A Postcard from San Diego, California
Fish tacos, sunshine, the best coffee shops, and a nude beach incident
San Diego was technically our home for a full year, but it all happened by accident… or maybe I should say by pandemic. We arrived in March 2020 to do a two week dog sit. I had never been to San Diego and my husband lived in the suburbs in elementary school, but hadn’t returned in years. Little did we know, the world would shut down while we were there.
Our year was filled with only outdoor activities and our only restaurant experiences were takeout. But we also gained a group of friends that became like instant family and now we return each year when the “Big Dark” sets in up in Seattle and we’ve gotten to experience everything the city has to offer.
I like to share a funny or embarassaing travel story (because we all have them.) Most of our travel experiences in the US are less embarrassing because we aren’t dealing with a language barrier or a difference in customs, but I did learn an important lesson here worth sharing.
When the beaches reopened after a brief COVID shutdown, we took advantage of the potential for a change of scenery. Blacks Beach is one of the quietest beaches in San Diego because it’s hard to get to and you have to either walk down a steep trail or along the coast from the nearest parking lot. Plenty of room for social distancing.
We packed books, drinks, sunscreen, and comfortable beach chairs and headed for an afternoon of sunshine and salt water. I haven’t swam in the ocean much because I’m a afraid of the power of the currents and waves. After 30 minutes of sunshine, I decided to conquer my fears and went out into the waves to splash around. I started to feel brave and moved out a little further. The ocean laughed at me.
I tried to jump over a wave coming in and got barrel rolled. It was scary for about five seconds. Once I found my feet again, I stood up and realized that my sunglasses had been ripped off my face and the swimsuit was no longer appropriately covering my top. I quickly fixed it and made my way quickly back to the safety of my towel. The good news is that Blacks Beach allows nudity, so I wasn’t going to get in any trouble for my wardrobe malfunction, but I had to say bye to those sunglasses forever.
It was a good reminder that I’m meant to look at the water and splash my feet in, but any further in and the ocean will put me quickly in my place. And if you’re looking for a place for nude sunbathing, head to Blacks.
I’m an early morning person (even on vacation), and it’s often my favorite time of day. I want to give you a quick glimpse of what mornings looked like in this little section each month.
I think San Diego has the best coffee shops of any city in the country. I’m not picky about my coffee, but I love a good vibe. While on vacation in San Diego, we try a new coffee shop each morning followed by a nice, long walk. I like it best when there’s a marine layer settled over the city that slowly burns off at the sun rises in the sky.
We’ve seen everything on the morning walks in San Diego including pot-bellied pigs, intricate fairy gardens, unique sculptures, creative topiaries, wild chickens, and much more. Nothing beats the colorful flowers everywhere.
I highly recommend slowly enjoying a morning coffee walk. My favorite San Diego coffee shops are Communal, Love Song, Hawthorn, Seven Seas, and Saigon.
My top three for a trip to San Diego are easy to accomplish and pretty standard for this lovely city.
Balboa Park. This large city park is home to the famous San Diego Zoo and dozens of other museums. It’s also the perfect place to walk along paths and enjoy the incredible flowers and cactus gardens.
Beaches. Whether you like to play in the water or just lounge and people-watch, there is a beach for all activities in San Diego. Just make sure to find your own way to enjoy the beach.
Craft Beer. San Diego is known as the “capital of craft” and is home to over 150 breweries. Grab a flight from one that catches your eye and sit outside in the sunshine sampling. Modern Times and Pure Project are two of our favorites.
Not all of us can hop up and get on a plane, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a little sunshine wherever you read this. Here are a few San Diego-inspired ideas to get you started:
I wrote our complete San Diego city guide this week. Pin it or save it for planning your trip and check out our ideal weekend itinerary.
San Diego is home to two of the best-canned cocktails (IMO) - Cutwater and Juneshine. Both companies are found in many states around the US, so check and see if there’s a store near you. Cutwater just released a new fantastic Gin Collins.
This look at the border helps show the actual situation and the people who live this every day. It’s not just all drugs and weapons.
Some San Diego beaches suffer from polluted water. Consider donating to the Surfrider organization for World Water Day on March 22. Click here for more information.
Anchorman is a 2004 classic Will Ferrell laugh-out-loud comedy set in San Diego. Watch the hilarious cast frolic around the city covering the news, and you’ll enjoy views of the skyline and famous parts of the city.
One of my favorite foods on the planet is a fish taco. I don’t care if it’s grilled or fried, and I love trying different toppings. Try this recipe if you want to make them at home.
Prep for your first surf lesson by following these exercises that will make the experience a bit easier.
This is my favorite sunglasses brand, and they are located in San Diego. I order a new color of the North Park variety each spring. I love the price most of all.
In late spring in San Diego, the Jacaranda season is a truly magical time with blooming purple trees. See more photos and learn when to see them here.
Check out the GoCity pass for the best price for admission to San Diego attractions. Plus, they are having a spring sale, and many other cities are included.
This is one of the best books I read last year, and part of it is set in southern California in the 70s. Get a copy from an independent bookstore.
That’s a wrap on this second travel feature. Comment and let me know if you like this format or want different info on these featured destinations. Please share this and help me grow this little space. Or just hit the like button so others can find this easier.
Cheers!
Steph
Want more? Catch up on older California issues here:
Here is the first edition of Postcards & Daybreaks to help you catch up:
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