How to spoil mom this Mother’s Day: Where to eat and play in San Diego

Let’s be honest: moms make the world go round. She deserves celebration 365 days a year, but come the second Sunday in May it’s time to kick it up a notch to show Mom how amazing she is. Below we’ve gathered some of San Diego’s most special Mother’s Day celebrations, from botanical paradises to delectable brunch spreads. Snag those reservations ahead of time and make mamma proud!

For Moms Who Deserve More than a Bouquet of Flowers

A scenic garden path surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, perfect for a relaxing Mother’s Day outing — *Photo Credit: San Diego Botanic Garden*

San Diego Botanic Garden - Encinitas

When a bouquet of flowers just isn’t enough, treat Mom to hundreds! Enjoy a day in nature at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Give the gift of a membership to San Diego Botanic Garden, a 37-acre urban oasis located in Encinitas. Mom can enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring four miles of meandering trails and ocean views, 5,300 plant species and varieties, and 29 uniquely themed gardens. Membership benefits include free daytime admission, free Member programs, discounted pricing on events and classes, complimentary guest passes, and free or discounted admission at more than 300 other U.S. gardens through the reciprocal program with the American Horticultural Society. Individual memberships start at $55/annually, and Family memberships start at $105/annually and can be purchased online. Members will also enjoy free access to World of Orchids running from Sunday, May 4 through Sunday, June 1. This annual spring showcase will feature impressive orchid specimens, locally bred hybrids, and rare species plants displayed in unique and unexpected ways. Admission to World of Orchids: Orchideliriumis for Non-Members is an additional $7 for adults Garden admission is $18 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-17 and free for ages 2 and under.

For the Marine Life Mama

Oceanside Harbor

Oceanside Harbor
For the moms obsessed with fresh seafood, spend the morning at the Oceanside Harbor. Each Sunday from 8am-2pm (or until sold out), the Oceanside Harbor is home to the Fishermen’s Market of North County, allowing shoppers to meet and buy from the fishers that bring San Diego’s seafood delicacies back to shore. Enjoy the highest quality fish at unbeatable prices, with fresh seasonal catches like spot prawns, spiny lobsters and bluefin tuna caught off the California coast. Bring your catch back home to cook up and enjoy, or dine in laidback maritime style at local eateries in the Cape Cod-style village. Straight from the hands of the fishermen to the kitchens of local restaurants, Oceanside’s vibrant culinary scene is buoyed by access to world-class seafood. Get outside with the whole family; beyond its quaint coastal beauty, Oceanside Harbor is an emerging destination offering a slew of outdoor activities including whale watching and wildlife excursions, jet ski, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, thrilling parasail adventures, and one of the finest surf breaks in O’side.

For Moms with a Sweet Tooth

A beautifully plated Strawberry Dreams Forever Cake from Extraordinary Desserts in San Diego, surrounded by fresh strawberries and delicate decorations. — *Photo Credit: Courtesy of Extraordinary Desserts*

Extraordinary Desserts - Bankers Hill and Little Italy

From one icon to another, treat Mom to something sweet this year courtesy of Extraordinary Desserts. Owner and Executive Pastry Chef Karen Krasne is baking up some special treats just for Mom including Strawberry Dreams Forever Cake, an almond sponge cake layered with cheesecake mousse, raspberry-strawberry rose jam, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream; Vegan Honolulu Cake, banana passion fruit cake layered with passion fruit gelee and coconut buttercream; Guava Cheesecake for Two, rich and creamy cheesecake marbled with guava compote on a coconut almond graham cracker crust, and topped with guava fruit glaze; Devonshire Berry Napoleon, fresh seasonal berries, Devonshire cream and whipped cream layered with puff pastry. Cakes are available for pre-order online while supplies last through Saturday, May 10 at 5pm for pickup on Mother’s Day at the Little Italy and Bankers Hill locations. For something that sparkles like Mom, pick up a Bubbles and Blooms set that includes a mini bottle of JP Chenet Sparkling Rose with a bouquet of flowers, available for pickup on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 at both locations. In addition to these sweet treats, Extraordinary Desserts is helping you celebrate Mom all month long with their special Month of Mom High Tea featuring a selection of teas, toasts and petit sweets available Mondays through Fridays from 2:30pm-5pm for the entire month of May.

For the Som-mom-elier

Outdoor wine tasting setup at Pali Wine Co. in San Diego’s Little Italy, with glasses of rosé and a relaxed brunch atmosphere. — *Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos*

Pali Wine Co. - Little Italy

Create cherished memories this Mother's Day at Pali Wine Co. in Little Italy with a special Mother’s Day Brunch, on Sunday, May 11 served from 11am-3pm. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a delectable menu blending classic breakfast options with the fresh flavors of their seasonal offerings. Enhance the celebration with a curated wine tasting, a festive "mom-osa," or refreshing sangria, all while enjoying the smooth melodies of live jazz by Mall Hall & Friends. Making the weekend even more special, Pali Wine Co. will offer a curated flight highlighting their Neighborhood 2024 Rosé ‘Lexi’, with aromas of white peach, wild strawberry, rosewater, watermelon, cherry, and Provencal herbs, available throughout the weekend. In a meaningful gesture, $5 from each bottle of ‘Lexi’ sold all weekend will be donated to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Live jazz by Mall Hall & Friends will provide the perfect soundtrack while you sip, savor and honor the maternal figures in your life at Pali!

For the Farm-to-Table Mamma

A floral bouquet being arranged on a sunny patio at Cellar Hand in Hillcrest, San Diego, during their Build Your Own Bouquet event. — *Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos*

Cellar Hand - Hillcrest

Cellar Hand is celebrating Mother’s Day weekend with a variety of thoughtful offerings perfect for honoring all motherly figures. On Saturday, May 10, guests can enjoy brunch on the patio along with a Build Your Own Bouquet experience led by one of Hillcrest’s favorite florists, Cork & Stem. The celebration continues on Sunday, May 11, with a special three-course prix-fixe brunch featuring house-made breads, locally-sourced vegetables, classic breakfast dishes, and more delicious surprises. Brunch is priced at $60 per person and $25 for children 12 and under. To make the day even sweeter, Cork & Stem will provide vibrant floral arrangements ready at each table for Mom, with special bouquets for the occasion available for $49.

For the Mom Who Wants an Excuse to Put on Her Sunday Best

Elegant brunch dishes served at Juniper & Ivy in Little Italy, San Diego, featuring fresh ingredients and artistic plating. — *Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos*

Juniper & Ivy - Little Italy

Opt in for opulence at Juniper & Ivy with a special three-course, prix fixe Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11 from 11am-2pm, priced at $85 per guest! Known as a leader in eclectic west-coast fine dining and defined by fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Juniper & Ivy offers seasonal, artistically creative dishes that are just as special as Mom herself. Treat loved ones to a morning of decadence in the heart of Little Italy, where Chef Jonathan Kinsella will be offering first course dishes like the Smoked Sturgeon with Pickled Red Onion, Cured Egg Yolk, Dill Cream Cheese, Nori Brioche and an Option to add 1/2oz Caviar for $25; and a delectable, warm Cinnamon Roll glazed with vanilla icing. Second course highlights include the Wild Mushroom Frittata with goat gouda, English pea pesto, and salanova lettuce; and the English Muffin Sandwich with thick cut bacon, fried egg and california cheddar cheese. Then, end on a sweet note and indulge in Tres Leches Bread Pudding with a blueberry compote; or Tiramisu Parfait with coffee cream and whipped mascarpone. Guests can indulge in this brunch in the spacious, lively dining room or soak up the beautiful SoCal weather under the converted patio. Reservations can be made here.

Para la Mamá Más Especial

A vibrant plate of tacos and colorful cocktails from Puesto in San Diego, perfect for a lively Mother’s Day celebration. — *Photo Credit: Mandie Geller*

Puesto - Seaport Village, Mission Valley and La Jolla

Puesto takes dia de la madre seriously! This year, Puesto will be offering all moms a free Toasted Hazelnut Tres Leches Cake to make the day extra sweet! Guests can also enjoy new menu items from Creative Chef Raul Casillas, like the Crudo Verde with Ensenada kampachi, avocado, hoja santa leche de tigre and tomatillo; Ceviche Zarandeado with bluefin tuna, serrano, chipotle crema, pickled onions and blue corn tostadas; Asparagus Taco with grilled asparagus, zucchini, hoja santa and pipián verde and CDMX Ribeye Taco with Ribeye a la plancha, escabeche, ash salsa and avocado salsa. Cheers to mom with new cocktails like the Poblano Paloma made with Ocho blanco tequila, Aperol, poblano, lime and Fever Tree grapefruit soda or Clarified Guava Margarita with El Tequileño reposado tequila, guava, canela and orgeat (clarified with milk). Reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable.

With multiple locations throughout San Diego, the family-owned Mexican restaurant makes it easy to celebrate mom no matter where you are.

A festive Build-Your-Own Mimosa setup at The Blind Burro in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, ideal for a brunch with Mom. — *Photo Credit: Courtesy of Good Time Design*

The Blind Burro - Gaslamp Quarter

Treat Mom to a vibrant Baja-inspired brunch at The Blind Burro in downtown San Diego. The star of the morning? Mimosas for Madre - A $20 Build-Your-Own Mimosa special that includes a full bottle of champagne and a flight of fresh juices, perfect for raising a glass (or two) to the leading lady in your life. Pair it with brunch favorites like the Churro Waffles with cinnamon-sugar waffle, creme anglaise sauce, and jamaica petals or Machaca & Egg Tacos with shredded beef, onion, tomato, jalapeño, scrambled egg, crispy papas, citrus-arbol salsa, crema, avocado, and flour tortillas for a celebration she won’t forget. Brunch is served on Saturdays from 11am-2pm and Sundays from 10am-2pm. Reservations can be made online.

For the Mom Who Always Wants to Try Something New

A floral photo booth at Brisa in San Diego’s Little Italy, where moms are treated to complimentary portraits on Mother’s Day. — *Photo Credit: James Tran*

Brisa - Little Italy

Treat Mom to something truly special this Mother’s Day at Brisa, the new Latin American and Japanese fusion spot making waves in Little Italy. All day on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, moms will be welcomed with a complimentary rose spritz—a floral, bubbly toast to celebrate the women who do it all. Capture the day with a stop at Brisa’s floral photo station, where a professional photographer will be snapping complimentary keepsake portraits and printing them on the spot. Brunch at Brisa is bold, flavorful, and fun—think Matcha Pancakes topped with jalapeño syrup and crispy bacon, Churro Crème Brûlée French Toast made with fresh berries and a sugar-crusted top, and the Taiyaki Sandwich a twist on the classic Japanese street-food, a waffle-style panini stuffed with bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese. For dinner, Brisa’s fusion-forward menu brings even more to the table with standout dishes including a Sushi Tower, Bacon-Wrapped Scallops and a 32oz Porterhouse. Reservations are available online.

For the Effortlessly Chic Brunch-All-Day Mum

An artfully plated Gravlax Latke Benny at Wildflour Delicatessen in San Diego’s Liberty Station, showcasing brunch elegance. — *Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos*

Wildflour Delicatessen - Liberty Station

Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Wildflour Delicatessen, the newly opened all-day café from award-winning chef Phillip Esteban in San Diego’s Liberty Station, inspired by coastal European dining and Southern California flair. For the holiday, Wildflour is offering a special Mother’s Day 3-course brunch from 8am-12pm. Guests can savor refined dishes like a Strawberry Shortcake Brioche French Toast with vanilla meringue and compote; Gravlax Latke Benny with house-cured salmon or a Soft Scramble on Levain topped with smoked trout roe and crème fraîche, with a choice of adding caviar—choose from Trout Roe or Ossetra. Brunch ends on a sweet note with the Pineapple Carrot Cake layered with salted brown butter cream cheese frosting and candied pecans. Pair brunch with the Mother’s Bloom, a lavender and lime-infused gin spritz finished with prosecco and served in a Collins glass. It’s floral, elegant, and the perfect toast to Mom. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via Toast Reservations and Google Reservations.

For the Matcha Mommy

A smooth Matcha Panna Cotta dessert served at Tajima Ramen in San Diego, offered free to moms on Mother’s Day. — *Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tajima*

Tajima Ramen - Crown Point

This Mother’s Day, Tajima Ramen is serving up more than just its signature rich, umami-packed ramen—moms dining in will receive a complimentary Matcha Panna Cotta, a smooth and subtly sweet dessert with earthy green tea notes, as a token of appreciation. Whether she's a tonkotsu traditionalist or a vegan ramen lover, treat Mom to a comforting meal and a little extra love, the Tajima way. Offer available on Monday, May 12 with any dine-in purchase at all Tajima locations.

For Moms Who Love to be Wined & Dined:

Lavish brunch buffet at Vistal in San Diego overlooking the bay, featuring seafood, gourmet dishes, and elegant desserts. — *Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vistal*

Vistal - InterContinental San Diego

Show Mom just how much she means to you with an unforgettable brunch experience at Vistal. Overlooking the stunning San Diego Bay, Vistal sets the scene for a serene and sophisticated celebration. Enjoy a lavish buffet featuring fresh Baja Coast seafood, artisanal salads, truffle-infused breakfast classics, made-to-order omelets, and savory carving stations. Cap off the experience with a beautiful selection of elegant desserts, like Lavender and Panna Cotta Shooters, Chocolate Mousse Planters, and fresh strawberry tarts . To make the day even more special, sip and savor bottomless sparkling rosé, Aperol spritzes, or classic mimosas as you toast to the incredible women in your life. Tickets are $125 per adult and $60 for children ages 5 to 12. Reservations are available from 10am to 3pm and can be made online via Resy.

A beautifully plated halibut dish at Garibaldi in San Diego, served with Mediterranean flair and bayfront views. — *Photo Credit: Diana Rose*

Garibaldi - InterContinental San Diego

This Mother’s Day, whisk Mom away to the Mediterranean — no passport required. At Garibaldi, timeless elegance meets coastal flavor with exclusive specials crafted just for the occasion. In addition to their classic menu, Garibaldi will be serving Pan Con Tomate Toast ($18) layered with heirloom tomatoes and shaved Iberico ham, Local Halibut ($34) served with hearts of palm, artichokes, peas, sun gold tomatoes, confit peewee potatoes and rich Périgord truffle butter, and finish with the stunning Strawberry Tart ($16) with Harry’s Berries, vanilla bean pastry, cream and strawberry dust. Paired with expansive views of the San Diego Bay, it’s the perfect setting to cheers to Mom with sophistication, flavor and a touch of coastal charm. Reservations can be made online via Resy.

For Moms that love Brunch and Bouquets

Guests building floral bouquets at Rustic Root in San Diego as part of their Mother’s Day Bloom Bar brunch celebration. — *Photo Credit: Courtesy of RMD*

Rustic Root - Gaslamp and Solana Beach

This Mother’s Day, treat the moms in your life with a celebration filled with love, blooms, and brunch. Enjoy an interactive Bloom Bar, where guests can build a bouquet just for her, and capture the moment with a photo, complete with a take-home wooden picture frame. In addition to the classic menu, Rustic Root will be offering an array of special dishes for Mother’s Day including a showstopping Housemade Sweet Bread Tower, with mini sticky buns, old fashioned donuts, banana walnut bread and buttermilk pancakes, served with accoutrement like whipped greek yogurt, blueberry compote, honey butter and bourbon maple syrup. Additional Mother’s Day specials include Compressed Watermelon & Blueberry Salad with prosciutto and feta, Risotto Carbonara with applewood smoked bacon and spring peas, and Maine Lobster Omelette with caviar and chive buerre blanc. Moms deserve something sweet, so indulge in desserts like S’mores Pot de Crème and Strawberry Shortbread Baked Alaska with lavender gelato and toasted meringue.

For the Mom that Deserves the Premium Cut

A personalized cocktail garnished with an edible photo at Huntress in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, created for Mother’s Day dinner. — *Photo Credit: Megan Morello*

Huntress - Gaslamp

Celebrate Mom with the signature elegance and flavor of Huntress, plus a few special surprises that will make her day even more magical. Upon arrival, mom will be welcomed with a personalized drink, garnished with an edible photo that will set the tone for an unforgettable evening. To make this custom drink come alive, guests can send a favorite picture of her to reservations@huntresssteak.com and the Huntress team will handle the rest. In addition to the full Huntress menu, guests will enjoy Chef’s exclusive seasonal specials like Rockfish Crudo with calamansi vinaigrette and finger lime, Spring Risotto with morels and wild garlic, and finish off the indulgent celebration with a dreamy Strawberry Tres Leches topped with whipped Chantilly.

Heart-shaped Ube Coconut Hand Pies from Pop Pie Co. in San Diego, decorated with flowers and glazed for Mother’s Day. — *Credit: Courtesy of The Sweet and Savory Co.*

Pop Pie Co. & Stella Jean’s

Looking to treat the moms in your life to something sweet this Mother’s Day? Look no further than The Sweet & Savory Collective! Pop Pie Co. will be offering two love-filled, heart-shaped hand pie specials available Mother’s Day weekend (5/10 - 5/11, until sold out). Try out the Ube Coconut Hand Pie, filled with rich ube jam and tender young coconut meat, wrapped in signature all-butter crust and finished with a pandan glaze and a dianthus flower. Chocolate-loving moms can indulge in the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hand Pie, made with house-made strawberry compote, topped with a Valrhona chocolate glaze, roasted cacao nibs, freeze-dried strawberries, and an edible flower. Pop Pie Co.’s sister spot Stella Jean’s Ice Cream will also be scooping up special flavors during Mother’s Day weekend, starting with the Strawberry Basque Cheesecake, a dreamy combo of strawberry, cream cheese, and rich Basque cheesecake chunks. Or go for the Molten Lava Cake flavor—dark chocolate ice cream swirled with brownie bits and chocolate fudge, finished with sea salt. This one’s plant-based and gluten-friendly, making it a sweet and thoughtful treat for everyone celebrating mom. Don’t miss your chance to grab limited-edition pies and a special scoop (or two) of these flavors!

For the Mother Hen

A Flock Meal from The Crack Shack in San Diego featuring fried chicken, fries, biscuits, and cookies—perfect for a family-style Mother’s Day feast. — *Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos*

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach, Encinitas and Little Italy

Treat the queen of your coop to something crave-worthy at The Crack Shack! On Saturday and Sunday of Mother’s Day weekend, enjoy $10 off each Flock Meal with bone-in fried chicken, 12 nuggets or tenders, large fry, classic slaw, 6 biscuits and 2 cookies — a family-style feast loaded with flavor. Whether she loves fried chicken, crispy fries, or house-made biscuits, The Crack Shack has everything to make Mom feel extra special (and extra full).

Mother’s Day Dining & Things to Do in San Diego