Catching up with friends is easily put on the back burner when welcoming a new baby, but connection with others can be a saving grace in those first months (and years) of being a new mom. So, do your best to make mom meet-ups a priority. Put baby in the stroller, grab a cup of coffee or tea and go for a walk with a friend. Not only will you benefit from a healthy dose of Vitamin D and adult conversation, but baby will love being out in the fresh air. Luckily for us, there is no shortage of great coffee shops or beautiful, stroller-friendly walking paths in San Diego.
Mission Bay
Postcard-worthy views and a menu of delicious breakfast and lunch items welcome visitors to Superbloom at Mission Bay Beach Club (open to the public). Located on the coastline of Mission Bay, this spot has its own one-hour parking lot and a paved sidewalk that winds along the water.
Grab an oat milk Matcha Chai Latte and head down the path; in just under one mile (if you walk south), you’ll come to San Diego Mission Bay Resort—that’s your cue to head back. The wide path makes it easy to walk next to friends, no matter the size of your stroller. www.missionbaybeachclub.com/superbloom
Insider’s tip: Couldn’t make it out for a morning coffee? Superbloom is in a beautiful spot for the sunset, and is open until 6 pm.
La Jolla
Order the Best Drink Ever or a smoothie from Better Buzz, then take a walk along Coast Blvd. in La Jolla. Enjoy the coastal breeze (which always helps babies sleep) and panoramic views from La Jolla Shores to Torrey Pines. The walk from there to La Jolla Cove takes about 10 minutes, but keep in mind it’s uphill on the way back. Give yourself a few extra minutes on the return as you’ll be pushing your stroller up the grade.
Insider’s tip: Order Avocado Toast to-go and picnic under the unique Torrey Pines at Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
Encinitas
Walking with a group? Your best bet in town is the Coastal Rail Trail in Encinitas. This pathway is wide enough for two or three strollers to walk and talk (just be mindful of bikers passing by). Start off around Birmingham off S. Coast Highway 101 and walk as far as you’d like—you can walk five miles if you’re feeling ambitious!
Insider’s tip: If you’ve worked up an appetite, Swami’s Café is a short walk from the trail (near Santa Fe Dr.) and offers everything you could want for breakfast or lunch.
Poway
With a motto like “The City in the Country,” you can bet north county’s Poway has some unique spots to explore. You’ll find beautiful antique stores, a general store and delicious, locally owned coffee. Grab a Vanilla Latte (you won’t regret it) from IDEGO Coffee Roastery on your way to Old Poway Park on Midland Rd. There is so much to explore at the park—trains that operate on weekends, a museum, historic houses and plenty of grass, trees and shade. Check the website for special events and train schedule: https://poway.org/452/Old-Poway-Park.
Insider’s tip: Every Saturday the Poway Farmers Market is right next to Old Poway Park (on Midland) from 8 am–1 pm. Take your walk, then enjoy everything from smoothies and indulgent pastries to farm-fresh produce and made-to-order hot food.
Point Loma
NTC Park at Liberty Station offers stroller-friendly paths with convenient parking any day of the week. Access flat, dirt paths that loop around playgrounds, grass and along the water. If you want more shade, walk between the buildings and through the arches of paved, covered walkways. You’ll find large grassy courtyards there as well. Stop at Moniker Coffee Co. for a Chai latte or WestBean Coffee Roasters (inside Liberty Public Market) for a macchiato or iced tea.
Insider’s tip: On weekends there are often musicians playing at Liberty Public Market.
Chollas Lake Park, San Diego
Choose from a great 0.8-mile jogging trail around the lake or head west around the park to find a 1.4-mile walk full of native plants and greenery. There are bathrooms along the way, and plenty of shady benches to sit and catch up if your little one falls asleep.
Insider’s tip: Bring a blanket and take a break along the water’s edge. Little ones can splash in shallow water and feel sand in their toes.
Carlsbad {seasonal}
One of the most iconic events each spring is the opening of the Carlsbad Flower Fields—the beauty is unparalleled. Find a stroller-friendly walking path above the back of the fields, featuring amazing views of the flowers to enjoy as you stroll. Park along Armada Dr. and walk north. Enjoy the vista of dazzling blooms with the bright blue ocean in the distance.
Insider’s tip: There are no coffee shops along this route, so stop at one of the two nearby Starbucks before you park, if interested.
Local mom and San Diego blogger Sandra Page can be found adventuring on Instagram at @playdatesandpints.
