I’m sure we all have a few bucket list places we want to visit, and for my good friend Lisa Gorgin she has her own set of them in California to visit before her visa runs out. So recently to help celebrate Lisa’s 64th birthday we hit a few spots, on a short 24-hour jaunt to San Diego. Depending on traffic it could take anywhere between two and a half hours to four hours to get down there. I recommend setting off at around 11am and before 1pm and you should make good time.
Heading south once you clear the urban sprawl past Newport Beach things get a little prettier, and en route there is one detour one must definitely take – the beautiful cove at La Jollam with its incredible shoreline and beautiful sky it’s a must see. If you have time book a table at George’s at The Cove (georgesatthecove.com) for some outstanding California cuisine and sparkling ocean views. Even if you don’t have time for some nosh, it’s a great spot for cheeky glass of wine – or something soft for the driver!
Arriving in San Diego we checked into the Hotel Lafayette Bungalows and Swim Club which I had booked using the very nifty app HotelTonight to snag a last-minute deal. Their rooms regularly run $250 a night but we nabbed one for just $98. Who doesn’t love a bargain?
The hotel is ideally located near the city’s Balboa Park, and apparently has been locally famous since 1946, as their brochure put it, ‘welcoming celebrities and locals to relax in our spacious guestrooms, suites and private bungalows.” They flock here for the famed Johnny Weissmuller (of Tarzan fame) Olympic sized Pool.
Even Hollywood has come calling to film movies including Top Gun’s “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” bar scene. We found it a playful, fun, unique and historic spot, so really, there’s no better place to make your escape. The rooms are a bit drab and definitely in need of an upgrade, but for the price we couldn’t really complain.
Soon after checking in and dropping our bags we set off for San Diego’s Old Town for a spot of shopping, margaritas and dancing. Not necessarily in that order. As you walk around the many stores and restaurants one common theme emerges, music and dancing is everywhere. It’s a real celebration of the Mexican culture. Old Town San Diego marks the site of the first Spanish settlement on the U.S. West Coast and features 12 acres of Mexican heritage and historical sites, colorful shops, early-California-style restaurants, museums, a theater and the restored Cosmopolitan Hotel. I can only imagine what the cinco de Mayo celebrations are like here… Lisa and I danced to live music in the town square. I’m sure I was was less Despacito and more Desperado though! Hey, I’m a gringo!
Dinner was spent in Little Italy at the most gorgeous steak restaurant called Born and Raised (bornandraisedsteak.com) which boasts tableside carts and smoking cocktails (and they do have a vegan option for those so inclined) it’s a real gem of a restaurant, if a little bit pricey, but well worth it. After dinner drinks were spent at “False Idol” a hidden Tiki Bar at the back of a restaurant called “Craft and Commerce.” This is an amazing spot to surprise the out-of-towners. No photos are allowed but the special effects are not to be missed. Reservations are advised.
The next morning to nurse our hangovers, we dipped in the pool, soaked up the sun and drank bloody Marys poolside before venturing off to the number one thing to see and do in San Diego…to visit the famed Hotel Del Coronado and it’s beaches.
This historic hostelry is a San Diego icon and is famous worldwide as the backdrop for the classic Billy Wilder comedy “Some Like it Hot”. But it’s stunning architecture and expansive, vintage interiors are something not to be missed. Lunch on the patio deck of shrimp tacos and chips was well worth it, but watch out for the portion sizes. I’d recommend sharing, as one plate is more than enough for two. We were ready for a nap but the drive home beckoned, so reluctantly, we hit the freeway and headed north.
All in all San Diego is definitely a place worth seeing and exploring, I know for sure I’ll be back –next time hopefully for a longer stay.
Craig Young
