While the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks duke it out on the field in Arizona this Sunday during Super Bowl XLIX, San Diego county residents can soak up the sunny weather and take advantage of County activities that totally trump TV touchdowns.
Whether you love hiking, biking or just exploring San Diego, there’s plenty to do across the county this weekend instead of watching the Super Bowl. Of course, if you do end up watching the game, we suggest whipping up one (or all) of these big game recipes from Sam the Cooking Guy.
All events take place on Sunday and are free, unless otherwise noted. Click on the links for more information.
1. Ready, Set… Hike!
While the centers of the Patriots and Seahawks are hiking balls, you can be hiking a trail! Take a look at the 10 County Trails to Try in 2015 and choose something easy, moderate or difficult. Of course, if we must suggest something, try out the San Elijo Lagoon Preserve, located at 2710 Manchester Ave. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. It’s got 7 miles of trails, is ADA-accessible and has the whistles of the shorebirds instead of the referees. Plus, first Sunday of the month is Family Fun Day at the Nature Center.
2. Tackle
Round up the family and head to Lake Morena County Park for some fishing. Located at 2550 Lake Morena Drive in Campo, the park offers weekend fishing opportunities, with fees ranging from free (children 9 and under) to $7 (adults 16 and older.) Note: Due to current water conditions, no personal watercraft may be launched, but float tubes, canoes and kayaks are allowed and motorized boats may be rented for a fee. A state fishing license is required to fish at the lake.
3. Fowl
Forget watching men in helmets throw around a ball, grab your binoculars and head to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas for some bird-watching. You can download a bird watching checklist and make a day of it. The garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas and is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Parking is $2 and entrance is $14 for adults; $10 for seniors, students and military; and $8 for children ages 3-12.
4. Extra Point
There’s no scientific evidence to back this up, but early testing shows that adopting a new, furry family member earns you extra points in life. Visit one of the County shelters online or check out past Pets of the Week and give one of the loving animals its forever home.
5. Scrimmage Game
Why watch football when you can play? Set up a scrimmage game at the County park nearest to you. Find a full list of the parks online and get playing!
6. Kickoff
Fred Beneditti and George Svoboda are kicking off the month with music at the Vista Library (700 Eucalyptus Ave.) on Sunday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. The Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Dr.) will also be celebrating the day with jazz quintet Chris Klich Jazz Quintet from 2-3 p.m. The group plays everything from classic jazz standards to music from modern jazz fusion artists.
7. Catch
While the football players are making (or missing) their catches, you can catch up on history at the Campo Stone Store and Museum (31130 State Highway 94, Campo). The historical building was the result of a raid on the original frame store of the Gaskill brothers by border bandits in 1875. The museum is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
8. Roll Out
Wheel your way along a flowing creek. Break out the bike and ride it through the 25 miles of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. Hop off at the end and pay a visit to the Historic Adobe Ranch House.
9. Game Plan
Make a disaster plan with your family and download the SD Emergency app for good measure. You can create and share kits, get push notifications during emergencies and more.
10. Wild Card
Spend your Sunday giving back instead of sitting in front of the tube with a volunteer work party at Louis A. Stelzer Park (11470 Wildcat Canyon Road). You’ll get to work alongside a ranger to help keep the park safe and beautiful. Groups and individuals are invited to help out on park projects from 8-10 a.m. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen and wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Bonus: Want to do something more relaxed? Make a craft with the kids and a ranger at the same park from 2-3 p.m. Note: There is a $3 day use fee for the park.
