Like most things in life, Father’s Day isn’t a one-size-fits-all holiday. But if you are celebrating the father figures in your life this time of month, we’ve rounded up the best-of activities, events, meals, & more.

Things to Do

Visit a Museum

Whether dad is into surfing, music, history, art, or engineering, North County is home to several fascinating museums that make for an easy Father’s Day outing. Explore surfing history at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, get hands-on at Carlsbad’s Museum of Making Music, discover intricate miniature engines and craftsmanship at Escondido’s Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, or step back in time at Mission San Luis Rey. For art-loving dads, ICA San Diego North in Encinitas offers contemporary exhibitions in a beautiful setting through its Pay-As-You-Wish admission model.

Go Fishing

Head to Lake Hodges, the Carlsbad Lagoon, Lake San Marcos, or Dixon Lake to go fishing for the afternoon.

Stop by a Brewery

San Diego’s not the Craft Beer Capital of America for nothing. Head to one of North County’s dozen breweries such as Stone Brewing in Escondido, Burgeon Beer (3 locations in North County), Viewpoint Brewing in Del Mar, or Duck Foot in Leucadia to grab a pint.

Go RV Camping

With the weather finally warming up as we head out of spring and into summer, it’s the perfect time to spend a few days at one of North County’s scenic RV stops including Carlsbad State Beach, Cardiff by the Sea Park, or Dixon Lake. Feeling particularly outdoorsy? RV optional — grab a tent and load up the car instead.

Go Golfing

If you have kiddos in tow, schedule in a round of mini golf at Pelley’s at the Del Mar Golf Center. If it’ll be an adults-only occasion, consider scheduling in a round at one of North County’s many public golf courses including Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course, The Links at Lakehouse in San Marcos (formerly St. Mark Golf Club), or The Vineyard at Escondido.

Hike with a View

For dads who prefer the outdoors, hit one of North County’s scenic trails like Annie’s Canyon Trail, Double Peak Park, or Lake Hodges for a morning hike followed by coffee or brunch.

Tour Petco Park

Baseball aficionado in your life? While the Padres don’t have a game this weekend, Petco Park offers daily guided tours: a historical, behind-the-scenes tour that allows you to experience the ballpark while learning about the history of Petco Park and the San Diego Padres.

Spend the Day at the Fair

Back for another season at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the San Diego County Fair offers something for every kind of dad — from live music and craft beer to carnival rides, games, and classic fair food. Whether you’re spending a few hours strolling the grounds or making a full day of it, it’s a nostalgic North County tradition that never gets old.

What to Gift

Local Coffee Beans

For the dad who starts every morning with a great cup of coffee, pick up a bag of locally roasted beans from one of North County’s beloved coffee shops. Favorites like Lofty Coffee, Steady State Coffee, Necessity, and Revolution Roasters offer thoughtfully sourced, expertly roasted blends that make for a practical gift he’ll enjoy long after Father’s Day.

A Michelin-Worthy Meal

North County has quietly become one of Southern California’s most exciting dining destinations, making a reservation at one of its Michelin-recognized restaurants a gift any food-loving dad will appreciate. A reservation—or gift card—to one of North County’s standout restaurants, from Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad to Valle in Oceanside and MARKET in Del Mar, makes for a memorable way to celebrate. Whether it’s a special occasion dinner now or a future date night on the calendar, great food has a way of becoming a gift in itself.

His New Favorite Record

For the music aficionado, skip the generic gift and pick up a vinyl record from one of North County’s beloved record shops. Browse new releases and timeless classics at Lou’s Records in Encinitas, Track City in Escondido, or Sound by the Sea in Oceanside—then pair it with a turntable spin and a good cup of coffee for a Father’s Day gift that hits all the right notes.

BBQ Cooking Class

Have someone who’d be stoked to up their barbecue game? Give the gift of a cooking class led by expert chefs — with tricks to grill their very own mouth-watering meats to perfection. They’ll be transported to St. Louis or the Carolinas to discover the techniques that the real pitmasters use.

Craft Beer Club Subscription

For the craft beer fans of the world, get them a subscription to the original craft beer club. They’ll be able to choose 12 or 24 craft beers from around the country to be delivered monthly or quarterly directly to your door.

Where to Eat

Father’s Day BBQ Brunch at The Crossings

If Dad loves golf and barbecue, head to The Crossings at Carlsbad for a special Father’s Day BBQ Brunch on Sunday, June 21. Expect chef-driven BBQ specials like prime rib plates, smoked tri-tip hoagies, and house-made cornbread alongside the regular brunch menu, plus live music, lawn games, specialty cocktails, and take-home goodies for Dad. Playing a round? The on-course BBQ station serving smoked meats fresh off the grill is reason enough to book a tee time.

Annual Rooftop Cookout at Mister A’s

Celebrate Father’s Day weekend in sky-high style at Mister A’s annual Rooftop Cookout on June 20–21, where Executive Chef Stephané Voitzwinkler will fire up the mesquite grill on the restaurant’s scenic east patio during brunch service. Guests can enjoy a three-course prix fixe brunch ($95 adults, $45 children 12 and under) featuring dishes like sashimi tastings, lamb lollipops, short rib benedict, and seasonal desserts, with optional shareable additions including a 14oz Wagyu ribeye or whole Maine lobster. Reservations are available via OpenTable.

Father’s Day Brunch at The Pony Room

Celebrate Dad with an elevated brunch at The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia, where the final round of the U.S. Open will be shown on the big screen. The festive buffet features everything from wood-fired steaks and grilled lobster tails to oysters on ice, tacos from the trompo grill, and decadent desserts, plus live music and specialty cocktails. For those preferring something lighter, the regular à la carte menu will also be available.

Nonna’s Meatballs & Housemade Sausage at Pastaria Vivi

Recently opened fresh pasta destination and Italian market Pastaria Vivi is celebrating Father’s Day with both returning favorites and exciting new offerings. Co-founders and chefs Brandon Jennings and Will Treff are debuting their first-ever housemade Italian sausages—available in hot and sweet varieties beginning Father’s Day weekend—while beloved Nonna’s Meatballs have officially returned to the menu, now made entirely in-house using the restaurant’s new meat grinder.

Father’s Day at Fox Point Farms

Celebrate Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice at Fox Point Farms with an afternoon of live music, burgers fresh off the grill, local beer, whiskey tastings, and family-friendly activities. The Encinitas gathering also features a DIY BBQ salt bar from Heal Botanics and treats from the Bakehouse, making it an easygoing way to welcome summer with good food and community.

Father’s Day Brunch at Marisi

Coastal Italian favorite Marisi is extending brunch hours from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Father’s Day weekend, offering families extra time to enjoy signature dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes, Eggs Napolitana, Italian dip sandwiches, and carbonara bucatini on its sun-drenched patio. The celebration also marks the debut of live music during brunch service, with local musicians performing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—a new weekend tradition set to continue beyond Father’s Day.