmücken (a maypole-decorating team challenge).  

The tenth anniversary Catalina Wine Mixer returns to the oceanfront Descanso BeachClub on Catalina Island May 30 to 31, offering attendees a weekend filled with live music, curated wine tastings, and VIP offerings. Festivities kick off on Friday with a VIP Reception at the Catalina Country Club, where guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine with live music. Following the reception, the Opening Bash will take place in front of the historic Catalina Casino, offering live entertainment along with food and drink offerings. Later that evening, festivalgoers can head inside the Avalon Theatre to watch a screening of Step Brothers, the beloved comedy that inspired the festival. The party continues at Descanso Beach Club, where guests can dance the night away under the stars on the shores of Catalina Island. The main event takes place on Saturday at Descanso Beach Club, featuring oceanfront cabanas, light bites, cocktails, and water sports before the ticketed Catalina Wine Mixer festivities begin that afternoon.

Beginning on June 7, the Doffo Winery Summer Concert Tribute Band Series features four concerts through August celebrating beloved summertime musicians. Featured concerts include The Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute band, on June 7; Billy Nation, celebrating the music of Billy Joel, on July 19; Vegas McGraw, a Tim McGraw tribute band, o July 26; and Journey Through Time, a Journey tribute band, on August 2.

The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival returns to the Lake Skinner Recreation Area June 20 to 22. The festival will feature breathtaking hot air balloon displays and rides, immersive beer and wine tastings from local vendors, and top-tier live entertainment over an expanded three-day experience. This year’s event also introduces new amenities such as expanded camping, faster vehicle check-ins, and a third music stage at the Outpost Saloon. The performer lineup and full event schedule will be announced soon. 

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s popular Rhythm on the Vine concert series has announced the first three concerts of the 2025 season. The lineup includes Colbie Caillat on June 29, followed by the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band with special guest Bobby Rush on September 7, and Queen Nation’s Queen Re-Imagined Symphonic Rock Show on October 16. 

The Great Taste of Europa Wine & Food Festival at Temecula’s Europa Village is your passport to an unforgettable culinary and libation adventure. Sip, savor, and explore the best of Europe all in one place. From the vineyards of Italy to the shores of Portugal, immerse yourself in a world of flavor where every sip and bite tells a story.  With over 50 exceptional wines, a dedicated beer and spirits garden, gourmet bites, and an array of unique entertainment, this isn’t just a festival, it’s a feast for the senses.

For family-friendly fun, the Spring Nature Festival will take place on May 4 from 10am to 1pm at San Dieguito County Park, exploring why flowers and pollinators need each other and ways we can help pollinators thrive. Attendees can discover the variety of ways seeds may fly, float, or burst into the world while also exploring the unique nests built by our feathered friends, from tiny “hummers” to intricate weavers. There will also be an Eco-Scavenger Hunt + Craft, live animals, face painting, and a bounce house. Presented by County of San Diego Parks and Recreation with support from Nature Collective, the event encourages zero-waste and eco-friendly practices. 

San Diego Botanic Garden celebrates the return of its fifth annual spring showcase, World of Orchids, on view May 4 through June 1 in the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. This year’s exhibition is themed “Orchidelirium,” inspired by 19th-century orchid mania that took Victorian-era Europe by storm. In addition to the Garden Conservatory’s in-house collection of orchids, the display will also include a curated selection of 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. On select days, plant sales from local vendors will offer unusual and unique orchids and merchandise for sale. Also accompanying the exhibition is “The Magic of Orchids,” a special evening experience held on Thursday, May 22, featuring an unforgettable night of magic, sideshow acts, and intrigue reminiscent of the era. 

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum’s new interactive exhibit for young children and their caregivers, Water Ways, opens May 6. Located in the museum’s outdoor Trudy Bronner Discovery Garden,the exhibit allows guests to manipulate and play with the flow of water. Through hands-on exploration, children can turn water valves on and off, launch balls into a water vortex, and experiment with dams. The new water table will also include Escondido landmarks such as Lake Hodges, Escondido Water Treatment Plant, City Hall, and more, allowing families to make a real-world connection on how clean drinking water is sourced from lakes and rivers and flows into cities to support communities.

Liberty Station’s annual Anchored in Wellness: A Day of Movement and Mindfulness festival is back for a second year on June 28. Taking place from 9am to 3pm, this daylong festival celebrates wellness with three dedicated stages offering both high-energy workouts and calming mindfulness practices including: yoga class instructed by Point Loma YogaSix, Pilates class instructed by Point Loma Club Pilates, cardio dance by Madhouse Dance, beginner trampoline class by Bellicon, sound bath and breathwork led by Guy Douglas, cold plunges led by Soul Plunge, pop up pickleball hosted by VOLO, and a silent disco hosted by Serving Sundays. Beyond the activities, attendees can also explore a wellness village featuring 35+ vendors, a wine and beer garden, non-alcoholic beverages, on-site food trucks, giveaways, and more.