Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wallys Tips and Tickets for the Carlsbad Flower Fields 2026

Local WallyComment

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields

  • Runs March 1st - May 10th, 2026

  • Classic San Diego experience loved by locals as well as visitors - Not a tourist trap!

  • Acres of flower blooms looks like a scene from the Wizard of Oz - perfect IG backdrop!

  • Butterflies, tractor rides, sluice mining, sculpture gardens, U-Pick Blueberries, and specialty food options.

  • PRO TIP: You must buy tickets ONLINE - no tickets sold at entrance.

If the world today seems a bit, well, chaotic, then how about chilling out with a classic San Diego activity that’s certain to put a big smile on your face? That’s right, it’s time for the flower fields in Carlsbad to hit their stride with acres and acres of eye popping color. How many flowers? How about 80 million? Is that enough for you?

The flowering season lasts 10 weeks and at its peak boasts 55 acres of ranunculus blooms. 2026 is shaping up to be the best year ever with a super bloom predicted due to our dry winter and recent rains meaning that even on Day 1 of the season you can expect incredible blooms. As the season wears on the sunflower fields pop, typically in April, making the season pass ticket a worthwhile purchase if you just can’t get enough.

PRO TIP: Expect the largest crowds on the weekend so a weekday visit is a good strategy. Come early and have the fields nearly to yourself.

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So Many Food Options… and U-Pick-Em Blueberries too!

If all of this walking and photo snapping is making you hungry don’t worry as there are plenty of snack options with two food trucks serving tacos and pizza as well as lots of snack and drink options. There also are special food vendor pop ups throughout the season - check the official site for their schedules.

PRO TIP: Speaking as an experienced parent if you need a distraction from the cotton candy and ice cream head over to the 6 acre U-Pick-Em Blueberry patch where you can pick your own for only $8 a pint. Fresh blueberries are so much better than the supermarket variety that the kids will forget all about the kettle corn, at least for a moment. Pro Tip 2: Get the kettle corn anyway. You’ll thank me later.

BUTTERFLIES AND TRACTORS

With hundreds of butterflies and a stick of nectar to attract them, the Butterfly Encounter is certain to amaze and enthrall everyone, from toddlers to grand parents. There’s just something magical and oddly enchanting about butterflies landing on your hair and following you like you are like Mary Poppins (I know, she had birds fluttering around her but you get the idea). They do something similar at the San Diego Safari Park but it’s quite expensive so get your butterfly fix at The Flower Fields. Tickets are free for those under 3, $4 for kids and $8 for adults - you can purchase them when you arrive.

And for those looking for a unique way to experience the Flower Fields there’s a Tractor Wagon Ride that takes you up and down the fields. It’s perfect for when the kids have had enough of walking but you still want to see more flowers and a great way for those in wheelchairs or just walking impaired to get the full experience.

Tickets are free for those under 3, $4 for kids and $8 for adults - you can purchase them when you arrive.

FREQ ASKED Q’S

DO I NEED TO BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE? Yes, buy them here online as no tickets are sold at the entrance. You must pick your time to enter but if you’re late they are very flexible.

ARE THERE TICKET DISCOUNTS? Yes, Seniors get $5 off on Thursdays, Children under 3 are Free, and every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday get one free child admission with each adult admission. Also, the first week the fields are open, March 1st -6th, offers additional discounted pricing.

HOW MUCH IS PARKING? Parking is free. Unbelievable, I know, but wow, free parking.

CAN I RENT A STROLLER OR WHEELCHAIR? No, bring your own.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOT FOR A VISIT? You can see it all in about an hour but if you want to experience the butterflies and visit the gardens and exhibits you should plan on 2.5 hours or so. Four hours is about the max.

Complete Guide to the San Diego Food + Wine Festival 2025

Local WallyComment

day by day at the san diego food + wine festival: THE BIG EVENTS

The Grand Decant

While there are various dinner events and excursions during the week leading up to Grand Events the real excitement begins at the GRAND DECANT on Friday, Nov 7th. This evening event runs from 6:30PM to 9:00PM with early bird VIP tickets available for those wanting to get a 30 minute head start as well as other perks.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Held at the Julep Venue at 1735 Hancock, the event features the best wines offered, including limited release and rare bottles. There are also a number of gourmet food bites to pair with your wines, though in the past this event has been much more wine-centric versus a “food and wine” event.

WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: I went last year and was a bit concerned that this might be a snooty or dressy affair. Hey, I do my best but once I got there found that people came as they came so there’s no need to get dressed for a night out at the clubs. Yeah, I wore my Sketchers much to my more stylish wife’s disapproval. As for the wines, there were plenty of great wines to be had but food was more on the lighter side so we stopped at In N Out on the way home. In other words, don’t come un-hungry but don’t come starving either.

COST: General Admission is $292.62 and VIP is $576.97

Grand Decant Official Info

the grand tasting

This is the event most people think of when they think of the San Diego Food + Wine Festival. Held on Saturday, Nov. 8th on the San Diego Bay, this event features rows and rows of wines, spirits, beer, and glorious bites of delicious food. The scene is lively and festive and the best day drinking party you can imagine. It’s fun super fun, and definitely hits the “worth it” box.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Considered one of the BEST wine and food festivals in the nation and it’s easy to see why. The setting on the bay is stunning, the food and wine stunnier, and everyone is having a great time. The VIP tent in the past has been well worth it but if 2025 has you checking your bank balance a bit more often you won’t be feeling left out with the standard general admission ticket.

WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: I really love this event - come super hungry because there is so much food that you’re going to want to try. I recommend you take the Coaster or Trolley in to avoid the parking madness and mad rush at the end. The Coaster drops you at the Santa Fe station which is about a 10 minute walk, not too bad, and the trolley drops you off at the Convention Center, even closer. You could also go from Coaster to Trolley.

COST: There are two ticket levels - General Admission is just $215, early bird entrance is $318, and the VIP tent is $421. The event is from 11 - 3 for VIPs, 12 to 3 for general admission.

Grand Tasting Official Info

THE GRAND FIESTA

Held on Sunday at the huge grassy park at Liberty Station, this low key taco driven event has been one of my favorites. While the Saturday event is high energy and upscale, the Grand Fiesta is nice and relaxed, not too busy with a cool San Diego vibe. Chefs are creating gourmet tacos with plenty of spirits and Baja wines to enjoy.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Rows and rows of booths making tacos, all vying for the title of BEST TACO IN SAN DIEGO in the Taco TKO event.

WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: This is the event to treat your friends to, the best way to spend an Sunday afternoon. The tacos are so plentiful that there is no way you’re going to try them all so be selective and don’t just grab the first one you see. Plenty of room to spread out, enjoy the live music and sip a glass of wine or some tequila and savor the San Diego lifestyle, lucky you.

For this event I don’t think you need to upgrade to VIP or early bird though no one would fault you if you did. It’s just chill, and delicious. Parking is also free but you probably want to consider Uber since there is so much to drink and you won’t want to cut yourself off.

COST: General Admission is just $158, Early Bird is $199 and VIP is $261,

Grand Fiesta Official Info

SAN DIEGO FOOD + WINE FEST 2025 TO FEATURE CULINARY ICONS AND RISING STARS FROM ACROSS THE U.S. AND MEXICO

Local WallyComment

According to Metter, the festival highlights the city’s rich multinational influences and its sunny, diverse culinary landscape where guests can expect the largest curated collection of wine, beer and spirits producers, along with culinary heavyweights from San Diego, Baja and beyond.

OFFICIAL INFO AND TICKETS

“What makes this Festival special is how it brings together global excellence and local diversity,” says Metter. “From James Beard Award winners to rising stars from San Diego and Baja, our chefs reflect a vibrant, multicultural community. At the same time, programs like Food Rescue, our Scholarship Program and the Future of Food Summit remind us that food is not just about flavor, but about sustainability and supporting the people behind the plate.”

The festival honors the influence of Latin, Asian and BIPOC cultures on Southern California’s exploding food and beverage scene, uniting top chefs from the United States and Mexico. Renowned culinary talents from Food Network and Top Chef will join chefs honored by the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Foundation. A highlight of this year’s culinary and beverage powerhouses include:

  • Elijah Arizmendi (LUCIEN, La Jolla) formerly of 3-star Joël Robuchon and 3-star Per Se

  • Darryl Bell (Stateline Road Smokehouse, Napa Valley, James Beard Award Semifinalist)

  • Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord, LA, 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: California)

  • Matt Vawter (Rootstalk, Denver, 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mountain Region)

  • Emily Brubaker (Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2025 Winner of NBC’s Yes, Chef!)

  • Carlos Gaytan (Hà, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, 1-star Michelin and Tzuco, Chicago, Bravo Top Chef)

  • Roberto Alcocer (Malva, Valle de Guadalupe and Valle, Oceanside, 1-star Michelin) Tara Monsod (Le Coq, La Jolla, 2024-25 James Beard Award Finalist )

  • Cesar Zapata (Phuc Yea, Miami, Michelin Bib Gourmand)
    Ruffo Ibarra (Baja, Bocuse d’Or)
    Suzette Gresham (2-star Michelin Aquerello, San Francisco)
    Drew Deckman (1-star Michelin, Concha de Piedra, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja + 31THIRTYONE)

  • Pyet DeSpain (Winner, Next Level Chef)

  • Oliver Seki (Seki Restaurante, Baja, Bocuse d’Or)
    Cha McCoy (Sommelier, Grand Decant Host)
    Marcelo Hisaki (Restaurant Amores, Baja, Michelin + Bocuse d’Or)

Del Mar Food + Wine Fest 2026: Is it WORTH IT? Photos and Review from 2025 with Pro-Tips

Local Wally

Amazing hair with equally amazing Mezcal at the Del Mar Food and Wine Festival

NEWS FLASH: DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR THE 2026 DEL MAR FOOD AND WINE FEST JUST RELEASED. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS. NEXT EVENT IS OCT 3RD AND 4TH, 2026

Oct 3, 4, 2026 Tickets

DEL MAR FOOD + WINE FEST 2025 REVIEW: WORTH IT?

There are two main food and wine festivals in San Diego. The OG is the San Diego Food + Wine Festival which has been held on the San Diego Bay every November for the past 21 years. The second is the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival, a newcomer to the scene over the past three years and a worthy contender.

Both are awesome events with a few key differences. For the “scene” to being seen, I would give the nod to the San Diego event. The location on the bay is pretty impressive and it feels very San Diego. But the Del Mar event, oh boy, there is so much top notch food and wine and spirits, and so much space, that it’s really giving the San Diego event a run for their money.

But is it worth it? At approximately $200 per person it’s not cheap, but just go to dinner at any random nice restaurant in San Diego and all of a sudden it’s a good value. Have you seen your grocery bill lately? I mean, I’m writing this in Sept 2025 and everything is really expensive. But the Del Mar Food + Wine Fest delivers, making it not just worth it, but well worth it!

Brant Beef Burger

First stop, Brandt Beef. Brandt Beef is always the draw at these sort of events with their top notch, high end beef. At some festivals you can’t even get into the Brandt Beef area but at the Del Mar Food + Wine Fest it’s as easy as grabbing what you want, like this insane burger with beef tallow fries from Tanner’s Prime Burgers. Smash burgers are all the rage and this must be the best smash burger of all time. Their store location is in Oceanside - go visit and let me know if you don’t agree, this is a killer burger and equally insane fries. And notice how BIG this “sample” is - no tiny little Costco sample bites here, portions are large and plentiful.

Serea Coastal Cuisine and Lionfish handing out freshly shucked oysters, all you can eat!

So many oysters…… from lionfish and serea Coastal Cuisine

Back on the “is it worth it” question, what I like about the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival is that even the standard ticket holder gets access to exceptional food, like these freshly shucked oysters from Lionfish and Serea Coastal Cuisine. Topped with a chile verde sauce made from tomatillo, agave pickled seranos and grilled spring onions, they were fresh and delightful. They also would top it with a splash of tequila upon request but to my palate they were better without - save your love for tequila for another booth and just enjoy oyster after oyster. And yes, there’s a booth serving up high end tequila and mezcal.

So all the food was goo but what was the best thing we ate at the del mar food + wine fest?

Not so fast! I think you deserve a few more food photos before I tell you what I thought was the best bite. And I totally forgot, one of the cool things about this event is when celebrity chefs show up and in 2025 they had Guy Fieri in the VIP tent. That’s pretty cool and while you really don’t need to upgrade to the tent to get the good stuff it would have been cool to meet Guy. Maybe next year I’ll be a VIP, but for now let’s get back to some of my favorite bites.

So many good things to eat but one really stood out - and unbelievably it was one of the least showy items, just a delicious snap and crunch with satisfying flavor and that was the tiny little yellowtail tostada from El Pez Kitchen Sushi. Is this sushi? Is this Mexican food? Why yes, it is. And yes, I am guessing that it was a yellowtail tostada because they had no signage and I was so excited once I had one I forgot to ask but I’m pretty sure, pretty sure.

I want more of these and I had plenty. The funny thing about food festivals is that there’s always one dish that clearly resonates on the palate and for me - and for the other three in our party - El Pez was it. I think it’s worth a trip to South Bay to check out the rest of their menu. In fact, I loved this so much I’m going to give you their address so you can try it for yourself:

El Pez, 3404 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154, (619) 600-3161. MENU

pro-tips from someone who has been for the past three years:

  1. Take a RideShare but give yourself plenty of time and make sure you communicate with your driver because the GPS wants to drop you off in the street but you cannot get into the event from the street. They must make the long loop into the park as if they were going to park. Every time I’ve Uber’d they tried to drop me off outside which would have left me with a half mile or more hike to get in. This also means that it’s really slow to get in even though you are being dropped off. And when you leave its best to walk OUT of the parking lot area (the gates will now be open) and walk over to MARKET restaurant to call an Uber so they don’t have to loop all the way in only to be stuck in traffic to get you out.

  2. The most popular food stand has always been the burger at Brandt Beef. It’s one of the few booths with a long line and many assume you must stand in this line to get into the Brandt Beef area. But NO - I suggest you bypass the burger as your first bite and sample other food first. The line for the burger never really lets up so you can come back later.

  3. The VIP tent has been cool in the past but it can get busy. If you have the bucks go for it but it you don’t then don’t worry about it. At some food festivals they keep all the good stuff in the VIP area but at the Del Mar event the good food is everywhere. We could have even done bone marrow vodka shooters with the regular ticket but I was pretty sure I would have bone marrow all over my shirt so skipped it.

  4. Three hours is plenty of time to try it all and unlike some food events they don’’t run out before the end. But I do prefer the early entry, an extra hour that lets you enjoy the event before the rest of the hungry people arrive.

Del Mar Food + Wine Festival 2025: BRANDT BEEF!

Local WallyComment

DEL MAR WINE + FOOD FEST: BRANDT BEEF, BABY!!

Brandt Beef is in the house and unlike some food festivals where this means lines longer than airport security lines on a holiday at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival you can just walk up and grab whatever you want. Check out the list below - you’re going to want to try them all and you can, you really can!

Last year Ranch 45 was damn good, possibly the best thing I ate at the event and that includes the VIP tent. I wouldn’t miss them this year if I were you. Tanner’s Prime smashburgers are also insanely good and last year did they give me a whole burger? If not, if it was a half, it was still huge and one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.

Want more? No problem.

Now I can’t guarantee that there won’t be a line but I can tell you that at other food festivals the Brandt Beef area was so packed I just gave up. Gave. Up. And that’s with me knowing I was missing out on some of the best beef and eats at the event. So trust me, if you are going to the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival you need to run like a child with no self control straight to the Brandt Beef Experience and dive head first into some of the best beef you will ever have.

And remember, this is only ONE section of this glorious event. But it’s my favorite and soon to be yours too.

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Brandt Beef – The sustainable source of all the great bites in this zone. Brandt is a premium, single-family-owned SoCal beef producer, dedicated to “true natural” practices that put humanely raised, tender, flavorful beef on your plate.

  • Brickman’s – Elevated but approachable, this 19th hole experience at Lakehouse Resort is a cozy, retro 90s hang where Steak Bombs and California wines complete the vibe.

  • Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen – Oceanside’s gastropub that feels like home fills you up with delicious faves like the Tri-Tip Sando so you leave with a satisfied heart, a full stomach, and a smile.

  • Tanner’s Prime – Their burgers aren’t just a hit. They’re a smash. Turning premium Brandt Beef into mouthwatering smash burgers has made Tanner’s an Oceanside destination. And with great burgers you’ll want some… 

  • Henny Penny Tallow Fries –  The most dependable foodservice equipment company on the planet will be in the Brandt Beef Zone, showing why beef tallow and the gold standard of fryers make the best fries you’ve ever had.

  • Full Send BBQ – Blending Filipino soul with Texas smoke, fueled by passion and community, this L.A. BBQ house makes their Dino Ribs and Pinoy Platters as an act of love.

  • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern – High-quality American fare. Seasonal cocktails. Local brews. Rare whiskeys. The simple vision of “a great bar with great food” like the Smokeshow Burger has made Jimmy’s a great SoCal stop to eat, drink, and celebrate.

  • Order Fire BBQ – A distinctive culinary experience that honors both time-tested Texas barbecue traditions and vibrant Mexican flavors. Order Fire! is a culinary battle cry.

  • Ranch 45 – Like Brandt Beef, Ranch 45 serves food that strives to honor the land from which it came. Dishes like the Dutch Steak and Eggs, the Packer Tacos and the “Meat Up” Pastrami Sandwich are all made to let their farm and ranch suppliers shine on the plate.

  • Tap Truck – What goes better with the rich, savory flavor of beef than cold draft beer and craft cocktails? Beer and craft cocktails served from a vintage truck. Put ‘em both together under the SoCal sun for an unforgettable experience.

  • Bebemos Tequila – And a pairing that’s just as delicious is The Bottoms Up Tequilafrom the brand that means “We Drink”. Look for it at the Brandt Beef Zone Speakeasy! Follow Brandt’s socials to find out how to get in.

Del Mar Food + Wine Festival 2025 - Two Days? Sept 13th and 14th

Local WallyComment

The Del Mar Food + Wine Festival is coming and I can tell from the confused look on you face that you are wondering about the two day event…. do you do go Saturday, Sunday, or both, and if you do both is is worth it? Well let me give you the straight scoop on this.

First, the event itself is held at the huge grassy “polo fields” in Del Mar, inland off the 5 off Via de la Valle. It’s a big event, spread out, with rows and rows of food, wine, and beverage stalls. Unlimited food, and really good food. I really like this event because the lines are much shorter than at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival (a great event, just longer lines) so if eating a lot of gourmet food and drinking a lot of premium wine is one of your objectives at an event like this, Del Mar Food and Wine Festival nails it.

Ticket Prices

Which Day is BEST for the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival?

Ideally you would go for both days and I met a number of people who did just that. They sauntered around, grabbed a bite here and there, sipped some wine in the shade, totally chilled out knowing they had two days to see and taste it all. And in past years some of the vendors changed so it’s not a total repeat - but even if the vendors are same both days this chill concept is a good one…. if you can afford it.

How much does the del mar food + wine festival cost?

You can get one day tickets for $205 for the standard admission, early entry an hour early is $265, and access to the VIP tent is $465. Honestly, the standard ticket is probably all you need but if you can afford the splurge I won’t hate you for that. The VIP tent in the past was great one year with caviar and that sort of thing, but there’s honestly enough food, great food, at the main event so only do this if you’re wallet agrees. And see that sandwich below?

That’s just one “sample” from the Brandt Beef area that is yours for the taking, as many as you want. This was a grilled smoked pastrami if I recall, super delicious and I hope they have it again. But my point here is unlike some food festivals where you must upgrade to get the good stuff, at the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival there’s good stuff everywhere so the standard ticket won’t disappoint if that’s your pick.

Sandwich at Del Mar Food Wine Fest

The Big queer food festival zone

Look, this isn’t a political statement but I LOVE that Del Mar Food + Wine Festival isn’t shying away from celebrating everyone. The Big Queer Food Festival Zone is all about providing a safe, welcoming and lively place for queer and allied voices to express their pride through food, drink, and sustainability. This year, we’re including some incredible tastes you won’t want to miss out on.

  • Common Stock – Casual, but sophisticated where it matters, Hillcrest’s home for good, old fashioned hospitality and great Old Fashioneds.

  • Es Okay – A winemaker that gives you permission to have a little shameless fun. It’s just fruit juice with attitude after all. So live your truth. ¡Es okay!

  • Cary Q Wines – This woman-owned, small-production Cuban-American winemaker highlights terroir, sustainability, and community through vibrant, expressive wines.

  • Gossip Grill – A place where chosen families, bouncing booties and colorful drinks collide to make incredible memories. Add some classic American comfort food for a safe space that always feels like home.

  • Fierce & Kind Spirits – A minority- and woman-founded spirits brand that believes ethical consumption is the key to lifting the human spirit.

  • Lalo Tequila – Honoring tradition with a modern focus, these third-generation tequila makers from Guadalajara produce pure tequila blanco as an expression of their Mexican heritage.

  • Lia’s Lumpia – This mother-and-son duo have been bringing the flavors of their traditional Filipino upbringing to festivals all over the region and now a brick and mortar restaurant serving modern fusion street food.

  • Pique Wines – A San Diego based distributor that spotlights boutique and underrepresented producers. Their curated selection invites everyone to discover and celebrate the richness of diversity in winemaking.

  • T’Maro Brands, Inc. – A woman-owned sustainable liqueur brand with a vision of a deliciously beautiful world. 

  • The LGBT Center – Find out how to get involved with this organization that enhances and sustains the health and wellbeing of San Diego’s broader queer community, to the betterment of our region and everyone in it.

MORE EVENTS AT THE DEL MAR FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL

Celebrity chefs, fancy dinners, you can stretch this out for days if you are so inclined and every event looks to be a standout with great food and a great experience. You can check these out for yourself by clicking the ticket info below for event description and pricing and availability.

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Top Events at San Diego Wine and Food Festival 2025

Local WallyComment

The San Diego Food and Wine Festival returns for its 21st year in a row with so many events that it’s hard to keep track so as your local expert whose been to this event nearly every year since 2004 let me cut right to the chase.

The Grand Tasting: Nov 8, 2025

This is the event most people think of when you mention the San Diego Wine & Food Fest. Held in the huge grassy area behind Seaport Village, officially called Embarcadero Marina Park North, it’s rows and rows of food and wine stands featuring chef driven food and top notch wines and spirits. This is no lousy “that’s it?” event, think live music smoke from the grills, chefs with tweezers, it’s the best of the best when it comes to food festivals.

Tickets start at around $215 and if you’re wondering if it’s worth it, the short answer is yes. This is more than a food sample fest, it’s a food and wine event that will take your mind off the world and remind you of how good living here in San Diego is.

Grand Tasting Ticket Info

The Grand Fiesta: Nov 9, 2025

Sometimes called the Taco TKO or TacoFest, this is a lower key event featuring just tacos and wines from Mexico, along with live music and plenty of tequila and beer options. If you live in San Diego then you know we have great Mexican food so expect gourmet quality tacos at this laid back event. Honestly, I LOVE this event because it’s so easy to just hang out with friends and enjoy the ambiance and food. This event, held at the giant park at Liberty Station, has tickets that start at $158 per person.

Grand Fiesta Ticket Info

The Grand Decant: Nov 7th, 2025

In inside event held the night before the Grand Tasting event, the Grand Decant is a massive exploration of luxury wine and spirits featuring wines from around the world. Small bites but this is mainly a wine event for wine lovers. There’s even a very exclusive LUX event for those seeking the ultimate intimate wine tasting experience, limited to just 50 guests. Tickets start at $292 per person.

Grand Decant Ticket Info

more San Diego food + Wine Festival events

And if that wasn’t enough there are events in the week prior that include dinners at Mr. A’s, a Louis Latour Signature dinner, and a Culinary Cinema Series held in partnership with the Coronado Island Film Festival.

My advice if you haven’t been to this event before? Get some friends and go to the Grand Tasting. Come hungry, get there on time, and get ready for some amazing food and drinks. Pro Tip: Take the trolley or Coaster and enjoy the short walk to the event space and avoid parking and driving.

Where to Find the Best Seafood and Fish Restaurant in San Diego

Local WallyComment
The Fish Shop Encinitas

The Fish Shop in Encinitas

From fish tacos to fresh oysters the best casual and, yes, affordable seafood in San Diego has to be The Fish Shop. It’s got a nice local vibe with menu that lets you pick your fish, your seasoning, and whether you want it wrapped in a taco, a sandwich, or served on a plate or on a salad. There’s also plenty of specials but we’ll get to that, I promise.

Margarita in San Diego's Fish Shop restaurant

Before dinner cocktail, anyone? A surprisingly great margarita and lots of beers on draft as well as wine and standard beverages.

THE FISH SHOPS IN SAN DIEGO

Point Loma: 110 Rosecrans St #100, San Diego, CA 92106 | (619) 756-7778

Pacific Beach: 1775 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 | (858) 483-1008

Encinitas: 1010 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 | (760) 436-4665

Oceanside: Coming soon, 2025

Home of the $1.25 Oyster Night

Oysters in San Diego

Every Thursday at The Fish Shops in San Diego you’ll find oysters, lots and lots of oysters from different regions and all for just $1.25 apiece. You’ll typically find a half dozen varieties and I suggest instead of studying the menu that you just order some of each so you can compare them and decide which ones are your favorites.

They’ll all taste a bit different, some are smaller, some are brinier, but all are freshly shucked right there at the bar and all come with cocktail sauce and horseradish along with a minuet sauce for the asking. So many fancy restaurants no longer provide cocktail sauce for oysters which is a shame because there’s nothing like realizing you put too much horseradish on your oyster too late.

Pro Tip: Get more oysters than you think you want because the wait for them to shuck and serve can be long and you won’t want to get back in line anyway.

By the way, National Oyster Day is August 5th. But don’t worry if you missed it - it not only rolls around every year on the same date but Thursday night at The Fish Shop is always a good time to celebrate oysters. Heck, even on other days a Fish Shop “dozen” (14 oysters) is only $38, still some of the most affordable oysters in town.

San Diego’s Best Fish Tacos?

fish taco at The Fish Shop in San Diego

TKO taco at The Fish Shop

There’s a fierce argument from locals over who makes the best fish tacos in San Diego. After all, San Diego is arguably the home to the first fish taco in the US due to Ralph Rubio borrowing the recipe from a beach stall in San Felipe. Baja fish tacos are deep fried and delicious but The Fish Shop elevates it to a new level allowing you to pick your fish, pick how you want it prepared, pick your tortilla, and creating your own unique taco experience.

The fish varies depending on what’s fresh, from sea bass to opah to albacore. They even have scallops and slipper lobster just aching to jump into a taco for you.

Elote corn taco at The Fish Shop

You can also just go with their creations which I find to be not only the easiest decision but a consistently good one. I always get the TKO taco which is Mahi Mahi grilled & marinated with Fish Shop Seasoning, topped with shredded cabbage, mixed cheese, house cilantro white sauce and tropical mango salsa. At just $7.75 it’s a great deal for a gourmet taco and unlike a lot of restaurants that skimp these days these tacos are packed with fresh fish.

The complete Fish Shop Menu

And you don’t have to get tacos - the same fish with the same options can be put between two slices of really good sourdough bread for one of the best fish sandwiches you’ll ever have, complete with a side of fries. Or get it on a plate or on top of a salad, lots of choices, no bad decisions.

The Top Side Dishes at The Fish Shops

shrimp at The Fish Shop

Fish Shop Shrimp

FISH SHOP SHRIMP: Shrimp marinated in Fish Shop Seasoning, sautéed & served with chipotle aioli dipping sauce. The owner’s favorite and for good reason, juicy and plump and bursting with over the top flavor, a big win and good value at $14.75.

Seafood Lumpia

SEAFOOD LUMPIA: Seafood egg rolls served with jasmine rice and sweet chili dipping sauce. I love these lumpia, a real sleeper on the menu even if they don’t photograph well. OK, a bit pricey at $12 for 2 or $19.75 for four but worth every bite.

Shrimp and Chips

FISH AND SHRIMP AND CHIPS: They have fish and chips and they have shrimp and chips and the hack is to do a half and half order for $19.75. Hey, there’s no law against calling fish and chips a side dish.

Humongous onion rings

ONION RINGS: Forget about eating healthy for a bit and just enjoy real onion rings made with real big onions, sweet and very guilty but very delicious. And another tip - you can mix half rings and half fries if you ask.

The Fish Shops in San Diego… Just go!

Next time you are in that terrible dinner debate of “where do you want to go, I don’t care, where to you want to go?” just say The Fish Shop and get a margarita, some oysters and tacos, and really you are just living that San Diego lifestyle that brought us all here and keeps us here in the first place. As a San Diego local I give The Fish Shop two thumbs up and that should be enough. Has Local Wally ever let you down?

And after dinner take a short walk to the water and here you are.

A classic San Diego sunset right down the street from The Fish Shop in Encinitas.

Visit the Fish Shop Website

California Wine Festival: 2026 Event in Carlsbad, CA - Everything You Need to Know (and 2024 Review)

Local WallyComment
Wine glass at Carlsbad's California Wine Festival

There’s plenty more where this came from!

If you like wine, if you love wine, then you won’t want to miss The California Wine Festival, held every June in Carlsbad, CA at the Aviara Park Hyatt Resort. Think rows and rows of booths with bottles and bottles of wine sprinkled with food stands to make sure you don’t go hungry and live music to set the vibe.

I just left this years event and already looking forward to it’s return in 2026. In fact, lets get that ticket stuff out of the way. If you want tickets to the 2026 event then click the button below and click it early as there’s typically early bird discounts which are worth taking advantage of.

Tix to 2026 Event

Wine Fest? Or Wine and Food fest?

The California Wine Festival is mainly a wine festival with the majority of the booths handing out wine, gloriously good wine. You’ll find food, for sure, but whereas a wine and food festival typically has a 50/50 mix of wine and food booths at the California Wine Festival you’ll find mainly wine and a handful of booths with food in the main section, and more food options in the VIP section. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of food at the event but think noshing local bites versus celebrity chefs vieing for your tastebuds.

In the standard area you’ll find Senior Grubbys handing out delicious carnitas tacos, Mendocino Farms with a “fried chicken” sando, and my favorite San Diego bread from Sadie Rose. All the food is unlimited and lines are short so go ahead and grab another. And there were other options, including wood fired pizza, Kerrygold cheese, and my favorite stand……

Jeni’s Ice Cream!

Jeni’s Ice Cream! I know, you’re wondering why I’m eating ice cream at a wine festival but Jenni’s ice cream is the absolute best. I kept going back again and again - I mean, come on, a scoop of Jeni’s is like $6 or $7 bucks so I figure I ate at least $50 worth of ice cream and have no regrets.

Welcome to the vip tent

A lot of VIP tents at events like this are questionably worth it but at the California Wine Festival it’s a no-brainer because this is where they have the tables, the bar with lots of great wines and nearly a line, and lots more food. Lots.

The ahi poke from Bluewater Grill was outstanding and Prager Bros makes some of the best pizza in San Diego, both got repeat visits from myself and my friends. Ahh yes, for sure make sure you grab friends to this event because it’s just a super fun and chill way to enjoy a San Diego sunny afternoon, you know, the kind with the cool ocean breezes that makes you feel like you’re on vacation living the life at a top notch resort. This is San Diego living. And I had to smile when I saw a group of bachelorettes at the event all filling their glasses and having the best bachelorette party ever - that’s brilliant!

So much wine, plenty of time!

Four hours and over 30 wineries, each of them with at least four different wines to try, do the math and that means you could theoretically try 120 different wines.. Of course that’s one strategy but I like to seek out wineries or wine regions I like and take my time. Bouchaine Vineyards and Caymus from Napa were there, both excellent wines and well worth my time, Lots of Paso wines too, I mean, just a lot of really great wines to try and I’m pretty sure by the end you’ll leave with a giant smile.

Is the california wine festival worth it?

Yes, for sure it’s worth it. You might know that I also write a guide on Napa called NapaTouristGuide.com as well as PasoWineryGuide.com so I know a little bit about wine and tasting fees and it’s pretty easy in Napa to spend $50 pp to taste at one winery. So considering you get to taste at over 30 wineries and you get unlimited food and you get free parking there’s no wonder that this is one of my favorite events in San Diego.

And while I’ve been talking about the Saturday Beachside event (which btw isn’t really near the beach but close enough for marketing), there’s also the sunset event the night before if you want to get all fancy and taste the very best and eat as many oysters as a sea otter on an empty stomach. That event is epic but we’ll save that for another time. Just get tickets, go, and you will thank me later.

Official CA Wine Fest Site

PRIDE YOGA AND DANCE PARTY at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Local WallyComment

The San Diego Symphony, in collaboration with Fit Athletic, is proud to announce the return of Pride Yoga and Dance Party at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park™  on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in celebration of International Pride Month. Now in its fourth year, this FREE, community-centered event invites guests to come together for an evening of movement, music, and celebration.

The evening begins with a one-hour, all-levels yoga class on the lawn at 7:00 PM, led by Fit Athletic’sViktoria Talbot. Participants will enjoy sweeping views from Coronado Island to downtown San Diego and a stunning golden hour sunset over the bay.

Following yoga, The Rady Shell will transform into a high-energy dance party featuring the return of crowd-favorite DJs DJ Sassy and DJ Dova. Bars open at 6:00 PM, with a selection of cocktails available for purchase throughout the event.

Pride Yoga and Dance Party at The Rady Shell

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

6:00 PM – Gates and Bars Open

7:00 PM – Yoga on the Lawn with Viktoria Talbot

8:00 PM – Dance Party with DJ Sassy & DJ Dova

This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Full details and sign-up information are available at www.TheShell.org.

Additional Pride Week programming at The Rady Shell includes:

July 17 – Marvel Studios’ The Infinity Saga Concert Experience 

July 19 – Disney’s The Lion King in Concert 

July 20 – UNITE! Music Festival presents The Sea Party