Weekend in Coastal San Diego

FOR MILLIONS OF TRAVELERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, LIFE STOOD STILL FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AS WE WAITED FOR DIRECTIVES FROM THE CDC, AIRLINES AND TRAINS AS TO HOW TRAVEL WOULD BE MANAGED DURING A PANDEMIC. MANY WERE FORCED TO STAY HOME AND REMAINED SKITTISH ABOUT STAYING IN HOTELS, VISITING MUSEUMS OR TAKING IN OTHER INDOOR HOT SPOTS FOR FEAR OF EXPOSURE. BUT FOR THE ADVENTUROUS SPIRITS, THEY HIT THE ROAD IN RECORD NUMBERS IN THEIR RVS, AIRSTREAMS, AND SPRINTER VANS. THE SALE OF THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES SOARED MORE THAN 300% IN 2021 AND HERE IN SOCAL, THERE ARE PLENTY OF BEAUTIFUL RV RESORTS TO VISIT AS YOU EXPLORE OUR GORGEOUS COASTLINE.

By Janine Goldberg

IF YOU WANT TO ENTERTAIN A BIGGER GROUP OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS BUT DON’T HAVE THE ROOM IN YOUR VEHICLE, SUN OUTDOORS OFFERS MORE THAN 40 RENTAL COTTAGES THAT ARE FURNISHED WITH A BEACHVIBE SLANT AND KITCHENS.

Whether you have a young family, traveling with friends or enjoying retirement, grab hold of your adventurous spirit, buckle up and let’s explore the SoCal coastline from Los Angeles to San Diego where we are blessed with some of the prettiest coastal views in our country.

The drive to San Diego allows road warriors to stop and take in surfers, beach communities and fellow road adventurers who all speak the same language. Let’s also acknowledge that most of us get a little restless throughout a road trip, even in the most tricked out RV. About the time roadies hit La Jolla (roughly 110 miles from Los Angeles) you’ll be ready to park, put on your water shoes and experience the Pacific.

Located in downtown La Jolla, Everyday California is your best bet to explore La Jolla’s waters. The company is committed to preserving and protecting the ocean and its marine life. Through its partnership with 1% For The Planet, they donate a portion of every purchase made to environmental organizations and nonprofits. If you opt for the 90-minute kayak tour (or experienced paddlers can rent a kayak and adventure on their own) you’ll have the opportunity to see the seven sea caves (weather permitting you can go through them,) watch sea lions sunbathing on the rocks, enjoy the bright orange Garibaldi fish and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll spot dolphins frolicking near your kayak. The guides are knowledgeable about La Jolla’s famous Marine Reserve and many of them grew up locally. If kayaking isn’t up your alley, you can also go on a snorkel tour, take surf and SUP lessons and more with Everyday California. La Jolla is a popular destination, so advance reservations are recommended.

After a little lunch (there are plenty of delicious nibbles to be consumed in La Jolla) and muscle recovery, drive another 20 miles into San Diego’s Sun Outdoors RV Resort. This resort sits on 19 acres of land on San Diego Bay, is adjacent to the Living Coast Discovery Center and just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego. The resort's 197 slabs include spacious patios, fire pits, picnic tables and landscaping. With an ability to pull through or back your rig in, the luxurious resort can accommodate rigs of all sizes. Don't want to disconnect? Don’t worry – Sun Outdoors offers free WiFi and cable-ready sites.

Rest assured you won’t want to stay in your home away from home at this resort. There’s bike rentals, a dog park for your fourlegged friends to enjoy, swimming pool with cabanas, hot tub, poolside movie screen, kids splash pad, fitness center, game room, arcade, pickleball, putting green, bocce ball, plenty of showers and restrooms, a playground, and more. Located next door, The Living Coast Discover Center is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium where a good chunk of your day can be spent. A strict noise curfew is enforced to make sure rest is obtainable. If you’re not up for cooking, you can grab food at the Market or walk to the Getaway Café & Bar where a full bar and food menu is available. From there, you can venture upstairs and relax on the Skydeck where you can take in the sunset.

If you want to entertain a bigger group of family and friends but don’t have the room in your vehicle, Sun Outdoors offers more than 40 rental cottages that are

furnished with a beach-vibe slant and kitchens. Six select cottages boast of a rooftop porch with fantastic views of the San Diego Bay and surrounding areas. The staff at Sun Outdoors do a stellar job in keeping the resort sparkling clean and free of trash. Additionally convenient, they have a propane and recycle center on property.

You may also want to explore the surrounding Chula Vista area. The downtown houses retailers, movie theaters, specialty shops and seasonal outdoor concerts. Not only are there 56 parks and 60 sporting fields in the area, you can also tour the Chula Vista Elite Athletic Training Center and see some of the best amateur athletes getting their training in.

When you want to steer off property for some sustenance, be sure to hit San Diego’s Enclave Café. Spearheaded by Chef Lan Thai, each meal is consciously created to improve circulation, build strong immunity and improve overall health. With three locations, the cafés goal is to bridge the culinary and healthcare industries by combining both the flavor and medicinal profile of ingredients to make nutrient-dense and functional foods that satiate the most adventurous tastes. Open from 8a.m.-8:00p.m., their specialties include their breakfast burrito, specialty fancy schmancy grilled cheese, tomato fennel soup and the maitake mushroom sourdough toast.

For the younger crowd, be sure to head into Ocean Beach’s The Holding Company, a 3-story restaurant, bar and live music venue. They offer an AsianMexican fusion menu, with favorites including Kimchi Fried Rice, Spicy Garlic Wings and Thai Curry House Special. If you’re not the one behind the wheel, enjoy one of their 90 oz drink towers or a handcrafted cocktail. The rooftop views of the Pacific make it a sought-after location every night of the week. They also offer brunch on Saturday and Sunday and be sure to check out their event schedule.

To wind down your trip back home, stop at Saffron & Sage, a holistic health club, located in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Although it is a membership based club, visitors can schedule a one-off appointment. Founder Cristin Smith took a year to seek out highly educated practitioners in their fields which include medical doctors, naturopath, nutritionist, massage therapist and more. Their extensive services offer anything from energy therapy, facials, fire cupping, massage, hypnotherapy, life coaching, sound therapy and much more. Consultations with highly trained specialists are available to ensure you get the service that your body and mind are craving. You can relax with a cup of tea in the lounge as you wait your treatment or wander through their boutique where you can purchase a variety of their products, many of which are made in house. You will leave Saffron & Sage renewed, reenergized and with a desire to return.

Time to rev up the engine and head back home or to your next road destination. Wherever your travels take you in SoCal, be sure to take us with you and enjoy the journey. v www.saffronsageliving.com www.theholdingcompanyob.com www.enclavefam.com www.sunoutdoors.com www.everydaycalifornia.com