Mission Bay Park / Mission Beach

First trip to the west coast and all I wanted to see was whales. The tour guide was knowledgeable and shared many fun facts about all the creatures we saw from the moment we left the dock. It’s easy to get seasick out there, but they offered something you can put on your wrist (I forget the name of it) that’s supposed to help. We didn’t get to see the majestic beasts but there were plenty of dolphins riding the waves from the boat. I was so happy to see them and equally glad they stuck around for a while.

I returned to Missions a few days later to play beach volleyball. The group I was invited to play with was welcoming, encouraging, and fun! I was nervous at first because I didn’t want to mess up and I know people can be very competitive, so I just didn’t want to throw the game off. Ultimately, I was worried for nothing because I played better than I expected!

La Jolla

Hiking the natural reserve was such a sweet treat because I didn’t know what to expect from the views. My friend, Curtis, invited me out for a hike so I didn’t look up the Google images; I just went with the flow. I’m big on scenery. It’s one of the things that help me decide where I want to go for vacation. As the hike progressed, it became painfully obvious I was a tourist. So many “ooo’s” and “ahh’s” and plenty of photography. Sometimes I would just stop and stare because it was gorgeous! Taking in where the cliffs meet the ocean was long overdue.

Mount Soledad was the next stop. The atmosphere was peaceful and solemn as it was a memorial for fallen soldiers. At the top, you’re able to get a 360-degree view of the city below. On this day, we were able to see the huge blanket of fog covering the beach. There was also an ice cream truck nearby. It’s definitely a place one would come to clear their mind or to have a heart-to-heart conversation.

Little Italy

Looking back, I wish I spent a little extra time here to bar-hop and see more of the area. One of the places I did check out was Underbelly for their ramen. I am pretty sure I saw it in a TikTok video (that’s how I’ve been doing my research these days on what to eat and where to go). This was my first time having real ramen! And the experience really set the standard. My food was amazing. I was slurping and had no shame. Zero remorse.

I ordered beef bao buns, which were also tasty but definitely unnecessary because the ramen was quite filling.

Balboa Park

My eyes were pleased, and though I only spent a couple hours here looking around and taking in the greenery and architecture, I could easily see myself, grabbing a blanket and laying out in the park with great company and a basket of fruit. The park was beautiful and the weather was perfect. There was a plaza full of people where the energy was high, but there were so many areas in the park that were calm and quiet.

Coronado Beach

I went midday during the week instead of the weekend, hoping to avoid crowds, and I got exactly what I wanted. The sun was out, and there was plenty of space on the beach. The tide was low and the water was definitely cold. Unfortunately, I couldn’t frolic the way I imagined so I spent more time frying. Once I figured I had enough, it was time to take a stroll, check out different shops, and pick up some postcards. If I were to visit San Diego again with the desire to only relax, this area would be my base. Nevertheless, I definitely felt the need to explore because this is my first time here on the West Coast! The trip was a success. I’d love to return.