When I was little I dreamed of living in Los Angeles. Once I graduated from university I started planning my California adventure, whims of fate I ended up in San Francisco instead of the City of Angels. That turn of events allowed me to explore places I hadn't been so curious about before. The City by the Bay stole my heart and I found L.A. an utter disappointment. So San Diego became my second favorite city in California. Why? I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Even though these images were taken in 2010, I believe the city hasn't changed too much. Here are my recommendations if you are visiting San Diego.
Take a stroll and have a meal at Seaport Village
Pictured above and in the next few photos, Seaport Village has amazing shops,eateries and outdoor entertainment. Any craving can be satisfied here. Dine at any of the bay-view dining restaurants. You can nibble, snack or chow down at smaller eateries. Surf and turf to burgers and pizza. Ice cream, cookies, popcorn. Whatever. Thirst's covered too - sodas, milkshakes, lemonade, beer, wine, cocktails... You name it! One last decision to make: a table inside or out on the deck with a view of the bay?
And to all that you need to add a lagoon, a carousel, a marina and much more.
Mimick the pose of the famous statue with your beau
Also known as the "kissing statue" or "the kiss", its real name is actually Unconditional Surrender. I've seen this statue in two different locations. First in San Diego and the in New York City. I believe that now it's back on its original location. Please, correct me if I'm wrong.
Right next to it is the impressive USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, a maritime museum.
Behold the colorful houses in Gaslamp Quarter
Nearby you will find the San Diego Convention Center where Comic-Con is celebrated.
And don't leave any corner out! During my stay I visited it almost every day because I didn't want to miss anything out. It became my favorite spot in the city. One of the reasons was that its architecture reminded me of home so it helped me deal with homesickness. Named for the Spanish maritime explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa it contains open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, museums, several theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Have fun at the amazing San Diego Zoo
I've been to many zoos all around the world, so I was reluctant to visit it at first. Was it possible to see anything new? Actually there was. I enjoyed the experience tremendously. The place truly lives up to its fame. So if your are an animal lover like me, you must pay it a visit.
Go back in time to the Wild Wild West and feel its Spanish origins
For a truly historic experience, don't miss San Diego's Old Town, the site of the first Spanish settlement on the West Coast. There are plenty of attractions to explore including gift shops, museums, a theater and several carefully preserved or restored historic adobe and wooden buildings.
Hotel Del Coronado
Just across the bridge from downtown and San Diego's Big Bay, Coronado's stunning beaches offer gentle surf and sparkling sand. With a quaint small town charm and an array of outdoor activities, Coronado is the perfect destination for family vacations and romantic getaways. You can stay at the historic Hotel del Coronado and enjoy a day of shopping along the vibrant main street of Orange Avenue.
La Jolla
The coastal village of La Jolla, appropriately meaning "The Jewel" in Spanish, is one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in the world. With a dramatic coastline ideal for swimming, surfing, diving, kayaking, and snorkeling, La Jolla's beaches are just one of the features that make this village a highly desirable destination for visitors. La Jolla offers world-class shopping and dining experiences, from designer boutiques and art galleries, to critically acclaimed restaurants featuring celebrity chefs.
