California Dreamin' (San Diego, CA)

By Sharon Heilbrunn

San Diego hugs the coast with breathtaking beauty, almost as if it humbly accepts its place against the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Beach bums -- clad in little more than bikinis or short shorts -- snooze on the white sand, soaking up the sun’s rays without a care in the world. Seventy miles of coastline disappear into the horizon, leaving one to wander the different beaches until the perfect surf spot is found. At Mission Beach, families enjoy a day away from the office, riding bikes along the boardwalk or testing their fear of heights on the famous Belmont Park Rollercoaster. Couples try out the water or grab a bite at Canes -- an oceanfront restaurant with a rooftop deck -- where guests dine to the music of the waves crashing against an orange sky. In Coronado, all stress disappears in accordance to the community’s take-time-to-stop-and-smell-the-roses attitude. Families with poodles -- dressed in sweaters more expensive than the ones at Sax -- enjoy a late brunch, sipping on champagne and admiring the weather in the best city in the world. Tourists mosey into the Hotel Del Coronado to explore the famous National Historic Landmark and maybe even catch a glimpse of Kate Morgan, the ghost who haunts this century old landmark hotel.

This city is known for its coast, but insiders know that San Diego isn’t just about the beach. Inland, one might encounter mile-high mountains or enjoy a piece of famous apple pie in Julian, a historic mining town. There are plenty of places for nature lovers to hike, camp, and observe wildlife or for a fisherman to cast his line.

Head downtown, walk around Balboa Park and enjoy a museum or two. If animals are more your thing, check out the world famous San Diego Zoo, just next door. Once the sun goes down, the hot spot is the Gaslamp Quarter, where it’s not uncommon to dance until dawn or enjoy a beer at one of the many bars in the area.

San Diego has an eclectic group of residents. During the week, the city is bustling with business-oriented men and women working to advance their careers. On the weekend, however, all work is left at the office, and families are found enjoying a game of beach volleyball, hiking up Cowles Mountain, or washing their cars in the summer sun. People are laid-back, content, and happy to spend time outdoors with the people they love. In fact, in San Diego, you will probably be shunned if you choose to spend a sunny weekend inside instead of enjoying the perfect California weather. This city is not for inside folk.

San Diego has it all – golf courses, beachfront resorts, luxury spas, the coast, mountains, and pleasant people more than willing to share the beauty of the city they call home. Play sports, relax in the sun, or people watch in the heavenly climate. Somehow, in San Diego, California dreamin’ becomes…
California reality.