Below is a guide to all of the best happenings on Mother’s Day 2019 in San Diego whether you’d like to treat mom to afternoon tea, brunch, spa, shopping and more.
Saturday Celebrations
If you’ve decided a single Sunday isn’t enough to tell Mom how great she is, start the festivities on Saturday with one of these events.
Chocolate Festival at the San Diego Botanical Garden
May 11 | 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
For the woman in your life who has more than a casual relationship with chocolate, the San Diego Botanical Garden has her sweet tooth covered. Combining chocolate tastings with live music and the beautiful ambiance of the gardens, the Chocolate Festival is a must hit event. Admission is free with admission to the Botanical Garden, but tasting tickets are $1 each and are sold at the event. Food trucks and gift vendors will also be in attendance.
Junior League of San Diego Food and Wine Festival
May 11 | 1 p.m. for VIP members and 2 p.m. for general admission. The event ends at 5 p.m. with an after-party at La Valencia from 4—8 p.m.
The Junior League of San Diego (JLSD) is holding its 19th annual Food and Wine Festival, the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. Attendees interested in supporting JLSD in its 90th year are invited to the afternoon event equipped with some of San Diego’s finest vendors while taking in breathtaking views of the La Jolla Cove.
Beginning in the early afternoon, guests dress in their weekend best will gather at Ellen Scripps Browning Park for live music, silent auctions and unlimited tastings from San Diego’s finest restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. The event and after-party is open to the public.
The Westgate Hotel Mother & Daughter Teas
May 10 — 11 | 2:30 — 5 p.m.
Head to The Westgate Hotel for a luxurious afternoon tea hosted in their Le Fontainebleau Room. Pairing fine, traditional teas with an array of finger sandwiches, French pastries and even a glass of Champagne, each mom will also receive macaroons to mark the occasion. The price is $79 for adults and $55 for children ages 4—12.
Afternoon Tea at THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel
May 11 | 1 p.m. — 3 p.m.
A honey-themed afternoon tea curated by Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski is happening at THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Look forward to specialty loose tea selection, Champagne, petite tea sandwiches, a children’s tea menu, entertainment, and more. The price is $59 for adults, and $35 children ages 4 — 12. Call 619-744-2046 for reservations.
Sunday Mother’s Day Celebrations
For those who prefer a Mother’s Day celebration not entirely focused on food, consider these options.
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad
May 12 | 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Mother’s Day is the last day of the season that the Flower Fields in Carlsbad are open to the public. These gorgeous Carlsbad fields bloom brightly with ranunculus flowers. The stage will be filled with colorful dancing from the Rancho Buena Vista High School’s Ballet Folklorico.
Westfield UTC
May 12 | Mall hours
It’s all about Mother’s Day Mom-osas and gifts at Westfield UTC. Treat Mom to an indulgent day of leisure and pampering at Westfield UTC’s coveted retail, featuring bespoke fragrance gift boxes available at Jo Malone and culinary hot spots, including:
- Enjoy True Food Kitchen’s Mom-osa menu, featuring three flavors in addition to a special gift of a $10 “Lettuce Treat Mom” card to visit again during May.
- Relish in Brunch specials by Chef Yvon Goetz alongside endless mimosas at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
- Decadent Mother’s Day brunch at Great Maple
Sunday Mother’s Day Brunches And Dining Specials
Once you start exploring the Mother’s Day brunch options, you’ll quickly realize that San Diego restaurants create customized menus and tailor brunch specials around Mom. Here are a few of the specialty brunches offering a unique experience this year. Note that any pricing below doesn’t include tax and gratuity.
Albert’s Mother’s Day Brunch at the San Diego Zoo
May 12 | 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Celebrate Mom at the San Diego Zoo with a bountiful buffet brunch at Albert’s Restaurant in the Treetops Banquet Room. All guests must present membership or a San Diego Zoo ticket to gain entry into the San Diego Zoo. The price for brunch is $49.95 for adults, and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 11. For reservations, call 619-557-3964 to secure with a credit card.
Note: You will still need San Diego Zoo tickets. I have an exclusive promotion for $6 off 1-Day tickets.
See also: How to Buy Discount Tickets to the San Diego Zoo
SeaWorld San Diego
May 12 | 10 a.m.
Visit SeaWorld San Diego on Mother’s Day to enjoy brunch with orcas. You’ll learn all about their behaviors and more during this unique poolside experience. Make reservations online. Note that you will still need park admission.
See also: How to Buy Discount Tickets to SeaWorld San Diego
The Westgate Hotel
May 12 | 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Moms will be spoiled with this decadent feast served in the grandeur of Le Fontainebleau and the Versailles Ballroom. The award-winning brunch includes complimentary mimosas and Bloody Marys, a juice bar, and a selection of classic brunch favorites. Highlights include made-to-order omelets, fresh seafood, eggs Benedict, delicious and adorable mini doughnuts, an ice cream station and more. The price is $99 for adults and $35 for children ages 4—12. Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch reservations can be made online.
Estancia La Jolla
May 12 | 11 a.m.
Hotel guests and San Diego locals can shower mom with love in lush, botanical gardens at Estancia La Jolla’s Roses & Rosé Brunch, where moms will receive a complimentary glass of rosé to toast the special day. Helmed by Executive Chef Vincent Savignano, the delicious brunch buffet will feature assorted fresh pastries, a collection of savory egg dishes, a chilled seafood display, delicious paella and risotto dishes and a selection of sweet desserts including a gelato station. Reservations are required and can be made here. The full brunch buffet can be enjoyed for $75 per adult and $25 per child.
Those who’d like to extend the holiday with treatments at the Spa at Estancia can book the Besties Spa Package, including two massages, two facials and lunch with a glass of bubbly for two.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
May 12 | 11 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Guests can dine at the property’s three restaurants on Mother’s Day, enjoy a petting zoo and pony rides from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. at Aragon Ballroom (adults $92, kids $40), bottomless mimosas for $14 at Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant (adults $75, kids $30) and brunch at AVANT from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. (adults $85, kids $30).
Or, stay the weekend with Rancho Bernardo Inn’s “Family Fun” package, parents and kids can enjoy a staycation with children receiving a kids welcome goody bucket, milk & cookies welcome amenity, kids eat free breakfast, kids Treasure hunt & fountain tour, s’mores & snores (in-room camping for kids includes an indoor tent and s’mores kit).
May 12 | 10 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Rancho Valencia will feature a lavish Brunch Buffet, offering everything from a shellfish station and raw bar to carving stations, a dazzling dessert display, festive cocktails and more. Enjoy the sunshine after the feast with special treats on the croquet lawn including pony rides, family photo ops, an interactive flower boutique for the kids and a Bellini Bar for mom. Mother’s Day brunch is $140 for adults and $65 for kids ages 11 and under. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 858-759-6246 or emailing veladorareservations@
May 12| 9 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Make Mom’s special day spectacular with an extravagant Mother’s Day Brunch in the Crown Room. The award-winning brunch is filled with a magnificent selection of culinary delights, live musical entertainment. The prices for brunch in the Crown Room are $140/Adults; $65/Children (6-10); Children under 5 are complimentary. Call 1-619-522-8490 for reservations or make them online.
See also: 15 Things to Do at the Hotel Del Coronado
May 12 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
L’Auberge Del Mar features a bounteous brunch to delight and please all mothers and their families and friends. Also, on the Pacific Terrace will be a petting zoo and oversized family games like cornhole and Connect 4 plus a lounge area for relaxing while the younger set plays. This extravagant spread of celebratory coastal inspired foods includes carved, cheese, brunch items in cast iron, seafood, kids, dessert and other stations. Prices are $90 per adult; $30 for children under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Free flowing mimosas will be available for an additional $15. Reservations are recommended by calling 858-793-6460 or via OpenTable.
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While you’re there, treat mom to the Mother’s Day Package, a 50-minute renewing facial using rose quartz stones, along with Spa L’Auberge’s 50-minute signature massage, to melt away mom’s stress and tension. Spa L’Auberge reservations, more details, and pricing are available by calling 858-793-6493.
THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel
May 12 | 11:30 a.m. — 2 p.m. (buffet closes at 4 p.m.)
Book a decadent Champagne Buffet Brunch offering mouthwatering culinary stations including breakfast favorites, prime meat and seafood specialties, with sparkling celebratory cocktails and a flower crown station to make a personalized gift for mom. Brunch is $82 adults, $72 seniors and $39 children. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 619-744-2046.
Provisional Kitchen at Pendry San Diego
May 12 | 9:30 a.m. — 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Provisional Kitchen, nestled inside Pendry San Diego located in the heart of San Diego’s iconic Gaslamp Quarter. Menu highlights include a cheese and charcuterie board, seafood and sushi bar, eggs a la carte, a carving station, savory corner with pork belly benedict, chicken and artichoke flatbread, and a sweet corner with s’mores French toast, tropical parfait, and a chocolate fountain. Cost is $75 for adults, $20 children (ages 3-12).
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TWENTY/20 Grill at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
May 13 | 11 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Featuring beautiful coastal views and live entertainment, the brunch includes breakfast staples as well as a seafood table, carving station, ice cream sundae bar, and more. Tickets are $80 per adult, $30 per child 12 and under and complimentary for children 3 years of age and under. Call 760-827-2500 to make reservations or they may be made online.
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Jazz Brunch at The Abbey
May 12| 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.
The Abbey, Hornblower’s on-land venue, was initially constructed as an Episcopal church in 1910. Mother’s Day brunch will begin with a greeting and a complimentary glass of Champagne, followed by a seasonal buffet, decadent desserts and live jazz by Republic of Music, all with free-flowing Champagne, sparkling cider, soda, juice, and coffee, all at your table. Every mom receives a flower. The price is $55 per person. Make reservations online.
Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
May 12 | 1 — 5 p.m.
Moms eat free! On Mother’s Day at Blue Point Coastal Cuisine in the Gaslamp Quarter, moms who order from their special Mother’s Day menu from 1—4 p.m. will receive their entree for free (with purchase of another entree). For reservations, please call 619-233-6623.
Decoy Dockside Dining/Lake San Marcos
May 12 | 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.
This Mother’s Day, treat mom to their brunch buffet featuring fresh seafood, carving stations, omelet stations, desserts, and free-flowing Champagne. The cost is $65 for adults and $29 for children 4-12.
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George’s at the Cove
May 12 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. for brunch, and 5 — 9 p.m. for dinner
George’s at the Cove has a special Mother’s Day three-course brunch planned this year that includes favorites such as Bay Scallop and Corn Fritters with bearnaise, Lobster Quiche with peas and green garlic, and Chilaquiles with soft egg and queso fresco. Brunch is served downstairs at California Modern. Additionally, George’s Level2 and Ocean Terrace will also be open on Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. — 10 p.m. for a relaxed, casual experience.
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Hornblower Cruises
May 12
Treat mom to a meal with fantastic San Diego views on the water with Hornblower Cruises. They offer two Mother’s Day Cruise options: Jazz Brunch Cruises with free-flowing Champagne, live jazz music, and a brunch buffet; and a Three-Course Dinner at your private table with DJ entertainment and a boarding glass of Champagne or sparkling cider.
Rustic Root
May 12 | 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Celebrate with a specialty menu prepared by Executive Chef Marcel Childress that includes Brie & honey toast, breakfast risotto, various scrambles, lobster rolls, crabcake po boys, desserts and more. Also, moms will receive a complimentary mimosa or glass of house wine (for later reservations). Guests can make reservations via OpenTable or by calling 619-232-1747.
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Harrah’s Resort Southern California
May 12 | 9 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Treat mom to a feast filled with breakfast and brunch favorites at the Buffet, including glazed ham, lobster bisque ravioli in tarragon cream, herb roasted turkey, peel and eat shrimp with snow crab legs and oysters on the half shell, poached salmon, assorted sushi rolls and much more. Head to The Cafe for a special meal with shrimp and crabcakes, crab-stuffed filet mignon, or salmon and finish off with chocolate lava cake with pistachio ice cream for dessert. The Buffet costs $32.99 per person. The Cafe is open 24 hours.
While you’re there, spoil mom at the Spa at Harrah’s Resort SoCal with signature 50-minute services and specialty cocktails. Relax in the Quinsyberry Massage enhanced using a light and calming scent with hints of bright apple blossoms and calming tea. Pamper the skin too with the vitamin C Facial made to calm skin, fight sun damage and improve pigmentation problems. These specials are available Sunday, May 12, 1 p.m. — 5 p.m. for $150, while the vitamin C Facial is $160.
How will you celebrate Mother’s Day in San Diego?
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
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