10 Things I Learned In Southern California

Now that we're back to life, back to reality (remember that song?), I thought I'd share a few final thoughts about our fantabulous trip to San Diego last week. As promised, all of my recommendations from the trip are below, but first, the 10 Things I learned in Southern California (in no particular order):

1.  At restaurants in SoCal, they have no problem making substitutions, additions, or sutractions. Everything is "totally fine, man" and there's nothing to worry about if you don't like mushrooms, want extra salsa, or want to add an extra scone to your breakfast (not that I did this...). 

2.  Cacti = totally normal plant to have covering your front yard as a part of your landscaping. Weird. 

3.  When every day is perfect, you just can't get that mad at people. It's really, really hard to be in a bad mood when it's 73 degrees outside, sunny, and slightly breezy. We didn't experience any road rage, shoves or bumps on the streets, or people cutting in line at the grocery store. Again, weird. 

4.  Workout clothes are a thing of the past in SoCal. You can wear whatever you want when working out--skirt, swimsuit, going-out top, hair down, stylish sunglasses, bare feet, and at the nude beach, no pants but a hat, tennis shoes, and a backpack. Exercise seems to be a way of life there, and it doesn't really matter what you wear to do it. 

5.  Real margaritas are actually really good. Real margaritas = no sweet and sour, but fresh-squeezed lemons and lime, instead. YUM.

6.  Convertibles aren't just for looks. And all music sounds better in a convertible. And everyone looks cooler and more attractive (and feels cooler and more attractive) in a convertible. Obviously, I enjoyed our convertible for the week ;)

7.  If you're a modest person, nude beaches are really kind of awkward. Especially if the person you're at the nude beach with decides to go nude, and you don't...(hint, hint). 

8.  Harbor seals are the cutest animals in the world. As Ben said, "I wish I could just cuddle up and spoon one of them when I go to sleep at night." Yep, that cute. If you haven't already seen my video of one scooting along on the sand, check it out. 

9.  Going without a to-do list for an entire week is LIFE-CHANGING. Seriously. Everyone should go without a to-do list for at least 1 week per year. 

10.  If I could get 11 hours of sleep every night and wake up without an alarm clock every morning, I'd be a better person. But then again, wouldn't we all? 

Now for all the deets about where we stayed, dined, and went while in San Diego (we stayed in La Jolla for the week). I highly recommend all businesses/locations listed below!

STAY: 

• Redwood Hollow Guest Cottages in La Jolla, CA: As you've probably seen from my pics, these little beach cabins were amazing. Super affordable (we were shocked!), extremely comfy and homey, rustic (but had everything we would need), 1 block from the beach and a 10-min walk to all of the shops and restaurants in La Jolla, this place was perfect. They have all different sized cabins and I think it would be the perfect place to go with a group, as well (everyone could rent separate little cottages and share the common areas = perfect!). 

VISIT:

• Torrey Pines State Reserve: Just a short drive from where we stayed, this is where most of my gorgeous hiking pics came from. Amazing vistas, trails, and beaches, it makes for a perfect active day outside. Loved it. 
• Coronado Island: We took the ferry, rented bikes, and explored the island. We had lunch on the deck at the Hotel del Coronado (historical and beautiful) and then rode back. One of our favorite parts of the trip.
• Sail San Diego: We took a 3-hour afternoon sail and it was really fun. 6 people total on the boat, unlimited food and drinks (including wine and beer!), a great way to see San Diego. 
• Black's Beach: Yes, this is where we went to the nude beach, but you don't have to go there (we just did it because we'd never been to one!)--there's also a regular beach to the left. This is a very hidden, very secluded local beach that requires a tough hike down, but is totally worth it. A very fun adventure that leads to a gorgeous view and gorgeous beaches. 

EAT: Although we planned on trying a number of different recommended restaurants all over San Diego, we ended up eating most of our meals in La Jolla, as we liked being able to take a casual stroll down to our dinner spots. Every meal we had was amazing, but our 3 favorite places are below (must-haves if you visit La Jolla):

• Georges at the Cove: Where we dined at the rooftop restaurant and bar, overlooking the coastline (and where we had the fabulous Margaritas). Perfect. 
• The Cottage La Jolla: We went here twice for brunch, and probably would have gone every day if we'd found it sooner! Delicious homemade granola, world famous scones, and wonderful everything else, as well. Packed, but worth the wait. 
• Don Carlos Taco Shop: Authentic mexican tacos. Cheap and really tasty. 

I hope these recommendations are helpful! If you want more info about any part of our trip, let me know. 

Thanks for being a part of my life journey and sharing these experiences with me :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine