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By Becky Mahan, Editor
1. Batiquitos Lagoon
by: Tim Buss flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
This tidal wetland is surrounded by a wide, flat dirt trail – so you can run, walk, or even push a hardy stroller. Go early to enjoy the blue lagoon and nesting Least Terns before it gets hot.
Where to Brunch: Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge
The oceanfront restaurant not only offers the perfect Pacific view for your post-workout relaxation sesh, their brunch menu is delightful. Try the Green Tea Yogurt Bowl, with Greek yogurt, matcha, berries, ginger, coconut water, flax and sunflower seed, and toasted coconut — or for something more substantial, chow down on their Cali Breakfast Burrito, with farm-fresh scrambled egg, French fries, pepperjack cheese, candied bacon, avocado, and salsa. Don’t forget a handcrafted bloody mary or bellini!
2. Moonlight Beach
by: Stacy Spensley flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Walk or run from Moonlight Beach along the wide, safe bike path on South Coast Highway 101 and lose yourselves in early morning ocean views. Go as far as you’d like, or challenge yourself to a 9-mile roundtrip run to Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach.
Where to Brunch: Solace and the Moonlight Lounge
Try the Best Darn Buttermilk Cinnamon Roll (with cream cheese icing and butter pecan sauce) or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes if you need a sugar jolt – or go for The Kitchen Sink (biscuits and gravy, sausage, brown sugar bacon, and two fried eggs on top) if you’re hurting for replenished calories. Either way, you may need to go for another hike afterward.
3. Santa Ysabel Preserve
by: Nicholas_T flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Take your pick of trail(s) in this preserve’s 13 miles and nearly 4,000 acres of grasslands and wildflower fields. Since the trails aren’t well-known, you’ll likely have quiet and solitude (so maybe bring a buddy for safety.) For an easy stretch, follow the West Vista Loop; for a longer journey, continue on the Coast to Crest Trail all the way to the other side of the park.
Where to Brunch: Julian Cafe
After a hardy hike through wilderness, hop into the car and jet up the mountain a few more miles to the adorable town of Julian for a good old-fashioned country breakfast at the Julian Cafe. We recommend getting an early start: the historic cafe is tiny, and the wait gets loooong on weekends, especially in summer.
4. Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
by: ginsnob flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Perfect for families or toting along Fido, the Blue Sky Reserve is wide open with a clear trail that runs along a creek, oak grove, and wildflower fields. You can make it a short(ish) hike and head to Lake Poway, or opt for a longer hike to reach Lake Ramona Dam.
Where to Brunch: Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar
Don’t be fooled by the name – the Brigantine has more than just seafood and oysters. Re-fuel after your morning hike with a smoked salmon benedict (toasted bagel, grilled tomato, creamy parmesan spinach, and salmon, topped with a sundried tomato hollandaise sauce and capers) or their famous coconut-macadamia crusted french toast, which is served with two eggs, bacon or sausage, and breakfast potatoes.
5. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
by: Mechanoid Dolly flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
You’ll feel like you’ve left San Diego far behind in this nature oasis. Follow the river to a small waterfall and either head back (making a 6-mile round trip) or continue into a bigger open space.
Where to Brunch: Arterra (inside the Marriott Del Mar)
This quirky, trendy hotel restaurant offers farm-to-table eats, including eggs, ham and steak for that all-American breakfast. Or, opt for bananas foster French toast, Nutella pancakes, or their Jumbo Lump Crab Hash (with poached eggs, mushrooms, spinach, and hollandaise sauce.)
6. Bird Rock Bike Path
by: Sarah Speers – Courtesy: Gogobot
This “hidden” local passage isn’t widely advertised, but it’s a wonderful way to get from Pacific Beach into La Jolla without having to battle traffic and parking. Plus, you get to go through the adorable Bird Rock neighborhood and enjoy a rustic trail without having to drive way out into the back-country. Since the “hike” is more of an easy walk, we recommend getting to La Jolla, brunching, then returning back down the trail to your car afterward.
Where to Brunch: Prepkitchen La Jolla
The question at this trendy eatery is not what to eat, it’s what NOT to eat. (Answer: nothing.) Go for ricotta donut holes, or a pork and sage sausage scramble, or farm-fresh eggs, or chipotle chilaquiles. And don’t forget the spiced mango or cucumber honey mimosa, or the signature “Bloody Shame” – a whopper of a cocktail with pickled vodka, horseradish, and the Bloody Mary works.
7. Florida Canyon/Balboa Park
by: Ali Malek – Courtesy: Gogobot
Florida Canyon is on the less-frequented side of Balboa Park, which means it’s chock-full of gorgeous canyon vistas. Follow the bike path along Florida Drive, or meander through dirt trails up to the cliffs above.
Where to Brunch: Waypoint Public
Refuel with chicken and biscuits, farm-fresh egg scrambles, bennies, or their infamous malted stout waffle, made with stout beer and served with vanilla bean whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Source: gogobot.com