San Diego, which of course in German means…
you know the rest 😉
Last night was Bella’s dream night. We took her for a long walk at the park – which I especially enjoy since the Pilot and I can catch up on the day- and then to Frost for gelato.
Vanilla for her:
Pumpkin for him, and a peanut butter truffle for me.
While we were enjoying the treats, the Pilot and I talked about potentially taking a little roadtrip to San Diego before the holiday insanity begins. San Diego-ans, or friends who have traveled there, any recs for places to stay or things to do?
I haven’t been to SD in YEARS, and the Pilot and I have never been together, so it should be a lot of fun.
He’s a pretty good beach buddy 😉
Bfast this morning was some protein fluff,
[Thinned out with chocolate almond milk- I’m hooked]
spread atop brown rice toast with strawberries.
It’s a work day over here, so I’m out! See ya on my lunch break.
xoxo
Gina
Something to do: Today is Love Your Body Day! Take a second and be thankful for all of the amazing things our bodies enable us to do. Show it some love- take a nap, get a massage, take an awesome fitness class, or go for a walk with a friend.
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If it’s sunny and warm, check out the beaches! La Jolla Shores is beautiful and pretty safe. Balboa Park has some museums (including the aviation one, Pilot might like), and it’s right next door to the Zoo. Check out Old Town San Diego (loads of good Mexican food!!!) with some cool little folk shops, including Bazar de Mundo with an explosion of colors. I think this time of year the Day of the Dead stuff will be up. There’s also the gaslamp district with loads of restaurants and near Horton’s Plaza Mall which is akso near HardRock Hotel (by the ball park). If you travel north along the coast you hit the beach towns like Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, it’s different from the other but beautiful coast line.
Oh, and if you like eggs, find The Broken Yolk. I go to the one off Garnet Ave in Pacific Beach. Monstrous breakfasts! There might be one closer to downtown if interested.
And there is always Sea World, which I never actually went to in my years in college down there. Lol.
Love San Diego. Miss it always, Met my Husband down there 🙂
Hi Gina,
I’ve never actually posted a comment on a blog but I figured today would be the day since I am a born and raised San Diegan. I highly recommend La Estancia hotel in La Jolla. It is absolutely beautiful ans very relaxing, good restaurants and very close to my favorite hiking spot Torrey Pines (cliffs and ocean!). There is a groupon right now for La Estancia, 125$ per night including breakfast and resort fee which is an amazing price for anyplace in San Diego. I think it’s good for 5 more days so check it out. The location is pretty convenient and about 15 minutes to downtown gaslamp area or about 10 to downtown La Jolla. They have an incredible spa too and a pretty good fitness center. Here is the website http://www.estancialajolla.com. I love your blog by the way 🙂
thank you so much for saying hi, and for the suggestions! i’m so excited to plan out our trip now
The estancia is absolutely wonderful and the spa there is great. Great recommendation!
I think you will have an amazing time in San Diego, no matter what you do while you are there. Such a fun city. I did Plyometricts today! I am stoked on my bodies abilities! Thanks for the reminder lady!
Got to say, I love reading the suggestions. Great ideas for next time Hubby and I go to SD instead of all our typical college haunts.
Pure Barre La Jolla<3 my obsession! also, the la jolla cove, breakfast at Beach Grass Cafe in Solana Beach (gluten free deliciousness is on the menu), lunch & dinner there as well, walk up and down highway 101 (the coastal route), torrey pines state reserve, lunch at Lean&Green in La Jolla, ALL of the farmer's markets, picnic on Mt. Soledad…
i'm in love with San Diego 🙂
amazing suggestions- thank you!
I spent a lot of time my freshman year just exploring, if you need any other ideas let me know! Lululemon La Jolla does free yoga on Saturday mornings too…oh there are just too many places to go!
Check out the surfer on highway 101 by Cardiff-he’s always dressed up! Bella will love SD too, veryyy dog friendly! Just be careful with parking-it can get tricky (meters vs. time limits vs. Sunday unlimited).
Also, pack layers (which you’re pretty brilliant at, with all the lulu), because the weather can shift quickly! If you’re in for a lot of stairs or a crazy hill, go down from the gliderport to Black’s beach…less crowded and soo beautiful. Warning though, the north side is nude…
Yoga studios are abundant 🙂
Aaah….a roadtrip would be fun! You should totally do it 😉 I love travelling with my boyfriend so so much – we have a blast, as I know (from reading your blog) you and the Pilot do too! 😀 Love that it is love your body day – I am going to celebrate it tomorrow though because I’m reading this just before bedtime…better late than never, lol! <3 That protein fluff on toast looks AMAZING! Will definitely have to replicate it since I just replenished my Sun Warrior stocks this week – yay! Have a good 'un! xyx
I love san diego! Have funnn 😀 I am dying for a massage.
Hotel Indigo in Gaslamp is great…and dogs stay for free! And there pizza place called Basic that is amazing..get the mashed potato pizza!
Just let me know what vibe you’re going for, chic, hippy, trendy, city, ocean, downtown, urban, quaint B & B, etc…and I can probably steer you in some neighborhoods. And of course, budget…this city has no shortage of amazing places, some at different price points than others 🙂
I’d love to see you when you’re here! Email me any questions at all you may have…I’m here to help any way I can 🙂
This is the best time to visit SD! It’s not too hot, not cold…just right. My favorite place is Balboa Park, you could easily spend a couple days visiting all the gardens and museums (and the zoo!). There’s also SeaWorld, Old Town (they’re doing haunted tours right now), Julian (apple pie and leaves changing colors), Cabrillo Monument, and all the beaches.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/visitsd/ has the best info.
Ohh that protein fluff looks delicious! How fun that you are planning a little trip! I actually was just in SD this past weekend and it was amazing! Some suggestions: La Valencia hotel is quite possibly the most beautiful hotel in San Diego and has a great location in La Jolla. In terms of restaurants there are so, so many good ones but you have to go to Brockton Villa (http://www.brocktonvilla.com/) not only is the food amazing but it has the most gorgeous view overlooking the cove- super romantic spot!) Have so much fun and can’t wait to hear about your plans!
I live your tip at the end of this post! What a great reminder!*
Looks like you need to stay for a week!
We loved Cabrillo National Monument and the Point Loma Lighthouse. The park there is the southwestern most point of the continental US. The view is phenomenal.
http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/calighthouse/a/lh_ptloma.htm
I was born in Coronado – you’re right in my neighborhood!! Enjoy yourselves! 🙂
Hey Gina,
You guys should totally come to SD! Let me know if you’re coming for sure and I can message you all my fave GF places. I also have a little baby present to give you if you’re coming, but it’s edible 😉 so i didn’t get it yet! I think you have my cell, or just message me on fb and let me know. xoxo
Sarah
Yayyyt I totally will! I’d love to see you! It will prob be end of november
LOVE the Anchorman reference.
Hey! I currently live in La Jolla and am sad to say that the weather has been cold and dreary…so the beach may not be the best place to be! If your into Halloween and haunted houses, I’d suggest the Haunted Trail or the Haunted Hotel, both are downtown SD and are fantastic for the Halloween season! The Trail is in Balboa Park, so you get to see a bit of the park as you walk through.
As far as restaurants go, I’d recommend Cucina Urbana (Italian), Searsucker (American) or Punjabi Tandoor (since you like Indian..but be forewarned, there aren’t too many tables but the food is fantastic).
Have fun!
I second the Searsucker recommendation! My boyfriend and I go out to eat in San Diego almost every weekend since we moved here two years ago, and Searsucker has stayed our number one place for a romantic and fun night out. There’s so much good mexican food here, it’s hard to pick one, but El Indio is really great for lunch. They just started serving an amazing taco salad in a homemade tortilla bowl with layers of beans, veggies and whatever you want! They also have a lot of great premade mexican food that you could take home with you, or perhaps just to munch on in the car 🙂
For daytime beach adventures, I would recommend going to Coronado, really close to downtown just over the bridge. It’s my favorite beach spot. THe boy and I like to set up camp right by the Hotel Del, and stroll over for some beverages after we have had enough sun. They also have lots of cool shops down there,
Oh man, sorry I thought this was going to be brief but I keep thinking of more fun things to do!! OK last one…For a romantic sunset stroll, you, the Pilot and your dogs should go to Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. It’s amazing, and as you walk by, you can feel the ocean spray on your skin from the crazy waves. It’s like nature’s toner, love it!
Hey Gina! I’ve been a reader for a long time, and just love your blog and your little (soon-to-be-a-little-bigger!) family 🙂 I live about an hour and a half north of San Diego (Redlands) and I go there for weekend jaunts with friends or my boyfriend often 🙂 You’ve definitely got to check out the slew of restaurants in the Gaslamp District. They’ve got a fun nightlife, and even a dueling piano bar (The Shout House)! Tin Fish is an absolute MUST for lunch or dinner…and Extraordinary Desserts is to-die-for! If you head to the Northpark area of SD they’ve got a lot of fun boutique shops. Oh, and Little Italy (in the Gaslamp) is cute and has great food! Enjoy your trip 🙂
I just went to San Diego in September and went hiking in Torrey Pines …. I would def recommend it ! The views are amazing and it was a nice little way to get active on vacation!
The Pilot would probably LOVE Burger Lounge (there are quite a few locations all over SD: http://burgerlounge.com)
All of the beef is great quality, all natural and grassfed. They also have great turkey burgers and quinoa burgers as well!
Stay at the Westin in Horton Plaza!!! An amazing hotel…..beautiful and great accommodations! Plus its attached to a really upscale outdoor mall in the heart of downtown!!
Yummm! I want to try Chocolate Almond milk so badly!! definitely picking some up the next time I’m at the store!! I think it would be good in…EVERYTHING! As long as it has the word “chocolate,” I’m HOOKED (:
I’m super excited for you because then, I can go and have some tips! 🙂 I’ve been wanting to go for a long time… I only live 2 hours away but have no idea how to navigate the city like I do L.A. For some reason, Los Angeles has always been easier with all the reviews written about it.
Depending on what area you are in, go hike Torrey pines state park – beautiful views and great for pics!
I lived in SD over the summer. 3 days after moving out there I knew it was where I wanted to eventually end up.
Like others mentioned, La Jolla shores is beautiful.
-Kaito Sushi in Encinitas is among the best on the West Coast – incredibly priced for the quality and service. Sit at the bar, order Omakase.
-Georges Modern in La Jolla for an amazing view and great food.
-if you’re into biking at all cycle up the 101.
-take a trip to the top of Mt. Soledad, you can see pretty much all of San Diego from the top.
so i saw someone suggest the broken yolk for eggs… i used to love that place, but now id definitely skip it. the eggs are from a carton and hashbrowns out of a bag. you and the pilot would LOVE LOVE LOVE isabels cantina (felspar and cass in pacific beach)… its asian/mexican fusion with a healthy flair… or coffee cup in La jolla that is owned by the same people.
also if youre planning on going to lululemon, you have to go to the one on girard in la jolla.. the girls (and guys) there are AMAZING…but i might be biased because i used to work there 🙂
have fun!
i went to lululemon today and you’re right- everyone there was amazing 🙂
I just found your blog, great read! As a current San Diegan, and fellow pilot wife…. I’m with Gillian… skip Broken Yolk. But do try Searsucker in Downtown, owned by Top Chef Contestant, Brian Malarky; or try his new place, Burlap in La Jolla. Also do hike/run Torrey Pines my husband and I love to run there, especially on the really gray misty mornings… There’s something about the ocean when it’s kind of dreary like that. Then after your Torry Pines hike head over to Sbicca Bistro in Del Mar and have the sbicca omelet with fresh fruit and a cup of hot Lord Bergamont tea. I promise you won’t be disappointed 🙂
While I have no suggestions about your trip to SD, I HAD to comment because I’ve never seen anyone put strawberries on their toast – other than ME! <3
My hubby thinks I'm insane every time I do and I just had to show him I'm not the only one!! 🙂
not alone at all!
Go to Coronado! The sand there is sparkly- it literally looks like someone threw glitter over the ground. While you’re there, check out Stretch’s Cafe for great sandwiches.
Hi Gina,
I live in La Jolla and grew up here as well. You must be overwhelmed with suggestions but I do have a few….
Beaches
While La Jolla Shores is a great beach, I’d definitely suggest Windansea or Law Street beach as well (if you watch it, this is the beach that can be seen from the house in the current season of the Real World San Diego). These are typically beaches that are a bit quieter and less overrun with tourists. They’re more “locals” beaches and you’ll see tons of surfers and really get the full San Diego beach experience. I also definitely think a walk along the Cove beach at sunset is a total necessity. AMAZING views and very romantic 😉
Things to do
As the commenter above wrote, you really should do the hike at Torrey Pines. It’s an amazing hike and is right along the water- a perfect morning activity. I also think Seaport Village and Coronado are great places to check out. Coronado is amazing and filled with tons of activities. Seaport Village has some really cool shops and is just an awesome water-front little area to check out. Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are fun, young areas. It’s considered the young area of the city and is filled with TONS of bars (Garnet Street). Our downtown is great but not what makes San Diego special. If you do go down there, I’d check out the Gaslamp area which is where all the “action” is. A few people have mentioned The Shout House- a dueling piano bar. I really, really love that place cuz it’s so much more fun and a great change of scenery from the typical bar/club scene.
Restaurants
I agree with the poster that suggested you try Coffee Cup and/or Isabels Cantina! Two of my absolute favorites for brunch. For lunch/dinner, Burlap, Georges at the Cove, Pacifica Urban Solace, and Searsucker are all incredible and will definitely provide an unforgettable meal.
Where to stay
The La Valencia, the US Grant, the Estancia, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines are among my favorites. I wouldn’t suggest staying at the Hotel Del Coronado. I’ve heard some recent stories from out of towners who’ve stayed there and that the fire alarms kept going off throughout the night. It’s a beautiful hotel to check out, but because it’s so historic, they have no been able to renovate the rooms too much.
thank you!
Try the hotel on North Island, right on the beach. Alchemy is great for local farm fresh food and great drinks, (South Park). The Prado at Balboa Park has great food and atmosphere, plus tons of museums, every Tuesday there are 4 or 5 that are free. Ginseng Yoga has great yoga class in South Park, Namaste Yoga in Ocean Beach. Peace Pies in Encinitas and the local Farmers market has great raw food. Have fun!