Things to do in Del Mar / surroundings
01-22-14, 06:41 PM
#1
SuperGimp
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Things to do in Del Mar / surroundings
The kids have a soccer tournament way down in Del Mar so we're living it up at a marriott and I need to do some beersploring Friday eve and Saturday eve.
I see there's a Pizza Port just up the road in Solana Beach, and Green Flash and Ballast point are not terribly far away. Does Lost Abbey have a bar? I know Stone does. My wife has become addicted to Ballast Point Sculpin, which is stupid expensive and my taste buds have wandered more to the lost abbey way of doing things.
Anyway, anybody have a kid-friendly drink-while-dine establishment they care to recommend?
I'm riding my bike down there so I'll be able to pretend I have room, calorically speaking, for extra beer.
I see there's a Pizza Port just up the road in Solana Beach, and Green Flash and Ballast point are not terribly far away. Does Lost Abbey have a bar? I know Stone does. My wife has become addicted to Ballast Point Sculpin, which is stupid expensive and my taste buds have wandered more to the lost abbey way of doing things.
Anyway, anybody have a kid-friendly drink-while-dine establishment they care to recommend?
I'm riding my bike down there so I'll be able to pretend I have room, calorically speaking, for extra beer.
01-22-14, 07:54 PM
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Lost Abbey and Ballast Point have bars/testing rooms, but they are not kid-friendly and they don't serve food. Lost Abbey in particular is basically a warehouse with a bar stand added as an afterthought. Ballast Point shares space with a homebrew supply shop.
The only place that's similar to Stone (that I know of) is Karl Strauss. Take 805 (or, if you're riding a bike, Vista Sorrento Parkway) to Mira Mesa Blvd, go one block east, turn north on Scranton, go a few blocks, it will be on your right after you pass a big red tubular thingy.
The only place that's similar to Stone (that I know of) is Karl Strauss. Take 805 (or, if you're riding a bike, Vista Sorrento Parkway) to Mira Mesa Blvd, go one block east, turn north on Scranton, go a few blocks, it will be on your right after you pass a big red tubular thingy.
01-22-14, 09:19 PM
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If you have 4 hours free from the family and are able to take a dedicated beer tour, click here. (Gmaps of Breweries in Vista, which has become the epicenter of San Diego's brew big bang.) I've done extensive research since breaking two metatarsals (the silicone in beer is good for healing bones), and the three standouts are (in order of my preference):
Barrel Harbor
Iron Fist
Latitude 33
The others on the above map have some terrific brews (except Aztec--the place was sticky, smelled like sour milk, and two of the brews I tried had an obvious infection), but these three stand out. Please keep in mind that I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to beer, and I'm not too crazy about adding raisins, cilantro, orange zest, or other SoCal ingredients that turn beer into carbonated fruitcake.
Stone is probably your best best for juggling the beer/restaurant/kid balls. They have an idyllic beer garden, and their food sucks a lot less than their beer (IMO, but I'm not an IPA fan at all, and it appears Stone has jumped onto that overhopped bandwagon with both feet.) Their beer garden is nice enough to make me consider sneaking good beer into the place.
The Pizza Port in Solana is ALWAYS a madhouse. I've ridden past the place at 10:45 in the morning and seen long lines. Either Pizza Port in Carlsbad is probably a better bet. They just opened a new PP in Bressi Ranch here in Carlsbad, and they made it much larger than the other locations; it has also relieved a little pressure from the Carlsbad Village location. The pizza at all locations is terrific, if you don't mind tomato sauce that's a little too sweet.
Haven't been to Karl Strauss in nearly two years, but the last three times I went there, the beer tasted synthetic, as if they'd employed flavorists to make it taste like real beer. It's walking distance from Legoland, so their business will always be too good for them to make any kind of effort at brewing decent beer. I haven't had anything decent from Gorton Biersch or Karl Strauss in several years. Every time I go back, I end up paying for it, spitting it back into the glass, and walking sadly to the parking lot. Some of them even have a decided cardboard-glue taste.
Might be free Friday afternoon. PM me if you want a tour/buDDycab. I can even pick you up and drop you back off in Del Mar. NWOHF if you don't have time, or must stick with the kiddoes though.
Barrel Harbor
Iron Fist
Latitude 33
The others on the above map have some terrific brews (except Aztec--the place was sticky, smelled like sour milk, and two of the brews I tried had an obvious infection), but these three stand out. Please keep in mind that I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to beer, and I'm not too crazy about adding raisins, cilantro, orange zest, or other SoCal ingredients that turn beer into carbonated fruitcake.
Stone is probably your best best for juggling the beer/restaurant/kid balls. They have an idyllic beer garden, and their food sucks a lot less than their beer (IMO, but I'm not an IPA fan at all, and it appears Stone has jumped onto that overhopped bandwagon with both feet.) Their beer garden is nice enough to make me consider sneaking good beer into the place.
The Pizza Port in Solana is ALWAYS a madhouse. I've ridden past the place at 10:45 in the morning and seen long lines. Either Pizza Port in Carlsbad is probably a better bet. They just opened a new PP in Bressi Ranch here in Carlsbad, and they made it much larger than the other locations; it has also relieved a little pressure from the Carlsbad Village location. The pizza at all locations is terrific, if you don't mind tomato sauce that's a little too sweet.
Haven't been to Karl Strauss in nearly two years, but the last three times I went there, the beer tasted synthetic, as if they'd employed flavorists to make it taste like real beer. It's walking distance from Legoland, so their business will always be too good for them to make any kind of effort at brewing decent beer. I haven't had anything decent from Gorton Biersch or Karl Strauss in several years. Every time I go back, I end up paying for it, spitting it back into the glass, and walking sadly to the parking lot. Some of them even have a decided cardboard-glue taste.
Might be free Friday afternoon. PM me if you want a tour/buDDycab. I can even pick you up and drop you back off in Del Mar. NWOHF if you don't have time, or must stick with the kiddoes though.
01-23-14, 04:47 AM
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how old are the kids?
if i'm concentrating on the del mar area...some faves in no particular order...
1. rimel's restaurant in the del mar highlands shopping center east of the 5 fwy intersection of del mar heights/el camino real. exhibition grill keeps the kids interested.
good food, big menu, some decent local beers on tap. also next to cinepolis which is cushy movie viewing. a little more expensive but without the teenyboppers.
2. the fish market on via del valle/jimmy durante. family friendly. do not miss the smoked fish appetizers. if you like seafood, the fish market is the place.
3. torrey pines state beach and torrey pines reserve. if you do only one thing with the family, walk up the road into the torrey pines state reserve & do the "guy fleming" trail loop
and then take the "beach trail" westward at the top of the hill down to the torrey pines state beach and head right/north back to the car. about 4 miles round trip.
truly magical and possibly the single best thing we have in the whole damn county. even better than all the beer. yes i just said that.
4. del mar plaza at the intersection of 15th st and camino del mar (the coastal hwy). some cool restos. cool ocean view from the top in adirondack chairs.
5. del mar pizza on 15th st just south of del mar plaza towards the ocean. some good ny style pizza.
6. board & brew sandwiches approx 4 blocks south of del mar plaza on camino del mar (west/ocean side of street). awesome sandos. go early or late because the local high school
crushes the place at lunchtime.
7. the aforementioned pizza port in solana beach. family friendly. good, herbaceous pizza. arguably the best local beer selection you'll find in the area. a block from fletcher cove which is
a great place for a family walk, regardless of the kiddos ages.
8. cedros avenue-directly across the street from pizza port and chock full of designer shops, bistros, home furnishings and whatnot. my 2nd favorite street in the entire county for walking
just behind india street in little italy near d-town san diego. cedros ave. is a must-do...just behind the torrey pines excursion.
9. fidel's for mexican food on the corner of valley & genevieve. do it. you won't be disappointed.
10. torrey pines glider port on torrey pines scenic drive just off of torrey pines road. always fun watching the gliders cruise the cliffs!
11. salk institute-directly next to the glider port. if you are a modern architecture fan, it is quite possibly sd county's most important architectural site. the view along the travertine plaza
betwixt the symmetrical buildings along the water channel directly looking towards the pacific does not suck. especially at sunset.
12. university of california-san diego (ucsd)-again...if you like architecture/art, there's the sun god, the balancing house, the snake path, the talking tree, the dr. seuss library, the price plaza
and the eucalyptus forest. there's also an arcade and a round table pizza place (both at price plaza) that serves decent beer. porter's pub (hidden in muir college) has an excellent selection of brewhas.
13. the counter-in del mar highlands shopping center (el camino real/del mar heights) for burgers. anxiety-inducing amount of toppings/potential burger combinations.
if the kiddos are teenagers, you gotta head southeast off miramar road to miramar speed circuit which has indoor go-cart racing. about 10 mins away and is in very close proximity to green flash and alesmith brewing tasting rooms. so dangerous!
damn...never realized how awesome del mar/solana beach is for a little getaway! hope this helps. all of these places are within a 10 minute drive (mostly less) of the del mar marriott.
since you are bringing the bike, you simply must ride the torrey pines grade..one time through the state reserve and one time along the main coastal highway. it is now verboten to descend
the grade inside the state reserve (just sayin). so ride up it inside the state reserve, it's steeper but levels out quicker. along the coast highway, it's a very consistent grade and a fun 1.6 miles...descend the coast highway, then ascend it and descend it again. a blast.
if i'm concentrating on the del mar area...some faves in no particular order...
1. rimel's restaurant in the del mar highlands shopping center east of the 5 fwy intersection of del mar heights/el camino real. exhibition grill keeps the kids interested.
good food, big menu, some decent local beers on tap. also next to cinepolis which is cushy movie viewing. a little more expensive but without the teenyboppers.
2. the fish market on via del valle/jimmy durante. family friendly. do not miss the smoked fish appetizers. if you like seafood, the fish market is the place.
3. torrey pines state beach and torrey pines reserve. if you do only one thing with the family, walk up the road into the torrey pines state reserve & do the "guy fleming" trail loop
and then take the "beach trail" westward at the top of the hill down to the torrey pines state beach and head right/north back to the car. about 4 miles round trip.
truly magical and possibly the single best thing we have in the whole damn county. even better than all the beer. yes i just said that.
4. del mar plaza at the intersection of 15th st and camino del mar (the coastal hwy). some cool restos. cool ocean view from the top in adirondack chairs.
5. del mar pizza on 15th st just south of del mar plaza towards the ocean. some good ny style pizza.
6. board & brew sandwiches approx 4 blocks south of del mar plaza on camino del mar (west/ocean side of street). awesome sandos. go early or late because the local high school
crushes the place at lunchtime.
7. the aforementioned pizza port in solana beach. family friendly. good, herbaceous pizza. arguably the best local beer selection you'll find in the area. a block from fletcher cove which is
a great place for a family walk, regardless of the kiddos ages.
8. cedros avenue-directly across the street from pizza port and chock full of designer shops, bistros, home furnishings and whatnot. my 2nd favorite street in the entire county for walking
just behind india street in little italy near d-town san diego. cedros ave. is a must-do...just behind the torrey pines excursion.
9. fidel's for mexican food on the corner of valley & genevieve. do it. you won't be disappointed.
10. torrey pines glider port on torrey pines scenic drive just off of torrey pines road. always fun watching the gliders cruise the cliffs!
11. salk institute-directly next to the glider port. if you are a modern architecture fan, it is quite possibly sd county's most important architectural site. the view along the travertine plaza
betwixt the symmetrical buildings along the water channel directly looking towards the pacific does not suck. especially at sunset.
12. university of california-san diego (ucsd)-again...if you like architecture/art, there's the sun god, the balancing house, the snake path, the talking tree, the dr. seuss library, the price plaza
and the eucalyptus forest. there's also an arcade and a round table pizza place (both at price plaza) that serves decent beer. porter's pub (hidden in muir college) has an excellent selection of brewhas.
13. the counter-in del mar highlands shopping center (el camino real/del mar heights) for burgers. anxiety-inducing amount of toppings/potential burger combinations.
if the kiddos are teenagers, you gotta head southeast off miramar road to miramar speed circuit which has indoor go-cart racing. about 10 mins away and is in very close proximity to green flash and alesmith brewing tasting rooms. so dangerous!
damn...never realized how awesome del mar/solana beach is for a little getaway! hope this helps. all of these places are within a 10 minute drive (mostly less) of the del mar marriott.
since you are bringing the bike, you simply must ride the torrey pines grade..one time through the state reserve and one time along the main coastal highway. it is now verboten to descend
the grade inside the state reserve (just sayin). so ride up it inside the state reserve, it's steeper but levels out quicker. along the coast highway, it's a very consistent grade and a fun 1.6 miles...descend the coast highway, then ascend it and descend it again. a blast.
Last edited by diphthong; 01-23-14 at 05:10 AM.
01-23-14, 10:26 AM
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(We never do the touristy things in our own back yard.)
Though I'd probably rather ride up & down the coast between Oceanside and Torrey Pines, over hill repeats on Torrey Grade. Wide lanes, smooth asphalt, room-temps, and decent scenery on PCH.
01-23-14, 10:35 AM
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I would suggest Stone Brewery. I've been going to the one in Liberty Station. It's totally kid friendly, nice gardens (for kids to run around), and you can order 4 or 5 beer tasters for about 7 dollars. It's pretty fun to get a couple of those. And while the food is not terrific, I have zero complaints about their appetizer menu.
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01-23-14, 10:36 AM
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You can always take your dog for an off-leash walk along the train tracks. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/loca...238657931.html
01-23-14, 11:02 AM
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You can always take your dog for an off-leash walk along the train tracks. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/loca...238657931.html
01-23-14, 11:16 AM
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You can always take your dog for an off-leash walk along the train tracks. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/loca...238657931.html
It is always the little stuff that does you in, isn't it? I mean, this guy probably worried about nuclear war, earthquakes, getting run down by a drunk driver etc, but then walks his dog leashless by the train tracks. <huge sigh>!
01-23-14, 11:30 AM
#10
Senior Member
I live near the tracks and am amazed at how many of my neighbors use the ROW as a dog park.
01-23-14, 11:35 AM
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Thankfully the dog was smart enough to not get hit by the train.
01-23-14, 11:40 AM
#12
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If your kids are playing at the fields at Via De La Valle and El Camino, ride north on El Camino for a couple miles, turn right on Linea Del Cielo and ride into Rancho Santa Fe. There's a coffee shop with some outdoor seats.
01-23-14, 11:47 AM
#13
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
Hot damn, I forgot how many breweries were down there. Kids are 11 and 13 so they are able to self-entertain to some extent but I don't know how much standing around in a bar they can tolerate either.
We almost moved to Solana beach 5 years ago - I even figured out how I could still visit my office in Valencia once a week! Oh well, I'll escape from LA one of these days.
Thanks for the list ooga.
Chris - I'd take you up on your offer but we probably won't get down there till late and then we'll need to pound some dinner and get to bed... have to get to the soccer fields by 7 am. Ugh.
So... Torrey Pines inside path vs outside? I'm not sure I can tell on the map which is which. This is one way I plan to get back and forth from the soccer fields - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3946160. I rode up Torrey Pines a million years ago when I lived right by that ice palace temple doohickey but I really don't recall the details.
We almost moved to Solana beach 5 years ago - I even figured out how I could still visit my office in Valencia once a week! Oh well, I'll escape from LA one of these days.
Thanks for the list ooga.
Chris - I'd take you up on your offer but we probably won't get down there till late and then we'll need to pound some dinner and get to bed... have to get to the soccer fields by 7 am. Ugh.
So... Torrey Pines inside path vs outside? I'm not sure I can tell on the map which is which. This is one way I plan to get back and forth from the soccer fields - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3946160. I rode up Torrey Pines a million years ago when I lived right by that ice palace temple doohickey but I really don't recall the details.
01-23-14, 11:56 AM
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Geez, me neither. I didn't know about half that stuff, Ooga. Thanks for the info!
(We never do the touristy things in our own back yard.)
Though I'd probably rather ride up & down the coast between Oceanside and Torrey Pines, over hill repeats on Torrey Grade. Wide lanes, smooth asphalt, room-temps, and decent scenery on PCH.
(We never do the touristy things in our own back yard.)
Though I'd probably rather ride up & down the coast between Oceanside and Torrey Pines, over hill repeats on Torrey Grade. Wide lanes, smooth asphalt, room-temps, and decent scenery on PCH.
i was specifically trying to keep trojan horse super local but now that you opened pandora's box...
01-23-14, 12:06 PM
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the torrey pines grade that is closest to the ocean is the one that is steeper but shorter. road is narrower. hafta ride past the ranger admission toll booth (free for peds/cyclists) and then ramps up. the outer grade follows the 3 lane (southbound side) coastal highway and has a good bike lane. 1.6 miles of a super-consistent
5% (or thereabouts) grade. do both ascents as they are totally different and both scenic. can only descend
on the coast highway one tho. the powers that be declared descending within the state reserve as a no-no about 6 months ago. it's more fun to ascend anyway so no biggie.
oh...and bring your camera/phone for pics.
5% (or thereabouts) grade. do both ascents as they are totally different and both scenic. can only descend
on the coast highway one tho. the powers that be declared descending within the state reserve as a no-no about 6 months ago. it's more fun to ascend anyway so no biggie.
oh...and bring your camera/phone for pics.
01-23-14, 01:13 PM
#16
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
Can't ride with my camera but I always have my phone, I just need to remember to stop and dig it out of the little ziploc. 
I'm thinking, for Saturday:
a) ride to game at 6 am Saturday and go via one of the Torrey Pines routes.
b) between games ride back via Ted Williams and do the other Torrey Pines route.
c) commute back to hotel after game.
Sunday: Ride up coast a ways and then figure out a way to get to the (damn) soccer games for yet a third time. Or Back down the coast and again, up Torrey Pines.
It's not really a spectacular cycling vacation by any means but it'll keep my legs moving on one of those weekends where I don't normally get much opportunity, and the area is terrific.
Btw, the following weekend is in Apple Valley.
I'm thinking, for Saturday:
a) ride to game at 6 am Saturday and go via one of the Torrey Pines routes.
b) between games ride back via Ted Williams and do the other Torrey Pines route.
c) commute back to hotel after game.
Sunday: Ride up coast a ways and then figure out a way to get to the (damn) soccer games for yet a third time. Or Back down the coast and again, up Torrey Pines.
It's not really a spectacular cycling vacation by any means but it'll keep my legs moving on one of those weekends where I don't normally get much opportunity, and the area is terrific.
Btw, the following weekend is in Apple Valley.
01-23-14, 02:18 PM
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I finally said, "Sorry, can't make it this weekend." And everyone in the family stopped speaking to me!
That soccermom stuff is probably less for the birds when they're your kids, but you have my sympathy.
01-23-14, 05:13 PM
#18
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
LMAO. Well, they're getting old enough for it to be more entertaining but jeez, talk about your lost weekends.
And Apple valley. I mean c'mon. All the teams in this league are in the Valley, LA, OC, North County... maybe a couple in Palmdale but nobody wants to admit it, so let's get everybody together for a tournament and go to Egypt. Yay.
And Apple valley. I mean c'mon. All the teams in this league are in the Valley, LA, OC, North County... maybe a couple in Palmdale but nobody wants to admit it, so let's get everybody together for a tournament and go to Egypt. Yay.
01-23-14, 06:04 PM
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LMAO. Well, they're getting old enough for it to be more entertaining but jeez, talk about your lost weekends.
And Apple valley. I mean c'mon. All the teams in this league are in the Valley, LA, OC, North County... maybe a couple in Palmdale but nobody wants to admit it, so let's get everybody together for a tournament and go to Egypt. Yay.
And Apple valley. I mean c'mon. All the teams in this league are in the Valley, LA, OC, North County... maybe a couple in Palmdale but nobody wants to admit it, so let's get everybody together for a tournament and go to Egypt. Yay.
On second thought, that's an insult to Egypt. The only thing good about Apple Valley is that it's not Victorvile.
It sucks, but at least it's air-conditioned.
Last edited by calamarichris; 01-23-14 at 06:08 PM.
01-24-14, 09:46 AM
#20
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New rule at Torrey Pines is that bikes are no longer allowed to ride downhill through the state park. If you ride up through the park then down the old coast highway, which I recommend, you will see why this is a good idea.
01-24-14, 10:25 AM
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how old are the kids?
if i'm concentrating on the del mar area...some faves in no particular order...
1. rimel's restaurant in the del mar highlands shopping center east of the 5 fwy intersection of del mar heights/el camino real. exhibition grill keeps the kids interested.
good food, big menu, some decent local beers on tap. also next to cinepolis which is cushy movie viewing. a little more expensive but without the teenyboppers.
2. the fish market on via del valle/jimmy durante. family friendly. do not miss the smoked fish appetizers. if you like seafood, the fish market is the place.
3. torrey pines state beach and torrey pines reserve. if you do only one thing with the family, walk up the road into the torrey pines state reserve & do the "guy fleming" trail loop
and then take the "beach trail" westward at the top of the hill down to the torrey pines state beach and head right/north back to the car. about 4 miles round trip.
truly magical and possibly the single best thing we have in the whole damn county. even better than all the beer. yes i just said that.
4. del mar plaza at the intersection of 15th st and camino del mar (the coastal hwy). some cool restos. cool ocean view from the top in adirondack chairs.
5. del mar pizza on 15th st just south of del mar plaza towards the ocean. some good ny style pizza.
6. board & brew sandwiches approx 4 blocks south of del mar plaza on camino del mar (west/ocean side of street). awesome sandos. go early or late because the local high school
crushes the place at lunchtime.
7. the aforementioned pizza port in solana beach. family friendly. good, herbaceous pizza. arguably the best local beer selection you'll find in the area. a block from fletcher cove which is
a great place for a family walk, regardless of the kiddos ages.
8. cedros avenue-directly across the street from pizza port and chock full of designer shops, bistros, home furnishings and whatnot. my 2nd favorite street in the entire county for walking
just behind india street in little italy near d-town san diego. cedros ave. is a must-do...just behind the torrey pines excursion.
9. fidel's for mexican food on the corner of valley & genevieve. do it. you won't be disappointed.
10. torrey pines glider port on torrey pines scenic drive just off of torrey pines road. always fun watching the gliders cruise the cliffs!
11. salk institute-directly next to the glider port. if you are a modern architecture fan, it is quite possibly sd county's most important architectural site. the view along the travertine plaza
betwixt the symmetrical buildings along the water channel directly looking towards the pacific does not suck. especially at sunset.
12. university of california-san diego (ucsd)-again...if you like architecture/art, there's the sun god, the balancing house, the snake path, the talking tree, the dr. seuss library, the price plaza
and the eucalyptus forest. there's also an arcade and a round table pizza place (both at price plaza) that serves decent beer. porter's pub (hidden in muir college) has an excellent selection of brewhas.
13. the counter-in del mar highlands shopping center (el camino real/del mar heights) for burgers. anxiety-inducing amount of toppings/potential burger combinations.
if the kiddos are teenagers, you gotta head southeast off miramar road to miramar speed circuit which has indoor go-cart racing. about 10 mins away and is in very close proximity to green flash and alesmith brewing tasting rooms. so dangerous!
damn...never realized how awesome del mar/solana beach is for a little getaway! hope this helps. all of these places are within a 10 minute drive (mostly less) of the del mar marriott.
since you are bringing the bike, you simply must ride the torrey pines grade..one time through the state reserve and one time along the main coastal highway. it is now verboten to descend
the grade inside the state reserve (just sayin). so ride up it inside the state reserve, it's steeper but levels out quicker. along the coast highway, it's a very consistent grade and a fun 1.6 miles...descend the coast highway, then ascend it and descend it again. a blast.
if i'm concentrating on the del mar area...some faves in no particular order...
1. rimel's restaurant in the del mar highlands shopping center east of the 5 fwy intersection of del mar heights/el camino real. exhibition grill keeps the kids interested.
good food, big menu, some decent local beers on tap. also next to cinepolis which is cushy movie viewing. a little more expensive but without the teenyboppers.
2. the fish market on via del valle/jimmy durante. family friendly. do not miss the smoked fish appetizers. if you like seafood, the fish market is the place.
3. torrey pines state beach and torrey pines reserve. if you do only one thing with the family, walk up the road into the torrey pines state reserve & do the "guy fleming" trail loop
and then take the "beach trail" westward at the top of the hill down to the torrey pines state beach and head right/north back to the car. about 4 miles round trip.
truly magical and possibly the single best thing we have in the whole damn county. even better than all the beer. yes i just said that.
4. del mar plaza at the intersection of 15th st and camino del mar (the coastal hwy). some cool restos. cool ocean view from the top in adirondack chairs.
5. del mar pizza on 15th st just south of del mar plaza towards the ocean. some good ny style pizza.
6. board & brew sandwiches approx 4 blocks south of del mar plaza on camino del mar (west/ocean side of street). awesome sandos. go early or late because the local high school
crushes the place at lunchtime.
7. the aforementioned pizza port in solana beach. family friendly. good, herbaceous pizza. arguably the best local beer selection you'll find in the area. a block from fletcher cove which is
a great place for a family walk, regardless of the kiddos ages.
8. cedros avenue-directly across the street from pizza port and chock full of designer shops, bistros, home furnishings and whatnot. my 2nd favorite street in the entire county for walking
just behind india street in little italy near d-town san diego. cedros ave. is a must-do...just behind the torrey pines excursion.
9. fidel's for mexican food on the corner of valley & genevieve. do it. you won't be disappointed.
10. torrey pines glider port on torrey pines scenic drive just off of torrey pines road. always fun watching the gliders cruise the cliffs!
11. salk institute-directly next to the glider port. if you are a modern architecture fan, it is quite possibly sd county's most important architectural site. the view along the travertine plaza
betwixt the symmetrical buildings along the water channel directly looking towards the pacific does not suck. especially at sunset.
12. university of california-san diego (ucsd)-again...if you like architecture/art, there's the sun god, the balancing house, the snake path, the talking tree, the dr. seuss library, the price plaza
and the eucalyptus forest. there's also an arcade and a round table pizza place (both at price plaza) that serves decent beer. porter's pub (hidden in muir college) has an excellent selection of brewhas.
13. the counter-in del mar highlands shopping center (el camino real/del mar heights) for burgers. anxiety-inducing amount of toppings/potential burger combinations.
if the kiddos are teenagers, you gotta head southeast off miramar road to miramar speed circuit which has indoor go-cart racing. about 10 mins away and is in very close proximity to green flash and alesmith brewing tasting rooms. so dangerous!
damn...never realized how awesome del mar/solana beach is for a little getaway! hope this helps. all of these places are within a 10 minute drive (mostly less) of the del mar marriott.
since you are bringing the bike, you simply must ride the torrey pines grade..one time through the state reserve and one time along the main coastal highway. it is now verboten to descend
the grade inside the state reserve (just sayin). so ride up it inside the state reserve, it's steeper but levels out quicker. along the coast highway, it's a very consistent grade and a fun 1.6 miles...descend the coast highway, then ascend it and descend it again. a blast.
Pizza Port I think is a must. Good brew in house great selection of other brews Pizza and games for the kids.
Panikin in Encinitas is a good place for coffee and pastries and or breakfast and lunch
I would add while riding taking Torrey and down to La Jolla Shores as one of the prettiest descents I know. Mt Soledad if your up to it has one of the best views in the city
01-24-14, 10:50 AM
#22
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
great reply by the ooga booga
Pizza Port I think is a must. Good brew in house great selection of other brews Pizza and games for the kids.
Panikin in Encinitas is a good place for coffee and pastries and or breakfast and lunch
I would add while riding taking Torrey and down to La Jolla Shores as one of the prettiest descents I know. Mt Soledad if your up to it has one of the best views in the city
Pizza Port I think is a must. Good brew in house great selection of other brews Pizza and games for the kids.
Panikin in Encinitas is a good place for coffee and pastries and or breakfast and lunch
I would add while riding taking Torrey and down to La Jolla Shores as one of the prettiest descents I know. Mt Soledad if your up to it has one of the best views in the city
01-24-14, 02:34 PM
#23
well hello there
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Thanks - I agree about Soledad, been up there loads of times. There was an urban legend when I lived there that a whole little people lived up there somewhere complete with houses built to scale. I never saw anything like that but it was an interesting thought... I wonder if it's true.
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01-24-14, 05:56 PM
#24
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I'd probably avoid Torrey Pines this weekend. Just came back from there, and it's a beehive of activity. Bunch of busses, Mercedes (the two-door kind) Maseratis, Ferraris, etc. up there due to a PGA event this weekend. It's a madhouse up there already, and bound to be worse tomorrow.
Another cool place right there in Del Mar is the sun deck just up the stairs from 15th and PCH. There are some restaurants and a nice bar up there, thought that might be a madhouse too, due to the PGA event.
Going to be mostly cloudy and cool this weekend, which will be as good for the kiddoes as it will be for your ride.
Have fun!
Another cool place right there in Del Mar is the sun deck just up the stairs from 15th and PCH. There are some restaurants and a nice bar up there, thought that might be a madhouse too, due to the PGA event.
Going to be mostly cloudy and cool this weekend, which will be as good for the kiddoes as it will be for your ride.
Have fun!
01-25-14, 12:55 AM
#25
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
OK, Pizza port in Solana beach was excellent. Kids had a cheese pizza, which I thought was adequate but Mrs Horse and I had a Roma pizza and that was excellent. Let's see if my legs work in the morning, they were pretty fried when I got to the in-laws today.