San Diego is the perfect weekend getaway spot for people living in or visiting Los Angeles! Depending on traffic, it can be anywhere from a 2 to 4-hour drive, but its a fantastic change of scenery. San Diego offers a cool mixture of outdoorsy, beachy, and city-dwelling things to do, so there’s a little something for everyone.
On my last trip to San Diego, we explored more of the greater San Diego area and found some beautiful spots like:
La Jolla
La Jolla is a seaside area of San Diego that has a real small town feel. There’s a little cluster of boutique shops and fun restaurants, but the main attraction is definitely La Jolla Cove.
The gorgeous cove and rock cliffs look like something straight out of Portugal. Feast your eyes on the mini caves, sea views, and the local wildlife (my personal favorite part).
Hundreds of local seals rest along the rocks of the cove, and they are truly the sassiest, most adorable creatures ever. They throw their heads back with an almost snooty, aristocratic arrogance and snuggle in large groups. Their barks are raspy and jarringly loud. I enjoyed every second watching them.
There were also some black birds tending to and feeding their young along the edge of the cliffs, which was an incredible sight!
We stayed for sunset, as we always do, and as you should too. It was such as lovely, joyful place to find a moment of serenity.
Mushroom Caves Trailhead
The next day of our trip, we made our way to Mushroom Caves Trailhead in Solana Beach. We parked in an upscale suburban neighborhood and walked to the trail entrance, following the signs for Annie’s Trailhead.
I love discovering new hiking spots all over the world and this one was super family friendly yet still adventurous enough for a good time. We stumbled upon the Mushroom Caves and were stunned at how uncrowded it was on such a sunny day.
The caves grew slimmer and slimmer as we hiked, until they became less than a foot wide. That’s when the real fun began! Half of the hike was maneuvering through tight rock formations. It’s a real Indiana Jones moment without any of the actual danger. The trail was totally safe and even had a ladder for the final section of the climb, but at times it felt like I was climbing around Mars surrounded only by orange and yellow rock.
Once you make it to the top of the hike, you’re rewarded with a fantastic view of the caves and of Solana Beach! My husband and I loved the trail so much, we circled back and did it for a second time, just to take it in fully. THAT’S HOW COOL IT WAS!
Encinitas
Our final stop on our weekend getaway was in the coastal town of Encinitas to have some tasty vegan lunch and take in the coastal views. We went to an AH-MAZING vegan spot called Lotus Cafe (HIGHLY RECOMMEND) where I got an outstanding vegan breakfast burrito. Then, we made our way to a viewpoint once our bellies were full.
Those were a few of my favorite things to do around the San Diego area! If you’re looking to take in some sunshine and some positive Southern California energy, it’s the perfect place for your next trip.
