ML Interest Tag: moonlight

San Diego’s Top Beaches for Babies, Toddlers & Big Kids

by Aimee Della Bitta

Living in a destination community definitely has its perks, and claiming some the best beaches in the country tops the list. But for families with babies and toddlers to those with teens and beyond, which beach is best for you and your brood? We’ve scoured the coast for the best destination for every type of family excursion. So whether you’re putting on a wetsuit to catch a wave, want to comb the shore for seashells, explore SoCal tide pools, or frolic with Fido—here’s everything you need to know about which San Diego beach you should visit.

Best Beach for Watersports: Tamarack State Beach

A favorite of the older kid set, Tamarack State Beach is a must for kiddos who want to go all in and take the plunge into ocean sports and swimming. Surfers and boogie boarders alike will find plenty of waves to catch. Rumor has it that you'll also catch a stunning sunset from this locale.

Good to Know: Pack snacks or a picnic as there are no concession stands or nearby restaurants.

Between Garfield St. & Carlsbad Blvd.
Online: visitcarlsbad.com

Best Beach for Collecting Seashells: Frazee Beach

At the foot of Carlsbad Village, Frazee Beach is a good summer go-to spot. This beach has it all: soft, sandy beaches that are a little less crowded, lifeguards, showers and bathrooms. And a perk for the athlete? A volleyball court.

Good to Know: The small parking lot is always crowded, so head to the surface streets for free parking about a block away. If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Board & Brew (you’ll love the Chicken Club with secret sauce).

3150 Ocean St.
Carlsbad
Online: californiabeaches.com

Best Beach for Soft Shimmering Sand: Coronado Beach

best beaches in San Diego
Bonnie Taylor

Rated as on of the "10 Best Beach Towns," Coronado is a beachgoer's dream. Picture miles of white, sparkling sand (it has a gold, glittery effect due to the mineral, mica) and a slow-slope into the ocean makes for rolling waves and primo sand castle building. The ultimate life’s a beach party beach, little ones can keep busy tide pooling in front of the Hotel Del Coronado (sometimes there’s even a guide to point out various sea creatures). Keep an eye out for the Sandcastle Man—often seen building elaborate, stunning sand castle creations that are totally Instagram-worthy.

Good to Know: You can park for free along Ocean Blvd.—if you're lucky enough to score a spot! After a day at the beach, head to dinner at the Coronado Brewing Company by the ferry terminal—guaranteed good food, great kids meals and thirst-quenching craft brews. 

Ocean Blvd.
Coronado
Online: coronadovisitorcenter.com

Best Beach for Camping: San Elijo State Beach

Looking for more than just a day at the beach? Pitch a tent or bring your RV and park it in one of the designated spots at San Elijo State Beach. Located 40 miles north of San Diego, this spot has the most perfect pure, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. It's a great spot to gather with family and friends because there is ample room to set up camp. You're also close enough to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach and Encinitas if you need to grab something (ahem, extra marshmallows for those s'mores!). The campgrounds come equipped with fire rings, picnic tables and showers. Looking for more beach camping spots? Check out Campland in Mission Bay and South Carlsbad State Beach.

Good to Know: Plan ahead, reservations are available up to six months in advance. Standard campsites are $35/night.

2050 S. Coast Hwy. 101
Cardiff
Online: parks.ca.gov

Best Beaches to Bring Fido: Fiesta Island Dog Park

The winner of Best Dog Beach in the U.S. just happens to be right here in San Diego. Fiesta Island Dog Park is an expansive sandy island in Mission Bay, where doggies can run free among the sand dunes and take a dip in the calmer Bay water. It's a great spot for families who want a big space and lots of convenience. 

Other beaches we love to bring our four-legged friend? Del Mar Dog Beach beach and OB Dog Beach (also known as the OG dog beach because it was one of the first ever leash-free dog beaches in America) are also other great options for your favorite beach-lovin', four-legged companion. 

590 E. Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego
Online: sandiego.gov

Best Beach to Build Sandcastles: Cardiff Reef Beach

Cardiff Reef Beach is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Cardiff by the Sea. This gently sloping beach is great for families with young kids. Here you can collect shells, walk in the water, soak up the sun and build sandcastles. The beach has restroom facilities and lifeguards are on duty at various times.

Good to Know: Parking can be tricky during peak hours, so come prepared to scout out a spot or try to stop by at off-times.

Old Highway 101
Cardiff by the Sea
Online: parks.ca.gov

Best Beach to Catch the Sunset: Moonlight Beach

Hands down, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, is an absolute favorite among local families. Rooted in history (the name "moonlight" traces back to the early 1900s when residents used to have midnight picnics on the beach) and rich with local flair, this is a beach that begs you to play all day and relax while watching the sun set in the evening. In addition to updated bathrooms and a buzzing snack shack, there's a play structure at the park for those who want a little extra entertainment. Lifeguards are on duty during designated hours.

Good to Know: If you want to avoid the crowds, especially during the summer months, venture to the far north end of this beach.

400 B St.
Encinitas
Online: parks.ca.gov

Best Beach for a Quintessential Summer Day: La Jolla Shores

Aimee Della Bitta

The sand. The sparkling water. The relatively clean bathrooms and showers! They don't call it "The Crown Jewel" for nothing! La Jolla Shores beach is a breathtaking place to spend the day with friends and family. Located on the southern end of La Jolla Underwater Park, this kid-friendly beach offers gentle bay-like waters and a sandy ocean bottom for pint-sized swimmers. Kellogg Park, with its awesome jungle gym and swings offers a grassy place to start or end your day. Looking for a local place to grab a bite to eat near the beach? Grab food to-go from The Cheese Shop and try one of their mouthwatering sandwiches and a homemade cookie. These days are what summer is all about.

Good to Know: Waves at La Jolla Shores are typically the most gentle of all San Diego beaches during the summer months.

8300 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla
Online: sandiego.gov

Best Beach for a Staycation: Silver Strand State Beach

Located 4.5 miles south of Coronado Village is Silver Strand State Beach. This urban beach is only 15 minutes from downtown and offers views of San Diego Bay. The calmer, warmer weather on the bayside is great for kiddos who want gentler waves, making Silver Strand State Beach one of the best family beaches in San Diego. The beach is used by guests of Loews Coronado Bay Resort and the resort operates seasonal chair, umbrella and other beach rentals that the public can take advantage of for a small fee. A perfect option for a family staycation!

Good to Know: The California Department of Parks and Recreation offers fun programming at this beach, like nature walks and a Junior Ranger badge program. 

5000 Highway 75
Coronado
Online: parks.ca.gov

Best Overall Beach: Del Mar City Beach

Fenced in playground? Check. Look out point? Check. Cool trains passing by? Check. You will be hard pressed to find anything at all wrong with Del Mar City Beach–and that's why a majority of San Diego residents will insist it's the best in town. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms, a grassy park area with a playground and it is situated right near Del Mar's prime shops and restaurants. This beach had us hooked from the first wave!

17th St.
Del Mar
Online: delmar.ca.us

Best Beach for Tide Pools: Tide Beach Park

A curious kid's dream, Tide Beach Park is a hidden treasure among San Diego beaches—located at the north end of Solana Beach, the secluded area of sand is rarely crowded. Get ready to hike down a long set of stairs that leads you to a semicircular cove and a large reef, called Table Tops. The best time to visit the tide pools is at low tide. Prepare to see anemones, starfish, crabs and other varieties of little fish.

Good to Know: This beach does not have a restroom, parking however, is plentiful and free near the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Solana Vista Dr.

302 Solana Vista Dr.
Solana Beach
Online: californiabeaches.com

Best Kept Secret: Ponto Beach

North county folks know how to keep a secret and one of them is just how awesome Carlsbad's Ponto Beach is. This small, beautiful beach is a favorite among locals for surfing and quality family time. The flat shoreline makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids while they play in the sand.

Good to Know: There's street parking as well as a pay-to-park lot, and the restrooms are clean and easily accessible, making this slice of paradise worth the drive north.

6039 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad
Online: californiabeaches.com

 

RELATED STORIES
The Best Water Parks & Splash Pads in San Diego
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Meet Aimee, Red Tricycle’s San Diego Editor

by Kate Loweth
Aimee Della Bitta

Trading in snowshoes for flip-flops, Aimee moved from the east coast to southern California in 2004 and instantly fell in love with the surf and sand lifestyle. Aimee worked in marketing and communications for more than a decade, sharpening her branding skills and leading marketing campaigns for companies in the health and wellness industry. In an effort to spend more time with her two young kids and overactive puppy, Aimee branched off on her own and began freelancing when her youngest was 4. She wrote her first article for Red Tricycle in 2014 and has been sharing her favorite things about America's Finest City ever since. She’s thrilled to join the team as the San Diego editor.

Favorite place to play outdoors: Moonlight Beach in Encinitas or The San Diego Botanical Garden. 

Do you have a go-to restaurant you like to take the kids: Buona Forchetta. We love Italian food and it’s one of the most authentic restaurants we’ve found in Southern California AND it’s family-friendly.  

Favorite thing to do on a rainy day: Rain? This is San Diego! I’m kidding, but we really don’t get a lot of rainy days here, so when we do we “soak” them in by staying home and drinking lots of hot chocolate. 

Favorite spot for an afternoon of fun:
Balboa Park is a go-to spot. It’s fun for all ages so the kids can explore and engage in different activities as they grow and enter new stages.  

Can’t-live-without mom product: Snacks. They’re good for the whole family; including mom and dad! 

Favorite thing about raising kids in San  Diego:
As much as I love being close to the beach and the stellar weather, I’m going to say my favorite thing about raising kids in San Diego is the community. People are friendly, easy-going and always open to new adventures.  

Most unique (or daring) thing you’ve ever done with your kids locally:
Being part of an Improv show in Old Town.

We are thrilled to have Aimee join our Red Tricycle/Tinybeans team! You can reach her at aimee.dellabitta at tinybeans.com.

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11 Free & Cheap Things to Do With Kids in August

by Shannan Rouss

Looking to bust out of your routine before back to school (and all the Zooms)? Read on for some fresh and never-done-before ideas, from catching The Getty’s new wacky and whimsical show to staying up late for a spectacular, must-see meteor shower. Mark your calendars and get ready for a month of fun—both at-home and (safely) beyond.

Getty Villa Presents The ODDyssey

Getty Museum via Youtube

Sundays through Aug. 16: The Getty Museum and the Troubadour Theater Company bring you a slapstick, family-friendly, wacky and whimsical retelling of Odysseus's epic adventures in The ODDyssey. Tune in on Sun. at 3p.m. for the 15-20 minute Zoom webisodes, featuring a cast of kooky mythical characters like the cyclops, sirens, angry gods, and more. Event details.

Concerts in Your Car

Zoppe Italian Family Circus

Fri. & Sat., Aug. 1 & 2: Cruise on up the coast to Ventura County, for a live in-person show at the Fairgrounds. The first weekend in August, the Zoppé Italian Family Circus will deliver a multimedia performance with a light show, video screens and elevated 360 degree stage. Tickets start at $29 per car—you can bring as many people as you have seatbelts. Event details. 

Summer Nights at Home with NHMLA

willsantt via Pexels

Fri., Aug. 7: LA's Natural History Museum is bringing its popular summer series to your backyard, with  Museum Staff who’ll be getting to the root of plants from the present day all the way back to the Ice Age. For kids, there's also activities and crafts to keep them entertained. Event details.

Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival: Living Room Edition

George L. via Yelp

Sat., Aug. 8: Although the in-person Shakespeare Festival won't be happening this summer, you can still celebrate 10 years of the bard in Griffith Park with a livestream kickoff. You'll have a chance to revisit the most memorable productions from the past and meet the performers. Event details.

 

Perseid Meteor Shower

slworking2 via flicke

Sun.-Tues., Aug. 9-11: The Perseid Meteor Shower will be active from now until Aug. 26, but the lights will be brightest around mid-month. (The pre-dawn hours on Mon., Aug. 10 is peak viewing time, according to experts.) If you've been looking for a reason to get out of LA, now would be an ideal time to head to Joshua Tree, one of the top viewing spots in SoCal. Closer to home, you can try Malibu Creek State Park or one of the wide turnouts on the Angeles Crest Highway beyond La Canada Flintridge. 

San Fernando Valley Summer Drive-In

20th Century Fox

Thurs., Aug. 13: Check out The Sandlot on the big screen, from the comfort of your car. The movie will be shown in the parking lot of Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks. The rest of the movies showing over the weekend are already sold out, so act fast if you want to score a spot. Event details.

PCH Movies & Moonlight

Every Fri. in Aug.: 2ndd & PCH in Long Beach is hosting its free PCH Movies & Moonlight experience with marina views every Friday at sunset. Arrive early to claim your spot and enjoy shopping, dining and relaxing at the center until the movie starts. Event details.

Paws & Pages Online

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Every Wed. in Aug.: If your little one is over Zoom story times, this version from Annenberg PetSpace might be what you need, with Fido joining in on the fun. Each week, there's a new book to check out, plus a pup to get to know. Kiddos can listen to the story, “meet” one of the center's adoptable pets, and post questions to an animal care specialist. Event details.

Mural Mile

Katja E. via Yelp

Anytime: Take your own self-guided tour of this inspiring public art display in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley. There are more than 50 vibrant murals along a stretch of Van Nuys Blvd. in Pacoima. See the Mona Lisa as a revolutionary, a young girl soaring with fish flying fish above LA, and more images celebrating the history and culture of the area. Get the map here.

Want to explore more of LA? Check out our citywide scavenger hunt. 

Beach Day

Annenberg Community Beach House via Yelp

Anytime: Before back to school, get in as much beach play as possible! Explore our favorite tidepools and beaches.

 

–Shannan Rouss

RELATED STORIES:

32 Things to Do with Kids This Summer: Social Distancing Edition

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Best Beaches For Your Beach Babe

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Bedtime Hack: Take a Neighborhood Pajama Walk

By Mandalyn Renicker

Tucked inside No Regrets Parenting, a book of simple ideas that aims to help parents “turn long days and short years into cherished moments with your kids,” is a life-changing parent hack called the pajama walk (I do not exaggerate).

It’s as simple as it sounds: taking a just-before-bedtime walk with the kids in their pajamas, but somehow the idea feels like a magic secret you wish someone had told you months ago. PJ walks (or “jammie walks”, as our toddler calls them) generate unanimous approval in our family.

As parents, we love them because it’s a no-stress way to debrief about our kids’ day. Somehow the night air brings out parts of the day that have been left out; it’s as if the pajama walk is a safe place to confide in mom and dad about something that happened at school or with a friend. The kids love PJ walks because it feels like we’re postponing bedtime by a few more minutes (even if not) and what’s more exciting than walking around the block at night wearing pajamas? If you’re lucky, your walk might even be lit by streetlights and moonlight.

Here’s how to do a pajama walk:

1. Complete the entire bedtime routine: read all the stories, brush all the teeth, take the last gulps of water, turn down the sheets, click on the sound machines, draw the blackout blinds, you get the idea. The goal is to jump in bed immediately after you come inside, so prepare everything before you walk out.

2. Stuff pajama-clad feet into slip-on shoes or hard-soled slippers—something that doesn’t take too much time getting on or off. We’ve even been known to do pajama walks barefoot. Grab a jacket if it’s cold enough.

3. Leave your phone behind. You won’t need it, and kids have a sixth sense about when we’ve drifted off into work brain.

4. Step outside! But remember the goal is to keep calm and get their bodies and brains and get ready for sleep. Running and loud voices won’t exactly do that.

5. Keep it short—around the block or up and down the sidewalk once should do the trick. Listen for nighttime nature sounds and observe how your street looks different in the darkness.

6. Head back inside and to bed straightaway. There’s a good chance everyone will be a little happier than when you started—the perfect way to end the day!

Pajama walks aren’t a magic bullet for bad moods and insta-sleep, but more often than not you’ll feel a sense of family connection when you walk back inside. Ending the day on a positive note is always a good idea.

Nighttime in the city

We also love the sense of place that comes out of these pajama walks. The activity builds memories and develops a sense of belonging in our neighborhood and of our place in the city. In urbanist-speak that’s called placemaking, and it’s tremendously important in the process of people developing a sense of responsibility toward the place where they live.

When it’s all said and done, pajama walks are more than what meets the eye. Take your kids on a short walk at night in their pajamas and you’ll be creating a safe space for dialogue, building memories around the place you call home, and deepening their sense of place in the city where you live. Just add slippers.

This post originally appeared on The Sidewalk Club.

I'm a boy mom, urbanite, and optimist who loves to encourage fellow city parents as they navigate urban life with kids. I founded The Sidewalk Club to do just that! City family solidarity is our thing. 💙🏙

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Thule’s New Spring Stroller Is the Perfect Hybrid Ride

by Erin Lem

If your short—and responsible socially-distanced walks—around the block are a highlight of your day, you may want to invest in a stroller that will put an extra spring in your step. Thule’s newest addition to their stroller family, the Spring stroller, is the perfect set of wheels to explore with ease (and we all know doing anything with ease is a hot commodity these days). From its one-handed fold to its compact design, this stroller checks all the boxes. So eventually when your short walks become longer walks to the playground and those become day trips afar, Thule’s Spring stroller will be with you every step of the way. Read on for six reasons this stroller is actually worth springing for.

1. It’s compact without feeling flimsy.

While we’re not naming names, so many strollers tout themselves as lightweight and compact, but when it comes down to it, riding in them is as bumpy as a turbulent flight. We found that Thule Spring is indeed lightweight, weighing in at 21 pounds, but the ride is far from shaky. Like all Thule products, this stroller is sturdy and its smooth ride impressed us (and our finicky toddler who is all about walking independently these days). We like how this stroller is like a hybrid between a traditional jogging stroller and the bevy of lightweight travel strollers on the market. It handles well and provides a steady ride without a bulky, inefficient design.

2. You can unfold it and collapse it with one hand.

With snacks in one hand, baby in another and a diaper bag over the shoulder, most parents could moonlight as professional jugglers. So when we heard Thule Spring can be unfolded and collapsed with one hand we were cautiously optimistic. After testing it ourselves, the hype is real folks. This one-handed feature is one of the bigger perks of this stroller and why we think it’s worth investing in. Kiss those juggling days goodbye.

3. It’s great if you’re short on space.

When folded, the stroller stands upright, which means it can easily slip into a closet or behind the driver or passenger seat in a car (as opposed to taking up precious space in your trunk). While it’s not the type of stroller that’ll fit into an overhead bin on your next flight, it is much more compact than most strollers on the market, which makes it especially great for city families. For full dimensions and specs click here.

4. Use it starting from birth.

We’re all about products that have a long shelf-life, and with a couple of adapters, Thule Spring can be used starting from birth. Simply click in your car seat and get that much-needed breath of fresh air.

5. Assembly is a cinch.

The last thing you want now—pandemic or no pandemic—is a complicated assembly. The Thule Spring is a cinch to set up and you’ll be strolling around the block within 10 minutes of opening the box.

6. Everything about its design is practical for parents.

This stroller’s design is smart and practical, and it looks good to boot. Here are a few features you’ll appreciate as a busy parent on the go:

  • The canopy provides UPF 50+ UV protection and includes a see-through mesh so you can spy on kiddo when you’re on the move.
  • The handlebar easily slides up and down to adjust to the parent’s height. 
  • The footrest is step-in, which means older kids can easily climb up onto the seat themselves.
  • The front wheel can swivel or be locked in place.
  • The tires are no foam-filled, no puncture so you don’t have to worry about getting a flat.
  • The seat reclines for naps on the go and includes a five-point harness.
  • Choose from six different color combos. 

Thule Spring is available at thule.com for $399.95.

—Erin Lem

 

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Recall Alert! Kids II Recalls Nearly 700,000 Baby Sleepers Sold Under Several Brands

by Shahrzad Warkentin

On the heels of Fisher Price’s massive recall of the Rock ’N Play Sleepers comes another large recall of baby sleepers. Kids II has issued a recall of nearly 700,000 inclined baby sleepers sold under several brand names and models due to five infant fatalities.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Kids II for a refund or voucher. Read on for a full explanation of why the company has issued a recall.

Recalled Product Description: Kids II Inclined Baby Sleepers 

The recalled Kids II sleepers were sold under Ingenuity, Bright Starts, Disney Baby and DreamComfort brands at major retailers including Walmart, Target and Toys”R”Us and online from Mar. 2012 through Apr. 26, 2019 for approximately $40 to $80.

Why the Vehicles Were Recalled

“Since the 2012 product introduction, five infant fatalities have occurred in the Kids II Rocking Sleepers, after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach while unrestrained, or under other circumstances,” according to the recall notice posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

How To Tell If Your Baby Sleeper Is Part of the Recall

All models of Kids II Rocking Sleepers have been recalled. Here is a full list of the names and model numbers affected:

  • Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Rocking Sleeper: 10081
  • Rock & Dream Sleeper – Iggy: 10126
  • Ingenuity Rock And Dream Sleeper Lucy: 10127
  • Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Cuddle Giraffe: 10148
  • Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Playtime To Bedtime Rocking Sleeper: 10178
  • Ingenuity Smartrock Poweradapt Sleeper Cambridge: 10289
  • Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Dayton: 10292
  • Automatic Rock ‘N Soothe Sleeper – Cuddle Lamb: 10320
  • Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Cuddle Lion: 10380
  • Ingenuity Soothing Light Rocking Sleeper Vesper: 10568
  • Bright Starts Toucan Tango Rocking Sleeper: 10729
  • Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Zoo Zoo Zebra: 10872
  • DreamComfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper – Whitley: 10888
  • DreamComfort Soothing Light Rocking Sleeper – Addington: 10890
  • Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper Jungle Bursts: 11021
  • Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Rocking Sleeper Jungle Blooms: 11022
  • Rock n’ Soothe Sleeper – Moxley: 11063
  • Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Lullaby Lion: 11164
  • Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Sunny Snuggles: 11171
  • Ingenuity Rock N’ Soothe Sleeper Dayton: 11357
  • Ingenuity Dream Comfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper Braden: 11429
  • DreamComfort Automatic Rocking Sleeper – Anders: 11714
  • Automatic Rock ‘n Soothe Sleeper – Nolan: 11792
  • Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper – Jungle Garden: 11894
  • Bright Starts Rocking Sleeper – Evening Safari: 11895
  • Automatic Rock ‘n Soothe Sleeper – Flora the Unicorn: 11962
  • Automatic Rock N Soothe Sleeper – Nolan – Display: 12115
  • Taggies Snuggle Me Sleeper Nestling Vine: 60130
  • Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper: 60131
  • Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper: 60163
  • Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Emerson: 60327
  • Disney Baby/Bright Starts Bows & Butterflies Sleeper Minnie Mouse: 60328
  • Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Lullaby Lamb: 60331
  • Bright Starts Playtime To Bedtime Sleeper Playful Pinwheels: 60401
  • Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Winslow: 60600
  • Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper Deluxe Seneca: 60635

What Parents Can Do

If you have one of the sleepers listed stop using immediately. Consumers can call Kids II 1-866-869-7954 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.kids2.com/recalls for more information on getting a refund.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of CPSC

 

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North County Date Night Ideas for Parents

by Allison Stabile

We all love our kids, but sometimes a night away with from being a parent is just what the doctor ordered. When you’re ready to call a sitter and get out on the town with your special someone, check out these great ideas for date nights in North County. Click through the slideshow for ideas from bonfires to beer tours.

Bonfire Barbeque at Moonlight Beach

Pack up a cuddling blanket and your favorite stuff to barbecue and head to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. Keep it simple by simply making s'mores and bring a bottle of wine. Be sure to get there early to stake out one of the eight fire pits for your sunset grilling session. You can also bring your own grill to South Carlsbad State Beach or use one of the fire rings at Oceanside Beach and make your own party of two.

Photo Credit: Melodee E. via Yelp

Where are your favorite spots for date night? Are we missing anything in North County?

— Allison Stabile

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Get Your Drama On! Summertime at Moonlight Amphitheatre

by Elizabeth Silva

Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre is the perfect setting for your outing with the kiddos or family date night. There’s no better way to appreciate summer than by spending warm evenings outdoors at the theater with your little thespian-in-training. Experience a truly unique evening where the open sky and theater come together under the stars. This summer catch Shrek, The Musical ­with everybody’s favorite ogre!

Photo credit: Moonlight Stage Productions

What's Playing This Summer

In its 35th anniversary season, Moonlight Amphitheatre presents an exceptional line-up: All Shook Up (June 10 – 27, 8 p.m.), The Music Man (July 15 – August 1, 8 p.m.), and our favorite of the lot, Shrek, The Musical (August 12 – 29, 8 p.m.). Grab your mini entertainer, and enjoy a Broadway quality performance, complete with full orchestra, at a fraction of the price and with the ambiance of the moonlight shining down.

Photo credit: Moonlight Amphitheatre Facebook page

Before the Show

Your little drama queen and king will love picnicking on the lawn or at picnic tables with family and friends before the show. So pack a dinner and grab your lawn chairs! Gates open 1.5 hours before show time, which is plenty of time to socialize and watch the sunset. If you’re feeling really social, pack a few extra goodies to share with new friends on the lawn.

If you don’t feel like packing dinner ahead of time, there are lots of food options available at the concession stands before the show and during intermission. If you want a fancy and delicious treat, make a reservation at the Artisan Café, the Amphitheatre’s onsite restaurant (reservations are required 48 hours in advance). We recommend packing a dinner and picnicking on the grass. Lawn seating and picnic tables are first come, first served; so get there early!

Photo credit: Moonlight Amphitheatre

The Scoop on Seating

Moonlight Amphitheatre offers two types of seating: lawn and reserved. If you purchase a lawn seat, leave your seats at home. The Amphitheatre will supply you with lawn chairs upon entry. To get a good spot on the lawn, be sure to arrive early. Reserved seats are stadium style seats closest to the stage. Whether you select a reserved seat or a spot on the lawn, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. For parents who are afraid their little entertainer might steal the show, head up to the Great Lawn where kiddos have more space to get their wiggles and giggles out.



Moonlight Tips


    

  • Parking is free and available throughout Brengle Terrace Park. The shuttle runs starting 2.5 hours before show time, and then again at the end of the performance. Plan to arrive early and wait in line to board the shuttle.
    • 

  • Evenings can get chilly, even during the summer months. So layer clothing or bring a blanket to snuggle your little ones during the show.
    • 

  • This venue draws a large a crowd, so be prepared to wait in line to enter the Amphitheatre.
    • 



1200 Vale Terrace


Vista, Ca 92084


760-724-2110


Online: moonlightstage.com

— Elizabeth Silva


 


					
				

			

			


  

          

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Trek Lightly with TreePeople
					

						

							

								by kim orchen cooper							

						

						

							

								
								
							

						

					

								

									

		

	

	

		

			

				

					
Trees give us shade, limbs to climb and branches to swing from  – not to mention fresh air to fill  little lungs. While it can feel like we live in an urban jungle, in LA we’re always about 10 minutes from a frolic in a forest. Tree People will help remind you of our abundance of green, and a visit to their Coldwater Canyon Park plants the seeds for budding environmentalists to learn and value the nature of sustainability.
KYCC Street Planting by Maria McGinley


High above the city lights of Hollywood, TreePeople’s headquarters are easy to access at the ridgeline of Coldwater Canyon and Mulholland Drive. Pack a snack and hit one of the half-dozen hiking trails within the Park; meandering one of the stroller-friendly paths, like the Magical City Forest Trail, leads to panoramic views of the Valley.


Along the way, tiny trekkers can check out the Yurt Village that serves as the nonprofit’s environmentally friendly offices. Along the Oak Trail, you’ll uncover a 99-seat amphitheater under a natural canopy, where a volunteer Ensemble presents  music, plays and special events the summer.


Eco Tour 2
The Park’s main attraction is TreePeople’s Center for Community Forestry. Here’s the place kiddos can get their hands dirty, learning about planting trees and water conservation. Little ones will love to explore the entry to the Watershed Garden, through a concrete storm pipe. Once inside, witness a small scale river flowing through a natural landscape to a clean ocean. Models alongside demonstrate how rainwater picks up pollutants that wind up in the ocean and also how trees and naïve plantings can avert these detrimental effects.


Eco Tour
A hop, skip and a jump away is the Nursery where TreePeople nurtures seedlings, most grown from native seed and acorns collected by volunteers. Kids can lend little hands (with grownup help) to tend to the baby trees.


Eco Tour 2 by Basurto Family
Don’t forget to bring a picnic and spend the day, eating spots are scattered through the park.  This gorgeous getaway feels like miles from civilization (while merely minutes away from the 101 freeway!)


TreePeople @ Coldwater Canyon Park

located at the intersection of Mullholland Drive, Coldwater & Franklin Canyon

Online: treepeople.org


Check for parking closures due to special events (also, detailed directions and info for public transportation).


Also, check their website for events, like the monthly Moonlight Hike, where howling at the moon is optional, but encouraged.


– Kim Orchen Cooper


Photos courtesy of TreePeople, Maria McGinley and the Basurto Family.




Have you visited TreePeople?  We’d love to hear about your favorite hiking paths there or what your kids enjoyed learning!


					
				

			

			


  

          

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