Springtime excursions

• Easter Bunny Tea at the Westgate Hotel is an annual tradition. Enjoy a cuppa tea, milk or hot chocolate, along with petite sandwiches, scones and tartlets. Pint-sized guests get to hang with the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs. The Westgate's Easter Bunny Teas begin this year on April 10.
  
  The Carlsbad Flower Fields are abloom from March 1 to May 11. The annual rainbow of lush ranunculus flowers spreads across 50 acres at Carlsbad Ranch. Walk along designated paths and stroll through a Miniature Rose Garden, Sweet Pea Maze and more than 180 All-American Rose Selection winners.
  
  
• The Easter Lily Display at Balboa Park's Botanical Building begins April 10. The first-century Christian church adopted the white lily as the traditional flower of Easter. This showcase features 300 of the fragrant blooms and runs through May 6.
  
  
• Easter Crafts at the Hotel del Coronado provides the tools necessary for kids to dye eggs, paint wooden eggs, design spin art and more. The craft session takes place April 12 and is open to the public. No pre-registration necessary.

Egg hunts

1. Westgate Hotel (April 10 and 11) For guests of hotel/brunch/Bunny Teas only.
   
2. Hotel Del Coronado (April 12) Egg hunts and visits with the Easter Bunny are open to hotel/brunch guests only. Registration is required.
   
3. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay (April 12) An underwater egg hunt open to hotel/brunch guests only. Registration required.
   
4. Julian Royal Easter Egg Hunt (April 11) Free egg hunt, games, prizes and Easter Bunny visit.
   
5. Encinitas Egg Hunt (April 11) Free egg hunt, games, prizes and Easter Bunny visit.
   
6. Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside (April 11) Free egg hunt and Bunny visit for children from 3 to 10 years old.

Brunch

• Hotel Del Coronado: The Del's famously lavish buffet is served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in both the oceanfront ballroom and the spectacular Crown Room, with live entertainment and a special spread just for kids. Featuring everything from breakfast smoothies and sushi to carved meats, fruit and cheese, seafood, breads and side dishes galore, the Del's buffet has something for everyone to enjoy. Children of brunch guests can participate in egg hunts (reservations required).
  
  • Cost: $74 for adults; $32 for children 6-10; free for children 5 and younger.
  • Reservations: (619) 522-8490
• Humphrey's: Take your pick: a beautiful view of sailboats in the marina or a beautiful view of the sprawling buffet featuring waffles and omelets, pastas, sushi, oysters, crab legs, dessert and all-you-can-drink champagne. Live jazz adds to the Sunday morning ambiance. Brunch served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  
  • Cost: $49.95 for adults; $19.95 for children 6-12; free for children 5 and younger.
  • Reservations: (619) 224-3577
• La Valencia Hotel: Served in the Mediterranean Room, The Ocean View Terrace, The Galleria Room and The Whaling Bar & Grill, La Valencia's buffet has everything it should: stone crab claws, shrimp and sushi, eggs Benedict, cheese blintzes, pasta, carving stations and desserts made for sampling two or three. There are two seatings: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
  
  • Cost: $72 for adults; $32 for children 6-12; free for children 5 and younger.
  • Reservations: (858) 454-0771
• The Marine Room: Brunch on the beach with all the comforts of a fine restaurant. Enjoy a full buffet featuring treats like duck confit frittata, eggplant and fennel quiche, sweet or savory crepes, leg of lamb, prime rib and plenty of pastries and desserts. Served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  • Cost:$55 for adults; $20 for children 12 and younger.
  • Reservations: (858) 459-7222
• Red Marlin: Mission Bay's Hyatt Regency restaurant offers a bountiful brunch menu on the terrace or indoors with a bayside view. Feast on offerings from an omelet station, Einstein Bros. bagels (with all the accountrements), chilled seafood and the restaurant's signature poke. A kids corner is available, with "golden nuggets," curly fries and mini pizzas. The Easter Bunny will visit throughout brunch service, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  • Cost: $48 for adults; $24 for children 5 to 12; free for children 4 and younger.
  • Reservations: (619) 221-4868
• Miguel's: These casual Mexican restaurants serve up plenty of huevos rancheros and jumbo shrimp omelets in three locations every Sunday, including Easter: Point Loma (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and Coronado and Eastlake (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
  
  • Cost: Brunch entrees average between $9 and $12.
  • Reservations: Point Loma, (619) 224-2401; Coronado (619) 437-4237
• U.S. Grant: The downtown hotel's Easter champagne brunch buffet features breakfast classics, and includes an appearance by the Easter Bunny and live jazz by Kevin Cooper Trio. The Grant Grill offers a la carte dining for brunch and dinner. (Buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
  
  • Cost: $65 for adults, $22 for children; free for children younger than 5.
  • Reservations: (619) 744-2077
• Rancho Bernardo Inn: Choose from two buffets at this beautiful resort. El Bizcocho serves from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This dining room has some of the most comfortable banquettes in San Diego, which may induce napping between trips to the buffet. Eight extravagant stations feature dozens of options, including traditional breakfast, king crab legs, prime rib, salads, soups, artisan cheeses and desserts. The Aragon Ballroom offers an equally lavish spread but also features a special children's buffet. This brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes champagne, white zinfandel and sparkling cider. A plated Easter brunch is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Veranda Bistro. All brunch guests are welcome to interact with the Easter Bunny and the petting zoo on the Aragon Ballroom greens.
  
  • Cost: El Bizcocho, $58 for adults; $25 for children ages 5-13. Aragon, $54; $25. Veranda, $32.50; $15.
  • Reservations: Aragon and El Bizcocho:(858) 675-8550; Veranda Bistro: (858) 675-8555
• Le Fontainebleau: Served in the European splendor of the Westgate Hotel's elegant restaurant, this award-winning champagne brunch goes well beyond traditional breakfast. The full buffet features made-to-order omelets, sushi, fresh seafood, salmon en croute, numerous carving stations, gourmet cheeses, desserts and so much more. Live entertainment provided by Barry White. Brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
  • Cost: $65 for adults; $25 for children 12 and younger.
  • Reservations: (619) 557-3655
• 94th Aero Squadron: There are two Easter buffets at this popular spot. The more "breakfasty" feast is served from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the dinnertime prime rib and seafood buffet is served from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Both are overflowing with Squadron favorites (baked chicken, carved roast beef and crepes Suzette), and breakfast features a waffle bar and fajita station.
  
  • Cost: Morning brunch $24.95 for adults; $12.95 for children ages 4-10; evening dining $29.95 and $12.95.
  • Reservations: (858) 560-6771
• Ocean House: Nestled in the heart of Carlsbad Village, this Carlsbad landmark (formerly Neiman's) is still famous for its champagne brunch. Build your breakfast from the omelet and seafood bars, carved meats, tortilla station, and a selection of fresh fruits and desserts. Champagne and/or mimosas included. Served from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  • Cost: $39.95 per person
  • Reservations: (760) 729-4131
• Hornblower Cruises: How about this for a change of space — champagne brunch on the bay. The lavish Easter buffet includes bakery and carving stations, a variety of egg dishes, sumptuous seafood and salads, and free-flowing champagne. Pictures with the Easter Bunny also are available. The Inspiration Hornblower sails 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m.
  
  • Cost: $46.95 for adults; $18.95 for children 5-12; free for children 5 and younger.
  • Reservations: (858) 539-8625
• Peohe's: Coronado's bayside landmark offers some of the best skyline views in San Diego. The extensive brunch menu features breakfast items like filet mignon and eggs, cinnamon French toast, and a crab and asparagus omelet, as well as numerous items from the lunch and dinner menus. Customer favorites include coconut crunchy shrimp, crab-stuffed Tilapia, and a halibut filet sautéed with macadamia nuts, bananas and Frangelico. Brunch served 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  
  • Cost: Entrees range from $12.95 to $25.95.
    Reservations: (619) 437-4474
    
• Catamaran Resort Hotel: With brunch being served just steps from the sand in the Atoll restaurant, outdoor seating is at a premium. The award-winning buffet includes champagne, sushi and seafood, carving stations, plenty of traditional breakfast items and sweet endings. Brunch guests can take a complimentary cruise on the William D. Evans sternwheeler and watch the kids hunt for Easter eggs. The Easter Bunny is also scheduled to visit. Brunch served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
  • Cost: $46.95 for adults; $18.95 for children 5-12; free for children 5 and younger.
  • Reservations: (858) 539-8625
• La Jolla Shores: Watch the tide roll in from this steak and seafood restaurant in La Jolla. The Easter buffet includes shrimp and sea bass ceviche, pomegranate brined leg of lamb and orange cinnamon brioche French toast. Children can select from items like pepperoni pizzettes, PB&J finger sandwiches and Oreo cheesecake. Served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
  • Cost: $42 for adults; $22 for children 12 and younger; $2 per year for children under 5.
  • Reservations: (858) 456-0600
  Grand del Mar: It's Easter in the lap of luxury at one of San Diego's newest and most sprawling properties. Brunch in the Capella features a Mediterranean-inspired buffet with omelets, crepes and carving stations, as well as tantalizing arrays of antipasti, salads, cheese and charcuteries, and sweets. Brunch served from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; an egg hunt and other children's activities take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn.
  
  • Cost: $85 for adults; $30 for children 12 and younger
  • Reservations: (858) 314-2000

  Island Prime: On Shelter Island, Island Prime offers a prix-fixe, three-course Easter brunch. Choices include filet mignon tartare, golden and red beet salad, blue cheese-crusted filet mignon, hazelnut-crusted Barramundi and brownie cheesecake. Served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Cost: $49.95 for adults; $12.95 for children 12 and younger.
  • Reservations:(619) 298-6802

  Lael's: The legendary champagne brunch buffet at downtown's Manchester Grand Hyatt features sticky bun French toast. If that's not temptation enough, there's always crab cake Benedict, seafood cioppino, made-to-order waffles and omelets, and plenty of seafood, meats, fresh fruit and bakery items. Served from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Cost: $58 for adults; $28 for children 4-12.
  • Reservations: (619) 358-6735

  Oceanaire Seafood Room: The downtown supper club is opening its doors early for a special Easter brunch. Featured items include a king crab scramble, flapjack with port syrup, goat cheese and fresh berries, as well as blue crab and salmon Benedicts. In addition to the brunch specials, dinner favorites also are available. Indulge your palate with an oyster tasting, the grand shellfish platter, or any one of the fresh fish entrees. A la carte menu served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Cost: Entrees range from $23-$45.
  • Reservations:(619) 858-2277

  Urban Mo's: Breakfast features hearty fare like steak & eggs, chorizo burritos and corned beef hash. The special Easter buffet is no exception and includes omelet, French toast and pancake stations; traditional breakfast sides; quiche; ham; mashed potatoes; pasta salads; croissant sandwiches and more. Don your fanciest bonnet on Easter Sunday to receive 15 percent off your bill. Buffet served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular menu available all day.

  • Cost: $19.95 for buffet and unlimited mimosas, or $9.50 for unlimited mimosas plus the cost of regular menu items.
  • Reservations: Not accepted, so come early or have some toast at home to ward off inevitable hunger pangs. (619) 491-0400.