May bucket list

Happy May! If you’ve been itching to escape your dorm room and soak up the sun, Lifestyle has your back with a bucket list full of fun ideas to make the most of this coming month. We encourage you to cut out this list and tape it to the wall next to your 2026 vision board or fold it up in your wallet for safekeeping.

Byline photo of Fatima Cabrales Villanueva

Camelia Tzadok, Isabella Gorenec, Erin Yabut, Santana Karno Garcia, Fatima Cabrales Villanueva, Czarina Datiles, and Camille de la Cruz • Apr 27, 2026

Photo by Jennifer Yoc Ferreira/ UCSD Guardian

☐ Study up on Dominic Fike, Mike Sherm, and MICO’s discographies before Sun God Festival. Specifically, memorize all the lyrics to “Babydoll” to be ready to scream alongside the crowd

☐ Go for a swim at the Canyonview Aquatic Center when the sun finally starts shining again

☐ Grab a bunch of flowers at Trader Joe’s or Target to make bouquets and flower crowns for your friends — April showers, May flowers, you know the deal

☐ Take your mom — or any special woman in your life — out for a Mother’s Day brunch at La Jolla Cove, followed by a stroll around the tide pools

☐ Watch the sunset at Sunset Seat in Del Mar, where the Coaster train thunders alongside wildflowers and beachside cliffs

☐ Visit Lahaina Beach House, a Pacific Beach daytime bar, where you can dance under the sun while the water sparkles

☐ Treat yourself with a trip to Westfield UTC for a new bathing suit, perfect for a sunny beach day

☐ Go to a local bookstore for a new novel to add to your collection and escape from San Diego’s May Gray

☐ Check out Balboa Park’s 41st annual Ethnic Food Fair on May 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to try some tasty dishes from around the world

☐ Stop by Balboa Park’s 38th annual Pow Wow on May 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with events celebrating Native culture

☐ Soak up the sun with a picnic or tanning session on the newly opened Marshall Field

☐ Take a scenic hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

☐ Find your next dream ring or necklace at the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market, which is held every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

☐ Take the Blue Line Trolley down to Old Town to attend Fiesta Cinco De Mayo on May 2 and May 3! Enjoy live music and ballet folklorico performances, or catch a live lucha libre match

☐ Check out UC San Diego Recreation’s Beach Break at Scripps Pier on May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for fun beach games — blankets, lounge chairs, and umbrellas will be provided

☐ Spend the day with your best friends at Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden, then head over to the Tea Pavilion for a light, refreshing snack

☐ Take the trolley to a Padres game at Petco Park, and don’t forget to text “STUDENT” to 78469 or visit padres.com/Student to learn about student discounts

☐ Drive up to Sequoia National Park for a weekend camping trip! Make sure you pack warm blankets and a cooler with food and drinks to enjoy while you immerse yourself in the trees and stars

About the Contributors

Camelia Tzadok, Editor-in-Chief

Camelia is a third year Literature and Writing major. She loves coffee, flowers, and her pets.

Isabella Gorenec, Staff Writer

Isabella is a first-year political science major interested in the world of journalism and contributing to her community in any way she can. She is also a self-proclaimed poet, lover of the arts, and animal enthusiast. Tries to look at the glass half full and put her best foot forward in everything she does.

Erin Yabut, Senior Staff Writer

A second-year International Studies – Political Science student from Eighth College. She loves fashion, traveling, and trying new things!

Santana Karno Garcia, Staff Writer & Ads Team Member

Santana is a first year literary arts major. She loves cats, Taylor Swift, and Gilmore Girls!

Fatima Cabrales Villanueva, Senior Staff Writer

First-year political science major. Jo March enthusiast. Team Edward.

Czarina Datiles, Staff Writer

Czarina is a global health student with a masters in daydreaming. She loves rainy days, fantasy novels and boba drinks.

Camille de la Cruz, Staff Writer

Fourth Year Poli Sci and Lit/Writing Minor. Matcha addict and lover of clothing.

Jennifer Yoc Ferreira, Artist

First year Molecular and Cellular bio major inspired by the whimsical beauty of Studio Ghibli and a love for colorful expression.

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