Before you let dad get on with his usual weekend dinner duties of firing up the grill, think about giving him the day off. For any kind of dad, there are a slew of places and activities in North County that are perfect for any dad to remember forever. From brewery tours to golf to go-karts, here is a list of 8 of our favorites.
What’s better than a silk tie? Booking a surprise fishing trip for a bonding trip with you and your dad. You don’t have to charter your own boat…you can instead, rent a spot on a boat through Helgren’s Sportsfishing, which has been in business since 1978. They offer two different half day fishing trips on weekend days and depart from Oceanside Harbor.
The Encinitas Ranch Golf Course is the perfect spot for dad to relax on Father’s Day. Encinitas Ranch is one of the few golf courses that is located on a sweep of bluffs that keep the ocean in sight from all over the golf course. There are only a few other courses in San Diego that offer a setting remotely close to the picturesque scene experienced at Encinitas Ranch. Book him tee time today. Or if he has always just talked about golf but never perfected his game, lessons and instructions are another way to go.
Thinking bottomless beers? How about getting dad (and some of his dad friends perhaps) a few hours away from the kiddos…maybe during nap time. Scavengers Beer Adventures has a North County tour that starts in Carlsbad Village. Tours include up to 12 passengers per vehicle; ice cold cans of craft beer to drink on the road; stops at 3 different San Diego Craft Breweries with 3-4 tasters at each stop; behind the scenes production tour at 1 brewery, a BBQ meal and more.
The marina at Lake San Marcos offers several options for a cruising. Pontoon boats can accommodate up to 13 guests with the smaller ones, only $85 per hour, accommodating up to 8 people. So pack some beers, bring some dinner take out and make dad feel like he is not anywhere near San Diego, heading on an adventure around the lake. And follow up the boat ride with some outdoor fire pit fun … don’t forget to bring your s’mores kit.
Spa’s Aren’t Only for Mother’s Day
Who says dads don’t like the spa? Well, maybe some don’t, but they might change their mind after visiting The Grotto Spa—a great addition to Solana Beach and Cedros. You can almost always call in for a same day appointment. They offer a variety of different options for massage. It is very clean and everyone is super friendly. They have multiple private rooms as well as a couples’ room. This is a great way for dad to unwind and relax.
Brunch is always a good way to celebrate. If you haven’t checked it out already, try Encinitas’ Breakfast Republic. While there is a good chance you will have to wait for a table, I can assure you that the wait will be more than worthwhile. And you can take a seat in the egg seating area that might bring laughter to the beginning of a wonderful day. And not only does the place have great breakfast, but they have the drinks covered. Whether you crave a latte or Mexican Mocha or an alchoholic beverage (think Prosecco on draft), the place has dad (and family) covered.
Give the Grill Master the Night Off
Give dad the night off on Father’s Day and treat him to a steak at West Steak and Seafood in Carlsbad. An intimate and distinctive fine dining restaurant fused with a creative culinary team, the place provides high quality prime steaks, chops and seafood as well as fresh veggies picked daily from its own West Farm.
You don’t have to be on vacation to try paddleboarding or other water activities. At California Watersports at the Carlsbad Lagoon just off Tamarack, there is a private beach with volleyball, ping pong, lounge chairs, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, paddleboats and more. You can even be a little more adventurous and try a jet ski or have a driver take the family out on the boat to try wakeboarding, waterskiing and more. What’s more fun for dad then letting him be a kid.
