road trip: san diego

The great thing about vacationing in a place where one has lived before is that if you have four days you know exactly how you want to spend them. When it comes to San Diego, everybody knows about the Zoo, Sea World and the beach, but when we go back, we like our insider spots. Thought I would share a few of our favorites:

Where We Play

Pepper Grove Playground, Balboa Park
Balboa Park Carousel & Miniature Train
The New Children's Museum
Law Street Beach, Pacific Beach
La Jolla Recreation Center
Del Mar Racetrack (previous post here)


Where We Eat


The Farmers Markets - There is one nearly every day of the week, our favorites are Little Italy and Del Mar (Saturday mornings), and Ocean Beach (Wednesday evenings)
Food Farm - Local and organic food truck, lunch and Friday nights (foodfarmsd.com)
Cafe Chloe - Cozy French, great for brunch or lunch
Ghirardelli Square - Touristy, but who can resist their classic sundae?
Bencotto - Divine modern Italian food (previous post here)
Cucina Urbana - Gourmet pizza and artisinal contemporary Italian
Michele Coulon, La Jolla - Go for lunch, stay for cake
Monsoon - Authentic Indian, get the dizzy noo shak, a weird and wonderful banana curry
Burger Lounge - The best fast food turkey burgers, veggie burgers and shakes in San Diego


Where We Shop


Pannikin Tea & Coffee - I stock up on their herbal chai and vanilla rooibus teas, but it's also a fun place for browsing. You have got to check out the twin British ladies who run the place. Just don't cross them.
Marston House Gift Shop - You can get a guided tour of the house if you are into Craftsman-era architecture, but really the shop is the best part. I love nearly every single thing they put on the shelves and that the proceeds go to historic preservation. This time around I scooped up several beautifully illustrated children's and botanical books, pouches for makeup and art supplies, and an irresistible birdseed pail (which I will have to find some use for). Violet's choice was a paper-and-wood parasol, which she has been carrying with her ever since. (previous post here)
Vocabulary - Hip, unique clothing and accessories, many from local San Diego designers. Also does great home accents and baby gifts. (previous post here)


Where We Stay


Hilton Bay Front
Hotel del Coronado (okay, not yet, but someday!)


Where We Watch the Sunset


The stretch of beach between Del Mar & La Jolla
The beach at Hotel del Coronado
Torrey Pines Reserve
The Cliff Walk in La Jolla