What do Maverick, Dr Seuss, the US Open, and saving endangered rhinos have in common… San Diego. For a perfect three day adventure, visit the beautiful shores of La Jolla and Torrey Pines in the San Diego, California area. You can walk along the beach and cliffs which inspired Dr Seuss, hike amongst the beautiful Torrey Pines, play a US Open golf course, visit the world-famous safari rescue center and consume great food and wine, all with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop.
Where To Stay:
My favorite hotel in the San Diego area is The Lodge at Torrey Pines. This family-owned 5-star hotel has beautiful views, luxury touches and great spa services to make you feel special. To top it off, this boutique hotel was created and decorated in the “nature-inspired” California craftsman style.
My favorite neighborhood in the San Diego area is La Jolla Cove. This hidden community features beautiful beaches, cliffs, cute harbor seals, restaurants and is Dr Seuss’s (and my) old neighborhood. When staying in the Cove, we love the historical Grande Colonial. Avery Tip: Ask for a room in the main building with an ocean view.
What to Wear:
Layers are the key to all San Diego outfits. No matter what time of year it is, the ocean creates a chilly morning but then the temperature can really heat up when the sun comes out. To dress for these temperature fluctuations, wear a short sleeved top or dress. Add a light wrap or jacket and cute flat sandals (unless you are hiking or golfing). Finally, the most important accessory to all attire in sunny Southern California is a great pair of oversized sunglasses such as Feroce or Raybans (even in the winter) and sunscreen.
What to Do:
Day 1:
Start with breakfast at the La Valencia hotel in La Jolla. Sit on the patio and gaze upon the same view that inspired Dr Seuss to move to the area in the 1920’s. Fans of his children’s books can walk along the cliff paths to discover the birds, trees, and plants reflected in his illustrations.
Next, walk down the hill to the Children’s Beach to see the seals. If you are interested in wading into the ocean, swimming or kayaking, I recommend walking down the street to Shell Beach, with full disclosure that in San Diego the ocean temperature averages 63 degrees. Afterwards, continue north along the shore (past the pelicans) to the hidden gem Cave at the Cove. Located inside the store is a 1900s bootlegger tunnel with 143 steps leading to a private sandstone sea cave. Afterwards, stop by Bobboi’s Natural Gelato for a handcrafted gelato – yum!
For my animal and conservation lovers, arrange a “Behind the Scenes” tour or Flightline Safari at the San Diego Safari Park. If that is not your thing, drive down to Hotel Del Coronado where you can enjoy the scenery that is backdrop of the movie Maverick, see the inspiration for the Wizard of Oz‘s Emerald City and check out Dr Seuss’s painting, “I Dreamed I Was a Doorman.” Finish off the day back in La Jolla with a farm-to-table dinner at Restaurant NineTen.
Day 2:
Start the day at the Pinpoint Café located at the University of California San Diego. This woman-owned café has great coffee, handmade breakfast sandwiches and stunning views. Follow-up with a walk/hike through Torrey Pines State Park. Take a moment to breathe in the pine scent and you will feel like you are taking a Japanese Forest Bath. Next, enjoy a lovely ocean view lunch at L’Auberge Del Mar. After lunch walk around Del Mar and visit the cute little shops or head straight to the beach. Finish the day with dinner at Piatti for homemade Italian pasta. Avery Tip: Ask to be seated in the backyard.
Day 3:
Start the day at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters. They have great lattes and avocado toast plus the view is relaxing. Continue your relaxing morning with a visit to the Torrey Pines Lodge Spa. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage and facial. Afterwards, play a round of golf at the US Open Championship Course Torrey Pines.
Dinner at Torrey Pines Lodge’s signature restaurant A.R. Valentien is the perfect way to wrap up your trip. Make sure you ask for a seat outside with a view of the Pacific Ocean.
Have fun!
Avery Tip: The Torrey Pines Golf Course can be hard to get onto but the Torrey Pines Lodge gets a a few tee times a day so you can book through them if you are staying at the Lodge.
