3 and 1/2 months is not long enough in ‘America’s Finest City.’ For those who aren’t aware, that’s San Diego’s nickname. With near-perfect weather, great restaurants and so much to do outdoors — that nickname is certainly fitting.
Our time here FLEW by — and while Chris lived in SD for several years and I visited often, there were still a few things we wanted to check off our list:
-Hike ‘Potato Chip Rock’ — This is a beautiful, but challenging hike. Nearly 7 miles down and back from Lake Poway, it’s actually called Mt. Woodson, but it’s affectionately known as ‘Potato Chip Rock’ thanks to a thin rock near the summit that juts outs over open air and looks like… a potato chip. You can climb up on the rock for some great pictures, but be warned… lines are long. We decided to pass on the pic.
-Hike Cowles Mountain — Another great hike, not nearly as challenging.
-San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs — The two MLB teams Chris follows and loves (he’s loved the Cubs since childhood and started cheering for the Padres after living in SD. On this night, we were cheering for the Cubs (they won). It’s (finally) a good season to be a Cubbies fan.
Note: we also saw a BIG Cubs win over the Cardinals when we visited family in Chicago!
-San Diego Chargers game — Chargers vs. Saints. This was not a good day to cheer for the Chargers. In a complete 4th quarter meltdown, they gave the game away.
-Wine tasting in Temecula
-Happy Hour at Ironside Fish & Oyster — after living in Newport for nearly a year, we knew we’d need an oyster fix. This gorgeous seafood spot didn’t disappoint.
-Run a 5k — Chris and I ran the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run. Travis Manion was in Chris’ company at the Naval Academy and graduated a year ahead of him. In 2007, he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq. The Travis Manion Foundation is dedicated to assisting our nations veterans and the families, friends, and colleagues of our fallen heroes.
-Sea World
-brunch at Baja Betty’s — An all-you-can-eat Mexican brunch buffet with bottomless Mimosas. Need I say more?!
-play a round of golf — Expensive green fees shouldn’t be wasted on me. Also, after about the 13th hole, I’m kind of over golf for the day. Insert: The Loma Club — a 9-hole, par 3 golf course with gorgeous views of San Diego. Playing a round here was the perfect evening with friends.
-paddle boarding in San Diego Bay — This was a blast! (A a good workout too.) We saw sea lions and jelly fish up close!
-fish tacos at South Beach Bar & Grille — Fresh fish tacos AND beautiful sunsets — a perfect combination.
-Breakers Beach — a beautiful beach with access from NAS North Island.
We didn’t manage to cross off all of the items on our list, but I’m sure more time in San Diego is in our future. After all, it’s important to have something to look forward to!
