Palm Trees in San Diego

La Jolla Cove

Winter didn’t forget about the Northeast. Though we’ve enjoyed a pretty mild winter thus far, we had a pretty quick and sizeable snowstorm last week; New York was a snowy, slushy mess for a few days. Since then, we’ve had quite a few bleak days with intermittent sun. I’m continuously reminded of why I need to take Vitamin D pills.

As I think about the sun, tans, dining al fresco, and iced coffee, I think about my time spent in glorious San Diego – a place unlike any other. I visited San Diego for the first time in 2015 and it was magical. I went for a work trip that I extended so I could enjoy my vacation, but I had no idea I would enjoy it as much as I did. For a small city, there is plenty to do in San Diego and the surrounding areas. From Balboa Park, Shelter Island, La Jolla Cove and Coronado Island, I had an amazing time soaking in the sun.

It was my birthday weekend and for the first time, I went sailing. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it, but it was spectacular! We sailed the Pacific with a small crew of 6 people including our guide/captain. Thankfully, the family who was also on board with us were fun and pleasant, and we all had a good time… because, I did see a group of folks that I was leery about being on a boat with, so I’m glad it worked out for the best. I was able to see sea forest kelp, sea lions, and some dolphins fluttering about as they searched for food.

Sailing was an extremely relaxing experience and I can’t wait to do it again. Next time, I’ll remember to apply sun block to more than just my face and arms. I got an ugly thigh sunburn. The sea breeze feels so good that you forget that you’re sort of baking in the sun.

I’ve also never seen the sun set on the beach in California and I got to experience this beautiful sight while enjoying drinks at the Sunset Bar at the Hotel Del Coronado. Definitely stop by here when you’re in San Diego; it’s a historic hotel and has been around for over 100 years! The scenery is breathtaking, and watching the sunset here is something I’ll never forget. Just make sure your wallet is prepared because this place is definitely on the pricey side. On the way back to the ferry from Coronado island, the sky was absolutely beautiful – I saw so many stars I couldn’t believe it. I’m from New York, so I get to see stars, but not the type of stars that cover practically every part of the sky. Then, on the ferry back to the mainland, there was a firework show that I got to enjoy while on the water, it was a great way to end a birthday.

And of course, when you visit San Diego you definitely have to spend some time at La Jolla Cove. It’s an interesting place because the beach is tiny, so it’s barely a beach, but people flock the area to get an up-close view of the sea lions that hang out on the rocks and swim in the water. Unfortunately, some people are jerks and try to get too close, so the lifeguards around the area do their best to enforce the rules and keep people from the sea lions. I mean, they are still wild animals after all. The zoom was used on this photo.

There’s a lot of great food in San Diego, and I also recommend grabbing a bite to eat in Little Italy if you can. I almost feel like I may have to write a Part II blog post about this quaint little city, that’s how much I enjoyed it and the things to do!

Sailboats in Shelter Island

La Jolla Cave Shop Sign

*All pictures captured by me*