The other night at dinner, the Young People asked the Old People, “How do you know when you’re an adult?” Your humble Editor’s answer: “When you realize that life is no longer play that gets occasionally interrupted by the necessity of work, but rather work that is occasionally relieved by the pleasure of play.” Or words to that effect. (There’s a reason why Wendy did not want to leave the nursery in Peter Pan!) And if the local real estate market tells you anything, it’s that it takes more and more of that work to hang your hat here. The good news is that there are all sorts of people in San Diego making all sorts of efforts to provide you with wonderful ways to spend your precious playtime. Oh, and the summer weather helps, too. Go have fun!

Photograph by Matthew Suárez

• Sculpture scavenger hunt
• Borrego Springs

If you don’t mind the desert heat, drive over the Lagunas to the far outskirts of San Diego County, Borrego Springs. It’s not only home to California’s largest state park, but also to Galleta Meadows, a collection of life- and sometimes larger-than-life-sized animal sculptures by metal artist Ricardo Breceda. Some 130 sculptures are spread out across the plains north and south of town, including horses, dinosaurs, and elephants. Many may be spotted from the car, others require more vigilance. Ask local hotels or shops for a map to find them all, or take your chances scanning the horizon, mostly along Borrego Springs Road. The best-known pieces are near its intersection with Big Horn Road, including a giant scorpion and the artist’s famous sea serpent.

Rent…