“Before we leave San Diego” bucket list
Hi friends! Hope you’re having a wonderful day. I have not one, but two new posts up on the PBB site if you’d like to check them out! How to maintain your workout intensity while decreasing the impact + some healthy breakfast toast ideas.
Since we’re officially not staying in San Diego forever (to my dismay), we’ve been talking about some of the things we’d like to do before we go. (We have a good idea of where we’re going, but nothing official yet. I’m waiting until it’s set in stone before spreading the word because things always change, but there’s a very good chance we’ll be somewhere else this time next year.) We have so many favorite places -San Diego is literally a dream- but are determined to spend some time in vacation mode and truly enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer.
Eat at some places we haven’t tried: (please let me know if I need to add any to the list!)
Cucina Urbana
Brunch at the Del
Bluewater Seafood
Slaters 50/50
Fireside
Drown in acai bowls:
and go back to our classic faves as much as we can:
Bo-beau Kitchen
OB Noodle House
The Cottage
SNOOZE
Richard Walker’s
Harney Sushi
Pizza Port
True Food
Rancho’s
Isola Pizza Bar
Caffe Bella
Corvette’s
Cafe Gratitude
Activities:
Do a seal boat tour.
Check out the most haunted house and eat homemade tortilla tacos.
Have some beach dinner party picnics.
Do a staycation at the Horton Grand and the Del.
Rent a beachside house for a weekend.
Go to Julian and pick apples.
Take a ghost tour.
WINE COUNTRY! Can you believe I’ve never been?!
Make a trip to the outlet mall.
Attend a few Padres games with friends.
Try new fitness classes I haven’t been able to check out yet:
Paddleboard yoga
Fitwall
Fun Pole Fitness
Performance360
Core Power Yoga
Jazzercise! I still can’t believe I haven’t gone yet. A newborn baby then 2 surgeries in 2 months will do that to ya I guess. 😉
Go back to my favorite classes: (I GET CLEARED TO WORK OUT AGAIN IN 2 WEEKS!!)
Barre Body
and Orangetheory
Spend more time at:
Balboa Park and the museums.
The Zoo.
Birch Aquarium.
The dog beach. Bella loves it! Caro: not so much.
Belmont Park. I don’t really need to add this one here because last summer, we were there almost every weekend! It’s one of Liv’s favorite places and one she asks to visit often.
The beach. <3 I’m definitely going to miss being able to walk to the water. I’d love to paddle board as much as possible before we go. It’s definitely my favorite sport!
Make drives up to Disneyland… at least a few more times. 😉
All in all, the #1 goal is to spend as much time with our San Diego friends as possible. While knowing that we won’t be in San Diego forever encourages me to truly live up each moment to the fullest, but also prematurely missing the people and places we haven’t yet left.
If you knew you were leaving your current city, would you be happy, sad or a mix of both? What’s something you would HAVE to do before leaving?
xoxo
Gina
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I rarely comment but we were in SD last weekend for a wedding at Bernardo winery. I would highly recommend as it had shops and restaurants in beautiful grounds. The wine was delicious too! I can totally understand why you are going to miss San Diego so much. It was the perfect family vacation. Best of luck with your new location.
YES! another reader let me know we need to try it. it’s definitely on the list! thank you!
thank you for commenting, too 🙂
You need to try Marine Room in La Jolla and Mr. A’s. Also, visit Julian.
we’ve done mister a’s and loved it! we will definitely check out marine room (isn’t that where the seal snuck in?!) and julian
xoxo
Aww, is it crazy that I will be sad when you leave SD? I love reading about all your fun adventures and living vicariously through you! It makes me want to move there. Hopefully we can do a family vacation soon. Enjoy all those fun spots before you go and soak up all the friend time.
I grew up where I’m at so if I left it would I’d be mostly focused on spending time with family/friends. I’m in WA state so I’d probably rent a beach house on San Juan islands and head to Vancouver BC before we left.
Look forward to hearing where your new home will be!
thank you so much! we will definitely live it up 🙂
hope you have a great week <3
Have you hiked Cowles yet? And definitely take Katie B’s corepower yoga sculpt class when you can.
You should also take a day trip up to Newport/Balboa Island/Fashion Island. Oh and Glen Ivy mud baths in Corona 🙂
no, we haven’t! i’ll totally check out katie b’s class, too 🙂
mud baths?! YESS
I love Corepower Yoga! When you get cleared to work out – I’ll come down and we can take a class together! (I live in Orange County)
YESSSSS! i’ll take you up on that!
Jumping on the Corepower bandwagon; I’m on the East Coast, but love my local studio! Definitely worth a try!
I’ve spent a lot of time in SD since my fiancé grew up there. If you go to Julian, you must eat pie. The best pie is at Julian pie company. Don’t let anyone tell you that mom’s (another cafe) has better pie, it’s just not true. Julian is also an amazing place for stargazing. If you can stay the night, go check out the astronomy show at the observer’s inn. This is a space-themed b&b that we went to for one of my birthday presents. But you can also just go for the show and see galaxies, planets, star clusters, etc. Jeremy’s on the hill is an amazing restaurant nearby worth checking out.
As for the rest of San Diego, I recommend snorkeling in the sea caves in la jolla. I got to swim with sea lions which was incredible. I also want to hike to potato chip rock someday. If you haven’t done it already, take the kiddos to the carousel at balboa park. It’s one of the last carousels in the country that has the “grab the gold ring” game, where you reach up to this lever thing at a certain spot as you circle around, grabbing iron rings until someone gets the gold ring. You win a free ride in the carousel if you get it. 🙂 kids love doing it and it makes them feel pretty special when they win! There are also a ton of small breweries in sd (not stone!) if you’re interested in checking something like that out. I also just went to juniper and ivy which is a hot new restaurant in little Italy. Hope you enjoy the rest of your time there 🙂
thank you so much! we’ve done the carousel once (liv LOVED it) and definitely need to go back. same with juniper and ivy! we’ve been once but every time we say we’re going back we end up at crack shack instead 😉
i would love to snorkel in la jolla. we will definitely check that out!
As a spouse that knows what you are going through I’m so excited to hear where your family will be next. I’m sure you’re researching and Facebook stalking the location like crazy
definitely! finding preschools is impossible
Make sure to do SUP yoga, it is a blast! Especially because you love both things, so having them combined is so fun.
The added balance challenge in some postures makes for a good core and leg stability workout, plus if you fall over, you get to have a refreshing dip!
I have yet to try an acai bowl. It would be difficult for me to move because my business / clients are here and that would mean starting over again San Diego I have always wanted to visit hopefully this year it happens.
I used to live in SD so reading your posts always make me nostalgic! So hard to leave but I always tell myself it is a sign I have truly enjoyed my life there! Change is exciting but stressful which I am sure you understand better than most! Hopefully you get posted somewhere that is not too far so you can vacation in SD and catch up with your friends! Xoxo
i hope so, too!
I love SD. Where are you guys moving to? 🙁
I’m a SD lover too. My wife and I have only been there once, but it a dream location we would love to eventually move to and start a B&B if we can swing it finance-wise :-).
i’ll spread the word when it’s more official <3
I can’t even imagine what it must be like to move around so much – not by choice!
I moved a fair amount myself (and countries too), but it’s easier when you have a say in where you end up at.
Currently though, I live in Sydney with my Australian boyfriend and I absolutely cannot wait for use to move back to Europe. I’d be stoked if we were to move right now!
I previously lived in London, UK, and still miss the city every single day. Before I left, I was out all day every day to cross things of my list – I was exhausted by the end, but so happy I went to all the good spots 🙂 I would advise you to start early! And take lots of pictures!
thank you- we definitely will!
You guys seem to fully immerse yourselves into wherever you are living and I’m sure the next one will be exciting as well. I love me some SUP!!! I see those black sandals again and am hoping you’ll share the deets on them!!
they’re the tory burch miller sandals! my fave ever
Because of my husband’s job, we move every couple of years. I will really miss Dallas when our time comes to an end here so I am trying to soak up every minute. Napa is my favorite place! We have a trip planned out there for August and I can’t wait!
i can’t wait to make a trip up there!
We were in SD last weekend and had an awesome meal at Queenstown Public House in Little Italy. The food was delicious (GF menu!), the heated patio super relaxing and great over all decor. The two tables next to us had little kids and it looked like it was also kid friendly. I’d highly recommend it!
oh i love queenstown! we’ve only been twice, but it was excellent!
When I left Boston for the middle of nowhere Texas about a year and a half ago for my pilot I probably spent about $100 at Dunkin in the last two weeks knowing that I wouldn’t have one in my new city. I still cry happy tears every time I go somewhere that has one . . . Texas is a big place, so it’s about a 2.5 hour drive to the closest one, but so worth it!
GAH i love dunkin
We are a military family as well. We just moved from Beaufort SC last summer to Camp Lejeune NC. We LOVED Beaufort. It was very small, but very family friendly. Lots of local restaurants and farmers markets. Camp Lejeune is very commercialized and has zero farmers markets. Very hard to find organic produce and other organic things here. And despite the massive amount of children here there is nothing to do with them. There are lots of bars, tattoo shops and strip clubs… which I find to be really sad. The beach is close by, but thats all Lejeune has going for it. There are a few cities nearby that have more to do, but it’s at least an hours drive one way. 🙁 My husband is changing his MOS and we are hoping to get orders to Pendleton sooner than later. There isn’t one thing I can think of that I’d have to do before I leave here. Lol I hope your next duty station is better than ours!!!! 🙂
oh man. hope you can be at a place you love soon!
I’d be devastated! But mostly because of the people we would be leaving so it would be loads of family time, and some bbq!
Paddleboard yoga is no joke. I tried that this summer. I hit the water quite a few times. My brother and his wife live in Escondido and he was stationed on Pendleton (he is out now), but whenever I visit, I always hit up Ali Baba’s in El Cajon. Delish!
oh i haven’t heard of that! off to google 🙂
If you haven’t been to Nate’s Garden Grill definitely check it out!! Everything is amazing but I have special memories of the burgers with house brewed root beer 🙂 they have live music pretty often too!
haven’t! can’t wait to check it out!
My husband was in the military, got out, and now has a job that requires frequent moves. The longest we have ever lived anywhere is 3 years and that felt like forever. I’ve really been struggling lately (probably because I don’t like where we currently live) and was wondering if you ever feel like you don’t want to keep moving anymore and how you rally to feel better about it? Sometimes I feel like I’d just really like a normal life!
it’s just one of those things i force myself to do, and it ends up being better than i think it will be. to be totally honest, i feel like that EVERY time we have to move. “why can’t we just be normal?” and i find myself feeling a little bit jealous of the families who get to live wherever they want. i feel sad when i people say their family is bothering them, because i would do anything to be near my family. but like you said, you just rally and make it happen. i just try to focus on the fact that we get to see so many new places and meet new friends.
It sounds like you guys are making the most of your time there, which is great 🙂 I really enjoy your posts about military life, moving, etc. I hope your next location is a good one, even if it’s not by the beach.
thank you friend <3
I did leave San Diego (sniff) but Palm Springs is pretty great too. And close enough to visit SD and friends once a month or so. No plans to leave Palm Springs though — I don’t think I could handle temps under 70 anymore!
PS: Fourth of July in Coronado before you go and the horseraces at Del Mar.
i’m visiting soon and CAN’T WAIT
we’ve done the horse races once with friends, and i will definitely check out 4th on coronado
Love this! Thank you for the list! We actually just booked a trip to San Diego for this summer! What do you suggest is your fav Mexican spot? And hands down must place to eat?
THanks!!!
fave mexican is probably miguel’s in old town!
must place to eat is either bo-beau kitchen (more of a date night spot, but one of my fave restaurants EVER) or OB noodle house (casual with awesome appetizers and pho)
San Diego sounds like so much fun! I think I’d be really sad to leave the town I live in now. I get way too attached to cities easily haha and I’ve only lived in 2 🙂 I would for sure need to go to my favorite ice cream shop andddd hike these really beautiful bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River!
If you have not gone yet go to Olive Cafe in mission beach on the corner of Santa Clara and Mission Blvd. Get the breakfast burrito with soy chorizo and make sure to ask for EXTRA salsa! The salsa is not too spicy but has the BEST flavor. This burrito is a must have any time I am back in San Diego!!!
tom has been, and loved it, but i haven’t been yet! we’ll definitely need to check it out! i will order exactly that- thank you 🙂
My husband and I chose to do a domestic destination wedding when we got married last year. We chose the San Diego area just for the weather alone. You must go to Orfila Winery and Vineyard in Escondido! That’s where got married, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The wine is delicious too! Your posts about San Diego make me so nostalgic. 🙂
i will definitely check those out- thank you!!
Have you been to Cafe 21? Fun bloody marys, crazy delicious omelets, and lots of other unique menu items! I feel like it’d be right up your alley. We go to SD all the time (from LA) and it’s our must-go stop every time. We usually go for breakfast/brunch, which I recommend doing on a weekday if you can!
yes, we’ve been a few times but definitely need to go back!!
Mozys cafe in Encinitas
The meditation garden in Encinitas!!
ahhh i will check out both! thank you!
I would be HAPPY say farewell to Valdosta!! I would miss the local coffee spot, Ellianos. And the small amount of traffic compared to bigger cities
ahhhh i love ellianos! (i used to call it emilios haha)
I enjoy my city, but would be fine with living somewhere else if it was better for us. The reason we live here is my family is here. To us, that is everything!
i agree. home is where the fam is 🙂
My husband and I made the trip to wine country all the way from the east coast and it is SO worth it! Simply gorgeous and very relaxing and the wine doesn’t hurt either We preferred Sonoma over Napa as it tends to be smaller wineries that are less commercial. Love porter creek,ridge, frogs leap and Joseph swan. Did lunch one day at addendum -delicious and a great way to try Thomas Keller place without the big price tag.
I know there is a TON of Mexican food in SD (can you really have enough?!) but you have to try Oscar’s Mexican Seafood! There are 2 locations in PB, one in Hillcrest and one in the downtown area. Their Surf n Turf taco is my favorite.
ohhh i will definitely try that!
Hi Gina! I’m behind on your posts and just catching up right now. Have you ever hiked Potato Chip? I just did it and while it was brutal, it was SO much fun! I think you’d love it!
no i haven’t!! we’ll have to check it out!
I’m a San Diegan and just had to add to your list:
¡SALUD! taco shop in Barrio Logan. Best tortillas hands down.
Empire House in Hillcrest.
Cabais Mexi-Deli in Hillcrest. Such fresh Mexican food.
Soltan Banoo in University Heights (delicious Persian food).
Bahn Thai and/or Plumeria Thai in University Heights.
Polite Provisions has good cocktails.
El Zarape (the restaurant, not taco shop) has life changing potato mole tacos and Horchata Borracha.
Basic Pizza downtown or URBN in North Park.
If I think of more, I’ll let you know. I love love love SD!
I know I’m late to this list but if you want some kick a$$ Mexican food hands down I would say Chiquita’s! It’s off of Home avenue and the 94 freeway. I grew up eating this food I turn down all other Mexican restaurants because there’s no comparison!
If you try it my favorite is either the shredded beef taco or cheese enchilada oh and there fish tacos are amazing. Start with there home made
chips, and guacamole and a Tamarindo Margarita, delicious!
I hope you soak up hour time here, I’ve never lived anywhere else so SD is truly home for me but I think it’s rad you get to experience new places.
P.S. First time commenter here, just wanted to say I love your blog!
I remember going to a place in SD called Extraordinary Desserts that was amazing! Big gorgeous servings that you’d have to share.