Where We Return
This was the only picture I took on our family vacation to San Diego - and I think that is why it is one of my favorites.
The good news? I barely took any pictures because I rarely had my phone in my hand. I detached. I was present. And this selfie was taken on our last day.
For years, we've made the five-hour pilgrimage from Phoenix to San Diego. We stay in the same neighborhood (sometimes even the same house). We all know where to find our favorite coffee, restaurants, beaches, and little shops. It's easy. It's comfortable. It feels like home. And the weather—especially compared to Phoenix in the summer—is heavenly.
Over the years, we've compiled a list of our vacation musts: must-eats, must-shops, and must-dos. We usually stay for one to two weeks. Some years we're all ready to head home by the end. Other years—like this one—it feels as though the week disappears before we're ready to leave.
There are always at least five humans and two dogs. This year there were six humans and three pups. It was perfect.
Thankfully, our rental had a spacious outdoor living area where we spent most of our time whenever we were "home." I brought a few crafts. I started and finished a book. Randi taught me how to needlepoint. We wandered through our favorite farmers market, came home with beautiful produce, and cooked wonderful meals together.
It was a glorious week.
And while the creature of habit in me was ready for my own bed and familiar routine, part of me is still longing for those long, cool morning walks along the beach with the pups... and my favorite person.
Looking back, I think that's why this is the only picture I took all week. My phone stayed tucked away more often than not, and instead of trying to capture every moment, I simply lived them. I wouldn't mind bringing a little more of that home with me.
If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, here are a few of our favorite places:
*We like to stay in the PB area - near Tourmaline Surf Park.
☕ Coffee - Java Earth
🥐 Breakfast - Palmy’s, Breakfast Republic, Fig Tree Cafe
🍔 Lunch & Dinner - Biggie’s (burgers), Oscar’s (tacos), Taco Surf (tacos), Mr. Moto’s (pizza), Poseidon (ocean front in Del Mar), George’s (rooftop bar in La Jolla)
🍦 Treats - Handels (ice cream), The French Gourmet (pastries)
🌽 Farmers Market - Pacific Beach Farmer’s Market (beautiful produce, fresh flowers, delicious hummus and so much more)
🛍️ Shopping - Mitch’s Surf Shop (we never miss a visit to this legendary shop in La Jolla), South Coast and Wahine shops (on the board walk - PB), Downtown La Jolla shops - all of them!
🚶 Things To Do - catch a Padre game (one of our fav stadiums), visit SD Zoo (the best), visit Scripps Aquarium (super cool and educational), drive op the coast to Carlsbad (the little beach towns are so cute and it’s a beautiful drive), kayak the La Jolla coves, see the sea lions at the La Jolla shores, walk the PB boardwalk and Crystal Pier
🐶 Dog-Friendly Favorites - The area is very dog friendly. I think dogs are welcome in most restaurants. PB Beach is dog friendly from 5-9 AM and 5-9 PM. We walk the stretch from Tourmaline to Crystal Pier. Everyone is friendly and the dogs are all so happy!
I'm sure I've forgotten a few things, but these are the places we find ourselves returning to year after year. There is plenty to do, but one of my favorite things about San Diego is that it also invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be.