California Dreaming
I'm always California dreaming... The hard choice to make isn't ever do I want to go to Cali? It is always, what part of Cali do I want to go to? Every city has its own charm and every visit is a different experience. So on this post in going to break down some of my trips and favorite things to do in each city. Starting in LA and making my way down the coast to San Diego... the whales vagina. haha, that will never get old! If you have no idea what movie i'm referencing, I'm sorry!
OKAY! Good ol' Los Angeles. The "city of angels". In my book, it's the city for great people watching, annoying commutes, delish food, entertainment at any hour... Oh, can't forget! One of my favorites restaurants EVER... Actually, come to think of it, Cali has 2 of my favorite restaurants. I'll get to those shortly.
As we all know from the movies or other peoples stories, there are a million things to do when visiting. Hollywood walk of fame, Beverly Hills, Universal Studios and Disneyland to name a few. I prefer more of the local/non touristy things, but the landmarks are always nice to check out. I actually go to LA for the art shows... I got to meet one of my favorite artist Audrey Kawasaki at the branded arts block party. It was a pretty epic moment for me. I was like a 3 year old seeing santa at the mall for the first time. "WHOA!!!" Anyways... If you want a more laid back kinda weekend I would highly recommend going to San Diego vs. LA.
Santa Monica is one of my favorite cities... what's my favorite part about it you ask?! Ooooh soooo many reasons! The farmers market at the promenade. Fresh fruit, street performers, amazing flower bouquets and they are crazy cheap! Bring your dog, pick up a cup of coffee along the way and snack on some fresh figs as you shop. This is by far, the PERFECT Saturday morning. If you like oysters, stop by Blue Plate Oysterette for lunch. Seriously, so dang good! I actually crave it from time to time... The unique little restaurants, the great hotels, and of course the company makes all the difference. Maybe i'm partial to Santa Monica, for this place will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Like any beach town you can do the usual kayak rentals, stand up boarding, walk the famous boardwalk, take surf lessons, You name it!
I haven't spent a lot of time in Encinitas, I just popped in for a quick lunch in the downtown area. It was super cute and I think probably worth checking out if you have extra time.
Venice Beach - You must check out the Boardwalk which you have seen a million times in movies...It's just as entertaining if not more, in person! Great people watching, ride your bike and rollerblade to look like more of a local. Don't forget your camera either! Now on to one of my favorite restaurants G Jelina. I've actually only been here once -- years ago! The food was incredible, the atmosphere of the place -- ideal. It's a great place for a date or casual lunch with friends. I love love love it! The appetizers & oven baked pizza... Wowzers! I really can't wait to go back.
Ocean Beach - I went to visit some friends one weekend who raved about this little french restaurant called Bo-Beau. I like french food and figured it would be very traditional in that sense. To my surprise it wasn't. This is what you call California french. Interesting concept right?! It's great! I don't believe I tried a actual main course until the second time I visited. When I come here, I am totally an appetizer pusher, which isn't my norm. But honestly... If you dine at Bo-Beau and do not try the famous brussels sprouts I will forever be disappointed. Guys, i'm not kidding! Jump on it! lol Wish I could have some now!! (As i dig into my coffee chocolate chip pint of ice cream lol)
La Jolla - So much to do here so this will be a tough one to break down... I'll just call out the first things that come to mind. La Jolla cove for a little seal entertainment... It stinks, so I wouldn't hang out here the whole day, but it's fun to see. I actually recommend going to Eddie V's during sunset. From the patio you get a great view of the seals (without the smell). Torrey Pines is a great hike with amazing views of the ocean. Wind and sea beach is a perfect spot to watch some pretty legit surfing. La Jolla museum of contemporary arts is wonderful. Also walking distance from all the shops and restaurants. Really cute downtown area.
Pacific Beach - PB is a whole nother world, looking to party? This is such a fun place to do it! So is the gas lamp district downtown but this is a complete 180 from that area. Here you can walk into any bar in a swimsuit and flip flops, it's chill and all of these spots I mention below are basically on the beach. Gotta love that! These are my favorite bars in the area...Shore club, PB Ale House, Laheina, and the duck dive... But it really is a college party atmosphere. Walk from the beach up Garnet street for a little shopping and stop in Rusty Spokes Bike shop. This is the best place for bike rentals and where I got the coolest neon pink bike cruiser with white wheels and spokes! It's awesome!!
Downtown San Diego - Barley Mash - Fun bar that turns into a nightclub. The one time I was there they played old hip hop songs which was awesome! Noble Experiment is a speak easy which only seats about 20 people. You have to text for reservations and the coolest part is you go through a local bar/restaurant towards the bathrooms, push open a wall of kegs and bam! you're in Noble Experiment. Cool stuff! Basic Pizza - Not as basic as it sounds. Not only do they have pretty unique topping options, the place is great! Very industrial and they have good music! Win win! Geez, I'm realizing how much of a foodie I am! Ok, a couple non food items... Balboa park and the famous San Diego zoo. If you plan on spending the day at balboa park, rent bikes - they have a pretty large property to see. It's beautiful. Go! Ok, this is it from be about California. I could go on for days, but i'm sure i'll be writing more about cali in the future. Adios!
