shellyrogersrennThat scent of blue skies and sandy beaches
There’s just something about San Diego that makes it so special. Maybe it starts with the air. I’m not quite sure how to explain it. Each time I come home to San Diego my heart rate quickens just a bit while the plane circles along the coastline or swoops down low over the houses on Bankers Hill. And then, after disembarking the plane and putting the first foot out the door…there it is. That feeling. My lungs swell to capacity in their attempt to breathe in all the sweet, cool, fresh, slightly salty air.
And then, I must add, there’s the weather. Many people believe that it’s always so sunny that San Diegans wear sun-shades all the time. Truth be known, there are so many micro-climates that you could start off with sun and just a few miles later be completed covered by an overcast sky. This is why I never leave my house without my sunglasses or a sweater. I always feel like we’re entering the ice-age if the temps are down in the 60’s. Funny, because I’d don shorts when the weather warmed-up to above 40 in the winters of Tennessee! And although San Diego is sunny or partially sunny for about 3/4 of the year, May-Gray and June-Gloom are real things. So, understanding is in order when you see a lot of the natives trying to drive when it does rain.
Plus!, let me not forget the spectacular views! Even exiting the airport you find yourself driving along side the beach with the San Diego skyline as the back-drop. But it doesn’t stop there. Oh, no! San Diego continues to give and give with one beautiful, picturesque, and alluring scenic or artistic view after another. Watching the sun melt from the western sky into the Pacific is a must on every bucket list! Guaranteed!
Buzzing around the town
I absolutely love downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp area. In this buzzing city there is always something fun going on. San Diego has everything from farmers markets to ball games at Petco Park. You can shop, dine, catch a show and enjoy a walk along the boardwalk.
And then when night falls, the San Diego adult scene is hard to beat. If you like music, comedy and fun, you have got to go to The Shout! House. Shout! is an eatery featuring a bar with dueling pianos, rock sing-alongs and comedy. They book up fast, so plan ahead. Another must see is Altitude Sky Lounge. Located at the top of the Marriott Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, this place is seriously awesome. This twenty-second floor roof-top bar overlooking Petco Park is the perfect place to have drinks.
Another great activity is a Hornblower Dinner Cruise. Departing nightly form San Diego Bay, you can enjoy a delicious meal and a magical evening under the stars. don’t forget to join in the romantic good-luck tradition of kissing your lover as you pass under the Coronado Bridge.
Check out the serious eats
San Diego has been steadily growing in it’s farm to table restaurant offerings. Now, you can find delicious, diverse, innovative, and responsibly sourced food around nearly every corner. Try the mouth-watering and artistically prepared brunch at The Great Maple in LGBT friendly and colorful Hillcrest. Or, experience the traditional flare of California American cuisine either in the quaint restaurant or rooftop deck of Rustic Root on 5th Ave downtown San Diego. Another great option is The Red Door. Located in Mission Hills, this restaurant features Italian comfort food. The ingredients are sourced almost entirely locally, many from from their own garden. Your taste-buds will love you for it.
And of course, while you are here, you absolutely GOTTA have some Mexican food. San Diego is literally a stone’s throw from Mexico and you get some serious good Mexican food. For a local favorite, try Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop. It is a Mexican-wrestling-themed restaurant featuring a steak, shrimp and french-fry concoction called the Surfin’ California Burrito. Prepare to stuff yourself. And, you simply can’t leave San Diego without trying a Baja fish taco. I mean, hands down…San Diego has the best. For an extensive menu of off the boat fresh fish tacos and other seafood specialties check out Mitch’s Seafood. Located in Point Loma within view of the fishing boats this is a don’t miss. Seating is limited and the lines can go out the door, but it is OMG! good.
Activities to fit your mood
No matter what your mood or personality, San Diego aims to please. I grew up going to the San Diego zoo. Listed as one of the best zoos in the US and possibly the world, if you like animals then you don’t want to miss it. Both the SD Zoo and the SD Zoo Safari Park are committed to saving the endangered species of the world. Without their efforts, the world would become a much less wonderous place.
Another must see is Balboa Park. With over 1,200 acres there’s a little something for everyone. Balboa Park boasts 17 museums. Whether you are a transportation buff interested in planes, trains and automobiles or wanting to see the 200 skulls of various animals on display, you’ll find it in Balboa Park. And for those who enjoy cosplay, the new Comic-Con Museum will be soon be making it’s long anticipate debut. Stay tuned for updates. In addition to the wonderful museums, there are also lush gardens featuring both desert and flowering gardens and even a beautiful butterfly sanctuary.
San Diegans love being outdoors and with good reason. There are so many watersports to try such as: surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle board, jet skiing, and boating. Or, perhaps you want to enjoy a day of fun at SeaWorld. There are thrilling rides and animal encounters that give you an opportunity to get up close with sea life. And if you just want to float among the clouds, try out the parasailing at San Diego Parasailing Adventures. With two height options available, you get a bird’s eye view while experiencing the weightlessness of flight. It’s a great way to celebrate any special occasion.
Spent all your money and don’t know what to do? Check out my post What To Do In San Diego County When You’re Broke. I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your favorite activities to do in San Diego? Share them with me below!
