Home Care In La Jolla, CA

San Diego hotel restaurants and their amazing chefs have put together creative menus and even some opportunities to take a prepared feast home with you. The list below includes some great restaurants around town that serve special Thanksgiving dinners for you to enjoy — whether that’s with family and kids, by yourself, or with a date.

I’ll keep this list of where to have Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego updated as I hear about even more great ideas from San Diego restaurants, which I’m sure will be hitting my inbox in the coming weeks.

Thanksgiving Buffets at San Diego’s Top Hotels

Make a reservation for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner, or, better yet, check into one of the luxury hotels in San Diego.

The Hotel del Coronado, a top beachfront hotel in San Diego, offers classic, grand holiday buffet in restored historic ballrooms with a full spread of stations (seafood, carving, desserts). Give thanks and celebrate with family and friends at The Del’s exquisite Thanksgiving dinner, set inside its beautifully restored Crown Room, Coronet Rooms, and the Ocean Ballroom, which now showcases a newly preserved 1888 fresco mural.

Indulge in a holiday buffet feast at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxed yet refined Thanksgiving dinner by the marina. Savor classic favorites complemented by seasonal accents in a coastal setting designed for celebration and comfort.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at Vistal, where panoramic bay views and live music set the scene for an unforgettable buffet dinner. The lavish spread features everything from a Cold Seafood Display piled high with oysters, crab claws, and ceviche to carved turkey, roasted N.Y. strip, and salmon “Al Pastor.” Guests can also indulge in standout entrées like Short Rib Tortellini and Miso-Maple Pork Tenderloin, plus decadent desserts including Pecan Walnut Caramel Pie and Chocolate-Hazelnut Beignets.

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving brunch buffet options in North County San Diego, Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad is a fantastic choice. This luxury resort is less than a ten-minute drive from the beach and is set amongst 200 stunning acres of natural beauty overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon.

The menu spans an impressive Seafood Table with poached jumbo shrimp, smoked salmon, Peruvian ceviche, and sushi rolls; an Appetizer and Salad Station featuring lobster roll verrines and roasted acorn squash; and a Hot Table showcasing lemon and thyme roasted turkey, black garlic–crusted prime rib, and beet-crusted salmon. Finish with an array of house-baked pies, pastries, and desserts crafted to perfection.

Ember & Rye is celebrating Thanksgiving again in 2025 if you want to get dinner. The menu includes entrees like smoked turkey or kurobata porchetta, and then pecan pie for dessert.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Provisional Kitchen inside Pendry San Diego, where a sophisticated multi-course menu showcases seasonal dishes like free-range turkey with pecan-apple stuffing, red wine–braised short rib, and fall-inspired vegetarian plates. Enjoy your feast in the restaurant’s airy, design-forward setting that perfectly balances modern elegance with holiday warmth.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Marine Room, where breathtaking ocean views meet an exceptional four-course prix-fixe menu. Enjoy a refined holiday experience featuring seasonal ingredients and chef-crafted dishes that elevate every traditional favorite.

Also known as The Pink Lady, La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla is a great option for those celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones in a luxury boutique setting.

Valencia’s Executive Chef, Alex Pailles, curated this year’s three-course Thanksgiving menu. Guests can feast on menu highlights, including elevated holiday favorites like herb-crusted turkey with black sage gravy, braised lamb osso buco, and wild mushroom truffle risotto, followed by decadent desserts and live music

Enjoy a coastal Thanksgiving at George’s at the Cove, where the Ocean View Room and Level2 will host a family-style prix-fixe feast overlooking the Pacific. Guests can gather around shared holiday dishes in one of La Jolla’s most iconic dining rooms—an elegant yet relaxed way to celebrate with ocean views as your backdrop.

Dine high above the city at Mister A’s this Thanksgiving, where a refined prix-fixe menu showcases creative seasonal dishes—think roasted Diestel turkey with traditional fixings, lamb loin, wagyu ribeye, and elegant desserts—all in a sophisticated skyline setting.

Nestled in the secluded rolling hills of North County San Diego, and spanning 265 acres of stunning grounds, this elegant hotel is a great escape for your Thanksgiving feast.

The Inn’s signature restaurant, Avant, is hosting a four-course seasonal feast this year, with more details to be released at a later date.

The hotel is also hosting a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring all your festive favorites earlier in the day.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa capitalizes on its 49 lush acres, beautiful and expansive Croquet lawn, and serene outdoor spaces to host family-style Thanksgiving dinners. A great option for all ages, guests can look forward to crafts for kids, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, and an exquisite Thanksgiving menu.

This is definitely on the higher price scale, but you can expect carving stations, a raw bar, and an exceptional dessert station.

If feasting on Thanksgiving dinner while enjoying sweeping views of a world-class golf course sounds tempting, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is the place to be. The hotel is offering a turkey dinner meal this year in The Grill, but you opt to build your own feast from the restaurant’s signature dishes. Additional menu information is coming soon.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers two Thanksgiving dinner options this year. Choose between a refined three-course tasting menu at Amaya or a lavish family buffet in the Ballroom and Solana, complete with all the classic holiday flavors. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar provides a luxurious option to relax with loved ones over what is sure to be an amazing holiday meal.

Amaya will be serving a three-course tasting menu:

The Manchester and the Grand Ballroom will be offering a Thanksgiving Family Style with appetizer and dessert buffet, including beer and wine:

Celebrate Thanksgiving with sea-to-sky style at Sea & Sky La Jolla, where the holiday menu blends coastal sophistication with seasonal warmth. Enjoy elevated takes on turkey and seafood, complemented by curated sides and decadent desserts—all served in a sleek setting boasting panoramic views of La Jolla’s skyline and ocean.

If you prefer to skip cooking this year, have no fear. San Diego has some options for full Thanksgiving dinners or even just pumpkin pies that you can eat at home.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is also offering a to-go Thanksgiving option this year, featuring gourmet starters, à la carte sides, and full packaged meals crafted for effortless entertaining. Each order serves four and includes all-natural, free-range Diestel Farms turkey brined for 48 hours, seasonal soups, comforting sides, and decadent desserts like pecan and pumpkin pie.

Let Elijah’s take the stress out of your holiday with hot, ready-to-serve Thanksgiving dinners you pick up (or have delivered) from their Clairemont Mesa location. Choose from roasted turkey, beef brisket, or ham—each option includes two sides, gravy, cranberry sauce, and an optional pie add-on.

Rustic Root brings warmth and whimsy to the holiday table with Thanksgiving specials like Sweet Potato Bisque, cider-brined turkey, and a perfect graham-crusted pumpkin pie. Dine in downtown from 2 to 8 p.m. or bring the celebration home with a ready-to-reheat Family Feast for four. Either way, expect classic comfort made with chef-driven care.

Sweeten your Thanksgiving table with fresh-baked pies from Pastry Chef Anna Adams of George’s at the Cove. This year’s lineup includes Pumpkin Chai, Caramel Dutch Apple, and Black-Bottom Pecan, each priced at $38.

Orders must be picked up on Wednesday, November 26, from the restaurant’s La Jolla location at 1250 Prospect Street. A proud Escondido local, Anna draws inspiration from her childhood visits to her uncle’s bakery in Ruiz, Nayarit, Mexico—bringing a touch of heart and heritage to every pie.

A Superior Court judge has tentatively ruled the city of San Diego’s lawsuit trying to stop the Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO, violated the state’s anti-SLAPP laws and should be thrown out. The site lajolla.ca was first with the news.

The ruling is here.

Background: The Association for the City of La Jolla submitted signatures to start the process to make La Jolla its own city. If they got enough signatures, it would trigger LAFCO to commission an analysis of what the financial impact of such a split would be and how much alimony La Jollans would have to pay.

LAFCO contracted with the county Registrar of Voters to validate the signatures. The registrar did that and reported that they didn’t get enough signatures. But then LAFCO Executive Officer Keene Simonds determined the registrar invalidated many of the signatures for simple misspellings or for using common abbreviations that didn’t exactly fit the registrar’s assumptions. He decided there was enough signatures after reviewing many of the ones thrown out.

The city sued arguing Simonds had no right to do that and the registrar’s count should stand. The city named the Association for the City of La Jolla as a party of interest.

In the meantime, the registrar quietly updated its guidance after a separate Court of Appeal ruling that it had been way too stringent on simple misspellings or common address abbreviations.

The Association filed an anti-SLAPP motion arguing the city was trying to impede its rights to participate in public process. The judge appears to agree.

“Substantial evidence indicates Simonds did not act arbitrarily when he exercised his authority to determine the ROV improperly rejected signatures due to minor mis-spellings and/or non-standard abbreviations …” reads the tentative ruling from Judge Judy S. Bae.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

A Family Paws® Dog Aware® Program at the La Jolla Riford Library Teaches Kids 5–10 How to Read Dog Body Language and Stay Safe Around Pets

La Jolla, CA — December 2025 — Kindred Dog, a San Diego-based dog training and family education practice, announced today that founder Susie Petrucci, Ed.S., Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, will lead a Doggie Detective™ workshop for children and families on Saturday, December 13, at 10:00 AM at the La Jolla Riford Library.

Part of the national Dog Aware® educational initiative by Family Paws®, Doggie Detective™ is a kid-friendly program designed to help children learn how to safely and confidently understand and interact with dogs, including their own pets at home.

“Kids often adore dogs, but they don’t always know how dogs communicate,” said Susie Petrucci, founder of Kindred Dog. “We want children to feel empowered, confident, and safe when they’re around dogs. When kids learn to read body language and respond appropriately, it strengthens family relationships and prevents potentially unsafe situations.”

During Doggie Detective™, children will learn to:

The workshop includes interactive learning, examples of dog behaviors, and practical tools for families to use every day.

This program is ideal for families with dogs, families considering getting a dog, and any child who loves animals and wants to learn how dogs “talk.”

Event: Doggie Detective™ — A Dog Aware® Workshop for KidsInstructor: Susie Petrucci, Ed.S., CCTA, CCDT (with distinction), CAATP, Fear Free Certified Trainer, Licensed Family Paws Parent EducatorDate: Saturday, December 13, 2025Time: 10:00 AMLocation: La Jolla Riford Library, Community RoomAddress: 7555 Draper Avenue, La Jolla, CARegistration:Cost: Free

Kindred Dog provides family-focused, Fear Free™, and science-based dog training services throughout San Diego. Founded by educator and certified trainer Susie Petrucci, Kindred Dog specializes in training programs for families with babies and children, behavior modification, puppy foundations, and trauma-informed support for sensitive dogs.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

She likes cats.

Angel is a 1-1/2-year-old, 7-pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Calico coat.

She lived with her owner and four other cats. When the owner moved and couldn’t take all five cats, Angel and two of the other cats were surrendered to Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

She’s confused about what happened to her. In her new home she will need a safe spot while she builds her confidence.

As Angel gets more comfortable, she will venture out and investigate her new home.

The $100 adoption fee for Angel includes medical exam, spay, up to date vaccinations, and registered microchip. Adopt her buy December 15th for be just $65.

Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6412, or log on to www.SDpets.org. Open 11 to 4 every day but Tuesday.

Special note.

December 1-15 is Bissell Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters. Rancho Coastal Humane Society is joining paws with more than 380 shelters in 43 states to help find loving homes for pets.

Adoption fees for adult dogs and cats six months and older are just $65, thanks to the generosity of Cathy Bissell and Bissell Pet Foundation.

Adoption fees at Rancho Coastal Humane Society include each pet’s medical exams, spay or neuter, up to date vaccinations, and registered microchip.

For more information visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.SDpets.org.

The shelter is open from 11 AM to 4 PM every day but Tuesday.

Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank at RCHS is open 9 to 11 every Saturday morning.

As a longtime Southern California resident, I have to say that the Golden State's southernmost city is often overshadowed by its cousin to the north, Los Angeles. But San Diego, which is the state's oldest city, having been established in 1769, has much to offer travelers.

America's Finest City has a sunny, mild Mediterranean climate that makes it a perfect destination year-round, whether you’re escaping a cold winter or a hot, humid summer. And there's much to enjoy here besides perfect weather—there's rich history, world-class museums, golf courses, theme parks, hotels, breweries, restaurants, and 70 miles of breathtaking beaches.

I've lived in Southern California for over 50 years, and I’ve visited San Diego many times, taking young relatives to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the beach for picturesque bike rides along the sand. With friends, I’ve stayed downtown to check out new restaurants after spending a day at Del Mar, California, for thoroughbred horse racing. In North County’s Carlsbad, my husband and I have played golf and marveled at the springtime Flower Fields.

Friends from New York on their first San Diego visit wanted to see the historic Hotel Del Coronado, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Mission Bay, so naturally, I served as their tour guide and added a day at Balboa Park and a whale-watching cruise to their itinerary.

San Diego is a vacation destination for families, couples, groups of friends looking for nightlife, sports fans, foodies, and history buffs. As many times as I’ve been there, I always know there’s something new for me to look forward to on my next visit.

Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to San Diego, California.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Set among eucalyptus trees on 400 sprawling acres, Fairmont Grand Del Mar has 249 rooms, an 18-hole golf course, a world-class spa, several pools, and the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Addison. Activities at the resort include hiking, horseback riding, tennis, yoga, meditation, archery, and an Explorers Club for young guests.

Named one of the best hotels in California in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World’s Best Awards, Mission Pacific Beach Resort has 161 luxury beachfront rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and a restored 1980s cottage known as the “Top Gun” house for its role in the original film.

This beautifully landscaped resort is set on 265 acres in San Diego’s North County region. With an 18-hole golf course, expansive spa, several pools, and Avant, a French-inspired restaurant, the Inn is a tranquil getaway in plush surroundings.

Opened in 2025, this resort has a four-acre water oasis, spa, and a variety of restaurants. The resort’s 1,600 guest rooms include views of the Pacific, the bay, atrium, or marina and range from entry-level to one-bedroom suites and a Presidential Suite.

Best Things to Do

Balboa Park is home to 17 museums, more than 10 performing arts spaces, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions like the carousel, miniature train, and the San Diego Zoo. Start at the Visitors Center to plan your day, and download the Balboa Park app to your smartphone as a guide.

This historic aircraft carrier is open for self-guided and docent-guided tours. Exhibits include more than 30 restored aircraft, flight simulators, the flight deck, and the admiral's cabin. As a bonus, the flight deck provides views of San Diego's downtown skyline, the San Diego Bay Bridge, and active U.S. Navy ships.

Nearly 12 miles of flat, scenic paved paths wind around Mission Bay, taking you through public parks and wildlife reserves. You'll ride past SeaWorld and Belmont Park, enjoying the sea breeze and views on the way. Bike rentals are available along Mission Boulevard.

Learn about life in San Diego in the early 19th century when it began as a Mexican pueblo. Visit the Whaley House Museum, one of only two officially designated haunted houses in California, and enjoy toothsome Mexican food and mariachi entertainment.

Best Restaurants

There are just eight restaurants with three Michelin stars in the Golden State, and the vast majority of them are located in Northern California. One of the few three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Southern California can be found at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Diners can expect Californian fare with a heavy international influence, with things like applewood-smoked sabayon (an Italian dessert) and chicken liver churros on offer.

This classic restaurant has been a favorite since 1965, known for fine dining, exceptional service, and stunning city views. They're perhaps best known for its steak options, but don't skip on the dessert menu.

Expertly prepared steaks and fresh seafood are the specialties at Eddie V’s. Cocktails and an extensive wine list complement their meals, and guests can take advantage of the daily happy hour menu that features a wide assortment of specially-priced cocktails, wines, appetizers, and menu items.

San Diego is home to the largest Little Italy in the U.S., and one of its busiest spots is Civico 1845. Warm and cozy, this restaurant specializes in Calabrian dishes from southern Italy, with things like prawn ravioli and bruschetta with prosciutto on offer. There's also a completely separate vegan menu available, too.

This intimate Japanese restaurant in University Heights has a Michelin star for its fresh, creative omakase meals. Simply make a reservation and let chef Soichi Kadoya do the rest—diners may get the chance to enjoy prime bites of Hokkaido pike mackerel, miso marinated sea bass, and Spanish bluefin tuna.

Best Times to Visit

Summer is the best time for water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, and boating. The cooler winter months are ideal for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and walking along the shore. Shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November offer more attractive prices and smaller crowds at popular attractions.

Comic-Con International, held in late July each year, is San Diego’s biggest event. Thoroughbred horse racing takes place in Del Mar from July through September each year, and baseball fans arrive from April through September for major league games at Petco Park.

Carlsbad’s colorful Flower Fields bloom from March through early May, attracting visitors from around the world. The San Diego County Fair, an annual event at Del Mar Fairgrounds, was first held in 1880, and it continues to be one of California’s largest county fairs.

Whale watching season brings visitors to San Diego. From December through April, gray whales make their migration to Baja California to breed before returning to Alaska, and from June through October, visitors may spot blue whales during their migration.

How to Get There

San Diego is about 120 miles south of Los Angeles and about 85 miles southwest of Palm Springs. Scenic freeway drives from both cities are a great way to see Southern California.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is served by more than a dozen domestic and international airlines. From the airport, visitors can rent a car, take a shared ride or taxi from designated pickup spots, or use public transportation. The 992 bus takes riders from the airport to several downtown locations. The San Diego Flyer provides free shuttle transportation to the Old Town Transit Center.

Amtrak and Coaster trains connect the city to other destinations like Los Angeles, Orange County, and coastal North County.

Neighborhoods to Visit

This is a lively dining, entertainment, shopping, and hotel district in downtown San Diego. I’ve stayed there several times, and the nightlife offers everything from sexy rooftop bars to casual late-night spots.

Once home to the tuna fishing industry, this 48-block neighborhood is now filled with restaurants, pubs, art galleries, and boutiques. Head to Kettner and India Streets for upscale dining or authentic pizza and pasta.

Hillcrest is located next to Balboa Park, and is minutes from downtown—it is the hub of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood is known for eclectic nightlife, casual dining, chic boutiques, and vintage clothing stores.

This bustling neighborhood is located across the bay from downtown San Diego. Beaches, shops, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and Orange Avenue’s restaurants, galleries, and theaters attract visitors.

How to Get Around

The Metropolitan Transit System operates bus service and three trolley lines in downtown San Diego communities and beyond. MTS offers accessible travel on fixed bus and light rail routes using ramp or lift-equipped vehicles.

In San Diego's North County, the Breeze System provides service. The North County Transit District’s Coaster commuter rail lines connect downtown San Diego and Old Town with coastal communities throughout the county. The Sprinter light rail system serves 15 stations, connecting Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido.

The Pronto card and app can be used to ride the San Diego Trolley, bus, or Coaster train by accessing a cloud-based system for funds. Download the app or buy a card at retail outlets or ticket vending machines.

Amtrak trains service north San Diego County coastal areas as well as the Los Angeles region, stopping in downtown San Diego at the historic Santa Fe Train Depot. From there, you can connect to the MTS trolley or MTS buses.