Different Personalities of the San Diego Beaches

When wondering what beaches you should head to in San Diego, keep in mind each beach has a different personality and different things to offer. Below is a little guide to which of one of San Diego's best beaches will best suit your needs.

• Ocean Beach: Low key, eclectic, hippie, dog beach, "little town feel." OB is popular for its unique stores and laid back personality. Home to the famous Hodad's (see my earlier post). This beach is definitely more of a locals spot because it is a little but further travel for tourists. Many of the local surfers and residents at the nearby hostel makes it feel like everyone here knows each other. However, it is definitely not as clean as some of the other beaches in SD.
  
• Pacific Beach: The younger crowd's favorite hangout. PB has the most popular bar scene than any of the other San Diego beaches. It is a very popular party spot for many of the college students and young professionals. PB is also known to have great, and usually cheap, shopping. The beach is popular with the surfers. Parking is usually tough since PB is such a happening spot.
  
• Mission Bay: Perfect for a picnic or family gathering with beautiful sights. There are miles of sand and grass available to play and enjoy the Bay. This should not be the spot you choose to swim and surf. The water is definitely more stagnant than ocean water since it is the bay. You will find children splashing in the Bay, but if swimming is what you want to do, don't pick the Bay.
  
• Mission Beach: Definitely a tourist hot spot. There is a boardwalk to stroll along, miles of beach, tourist along with unique shops, and of course home to Belmont Park. Belmont Park is an amusement park with typical attractions and most famously their wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper. Mission Beach offers many things to do and a beautiful beach to enjoy. Some say this beach is the closet thing to something you would see on the East Coast.
  
• La Jolla: Probably one of the most gorgeous places in San Diego. This is a very upscale and affluent city but also home to the most beautiful beaches. Whether you go to the Cove, the Cliffs (see earlier post), or the Shores, the sights will be amazing. La Jolla Shores is known to be a romantic spot and the Cove has tidepools and caves to explore. Windansea is close by and known as one of the best surfing beaches in San Diego. And if you are in the mood for a nude beach, try out Black's.
  
• Coronado: Perfect for a weekend getaway. Coronado is a fantastic island full of restaurants, shops, and upscale hotels--like the Hotel Del. The beaches are perfect for everyone with their calm waves and clean sand. Coronado is known as one of America's finest beaches.  This is definitely a beach to make a day out of.
  

Links

• For more information on San Diego's Best Beaches
  

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Shells & Swells: La Jolla Adventure Date

One of my favorite days spent in San Diego was when I went snorkeling and kayaking in La Jolla. I used a company called San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours and they did a fabulous job. My trip was about 3 hours long and around 50 bucks a person. It is definitely worth the price. Included in the price, you get an intro to kayak and snorkeling, a tour guide, and all the gear, (life jacket, snorkel, fins, mask, wetsuit if needed, paddle and kayak). And if you are still up to it , you can keep the snorkel gear for a half day after the guided tour part and explore on your own.

On your voyage, you kayak out to the 7 Caves in La Jolla. Once there, you link your kayaks together and have time to snorkel. You get to see beautiful local fish and see seals up close lounging on their rocks. If you go when the timing is right, you can even see some leopard sharks! You do not have to be experienced in snorkeling or kayaking to enjoy this. It was actually my very first time doing either and I felt very competent with the help of the guide and the introduction they give on land before you hit the water. The staff is friendly and really give you an enjoyable experience. I suggest bringing a water resistant or underwater camera to capture some of your memories made on your adventure.

For those of you who don't just want the typical formula for date, (dinner and a movie type deal), than this is the date for you. You are able to experience the beauty of La Jolla on the water, as well as under the water. An active couple or a new couple looking for an activity to break the ice would be perfect for this. This date provides an all day activity and plenty of fun and adventure!

Links

• San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours
• Kayak and Snorkel Tour

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Fish & Cliffs: La Jolla Date Night

I am so excited to launch my new blog series-- Go-To Girl Designed Date Nights! Please give me feedback and let me know what you would like to see or what your perfect San Diego date is. I hope this helps you find new things to do in San Diego with that special someone so you can start creating your San Diego experience.

So for my first post, I wanted to do something that is one of my favorite things to do in San Diego. La Jolla is one of the most beautiful parts of SD. My sister lived here during her college years and we did quite a bit of exploring. Every nook and cranny of La Jolla is gorgeous. The coastline is remarkable and the streets are filled with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and hotels. There are coves to explore while snorkeling and endless miles of water to kayak on. The soundtrack of seals plays on repeat as you are walking along La Jolla Cove with the view of tourists and locals alike playing Frisbee and flying kites on the grass. A perfect place to spend a San Diego day.

There are 2 spots in particular I need to point out that in combination make the perfect date. The first stop in El Pescador Fish Market (open until 8pm). This little spot nestled on Pearl St. (Show map of 627 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA) offers the best and freshest fish and a variety of ways to eat it. Fresh fish to be cooked at home can be bought here and they also have an extensive, and delicious, menu. There is only a small parking lot in front of it so try parking on the next street over if needed. When you walk in, you are greeted by a wide display case of fresh fish and several wooden tables. If you go at a peak time like lunch, don't expect to get a table right away! The staff here is extremely friendly and laid back.

My personal favorite is the Lemon-Butter Swordfish sandwich. It is served on sourdough with lettuce, tomato, green onion, and if your request it, avocado. This sandwich full of fresh and natural ingredients to make the perfect combo of yumminess. You get a large portion of fresh fish on your sandwich which will leave you more than satisfied. My dad always gets the catch of the day and has yet to be disappointed. If you like fish, I promise you will be in heaven at El Pescador Fish Market.

Your next stop is this secluded spot where you can see all of La Jolla's coastline and if you are lucky, a few hang-gliders. A perfect spot for a romantic sunset. After you climb under the gate, you will led to a dirt path that will originally look less than spectacular. But I promise if you keep going you will not be disappointed. Soon you will see the ocean and have your breath taken away. This is my favorite view of the ocean. There are some benches made of tree stumps to sit on, but bring a blanket if you want to cuddle :) Usually there are not very many people so you can enjoy your thoroughly enjoy your date and take in all the beauty. Feel free to explore the area around there because there are many little trails and wildlife.

With the combination of El Pescador Fish Market and the amazing cliffs, I promise you and your date will have unforgettable experience.

Directions to the cliff from El Pescador:

Head east Pearl St. toward Draper Ave. Turn left at Girard Ave. Turn right on Torrey Pines. Turn left to stay on Torrey Pines. Turn left on La Jolla Shores Dr. Right on La Jolla Farms Rd. Park in the residential area but be aware of street signs to make sure you can park there legally. It is the first turn in on your left. You will see a dirt path and a gate.

Links

• El Pescador website http://www.elpescadorfishmarket.com/home.htm

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