it's a coastal getaway!

 

 San Diego!

Leaving lovely Los Angeles for the weekend to explore the city of San Diego, CA. It is apparently the eighth biggest city in the United States, some useful jeopardy knowledge! To get to San Diego, I drove along the Pacific Coast which was so beautiful. I am still amazed by the view, the ocean and the mountains along with a clear sky, love it. As growing up in Florida, I am use to the flat terrains that run into ocean. Southern California is known for not having seasons, and since I've moved here I can attest to that statement. This weekend was no exception, as it was sunny and gorgeous!

Once I arrived in downtown San Diego, I went to explore the area known as "Little Italy." It was filled with cute Italian restaurants, bakeries and gelato shops. Yum! The whole area was filled with a delicious aroma. Randomly picked a restaurant, since most of them were so busy, and grabbed an available table. However, I cannot remember the name of the place, but it had amazing Chianti! While exploring, I could not resist but to compare San Diego's "Little Italy" to Manhattan's. There were a few differences that I noted, first, Manhattan is more compact and has a historical feel. As here, the community is 'new' Italian. Most of the buildings in the area have recently been developed. Secondly, although San Diego had an Italian feel, Manhattan expresses the Italian more flamboyantly. Both places are worth the visit, especially for the food and wine!!

                            

The Marina was gorgeous, even spotted a wild seal! Downtown San Diego offers many fun adventures. The Marina Village has seafood restaurants, tourist shops, and men carrying wild parrots. Yes, the area provides for great people watching, not only did I see the wild parrots, but I saw men hauling huge fish off boats, a man who stacked rocks on top of other rocks, and (couldn't be with out) a clown.

Back in the 1970s, San Diego began revamping its downtown. It is now host to the San Diego Padres, at the PetCO stadium (pictured below). The main part of downtown is known as The Gaslamp Quarter, the historical heart of San Diego. It is a place where you can shop, dine, and play. There are english pubs, live irish music, fried fish taco stands, nightclubs, and believe it or not a Hard Rock Cafe. I was able to walk around the Quarter and was entertained by the locals. Right next to the trolley stop is Tin Fish Quarter, famous for fried fish taco, of course I had to try one and boy was it yummy!

Before I left, I drove over to Coronado Island. A gorgeous victorian hotel, Hotel del Coronado, is just off to the left of this small island. The hotel has been a host to many hollywood movies and exceptional guests.  You might notice the hotel from "Some Like it Hot" as it was the backdrop for the comedy. The hotel is known to be haunted by the ghost of Kate Morgan, known as the Beautiful Stranger that never checked out. 

Once in a while it is always nice to getaway and explore! This trip was no exception, I will definitely make a return visit to San Diego!