SAN DIEGO - A Californian Summer - Part TEN
/
San Diego. Famous for it’s zoo. It’s sunshine and the Old Town. It’s less than 20 miles from Mexico it’s often why people start a Californian adventure near the top where its often colder and spend the end of trip further down where the sunshine warms your soul. There’s loads to do here if you have the time. We stayed on Coronado Island. There’s a really famous hotel here called The Hotel del Coronado which is over 150 years and was the location for the film “Some Like it Hot”. We went for a slightly cheaper option in the same location. It was a very average and large hotel with a pool. Nothing bad to say but it was bland and beige and next time I’d focus on a different area.
The first thing we visited was the famous zoo for the afternoon and evening. It’s located in Balboa Park which can be a day out in itself. The zoo is a beautiful sprawling attraction with lots to see. The highlight for us was the elephants and the sky ride cable cars that give you a view of the City. Go at sunset for a magical experience!
The next day we drove to the Gas Lamp Quarter/ Little Italy. It’s known for the entertainment, cafes and restaurants. We ended up parking and walking around and getting a little lost looking for something we never seemed to find. We did make it down to the water and the boats and very close to all the planes taking off overhead. We managed to get lost into what felt like the industrial side so I’d definitely try and find out a specific place to visit or you can can find yourself just wandering. There are Italian cafes and bars but it didn’t feel like we ever found the heart of the acti
The historic Old Town area of San Diego was a fun few hours to visit the town, which feels like something out of an old film or Coco! It’s a Mexican vibe with lovely eateries but lots of entertainment and shops for fun including magic shops, wrestling mask shops, you name it! It’s quite historic and has a touch of a' ‘theme park’ version of a Western town but it is worth a trip especially if you love Mexican food!
I liked San Diego but maybe it was the hotel we were in but I didn’t feel deep love for San Diego until we drove to La Jolla. (Pronounced La Hoy-ah) I think I often expect too much of Cities. They are almost never my favourite part of a trip and it’s so hard to find the hidden gems. But this area made the visit worthwhile. The drive here was an eye opener of some of the most beautiful houses we’d seen in the whole of California. It was by far my favourite area and I wish we’d stayed out here, even though it’s a far way out from the city centre. A beach town, which a cool vibes and a cute little shopping street in the centre. We managed to find a small cove to spend the day at opposite some sea lions. Lola managed to catch some fish rockpooling and we all managed to do a quick beach clean too though the area was in pretty good shape. She wanted to hold her fish before we put him back. We also found a brilliant surf themed restaurant here for dinner called Duke’s - named in honor of native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimming and water polo medalist and the father of modern surfing. Brilliant food, setting over the water and the service was perfect. If you come to San Diego and don’t stay here, I’d make sure you leave at least an afternoon/evening to enjoy the best experience.
Where we stayed
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa - 2000 Second Street, Coronado, California 92118 USA
We paid £495 for 3 nights although we left after 2. (Short story… Last minute change of plan after Disneyland was calling our name!)
What to do
San Diego Zoo is a great day out – one of the largest zoo’s in the world! It is located in Balboa Park which is a day out in itself
Bilboa Park - Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo.
Little Italy area - cafes, restaurants and Italian influence. Though do your research as to so you don’t waste your time walking around!
The San Diego Old Town - The Mexican influence and historic part of San Diego. Museums, shops and restaurants. A fun few hours.
Coronado Island. Visit the famous Hotel del Coronado for drinks, or the beach.
La Jolla - the beast beachy area of the City. My top recommendation!
Duke’s La Jolla - Perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner. A surf inspired restaurant overlooking the La Jolla Cove and serving good food and great for kids.
If you have time and an empty suitcase, you can also go shopping in Fashion Valley
