As of late, three words have been resonating in my mind: the great outdoors.

It’s all I can think about this month, considering I just completed my first triathlon in serene Lake San Antonio, Calif., and coordinated my first outdoor wedding in picturesque La Jolla Cove. The sunshine was simply awesome (and I have the tan to prove it)!

So, I know the rest of May has been a bit gray and June tends to be gloomy, but let’s try and kick this weather to the curb and welcome the coming of summer by venturing outdoors and enjoying our beautiful city of San Diego!

Normally, the idea of slimy fish jumping around my feet sounds less than appealing, but if you’re interested in new experiences, as well as the mating rituals of sardine-sized silvery fish, then join the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography for a night of fun with the grunion run.

On June 2, from 9:45-11:45 p.m., or June 16, from 10 p.m. to midnight, you can enjoy a presentation on the grunion. Witness a rare opportunity of hatching of grunion eggs, and end the night with a beach exploration of these fish. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight and a warm jacket!

Tickets are $12 each and reservations must be made in advance by calling the aquarium at 858-534-7336 (directions will be given since this activity does not take place at the aquarium).

Every Monday night, Beauty Bar presents a night of Rock ’N Roll Bingo starting at 9:30 p.m., and, on June 4, yours truly will serve as the guest hostess with the mostess! Come by and stamp a few bingo cards, heckle me if you feel up to it (but not too much), and gulp down some $3 beers, $4 wells and $2 Marvin’s Mint Mojo shots. After the games are over, enjoy the swankiest ’80s and ’90s hits from thetimefly.

If you haven’t stopped by this hip hangout yet for their regular club nights, shows, or Martinis & Manicures, you’re definitely missing out on a club with an eclectic crowd, fantastic music and sassy bartenders. Besides, what else are you gonna do on a Monday night?

Beauty Bar is open Monday through Saturday and is located at 4746 El Cajon Blvd.

If you have a typical dad like mine, you never know what to get him for his birthday or Father’s Day (straight men can be so hard to buy for sometimes). So, instead of another tie or coffee mug, consider taking the old man on an outdoor adventure with San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours (SDBKT). The SDBKT offers half-day bike and kayak tours (among others), and on June 17 at 10 a.m., they are offering a Father’s Day special with tickets at $95 per person, and dads get 50 percent off.

The five-hour tour starts by biking down Mt. Soledad into Pacific Beach and Mission Bay, then north through La Jolla while making periodic stops to check out surf spots, local wildlife and much more. After the bike tour, a break and deli lunch is provided before continuing on a kayak tour of the sea caves of La Jolla. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to see the breeding leopard sharks in La Jolla Shores!

All of the necessary equipment is provided, but be sure to wear comfortable clothes, athletic shoes, and bring a swimsuit and towel. Don’t forget that sunscreen!

Reservations are required, so call 858-454-1010 or visit the SDBKT Web site at http://www.sandiegobikeandkayaktours.com for more info.

I like my fair share of fancy downtown clubs and hitting the usual Hillcrest haunts, but every once in a while, I like to explore new bar territory and check out some of the smaller venues around town. In light of my last column in search of the best margarita, I’m now looking for places with the best bar food in San Diego (gotta eat while you’re drinking), and I’ve definitely found one of them.

Bub’s Dive Bar & Grill in Pacific Beach is the place to go when you want a laid-back atmosphere, good eats and cheap drinks. My personal favorite bar food on their menu is the grilled cheese sandwich with tater tots (don’t forget to ask for a side of Ranch dressing), but they also have a ton of other scrumptious bites to satisfy any craving.

After you put your order in at the bar, grab a table by the window and check out the foot traffic strolling down Garnet Avenue, or watch a game on one of several widescreens around the bar (you score a touchdown in baseball, right?). Just ignore the half-eaten peanuts and cracked shells littering the floor.

Bub’s is located at 1030 Garnet Ave. and is open daily from 11-2 a.m.

After a long day, nothing beats sitting down for a nice evening and a good movie. However, instead of staying in for the night, check out Cinema Under the Stars, Mission Hills’ alfresco movie theater experience.

The 2007 season is already underway, but you can still enjoy movies every Thursday through Sunday until Oct. 27. I’m looking forward to watching Batman on June 7-8 and The Princess Bride from Aug. 30 through Sept. 2 in one of their “zero-gravity” seats. Along with the movie, admission includes a film introduction and discussion by Ralph DeLauro of San Diego State, a light show and trivia contest. Keep in mind the cinema doesn’t allow outside food or drink, but you can purchase items at their concession stand.

General admission is $12.50 and annual memberships are $70. Doors open at 6 p.m. and films start at 8:30 p.m., so arrive early because the theater only accommodates 60 moviegoers (members can phone in reservations up to one week in advance). The theater is located at 4040 Goldfinch St.

For a complete list of dates and corresponding movies, visit http://www.topspresents.com.

Congratulations to David Challe and Graylin Thornton, who won VIP packages to Orlando Florida’s “One Mighty Weekend.” They will receive VIP tickets to all the major parties and events, including performances by Donna Summer and Kathy Griffin, just for signing up for the Gay & Lesbian Times e-blast. Look for future contests by visiting www.gaylesbiantimes.com and sign up to win.

In honor of Father’s Day, I leave you with a quote by comedian and actor Red Buttons (a.k.a. Aaron Chwatt):

“Never raise your hand to your kids. It leaves your groin unprotected.”