So hard to leave San Diego, California
San Diego… San Diego… San Diego.. it is very interesting how these two words became so important and meaningful to me. We first visited a good 5 years ago and didn’t go back until last year, until BA started flying directly to London. Having started in San Francisco, we thought it would be the perfect place to end our annual, almost religious, California trip.
Coronado Bridge and San Diego skyline
Our love affair with San Diego started then, and continued this summer, when we decided we just “had” to go back. There is something about this place – the very laid-back, yet elegant atmosphere, the southern California accent and the amazing food, of course.
Why do I love it? I like the fact that is right on the Pacific Ocean (one I have yet to try, despite really wanting to.. water may be a tad cold and, for some bizarre reason, no sunloungers!!), it is small and compact (in a couple of days you can really get a feel of the place), has some really cool tourist attractions (which I normally avoid, but it seems that I have a thing for sea-creatures) and it is so pretty, it hurts.
Yes, a bit of colour coordination at SeaWorld never hurt anyone
I need to admit something – I was never really tempted by Mexican food. I really don’t know why. So this time, and with the help of the W Hotel concierge (the only place we have ever stayed in town – so nice, we always go back for more), we decided to be super adventurous… and that is how another O’Reilly obsession began…
Mexican food – is good. Enchiladas, burritos, tacos.. just send them my way
We were determined to try as many different Mexican delicacies as possible, and surely weren’t disappointed with the options the city had for us. And Margaritas, of course.
The biggest surprise? The lovely Old Town San Diego, located not far from the city centre, which is kept in pristine condition. I love ”main street” America and seriously loved this place. We had not ventured there before, and so glad we did this time. (and had some more more Mexican food. And margaritas – the best in town).
Happy in Old Town San Diego
But what I loved the most about San Diego (if we exclude shopping, as Fashion Mall is one of the best shopping centres in the world, and I did my absolute best to help the local economy), is nearby La Jolla, a little upmarket town, a good 10 miles from the city centre. Quirky boutiques, incredible views and some of the best restaurants in the area.
I will always remember fondly Eddie V, a stunning place, where we had white wine and oysters until they ran out of ice last year – the city had a 8-hour blackout in the summer of 2011, which was an interesting experience, to say the least. As we were denied the “full experience” then, we had to go back on our recent trip. At the last minute, we changed the reservations to a different day, only to be sitting next to the Kardashian clan. Funniest thing? I didn’t even noticethem – I noticed the cameras (as it was graduation week I thought some poor soul’s family thought it would be fun to film the dinner.. sad, I know..), but all I cared about was this view. But Mr. O did have a good look and you can ask him who he thought was the prettiest.
The view from Eddie V, La Jolla
Jokes aside, leaving San Diego always makes us sad. Because 2 days isn’t enough to really enjoy this place. When I think of California (my favourite state in the US, please don’t be offended, I love them all!), and I close my eyes, this is what I can see…
La Jolla, California
.. it is my own very own “California dream”. It’s 10 months until we go back – and believe me, we can’t wait!
Missing San Diego already..
xo
Mrs. O
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Spotted the La Jolla photo on Picture the World (nice choice) and it brought me here, Ana. I visited very briefly one grey June day so didn’t see it at it’s best. Loved San Diego old town though.
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Small world, Jo
you always come back and I love to have you. I moved blog from wordpress, so you need to subscribe my email 
hope it’s OK
You know I love California, Ana, but have yet to go to San Diego! The Old Town sounds appealing…
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: A street in Oaxaca City, Mexico
Nooooooooo, get on a plane NOW! It’s lovely!!
I’m so glad you liked my home town! Born and raised here in San Diego. Two days is not enough to experience the whole that is San Diego (including the areas outside the city itself). Mission Bay is a tourist trap so you were probably better off not going there especially during this heat wave. But you have Belmont Park, Sea World, Petco Park, Balboa Park with all the museums and Lily Pond. Legoland in Carlsbad (about 48 km from the city center). You have the Del Mar races going on. Come in June and we have the San Diego County Fair (the locals will still call it the Del Mar Fair). There are the Torrey Pines cliffs offering spectacular views of the ocean. And if you’re feeling exceptionally adventurous, we have a clothing-optional beach!
Come back soon!
Carlbad was good – the outlets were amazing and we had an amazing lunch in Del Mar last year. I promise you, we will be back
Love San Diego! Balboa Park is the best and if you live there every Tues. a different musuem is free to you! and they also have a great dog park at the beginning of the prado.
Oh I didnt know about the museum tuesdays! Thank you!
Glad you had fun in our city! The blackout was crazy!!!
It was, but kind of fun
San Diego is the largest American city I haven’t been to. I’ll need to rectify that soon- everyone raves about what a beautiful place it is. I’ve also heard it has the best weather in the US, so that’s another plus (especially being form Michigan, where we have to have the worst weather
)
Erik recently posted..Photo of the Day- Old Post Office Tower, Washington, D.C.
Erik, it is quite a special place – doesn’t feel so much like a large city. Downtown is teeny tiny and what is around it and what makes it truly special
I have always liked San Diego too, especially La Jolla. We used to vacation there as kids and stay at the same sea lodge every time. It was the California dream like your last photograph. I’m glad you get to head back. Just 10 months to go!
Suzy recently posted..Photographing Uncertainty and Beyond at Caddo Lake in Texas
Hi Suzy
thank you for popping round 
an amazing place indeed, just love it! 10 months and counting 
where are you off to next?
I can completely relate. I fell in love with San Diego and ended up staying for fifteen years. I had to tear myself away eventually, and it was hard. Its a truly amazing place, perfect weather, great beaches and wonderful attractions. Sigh….
Elle of Solo Female Nomad recently posted..How Travelers Have Become Rich
Wow, Elle!
that is a fab story! Where are you based now?
I am based in Germany “at the moment” not quite southern California
Elle of Solo Female Nomad recently posted..How Travelers Have Become Rich
Not the same indeed
but also quite an interesting part of the world
I know what you mean! I first went to San Diego in 1999 and fell in love with the place. Everything about it, the people, the vibe, the food is amazing. I could so live there.
Spencer recently posted..5 of the Best Hotels Near Uluru (Ayers Rock)
I think I could too
SO glad you’re a mexican food convert. it might have affected our feelings for you, mrs. o.
the lazy travelers recently posted..going for the gold: our top three travel memories
we are still beginners – need all the help we can get!
I’ve never been to San Diego. Orange County is the closest I’ve gotten, but I do hear wonderful things. I am so glad you gave Mexican food a try. It’s my favorite.
Leah Travels recently posted..It’s my Birthday and I’ll Write What I Want to
Now I need some Tex Mex
Wherever I can get Mexican food, I am sold
Cool pics btw. I should include San Diego in my next US visit 
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted..WHY I DID NOT VISIT BALI IN 2011 AND WHY I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT IN THE FUTURE
Hi
thanks for stopping by! You are spot on the Mexican food – I just thought I wouldn’t like it.. and was sooooooooo wrong. San Diego is a must 
very different from all other cities. 
Wow, I’ve always wanted to go to SD but now I want to go even more! Maybe you can detail for me a plan of things to see and food to eat! Or, better yet, I will run into you guys there for margaritas and Mex food! Nice writeup!
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..A Photo Essay of the Center of Moldova’s Capital: Chisinau
Raul, anytime! We are going back in the summer of 2013 – need to wait a bit. But if you are heading that way, just let me know and I will send you some ideas. It is truly a fab place!
With San Francisco now under my belt, a trip to San Diego seems to be the next logical stop:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Lodge at Pebble Beach Resort
I totally agree. A fab place
Beautiful photos of the ocean Ana – my mother lived in California for several years when she was growing up – have always been jealous and wanted to visited!:) As for the Mexican food, nom!
Fiona recently posted..The Photo Edit: Lake Como, Italy
Oh, you should Fiona. It is really really worth it
Oh, I love San Diego! I remember my friends and I used to drive down from LA to SD all the time to go to Old Town… Such a fun place!
Thank you, Amit
it is an amazing place indeed! Shame I can’t just pop round any time!
I understand your love affair completely. I only visited San Diego once and it was at night. I instantly fell in love with it and have been longing to go back since. I always say if I was to live in the States, San Diego would be at the top of my list.
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..Win a Jucy roadtrip with HW’s relaunch
I think I have to agree with you – would be an amazing place to live indeed! Can you imagine?
Haha, poor you that you were here during the blackout. That was a crazy night.
So glad to hear you love my adopted hometown. I moved here 8 years ago and adore it. Hopefully you had some of your Mexican food in Old Town – they have some of the best. Your pic is making me crave some guacomole right now. (Oh, wait, I’m always craving guacomole.) I always bring visitors to the La Jolla Cove and it is always their favorite place we go to in San Diego – it’s so, so gorgeous there. Glad to hear you enjoyed your time here!
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The blackout was an adventure and a half. We then went back to the hotel, who really put on a great show with free food for everyone, and the bar was open until it was dry! The generator would be on til 9pm, so we made sure we went up on time – wouldn’t be fun to go up 20 floors!
Oh what memories! Thanks for a wonderful post and reminding me of the warmth and climate in San Diego and the Californian holiday we had this year, and the mexican food! just brilliant and so tasty and with a little beer or a cocktail perfect! As for who I liked of the Kardashians, this is for me to know! Could not believe you did not notice them and I had to point them out to you!
LOL, I must confess I like this new thing of having you comment on my posts. Still new
I know, I didn’t notice the Kardashians and you did 
I really like San Diego – very happy memories from this place!