Read Ranch & Coast Virtually Anywhere
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Hotel Solea opens March 4 in Carlsbad. Previously the Sheraton, the hotel has undergone a multimillion- dollar transformation to debut as a 201-room Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection property, with botanical-inspired interiors and seamless indoor-outdoor design that leans into SoCal coastal living. A major highlight of the opening is Verise, a new modern Italian restaurant helmed by Chef Riccardo Bilotta (Il Pellicano, El Celler de Can Roca) in collaboration with Resort Chef Jason Luke. The Italian-inspired menu centers around pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes amongst an indoor-outdoor garden setting with a modern Mediterranean aesthetic. Future programming will include al fresco wine dinners, cooking classes, and communal gatherings celebrating Italian hospitality. On March 6, Legoland California Resort will debut Lego Galaxy, an immersive, story-driven land marking the park's first new rollercoaster in more than 20 years and part of a $90 million investment across the California and Florida resorts. Designed to blend cutting-edge ride technology with hands-on Lego creativity, the space-themed expansion features the indoor Galacticoaster, where guests design custom spacecraft before launching into a high-energy adventure, along with additional rides, a Junior Astronaut Training Zone, interactive building experiences, and galactic-inspired dining for an out-of-this-world experience. What's Now The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch return March 1, open daily through May 10 as one of Southern California's most beloved spring traditions. Spanning 55 acres, vibrant Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers blanket the hillsides with sweeping color and ocean views. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, wander the fragrant Sweet Pea Maze, experience a butterfly encounter, and even pick blueberries on Mondays and Tuesdays. Weekend offerings include live music, yoga sessions, and other seasonal activities. Ahead of the Coronado Flower Show's April 18-19 return, the festivities kick off with the beloved Homefront Judging Competition, taking place March 27 to 29. Coronado residents, businesses, schools, and community spaces will "prep and primp" their gardens and storefronts in hopes of earning coveted blue ribbons. More than 100 volunteer judges will stroll island neighborhoods evaluating standout landscapes for creativity, presentation, and eco-conscious design. This spirited tradition transforms Coronado into a vibrant gallery of floral pride and community participation, setting the stage for the nation's largest tented flower show in its 104th year, themed "Welcome to the Jungle." The East Village Association will host the 14th Annual East Village Block Party on Saturday, March 28, from 10am to 4:30pm on J Street outside Petco Park. This free, family-friendly celebration kicks off baseball's opening weekend with live music, local DJs and bands, sports-themed activities, fitness demonstrations, interactive family fun, a walk-through classic car show, vendors, and plenty of food and drinks from local favorites. What's Next The 5th Annual Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival returns to San Marcos on April 18, bringing together more than 30 of the region's top restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries for an afternoon of lakeside indulgence. From 1 to 4pm, General Admission guests can enjoy unlimited tastings of gourmet bites and craft beverages, plus vote for their favorite food and drink offerings. VIP ticket holders receive early entry at 12pm along with exclusive access to the Island Experience, featuring a luxury boat ride and curated tastings. The La Jolla Concours d'Elegance returns April 24 to 26, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a seaside showcase of automotive excellence. This milestone event will spotlight the theme "Icons of Speed: Historically Significant Super Cars," honoring the groundbreaking vehicles that redefined performance through innovation, craftsmanship, and style. The Concours features 16 classes of exceptional race cars, legendary sports cars, and supercar icons that shaped automotive history. The anniversary weekend will include exclusive ticketed events, complimentary displays, and an inviting atmosphere for both serious collectors and first-time attendees to experience the artistry and evolution of speed. BY MIA PARK AND DEANNA MURPHY La Jolla Concours d'Elegance Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival The Flower Fields Verise Homefront Judging Competition Lego Galaxy VERISE: PHOTO BY KIMBERLY MOTOS THE FLOWER FIELDS: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FLOWER FIELDS LAKEHOUSE RESORT: PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKEHOUSE RESORT LA JOLLA CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE: PHOTO COURTESY OF LA JOLLA CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE @ranchandcoast Homefront Judging Competition The Flower Fields