Far far West in the corner of North America, squashed between Mexico and Southern Los Angeles is a city where summer exists for 365 days.
San Diego — population of 1.3 million, spread out along the chaparral hills and thrive under the open sky and beaming sun. All connected by the 805, the 163 and the 5— we pack up our trunks with towels, blankets, bikes, beach toys and books and make our way to the sea. It could be June, it could be January, however, the beach is our therapy. Its our mini paradise away from our hectic agendas.
Every time we bury our toes in the sand, we count our blessings.
I grew up in Pacific Beach, a little surf town dotted with sushi shops, tattoo parlors, taco joints, fashion boutiques and college scene bars. What the locals call PB, is a place where casual and cool seamlessly connect. We bike to work, surf at the lunch hour and bring our dogs in the coffee shops. Our dress code requires shorts and a shirt, and on rare occasion we have shoes on our feet. Casual and Cool. We embody a laid back lifestyle — but we still take our very work seriously.
San Diego is home to tens of thousands of businesses, and I’m not talking about corporate America over here. SD is the KING of small businesses. In fact, 44, 021 businesses employ just one to four people. San Diego is a melting pot of citizens from almost every nation in the World. These dreamers travel from their corner of the Earth to surf city in hopes to pursue the American dream. And for many, the dream becomes a reality.
It’s a San Diego trend to Instagram the newest coffee shops and restaurants. In fact most of our conversations involve the latest and greatest of the food culture. Us San Diegans CARE a lot about our food! In fact, sometimes we get oddly emotional about it! Heated arguments arise and friendships tear apart, “the BEST pizza is Filippis, not Oggi's!”, or “Leucadia is the tastiest!” Yet, when it comes to burgers, In n Out will forever reign as our number one hangout spot and fast food staple. Don’t even try to argue on that one!
Although San Diego is a “surf town”, I believe we should change it to “service town”, because 48% of our city is working in the service industry! The top 3 employers in SD are: the U.S. Navy, UC San Diego, and Sharp Healthcare. You can sense the vibe of generosity and honesty in the air. Walk along the promenade near the impressively massive USS Midway Aircraft Carrier ship and you’ll meet some of the most genuine people; some are veterans, others servicemen, perhaps even flight instructors. Thank them for their service and dedication. SD may be populated by these men and women in this industry, yet a sincere thank you goes a long way!
So if you’re not a beach person, that’s A-OK because San Diego has a lot more to offer than miles of a champagne shoreline. Here’s a small list of what else San Diego is noted for:
- The World Famous Zoo — Over 100 acres in luscious Balboa Park, they house over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies! With free parking, many locals buy season passes and walk/ jog around the park in the morning (that’s when the animals are out and about!!)
- Right next door to the zoo is Balboa Park — an urban park built in 1868 it contains museums, several theaters, gardens, and amazing architectural feats.
- If parks aren’t your thing check out Coronado Island and the gorgeous Victorian Hotel del Coronado, located right near the ocean — be forewarned, I hear it’s haunted, so you might feel a spirit roaming around the halls.
- Speaking of ghosts and haunts, definitely check out Old Town! Its where the first settlers of San Diego lived. Have you ever heard of the Whaley House? Well, its a building that was a bank/courthouse/ school/ theater/ general store/ and living space all in one and there are several eerie ghost stories that I’ve heard. I think there are five spirits that roam the property, including a notorious criminal hung on the tree just outside the house. Talk about creepy!
- If the ghost tour isn’t your scene, Old Town is the Mexican restaurant hub of San Diego. My personal favorite is Casa Guadalajara!
- If you’re looking for rides and roller coasters check out Sea World, Belmont Park, Lego land (not in SD, but in Carlsbad nearby) and Aquatica (water park!) All fun places to go!!
- Best beaches according to locals: Law Street (Pacific Beach), Windansea (La Jolla), Cardiff (Solona Beach/Del Mar), Coronado Beach (Coronado), Mission Beach (can get touristy though), La Jolla Shores.
- Scenic Walks: Seaport Village, Cabrillo National Monument, Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla Cove, Mount Soledad, Sunset Cliffs National Park.
OK, I promised to keep this brief! I hope you enjoyed this little tour and guide of my hometown! If you are planning to visit feel free to reach out to me — I’d love to give you more information on how you can enjoy your time in San Diego even MORE!
Bonne Voyage~
