Wondering what’s the (hi)story of Mother’s Day? Ann Reeves Jarvis, a social activist in the mid-1800s, is considered one of the early inspirations of what we celebrate today. She organized Mother’s Day Work Clubs in West Virginia to promote public health. Later, she tried to unite families across Union and Confederate lines by holding Mother’s Friendship Day events. Her daughter continued this tradition, organized the first known Mother’s Day, and pushed for it to be recognized as an official holiday, which finally happened in 1914, under President Woodrow Wilson.
In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 11 this year. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate all kinds and sorts of wonderful mothers: our mothers, the mothers we are, the mothers we know, the ones that acted like mothers, the fur mothers, and many more. To make planning a little bit easier and let you simply enjoy the day, here are 15 plans for an amazing Mother’s Day.
Brunch at one of these great spots
1. Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar will host a whimsical Mother’s Day brunch, featuring a Citrus and Dill Hot Smoked Salmon Station, Pan Seared Halibut, Spring Baked Rigatoni and more. There’ll also be thematic, sweet treats, such as Nola Rose Truffles. The brunch is priced at $95 per adult and $40 per child 12 and under.
2. Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a brunch with ocean views. The special menu showcases gourmet dishes like Citrus Miso Salmon, Mojo Marinated Pork Loin, Local Rockfish, and an impressive chilled seafood display. Reservations are available on their website for $125 per person and $29 for children 11 and under.
3. Lilian’s, on the other hands, is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a garden escape. Brunch favorites will be combined with the restaurant’s signature dishes, including fluffy pancakes, savory Benedicts and crafted morning cocktails. If you’re feeling extra celebratory, you can even go for bottomless mimosas.
4. Sandbar is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a casual, loving celebration. They offer $15 champagne bottles alongside classic beachy brunch dishes like French Toast, a breakfast taco plate, Huevos Rancheros, and more.
5. Cloak & Petal offers a special Japanese fusion menu for the occasion, including Cherry Wood Smoked Chirashi Bowl, Mamacita Rolls, Salmon Poke Crisps, and Strawberry Boba Panna Cotta. Sip on Strawberry Basil Rose Sangria to wash it all down.
6. Rusti Cucina brings a special menu to the tables for the occasion, with a Sicilian flair. Enjoy a three-course meal, priced at $55 per person. It features Crispy Burrata, Pappardelle Al Brasato, Calamari, Salmone alla Arancia, Half Rigatoni Carbonara, and Limoncello Cake.
7. Casa Gabriela‘s Chef Gaby Lopez presents a menu that features her family’s recipes, inspired by her roots in Guadalajara. Brunch dishes include Mama Lopez’s Huevos Rancheros, Abuelita’s Waffles, Roasted Pineapple & Cardamon French Toast, and Chef Gaby’s Pan Dulces,
8. Fish Shop offers a customizable meal with the “Pick a Fish, Pick a Marinade and Pick a Style” menu. You can also choose signature dishes, such as their award-winning Fish Tacos. On May 11, all moms who dine at any of their locations will receive a mystery envelope with a surprise discount inside.
9. Sheraton San Diego Resort (Rumorosa) has a crafted menu of seasonal dishes and decadent desserts, such as Croque Madame, Café de Olla French Toast, Black Garlic Marinated Prime NY Sirloin, and more. Every mom receives a complimentary flower! The price is $95 for adults and $40 for children.
10. Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a truly luxurious experience, with a Mother’s Tea Day. Expect finely brewed teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and decadent pastries. It costs $125 for adults, and $65 per child. The same location also has a brunch buffet – check their website for more information.
Have a relaxing day at the SPA
11. At Spa Brezza, you can go for an exclusive Mother’s Day Package, featuring a customizable 50-minute Noble Breeze massage, a 30-minute HydraFacial, house-made chocolate truffles, a glass of bubbly and an Aura candle to take home. It also offers access to the facilities, such as the hot tub, dry sauna and pool. This package deal is available throughout May for $350.
12. At SpaTerre, you can celebrate Mother’s Dat with the ultimate day of relaxation: any 50 or 80-minute massage or facial gets you a complimentary take-home spa gift and a glass of champagne, along with full access to the resort’s utilities. You can also go for the discounted Island Glow Body Renewal: a 50-minute experience that blends exfoliation, moisturizing, body wrap and a relaxing massage. Usually priced at $190, you can now enjoy it for $150.
13. For the ultimate luxurious treat, check out the award-winning Mila Moursi Spa, where one can enjoy a 1-hour facial or massage, along with a delicious court yard lunch, for $400. This includes access to a revitalizing cold plunge bath, soothing dry sauna, fireside lounge, and private spa cabanas.
See a whimsical show together
14. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations in San Diego. This Mother’s Day, discover the music of Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at San Diego Natural History Museum, under the gentle glow of candlelight. It’s the perfect gift for a relaxing evening spent together. Grab your tickets here.
If the gift is for someone who prefers classical music, just the night before, on May 10, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More takes place at the San Diego Natural History Museum. More info here.
15. Say I love you with the perfect gift card. If you want to offer the celebrated mom the option to choose her own adventure, why not offer a gift card that will definitely be put to good use? This card unlocks concerts, shows, experiences, dining adventures, travel to-do’s, and more.
Happy Mother’s Day, however you celebrate!