Father’s Day Gift Guide
10 Affordable Southern California Experiences to Share with Dad
Whether you’re planning ahead or need a last-minute Father’s Day gift idea, we’ve got you covered with thoughtful, fun gifts for Father’s Day. So for the man who snuck you that extra scoop of ice cream, told far too many Dad Jokes and always managed to be there for you, let’s look beyond the obligatory BBQ tongs or Sports cap and consider some unique papa-loving thrills!
Here’s a quick guide to 10 Unique Dad’s Day Thrills for you to consider. There’s something for every budget and the best news is you still have time to pull it off!
1. Annual Father’s Day Car Shows – Newport Beach, Brea, San Clemente
There’s something about Dads and cars, right?
NEWPORT BEACH: Dad can enjoy a fine collection of rare, classic, custom and antique cars, great music and family merriment at the Balboa Bay Club. Free entrance, 11 am – 3 pm. Balboa Bay City Club & Resort – Upper Resort Parking Deck, 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Cocktails and concessions available for purchase. Just be sure to charge your phone’s battery for many Instagram worthy Dad shots! More info, Father’s Day Car Show.
BREA: CRUSIN’ BREA CLASSIC CAR SHOW. Drive Dad to Brea for this annual Father’s Day car show that draws well over 10,000 attendees to see the classics; street rods, muscle cars, trucks, exotics, sports cars and antiques. Sunday, June 15, 2025, 10 am – 4 pm, Birch Street & Brea Blvd, Brea.
SAN CLEMENTE Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10 am – 3 pm. – The 29th Annual San Clemente Car Show boasts 300 quality show cars from classic to exotic and is free to the public. The family and dog-friendly venue will host food, shopping, and music.
2. Dana Point Harbor Boat Cruise With Food, Beer, and Live Music
Celebrate Father’s Day in style with an unforgettable Capt. Dave’s boat cruise in Dana Point Harbor! Treat Dad to a relaxing afternoon lunch on the water, complete with breathtaking coastal views, delicious catered tacos, and his choice of two servings of beer or champagne.
As you cruise the harbor aboard our double-deck power catamaran, enjoy the lively atmosphere with live music playing on the upper deck, making it the perfect way to unwind and celebrate. Whether you’re soaking in the sunshine on deck or indulging in great food and drinks, this Father’s Day cruise is the ultimate way to show Dad how much he means to you.
Lunch includes one serving of authentic tacos (chicken, steak, or pork) and one vegetarian-friendly cheese quesadilla, with a side of rice and beans. Of course, Mrs. Capt. Dave’s famous triple fudge brownies are served as a special treat!
Book your spot now for a Father’s Day harbor cruise filled with great vibes, ocean breezes, and unforgettable memories!
Book Father’s Day Harbor Cruise
3. Dad’s Day at the Big A
Tread Dad like an all-star at Angel Stadium with a day of playing catch in the outfield, hitting in the stadium batting cages, and taking a behind-the-scenes stadium tour. Delicious food and beverages can be enjoyed in the Lexus Diamond Club. And you’ll have a chance to meet Angels Alumni too. Various prices for season seat holders and non-season holders. 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim.
4. Chili at the Beach
Pack up dad and the fam and head to Huntington Beach for this tasty free family event! CHILI AT THE BEACH will feature a one-of-a-kind Chili and Salsa competition, live music, vendors, community partners, and kids activities. While the entrance to this chili-extravaganza is free, you will need a ticket to taste the chili and salsa. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club. Main Street & 5th, Huntington Beach.
5. Star Wars Day at the OC Zoo
The force will be with Dad and the entire family this Saturday at the OC Zoo in Irvine Park, Orange. All visitors are encouraged to come in Star Wars attire. The first 100 children 12 & under in Star Wars costumes will receive a free gift and free train ride at the Irvine Park Railroad. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras and pose for free photos with Star Wars characters. Activities free with paid park admission; parking is $5 per car on the weekends. Star Wars Day runs from 10 am – 3 pm, OC ZOO is located at 1 Irvine Park Road in Orange. (714) 973-6847.
6. Top Gun Maverick Party & Movie Night
If Dad has a need for speed, give him an early Father’s Day experience at the Top Gun Maverick Party & Movie Night aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. On May 23, on the flight deck, the whole family will enjoy food, bar services, a DJ and dancing, photo ops, and more. 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. (619) 544-9600.
7. Escape Room Fun, Several Locations in OC
Does Dad love a challenge? Does his skip a beat over problem solving? Then book an Escape Room for him and the family at one of several different locations throughout the OC or LA Counties. An escape room is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Players are given a set time limit to solve the mystery which is hidden within the themed rooms.
Book your adventure today. In Lake Forest, ESCAPE THE PLACE had various themes for puzzle happy papas. 26469 Rancho Parkway South, Lake Forest. (949) 916-7977. Also, PUZZLE WORKSHOP in Irvine is located at 18003 Sky Park Circle, Irvine. (949) 536-5228. There’s also EXODUS ESCAPE ROOM in Anaheim Hills and Tustin.
8. Father’s Day Dolphin and Whale Watching off Dana Point
Give Dad an unforgettable Father’s Day adventure with Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari in Dana Point, the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®! Set sail on an exciting ocean adventure and experience breathtaking encounters with majestic whales, playful dolphins, and other incredible marine wildlife. Give your Dad the biggest gift of all—literally—with an unforgettable trip to see blue whales, the largest animals on Earth! June is a great time to see blue whales, as well as minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, several types of dolphins, and much more.
Choose from our three eco-friendly cruises:
- Signature Dolphin & Whale Safari – Take Dad on our most popular excursion! Cruise in comfort aboard our custom catamaran Manute’a, featuring two Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods, giving Dad a front-row seat to see dolphins and whales like never before! Enjoy a smooth, stable ride with plenty of space to capture stunning photos and videos. Available daily, year-round.
- Zodiac Dolphin & Whale Safari – For the adventurous Dad, our high-speed Zodiac Safari offers an exhilarating, up-close experience with marine life. Get closer to the action on this small-group safari that brings you face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures. Due to the fast and bouncy nature of this cruise, all passengers must be in good overall health with no head, neck, or back injuries. Available daily, year-round.
- Whale Geek Cetacean Exploration – For the ultimate wildlife enthusiast, this exclusive and intimate safari aboard our upscale motor yacht is led by an expert naturalist, offering in-depth insights into whale and dolphin behavior. With fewer passengers and extended time on the water, it’s the perfect gift for Dads who love marine life and discovery. Available on select dates, year-round.
Whether Dad prefers an exciting high-speed ride, a comfortable catamaran cruise, or a deep-dive into the world of whales, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari has the perfect adventure. Book now to give Dad a Father’s Day he’ll never forget!
9. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Water fun for everyone! A lagoon and nature reserve is the picturesque setting for this waterfront resort. There are cottages, a premier RV park, marina, a waterfront restaurant, and an inflatable water park. At Moe B’s Watersports Park, families and Dads can rent kayaks, Duffy boats, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) to enjoy in the lagoon and surrounding area. Park in the Newport Dunes parking lot and follow the pathway at the water’s edge around to the entrance of the Watersports Park. Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach (949) 729-3863.
10. Father’s Day Super Dad Games
Celebrate Father’s Day at the PRETEND CITY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM in Irvine with lots of activities that highlight that special caregiver in your family’s life. Activities include a Dad & Me Dance Class with Platinum Performing Arts. Come on down Saturday, June 14th, at 11 am to Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine. (949) 428-3900.