La Jolla

Having a drink at Raised by Wolves feels a little like you might be having a drink at the Gare du Nord a hundred years ago. The marble floors, antique cash register, domed glass ceiling, gilded barstools, velvet armchairs in the library, moody lighting: It all conspires to make you feel as if you’re in an Agatha Christie novel and there’s a steam engine train nearby. The drink menu is extensive—over a dozen pages before you even get to the wine—so if you’re overwhelmed, ask one of the skilled bartenders for a suggestion. Or keep it simple and order a glass of champagne.

Torrey Pines is 1,500 acres of pure, pristine, untouched California. This nature reserve is right on the water and delivers some of the prettiest views you’ll find anywhere in the state. First the bad news: This is a reserve, not a park, which means you can’t bring food or drinks inside, so no picnics. (No pets are allowed in the reserve, either.) But the good news is you won’t really care. The reserve is so full of hikes and trails and cliffs and places to explore, it feels like a vacation within a vacation. If you have kids, this place is heaven (actually whether or not you have kids, it’s pretty much heaven): There are deer, rabbits, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, lizards, snakes, opossums, bobcats, and all kinds of insects—so watch your footing. The reserve is open every day of the year from 7:15 a.m. to sunset.

La Jolla Playhouse comprises three theaters on the campus of University of California San Diego. It’s basically a miniature Lincoln Center with a reliably good selection of plays and musicals. Many well-known actors—Matthew Broderick, Laura Linney, Neil Patrick Harris, and Billy Crystal to name a few—have gotten their start at the La Jolla Playhouse and the quality of the performances never disappoints. Go early to have dinner at James’ Place beforehand—the preshow menu is full of crowd-pleasing options. Whatever you’re seeing, we’ll wager it’ll be more enjoyable with a lychee elderflower martini and beet and blue cheese salad beforehand.

If you’re gluten-free, cover your ears. There are bakeries, and then there is Wayfarer. Wayfarer is the creation of Crystal White, who worked at Tartine in San Francisco before opening what is arguably the best bakery in San Diego. Small-batch loaves (olive, sourdough, baguette, the usuals) and pastries (apple jam and hazelnut croissants are as good as they sound) are the raison d’être here. But there’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads, and every Wednesday is pizza night. Plan accordingly, people.