Since Phil was in San Diego for a business trip, I decided to join him for the weekend to see our friends and family in Southern California. Ever since moving back to the west coast, we realized that California is an endless gold mine for exploration and weekend trips. So, we take any chance we can to get away and visit different parts of the state.
We started off our weekend spending some time at the Del Coronado Beach and Hotel del Coronado, where I had spent a fun-filled night 10 years ago with my graduating peers before our high school graduation. Coming back here brought back memories of being our goofy teenage selves, totally clueless of the life ahead.
We topped the day off with happy hour on El Camino‘s outdoor patio for evening snacking and Mexican mules. Our conversations were frequently interrupted by the airplanes flying, oftentimes too close for comfort, over head (every 10 minutes or so), but soon realized afterwards that it was all part of the experience.
The next morning, we reunited with our old Boston friends in the Hillcrest neighborhood for brunch at Trust and a quick stop at the annual San Diego Pride Parade. It’s been a year since we had last seen them, and Baby Hayward has grown into a curious, energetic toddler who loves sitting up high on Uncle Phil’s shoulders. So much so that he couldn’t stop dancing , clapping and screaming from excitement!
In the afternoon, we went hiking along the coastal trails in Torrey Pines with my little sister, Candace, and her boyfriend, Tim. The trails were surprisingly dry, reminding me of the Arizona vegetation, but had incredible views of the gorgeous blue ocean and beaches below.
With a hot hike, there is always a swim. We headed to Scripps Beach for a dip in the warm Pacific and enjoyed the San Diego summer.
In the evening, we had an epic dinner at Juniper & Ivy in Little Italy, followed by gelato at Pappalecco a few blocks away. Each dish at Juniper & Ivy was amazingly delightful and so so fresh. Every bite was savored. The food was accompanied by the tasteful interior design of the restaurant which was artfully modern, yet warehouse industrial. Just loved every bit of this place!
It was such a relaxing but much too short visit down south. It was so nice to reunite and catch up with familiar faces and enjoy a little bit more of San Diego.
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