I’ve been intrigued by California since I became obsessed with the film industry in middle school. I remember crying in the kitchen, begging my parents to move to the west coast so I could be discovered by talent scouts, sure I’d be the next big disney channel star. Well, the midwest has stayed home base (not for lack of dreaming) so I decided it was well overdue to plan a trip to visit my friend Kristen & her husband Blake, who’ve landed in the San Diego area and have asked me to come see southern California for years!

Travel Day

-I flew in Wednesday night, picked up the rental car & headed to the hotel I booked that afternoon. (my original plan fell thru last minute due to illness, and thankfully I was able to book a hotel on booking.com)

Day One

I woke up and figured I would save a few bucks by staying in bed a bit, instead of going to find breakfast, and then enjoying wandering around the hotel until I had to drive to the airport to pick up Eunice. I always get anxious at the beginning of trips, so didn’t want to drive around a new city until I had to. Goal for next year- get better at solo travel!?

We’d heard good things about the Old Town part of San Diego, and thought that might be a good place to go wander until we could head to our hotel and check in. (Our hotel was in the Mission Valley West area, and a great location - I think we both would stay on that strip again!)

We wanted ice cream (and I think coffee was entertained) and stopped at Korky’s for a pistachio cup for me and a smoothie for Eunice. But we ended up just sitting and talking- and never really did make it to the center of old town. Oops!!

Booking a hotel stay on a budget is always one of my most difficult action items on a trip to a new city. Thankfully, Eunice and I decided that Hotel Atwood would be acceptable, and we were willing to pay a little more for free parking (a rare find) and decently close & central location. Our back window view was of a parking garage, not my favorite, but it was clean and decent for a place to sleep, hang out at the pool, and plan our next adventure in along the beach.

I will forever recommend the Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill for anyone wanting a menu of fresh, beautifully crafted meals! It was difficult to pick just one, the service was SO fast, and I wish we could have eaten there again!!

We walked around the beach & hotel, taking in the views of sunset and wondering about the various groups of people. Then we headed to one of the many bars & restaurants with sunset views for an evening glass of bubbly!

Coronado Island will never disappoint me- in real life, or in dreams!

Day Two

We woke up, ready to explore another part of the city!

We headed into the area known as “Little Italy” and after a parking scare (we ended up paying for a surface lot -which is $$$) walked over to Parakeet Cafe. possibly my favorite meal of the trip!!

The Japanese Friendship Gardens at Balboa Park came highly recommended, so after we finished our meal, we headed over. Parking was limited, but thankfully we arrived early enough to get a decent spot, apply sunscreen, and headed in. The lighting was harsher than I’d have loved, but the gardens were still gorgeous-- koi ponds, a wide variety of trees, flowers, and bushes, and amazing architecture AND BONSAI. My favorite little tree guys!

The pool called to us, so we read and rested that afternoon, then headed towards the beach for an early dinner. Eunice found us a little taco & marg’s restaurant in La Jolla, where we happily filled our stomachs. Then, off to wander the coves!!

We drove up to a secluded, dark beach to see if we could view bioluminescent waves. We really wanted to - but I don’t think we actually saw any. :/ It was still a fun adventure, and then we had to hit up In & Out for a late night snack!!!

Day Three

Sad it was our last day together, and tired from our veryyyy long day two (we walked almost 19k steps, which is less than our longest day in europe lol)

We breakfasted at the Fig Tree Cafe (the french toast was great, the rose latte was not). Since it was earth day, and since we could, Eunice and I headed to a nearby hike. The hike TO the hike just about did us in, but we persevered, stopped “to see the wildflowers” and catch our breath, and explored a slot canyon! Crazy that just a few hundred yards from interstate is this wild canyon, carved naturally in rock. Such a cool experience.

lunch was amazing- I requested dim sum or whatever we could find that was close. E found us a very yummy restaurant (Tasty Noodle House) that lived up to it’s name in the Convoy Street area. we feasted and I took the leftovers to the hotel for dinner (and breakfast the following day hehe)

I dropped Eunice at the airport (which was much faster than picking her up, after understanding the layout!) and then headed towards my friend Maggie’s place. I hadn’t seen her in at least 10 years, so I snapped some updated headshots for her, and then I hung out with her and her kiddos until they needed to wind down. I headed back for one last night at the Atwood, with journaling, leftovers, and cable tv until bedtime.

Day Four

I drove to my Friends Kristen & blake’s place & got to catch up with them for the first time in a few years! it was so fun to see the adorable home they purchased since I’d last seen them, and hear all about the real estate woes of southern california. I’m more and more thankful that I own a home myself!

K drove me to get drive through burritos and see the spot where they got engaged and married, and then we headed to the San Diego zoo. I always tell folks I’m more of a “baby than animal” person… but this zoo was SO cool. Granted, I’m comparing it to the Des Moines zoo (hahaha) and I haven’t been to the Omaha zoo since middle or high school (which I’m changing this fall!). Regardless, I loved the tropical & outdoor experience! Kristin is knowledgable in all things animal, so between her and the guided bus, I was in good hands!

I think this is the only photo we took together! We ate ramen at an amazing restaurant (right next to the place I had lunch the day before) and then walked around the corner to a speakeasy. VERY pricy drinks, but an impeccable vibe! The perfect end to a wonderful trip.

My first trip to San Diego didn’t disappoint. I only wish it could have lasted longer, and I could have eaten more meals! Compared to the midwest, everything is pricy, but compared to Hawaii? Definitely similar vibes (less tropical, but still warm with ocean views) and less costly to get and lodge there. I’ve since found out that some of my friends have gone to SD for their honeymoon trips, and I can totally see why! I’d go again - for sure!