Where have you always wanted to visit? For my teenage self, it was always Southern California. I grew up in New England and wanted to see and experience life on the other side of the country. The sun, the fun, the Pacific and the Hollywood vibe. So, as luck would have it, I got the opportunity in my early 20’s to drive across the country to my beloved California. Yes, I said drive. And not only drive but drive in a converted milk truck! Let me tell you, you haven’t experienced the whole travel adventure of driving across the US unless you do it in a converted milk truck. But seriously, it was the trip of a lifetime that ended up in San Diego, California. My heart couldn’t have been happier!
San Diego is one of those places where it’s always sunny and at least 75 degrees. This place is absolutely beautiful! I had the pleasure of living there for 2 years and I go back as often as I can.
The downtown area consists of a historic district, the Gaslamp Quarter, filled with restaurants, bars, theatre, and almost any kind of nightlife you want. One of the fun places to go is the Shout House. It’s a dueling piano bar that boasts a full house almost any night of the week.
The scene in the Gaslamp Quarter is vibrant and even if you’re a visitor, it makes you feel like you’re a part of the local culture.
Downtown has a stunning seaport area. Walk along the boardwalk at Waterfront Park. It’s gorgeous and there’s plenty of places to stop for a picnic or just gaze longingly at the boats in the marina. You can visit the USS Midway aircraft carrier that is docked there and where you’ll find a giant statue of the WW2 Kissing Couple (I thought that was really cool!). I love The Top of the Market for great seafood and views. You can get there from the Gaslamp Quarter via any of the pedicabs that are literally everywhere. If you are lucky enough to get one that is bedazzled, has a rockin’ peddler, and is blasting Journey music, go for it!
While you’re in San Diego, don’t forget to visit Balboa Park. It’s the site of the 1915 World’s Fair and home to many museums, gardens, and a replica of the Old Globe Theatre. For a theatre nerd like me, this was really cool! It’s also where you will find the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Seriously, check out Balboa Park and the SD Zoo…you’ll spend an entire day or two. But you won’t regret it!
 Another favorite place for me is Old Town San Diego. It’s the historic district where it all began. The state park is a large nod to its Hispanic heritage and has the best margaritas and Mexican food I’ve ever tasted in the US! I love a really good margarita and there are plenty of spots in Old Town to get one. My two favorites? Casa de Fred’s and Café Coyote. They have good Mexican dishes too. But, I love a good margarita. Mine? Tequila, lots of lime and club soda on the rocks with salt. As far as the food and dining experience, I always go to Casa de Reyes. You dine al fresco where you are surrounded by Mexican pottery, a strolling mariachi band, and amazing flamenco dancers. The atmosphere will transport you to Mexico instantly! They also have several shops to explore…all within Casa de Reyes. Just a totally fun and relaxing experience.
Old Town itself has many more restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. Buy some Mexican pottery while you’re there. It’s colorful and fun addition to your home. I would spend a whole day there just immersing myself in the culture.
 The other places I usually head to when I go to San Diego are Pacific Beach and La Jolla. Both are right on the Pacific Ocean, but they offer different perspectives. Pacific Beach is a total surf town with its pub-type restaurants and boardwalk along the Pacific. The surf is awesome by Crystal Pier. You’ll always catch surfers riding the excellent waves. There are a few places that I’ll mention in PB for breakfast/lunch/coffee: The Mission, an urban bistro that offers fresh ingredients with a focus on a health-conscious menu. Kono’s Café right on the boardwalk. Coffee and breakfast to die for. Always busy. The other one is The Brick & Bell. A cute little café with outstanding coffee drinks just off the beaten path.
 The sunset at Pacific Beach is stunningly, amazingly gorgeous! I like to go to Jrdn at Tower 23 Hotel, get a cocktail, an appetizer, and sit at the bar. As the sun sets over the Pacific, it makes the most spectacular scenery. There are usually several photographers out on the boardwalk waiting to take the perfect picture at the perfect time.
 The last place I’ll mention is a favorite of mine in La Jolla, just up the highway from PB. La Jolla scenery is just beautiful with its cliffs and ocean waves. The place? Georges on the Cove. The upstairs bar opens up to a spectacular view of the coastline. I love just sitting at the bar, having a cocktail, and taking in the breath-taking view.
Before we leave La Jolla, I’ll say…don’t forget to visit the seals that hang out in droves in La Jolla Cove. They are so cute but don’t get too close. Take pictures from afar.
 So, San Diego is my Zen place. As I’m writing this, I’m so looking forward to my next visit there. I hope you will get excited about checking out this wonderful city by the sea, too!
This makes me want to go back to San Diego for a visit! <3