Though summer seems to last all year around here, the season technically ends Sept. 21. Before the cooler weather rolls in, the young'uns are back in school and the holidays start to monopolize your calendars, there are a handful of summery things you still have to do. These 10 got our votes.
Get brain freeze:Chuao Chocolatier did a noble thing this summer: it added single-serve gelato to its confectionary repertoire. We're not talking plain ol' chocolate here. Chuao did nothing but the unexpected with flavors such as parchita, white grignottine, picante, cambur and spicy maya. The gelato is available at the Chuao Chocolatier cafes at UTC and Del Mar Highlands. More information: (760) 476-1668.
Run for your life: La Jolla has some of the most scenic running routes in San Diego County. Whatever distance you prefer, there are plenty of options to choose from: Bishop's School to Mission Beach (7 miles), La Jolla Shores to Mt. Soledad to La Jolla Country Club (5 miles), Torrey Pines (8 miles) and the Terryhill loop (5 miles). For the exact routes and maps: www.run.com and www.torreypine.org.
Snorkel with sharks: We double, no, make that triple dare you to swim with schooling leopard sharks and smoothhound sharks. Think you're up to it? Don't worry - Scripps naturalists will be there to hold your hands. At 8 a.m. on Sept. 14 and 21, Birch Aquarium is giving shark enthusiasts 10 years and older an opportunity to snorkel with sharks, rays and flatfish at La Jolla Cove. Intermediate swimming ability is required, previous snorkeling experience is recommended and participants must supply their own gear. More information: (858) 534-FISH.
Listen on the lawn: Catch one of the last remaining free summer concerts on the lawn - put on by the Del Mar Foundation - at Powerhouse Park. The setting is a perfect place to meet old and new friends. Be sure to bring your blankets and picnic baskets. And don't feel guilty about bringing that bottle of wine or champagne -Del Mar's beach alcohol ban does not apply to the concerts. Cactus Twang & Whyte, Grano and Nash, and Eve Selis will perform at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19. Soul Seduction performs at 5 p.m. on Sept. 21. More information: (858) 635-1363.
Place a bet, watch a race: OK, this one's an obvious summer activity, but the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's annual race meet seems to end as fast as it begins. This year's season ends on Sept. 3. Make sure to get one last up-close view of the majestic racehorses at the paddock or near the rail in the infield. The evening concerts are also a must. On Aug. 15, Bob Marley's old band, The Wailers, performs. Black Francis, formerly of the Pixies, performs Aug. 22. The season's final Saturday infield concert features '80s favorite Devo. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are free with track admission. More information: (858) 755-1141.
Dine at sunset: A warm summer night dinner complete with a killer sunset view is available at several of Del Mar's award-winning restaurants. Consider the outdoor dining areas at Pacifica Del Mar, Epazote's and Il Fornaio. The Poseidon, Jake's Del Mar and Sbicca feature elevated deck seating with an ocean view. Although its outdoor dining faces east, the Brigantine on Highway 101 has its own unique view - the Del Mar racetrack. Get there early enough and you can see the ponies rounding the far turn and heading into the stretch.
Catch a fish: Thoughts of flyfishing usually inspire thoughts of rivers. Not around here. Take these last few weeks of warm weather and warm water and go flyfishing in the surf for corbina, halibut and perch or offshore for dorado, yellowtail or Mako sharks. If you're intrigued by the idea and don't know where to start, head for Solana Beach's San Diego Fly Shop, where you can take surffishing, casting or fly-tying lessons. Or sign up for a half-day introduction to coastal fishing spots or make a reservation for an overnight bluewater trip on Sept. 5-6. More information: (858) 350-3111.
See some surf: Watch surf film "Step into Liquid" under the stars at Fletcher Cove Park on Sat. Aug 23 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The 4th Annual Beach Blanket Movie Night will feature popcorn, tasty treats, a raffle and surf pros signing autographs.
Go to a White Party: The Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club is bringing a little bit of the Hamptons to the Covenant with its first-ever White Party on Aug. 30. The party was inspired by the annual swanky event thrown by Sean Combs (a k a, Puff Daddy, Diddy, Puffy or whatever he calls himself these days) in New York's coolest summer vacation spot. Association members and their guests are instructed to wear their finest whites to enjoy the ultimate summer party. The recently renovated clubhouse will be transformed into a white lounge, complete with cabanas. Martinis, cigars, food and live music will be served up. The bash starts at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are required. More information: (858) 756-1182.
Schedule a morning movie date: Take the kids to the movies at Del Mar Highlands' UltraStar Cinemas. Every Saturday and Sunday morning in August, the theater will host the Kidtoon Films series with a variety of G-rated family films. The shows start at 10:30 a.m. and a free surprise gift is given to every child that attends. Don't forget that Tuesdays at UltraStar are discount days - movies are $5.50 for children and adults all day.
ONLINE BONUS ACTIVITIES Sway and sing along: Pack a picnic dinner, grab the beach chairs and head down to Fletcher Cove Park on Thursday nights for a picturesque evening of family-friendly music. Closing out the Summer Concerts at the Cove series is singer/songwriter Michael Tiernan on Aug. 21 and Americana musician Shawn Rohlf on Aug. 28. Both performances begin at 6 p.m. More information: (858) 793-2564.
Hit a ball or 20:Pelly's Miniature Golf, across the street from the Del Mar Fairgrounds, features two ocean-themed courses, Surfin' Safari and Ocean Adventure. Lighted courses give the opportunity to extend summer fun into the nighttime hours. Course hours are Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Nicole Reino, Jim Kerr, Karen Billings and Laura Petersen contributed to this story.
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