What good things might come your way this week?
For me, it was the trip I booked during the winter blues back home in Minnesota—an escape to San Diego during the last week of April that gave me sunshine, fresh perspective, and more than 20,000 steps a day.
I stayed in Pacific Beach, just a short walk from both the bay and the ocean, which made it easy to start every morning with a beachside stroll and end the day chasing sunsets. The weather was mostly in the 60s with a mix of light rain and overcast skies. It cooled off at night, so a jacket was essential, but the final day brought full sunshine and that classic San Diego glow.
And I had the best tour guide: my cousin Nora, who’s lived in San Diego for a few years and went to college in California. She knows all the best spots and neighborhoods worth wandering—and lucky for me, she loves to walk as much as I do.
From coastal hikes to local coffee shops, vibrant neighborhoods to hidden trails, this city gave me space to breathe, reset, and move. I followed the sun, found new favorite spots, and left with sandy shoes, tired feet, and a full heart.
Friday: North Park → Pacific Beach → Little Italy
- Coffee at Lovesong Coffee – I loved the Bee’s Knees
- Breakfast at Breakfast Republic – San Diego Benedict for the win
- More coffee at Communal Coffee
- Walk and shop around North Park – favorites: Verbatim Books, Pigment, Casa Palma
- Afternoon by the pier at Pacific Beach
- Dinner in Little Italy at Monello – I ordered the lasagna
Saturday: PB → Little Italy → Escondido → Sunset Cliffs
- Morning coffee from The Grounds in PB
- Walk along the bay and ocean
- Strolled the Little Italy farmers market and art fair
- Brunch at Coco Maya – Instagram vibes, good mimosas, and rooftop
- Spent the afternoon sipping wine in Escondido
- Watched the sunset at Sunset Cliffs
- Dinner and drinks back at North Park & Pizza
Sunday: Yoga → Coronado → Torrey Pines → La Jolla → Ocean Beach
- Yoga Sculpt at Yoga Box
- Walked Pacific Beach and grabbed coffee from The Grounds
- Explored Coronado – saw the famous hotel, walked the beach
- Drove to Torrey Pines for a hike with a view
- Said hi to the seals in La Jolla
- Checked out Ocean Beach
- Dinner at OB Noodle House
- Sunset at OB Dog Beach
Monday: Final Strolls & Slow Moments
- Walked the PB bay and ocean
- Back to Lovesong Coffee for one last Bee’s Knees
- Yoga Sculpt at Hot Box
- Smoothie from The Mad Beet
- Beach walk and a slow, sunny pool afternoon
Until Next Time, San Diego
San Diego, you were just what I needed.
From ocean breezes to mountaintop views, early morning coffee runs to golden hour hikes, every step reminded me how healing it is to move, explore, and breathe in something new. I came looking for sunshine and ended up finding a reset—one trail, one neighborhood, one coastline at a time.
There’s something magical about a place that encourages you to walk a little further, linger a little longer, and pay attention to the beauty all around you. I’m heading home with sandy shoes, sun-kissed skin, and a whole new list of favorite places—but more than anything, I’m heading home feeling lighter.
Until next time, San Diego. I’ll be back for more.
Gifted with Grace 