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Temecula is a city located in southwestern Riverside County, California, approximately 85 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 60 miles north of San Diego. It is known for its beautiful vineyards and wineries, which produce a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The city also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival, and the Temecula Rod Run. Best time to visit : September/October: If you want to experience warm weather and beautiful, lush vineyards this is the time to visit. These months are still considered peak tourist season, but if you visit later in October, you might be able to avoid some of the crowds. July/August: Not a bad time to go if you want to stroll through the vineyards, but keep in mind it gets very hot in Temecula. If you go during these months, be prepared to sweat! January/Feb/March: If you want to avoid the crowds, this is a great time to go. The only downside is that it is not harvest season so the vineyards will not be lush and green, but on the upside, you won’t have to deal with all the crowds. Getting there : The best way to travel to and around Temecula is by car. There are also many wine tours you can purchase that will drive you around to different wineries. Where to Stay : There are so many unique places to stay from luxury bed and breakfasts to budget friendly hotels. The Vine House Bed and Breakfast $$$$ This family owned and operated B&B is located on the De Portola Wine Trail. The Vine boasts elegant rooms with fireplaces and gourmet breakfast delivered right to your room. The property is also in walking distance to a few wineries. Ponte Vineyard Inn $$$ This elegant hotel is located on a vineyard and offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a restaurant. It's rated as one of the top hotels in Temecula. Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula $$ Located in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country, this hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms and suites with amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. Things to do : Wine Tasting - Temecula Valley Wine Country is home to over 40 wineries, making it a popular destination for wine tasting and tours. Many of the wineries are located near De Portola Rd and Rancho California Rd. This area is very easy to get around by car. Our favorite winery in Temecula is Wilson Creek Winery ! This winery is known for their sparkling wines, almond (what they are known for) and peach bellini (my favorite)! They also have delicious red and white wines. During the summer they also have wine slushies available for purchase. Old Town Temecula - This historic district features charming shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as a weekly farmers' market. This is a very walkable area and a great place to explore. Hot Air Balloon Rides - Take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards and hills of Temecula for breathtaking views. Spa day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs - Located about 30 min from the city center of Temecula sits a full-service day spa. This spa offers relaxing body and facial treatments, mineral baths, and delicious food. Pechanga Resort & Casino - This large resort features a casino, spa, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Outdoor Activities - There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Temecula, including hiking, biking, golfing, and horseback riding. Temecula Valley Museum - This museum features exhibits and artifacts that highlight the history and culture of Temecula. Where to Eat : Toast $$ Toast is a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant. It is known for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere and has become a favorite among locals and visitors. The menu at Toast features a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some popular items include the Eggs Benedict and the creme brulee French Toast. The Goat & Vine $$ This local spot offers a menu of wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a selection of local wines and craft beers. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and flavorful dishes and has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. This is a very popular restaurant, so I recommend visiting their website and joining the waitlist before you arrive. We love the Hatch Chili Honey Chicken Pizza and we’ve heard their Jacked Cappuccino Ice Cream Cake is delicious! Havana Kitchen $$ This restaurant offers a menu of traditional Cuban dishes, such as Ropa Vieja, Cuban Sandwiches, and Picadillo. They are known for its flavorful and authentic cuisine, as well as its lively atmosphere and live music on certain nights. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Cuban cocktails and other beverages. Our favorite sandwich on the menu is the Ropa-Q, made with Cuban pulled pork, grilled onions, and BBQ sauce! Safety : Overall Temecula is a very safe city and has a very low crime rate. We have always felt very safe during our visits. As with any city, it is always best practice to use wisdom when traveling and be aware of your surroundings. Budget : When setting a budget for your trip to Temecula there are many factors to keep in mind. Many of the hotels in this area average about $200 - $300 per night. The price of the hotels varies during weekends and high season. The high season is typically May to June and September to December. With so many wineries to choose from I recommend choosing no more than 3 wineries/day to visit. I recommend this because you will have more time to enjoy the wine tastings and explore the grounds at the winery. The cost of a wine tasting averages $20- $30 per/person and includes 5-6 tastings/person. If you are not a big wine drinker most wineries will let you share your tasting with your companion. The cost of food is high almost everywhere but in California, I would say it’s probably higher than the national average. Most meals will cost about $15.00 - $20.00 per/person. For the cost of transportation, a rideshare will cost an average of $8.00 - $17.00. Wrap up : I hope this Temecula guide is a helpful resource and inspires you to visit Temecula! If you want assistance planning your trip or have questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this post!

One of my favorite meals to eat is breakfast and there are a lot of great breakfast spots in San Diego. I'm going to give you my top 5 breakfast spots to try in San Diego along with one of the best items on the menu. The restaurants on this list are great places to take your friends and family when they come to town for a visit and are also nice to go to solo if you just want to eat high quality breakfast food all by yourself! So without further ado here is my list of the top 5 breakfast restaurants in San Diego! Sugar and Scribe Sugar and Scribe is a well-known restaurant located in La Jolla, California. It is a popular restaurant that offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. They serve breakfast and brunch dishes such as omelets, pancakes, and avocado toast. When you go, try the delicious Kensington Benedict with poached eggs, smoked salmon, and a dill creme fraîche! You also need to try the blueberry love pancakes! The pancakes are the most ordered item on the menu! Lastly, I highly recommend the lemon lavender mimosa, it is dangerously good! Best Dish: Blueberry Love Pancakes and the Kensignton Benedict Best Drink: Lemon Lavender mimosa Fig Tree Cafe Ever heard of Liberty Station ? Well if not, now you have! Fig Tree Cafe sits in the heart of Liberty Station which is a beautiful neighborhood and shopping area located in Point Loma which is only a few minutes drive from the San Diego Airport. They offer some of the best French toast your tastebuds have ever tasted and are open for breakfast and lunch. Get there early because it fills up quick and the lines can get long. When we go we usually shoot for opening which is 7am sharp! Best dish: Berry Sweet French Toast Great Maple The Great Maple restaurant offers a sleek modern inside with plenty of seating for friends and family. Couple that with a list of tasty entrees from tasty chilaquiles to some enormous but super soft French Toast logs and you have a foodies dream come true! Of course everything is served with pure maple syrup! There are 2 locations currently in San Diego: La Jolla UTC and Hillcrest with the former offering more parking and space for guest, but it is connected to a large mall so make sure you park close to where it's located. Another bonus is that the La Jolla location offers reservations for large parties. Best dish: Maple Bacon Donuts Photo Credit: Great Maple Spill the Beans Cafe This reastaurant offers a unique spin on bagel breakfast! Each bagel dish can be crafted with a sweet and savory cream cheese plus a handful of other tasty butters. Spill the Beans Cafe has bagel flavors like French Toast and Bacon and White Cheddar so you know you're in for a treat. They also offer some great coffee options having won an award from Ranch & Coast for best coffee 2022. It's located in Seaport Village which is right next to the beautiful San Diego Bay. You could walk down the edge of the bay in the early morning after getting full from of these bagels and enjoy the nice views of the ocean and pier. Best menu item: THE MCLOVIN with Agave & Vanilla Cream Cheese Cafe 21 Cafe 21 is one of the most relaxing places to eat. They offer breakfast tapas that taste great. Whether it's the Lamb Kofta Omelette or their vegan French Toast there is at least on the menu for everyone. Oh and did I mention its Farm-to-Table? Best menu item: Dutch Pancacke Photo credit: Cafe 21 Vibes: Photo credit: Cafe 21 Sunny Boy Biscuit Co. Biscuits anyone? This little home grown shop is very popular amongst the downtown and North Park residents. If you enjoy warm buttery melt in your mouth biscuits then you have to try Sunny Boy Biscuit Co. Their biscuit entrees are bursting with flavor in every bite! Best menu items: Veggie Benedict and the Biscuit Brûlée

San Diego is not just a destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts; it's also a destination for foodies who love the taste of comforting homemade baked delights. When I am on the hunt for a delicious treat in San Diego to satisfy my sweet tooth, I like to switch it up sometimes and visit a vegan bakery. Why Vegan?  I am very intrigued by how bakers turn traditional desserts, recreate them with all plant-based ingredients, and make the most delicious vegan desserts. In this post, I'll share 2 of the best vegan bakeries in San Diego. Maya's Cookies and Split Bakehouse.  Maya's Cookies      The first time I tried Maya's cookies was at the Little Italy Farmer's Market in 2019. I instantly fell in love with these vegan cookies. What I love about these cookies is the amazing flavors, from birthday cake to snickerdoodle to S'mores, each one is mouthwatering and will leave you wanting more. In addition to the permanent flavors, the owner also has seasonal and holiday flavors. Whenever I have family in town, I love to buy a dozen of these to share and my family is always surprised that the cookies are vegan.  My Favorite: My go-to cookie is the S'mores cookie. The S'mores cookie is a chocolate cookie with gooey marshmallows in the middle. Yum! Where to find Maya's Cookies: You can order Mya's Cookies online and have them shipped to your home. If you live locally you can find them at several farmers markets throughout the city including the Little Italy Farmers Market and the Hillcrest Farmers Market. You can also visit the storefront location at 4760 Mission Gorge Place, Suite G in Mission Valley.  S'mores Cookie Split Bakehouse     Split Bakehouse Bakery serves up the best vegan pastries in San Diego. They were voted Best Vegan Pastry 2021 by the San Diego Magazine! They have various items on their menu such as muffins, cinnamon rolls, and croissants. The pastries are light, refreshing, and everything that you want in a pastry. Fun Fact: Their pastry chef was featured on Episode 6 of Bakers Dozen on Hulu!  My Favorite: I love their signature Berry Pop Tart (It's an upgrade from my childhood pop tarts that I used to eat for breakfast).  Where to find Split Bakehouse: You can find Split Bakehouse Pastries at many coffee shops around San Diego. They also have a storefront located at Grossmont Center Mall in La Mesa. If you visit one of these bakeries, leave a comment below and let me know about your experience If you visit one of these bakeries, leave a comment below and let me know about your experience!

Ice cream is one of my favorite summer treats. Many ice cream lovers would argue that ice cream should be enjoyed year round, but for all my ice cream lovers out there, there is a special day reserved just for you. National Ice cream Day! National Ice cream Day is on July 17th and a great way to celebrate is to partake in this creamy treat at one of these 4 local ice cream shops in San Diego! An's Dry Cleaning This Gelato shop is serving up THE BEST gelato in the city. What makes it the best? Well, for starters it's made from scratch daily with fresh local ingredients. They are also backed by a skilled gelato maker with experience in Europe. So you know this gelato is the real deal! I'm sure your wondering why is called An's Dry Cleaning, well the previous tenant of the space was an actual dry cleaning called An's Dry Cleaning. The owners decided to keep the same name when they moved into the space. The dry cleaning theme can be seen throughout the décor and the names of the gelato flavors are inspired by different types of fabrics. What should you try when you go? Well one of the most popular flavors is Leather, a brown butter gelato with homemade gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. Looking for something on the creamy side? Try Cashmere, a creamy decadent gelato made with honey and goat cheese, giving you all the cheesecake feels. There menu changes frequently so each time you go it will be a new adventure for your tastebuds ! There are currently two locations to choose from, An's Dry Cleaning in North Park , right off Adams Avenue , and An's Hatmakers (different name, different concept, same delicious gelato) in Del Mar . Photo Credit: An's Dry Cleaning Flavor: Cashmere Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream Voted San Diego Best for three years in a row, this local favorite is Hawaiian inspired and offers the richest , creamiest ice cream that will be sure to knock you off your feet! What makes Hamond's unique besides their unique flavors, are their ice cream flights! Yes, you read that correctly, Ice cream flights! You no longer need to make that tough decision regarding what flavor to choose from. You can just choose the flight and get up to six of your favorite flavors. If you want the ultimate ice cream challenge, try the 32 flavor ice cream flight! Not sure what to get? There are over 32 daily flavors to choose from. With flavors like Chocolate Hazelnut, Toasted Coconut and Summer Berry, there is a flavor for everyone. Hammond's has two locations. One location in North Park and the other location is in Point Loma . Photo Credit: Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream : 32 flavor Ice Cream flight Cali Cream If you are looking to try a local , family operated, homemade ice cream shop then look no further than Cali Cream. They have over 50 flavors daily to choose from. Not in the mood for a ice cream cone? Try one of there delicious hot fudge sundaes or a banana split. Hmm not feeling the ice cream sundaes, try one of their decadent milkshakes. With so many options to choose from , one can be sure to find something that will satisfy their sweet tooth. Cali Cream has two locations. The original location is in Encinitas and they opened a second location in the Gaslamp District in Downtown. Photo Credit : Cali Cream Holy Paleta Are you looking to try a unique ice cream dessert? Try a traditional Mexican style ice cream desert known as a Paleta. Paletas look similar to popsicles but are made with fresh natural fruits and can be made with dairy or dairy free. Try one of their fruity options like Creamy Passion Fruit or Pineapple Basil. They also have decadent options like S'mores Pop which is a chocolate milkshake paleta dipped in milk chocolate toped with Graham Cracker and torched marshmallows! You can also customize by choosing what toppings to add to your Paleta. You can get your paleta fix at two locations, Bonita and Little Italy . Happy National Ice Cream Day!

San Diego is a foodie dreamland filled with so many options and sometimes with all the options it can be hard to choose a place for dinner. I'll make it a little easier on you, here are three of my favorite restaurants to go to for dinner in San Diego. Aladdin Mediterranean Grill If you enjoy Mediterranean food this restaurant will make your taste buds happy! This is one of my favorite restaurants to eat at in San Diego. Tucked away in a little strip mall in Kearny Mesa, this delicious restaurant offers an extensive menu from family platters full of flavor to induvial entrees. The must-try items on the menu are the chicken shawarma bites and the chicken shawarma entrée. If you're not a fan of chicken, there are many other mouthwatering options to choose from. Chicken Shawarma Entrée Chicken Shawarma Bites Tasty Noodle House There is so much truth to the name of this restaurant! Located in the convoy district, this restaurant is serving up delicious authentic Shanghai cuisine. Their extensive menu has so many options from chow mein to orange chicken. Each one of their entrees are large enough to share, so I recommend choosing a few items off the menu for a family style meal. The must try items on the menu are the chow mein and the Shanghai grilled pork buns. ​ ​Vegetable Chow Mein Shanghai Grilled Pork Buns M ezze Greek Fusion Mezze Greek Fusion is a popular restaurant located in the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. They offer a unique dining experience by combining Greek and Mediterranean flavors with a modern twist. Mezze refers to a style of dining in Mediterranean cuisine where several small dishes are served as appetizers or snacks to be shared among diners. The restaurant aims to provide a contemporary and innovative take on traditional Greek dishes, incorporating elements from other Mediterranean cuisines and infusing them with local Californian ingredients. At Mezze Greek Fusion, you can expect to find a diverse menu featuring a range of appetizers, salads, wraps, entrees, and desserts. One of the most popular dishes at Mezze Greek Fusion is the lamb gyro: A classic Greek dish consisting of succulent slices of marinated and roasted lamb, served on warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. If you're in San Diego and looking for a fusion of Greek and Mediterranean flavors in a contemporary setting, Mezze Greek Fusion could be a great choice to satisfy your culinary cravings.

San Diego is home to many great vegan restaurants, cafes, and bakeries offering a variety of plant-based dishes to suit all tastes. Here are some vegan spots to check out during your next visit to San Diego. 1. Kindred Known for their uniquely hand-crafted cocktails, this stylish vegan bar and restaurant offers a menu of vegan comfort food, such as their BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer vegan brunch from 10 am to 2 pm! 2. Donna Jean Located near downtown San Diego, this vegan restaurant serves up wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as craft cocktails. On Saturdays and Sundays, they have a brunch menu with options like strawberry French toast, biscuits and gravy and a breakfast calzone! Yum! 3. Plant Power Fast Food This vegan fast-food chain offers a range of plant-based burgers, fries, and milkshakes, as well as tacos, breakfast sandwiches, and salads. With a few locations throughout the city, you have plenty of opportunities to get your fast-food fix. 4. Trilogy Sanctuary Located in La Jolla, this rooftop cafe and yoga studio offers a menu of organic and vegan dishes. Try their trilogy pancakes which are a trio of pancakes with different toppings or one of their other delicious entrees. They also have a variety of smoothies and acai bowls to choose from. 5. The Loving Hut Offering vegan versions of popular Asian, Mexican and American dishes. Try their impossible crispy rolls, Pho Thai or chow mein. 6. Ben and Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli This vegan spot is serving up some unique vegan sandwiches and bagels. Try the turkey-bacon club or Benny's Brisket made with steak, Swiss and grilled onions! Oh my! If you are looking for more vegan options in San Diego, Check out my post on the best vegan bakeries in San Diego!

San Diego has a vibrant nightlife scene, and rooftop bars are popular spots to enjoy the city's warm climate and stunning views. Here are some rooftop bars in San Diego worth checking out: Altitude Sky Lounge : Located atop the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter, Altitude Sky Lounge offers panoramic views of downtown San Diego and the Padres Stadium. This trendy rooftop bar features modern decor, fire pits, and a stylish atmosphere. They serve craft cocktails and small bites, making it a popular spot for happy hour or a night out. The Nolen : Situated in downtown San Diego, The Nolen is a chic rooftop bar that boasts panoramic views of the city and the bay. The rooftop patio features cozy seating areas, fire pits, and a stylish ambiance. The Nolen offers a variety of craft cocktails, local beers, and a small bites menu. Rustic Root: Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, Rustic Root is a rooftop bar and restaurant with a lively atmosphere. The rooftop patio offers views of the city skyline, and the bar serves craft cocktails, local beers, and a menu of American comfort food with a twist. Level Four Pool Deck + Lounge : Situated atop the Kimpton Solamar Hotel, Level Four Pool Deck + Lounge is a trendy rooftop bar with a heated pool, cabanas, and panoramic views of downtown San Diego. This upscale rooftop bar offers a variety of cocktails, small plates, and a lively atmosphere. Fairweather: Located in the East Village neighborhood, Fairweather is a hip rooftop bar with a casual, laid-back vibe. The rooftop patio features colorful seating, murals, and views of downtown San Diego. They offer craft cocktails, local beers, and a relaxed atmosphere. The Pool House : Situated atop the Pendry San Diego hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, The Pool House is a rooftop bar with a lively atmosphere, featuring a pool, cabanas, and views of the city skyline. The bar offers craft cocktails, frozen drinks, and a menu of California-inspired cuisine. The Rooftop by STK Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, this rooftop bar/restaurant sits atop of the Hyatt Hotel and boasts a cozy seating area and beautiful views of downtown. The restaurant offers an extensive drink menu and delicious food options.

When I visit a new city one of my favorite things is to visit a farmers market. Farmers' Markets are a fun way to support local farmers, businesses and try new foods. Here in San Diego, our farmers' markets are open year-round and you can find one almost any day of the week! San Diego has several great farmers' markets that are worth checking out! Little Italy Mercato : This farmers' market is located in the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego and takes place every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Saturday market is the largest in San Diego County and spans 6 city blocks. It features over 200 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, flowers, and prepared food. When you go visit Maya Cookies, a vendor that sells delicious cookies, and The French Gourmet a vendor serving up delicious pastries. Hillcrest Farmers Market: This market is held every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. Since its opening in 1997, it has become one of the largest farmers' markets in the city and features over 175 vendors selling fresh produce, prepared food, and artisanal goods. According to their website over 10,000 people a week visit this market! La Mesa Farmers Market : This popular farmers' market is located in the city of La Mesa , which is a suburb of San Diego. The market is held on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on La Mesa Blvd between Palm Ave. and 4th St. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisanal goods. The market is located in the heart of downtown La Mesa, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. Poway Farmers Market : This is another popular farmers' market in the San Diego area. It is held on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the city of Poway, which is located in the northern part of San Diego County. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared food, and it also offers live music and other entertainment. Poway Farmers Marke t is a great place to shop for locally grown produce and unique gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere. This is my favorite market to visit to find sweet and fresh berries from local farms. Ocean Beach Farmers Market : This market is held every Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. It features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared food. Located on Newport Avenue, it offers a lively atmosphere with live music and street performers. This market is 2 blocks from the beach, so after you're done visiting the market catch a relaxing sunset on the beach! Mira Mesa Farmers Marke t: This market is held every Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Mira Mesa neighborhood of San Diego. It features over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared food. The market is located on Mira Mesa Boulevard near Mira Mesa High School. North Park Farmers Market : This farmers' market is located in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego and takes place every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m . It features over 50 vendors selling fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, hot foods, and local crafts. Pacific Beach Farmers Market: This market is held every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego. It features over 50 vendors and is just 3 blocks from the beach! After you spend the day relaxing at the beach, head over to the market to support local businesses in Pacific Beach. La Jolla Open Aire Market : This farmers' market is held every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego. Like the other farmers' markets in the area, it offers produce from local farmers, and hot foods but all the proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary. Chula Vista Farmers Market : Also known as the Third Avenue Village Market, is held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the downtown Chula Vista neighborhood of San Diego. After you visit the market, take a stroll around downtown and visit the local shops, breweries, and eateries. Carlsbad Farmers Market: This market is held every Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the city of Carlsbad , which is located in the northern part of San Diego County. It features over 50 vendors selling fresh fruits, meat, eggs, fresh flowers, and more. The market is located on State Street in the heart of downtown Carlsbad, 2 blocks from the beach, and offers a family-friendly atmosphere with live music and activities for kids. Oceanside Farmers Market : The morning market is held every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the city of Oceanside, which is also located in the northern part of San Diego County. There is also a sunset market held every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Thursday market has over 150 vendors and spans 4 city blocks! If you have the opportunity to visit one of San Diego's farmers' markets, let me know about your experience in the comments. What was your favorite vendor?

1. Extraordinary Desserts : Located in Little Italy and Banker’s Hill, this bakery is known for decadent desserts, including cakes, tarts, and macarons. They also offer a selection of savory items, such as quiches and sandwiches, but the desserts are the most popular. Their dessert menu rotates daily so don’t expect to find the same desserts each time you go. This is a great place to go after dinner with friends and the cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect place for date night. I suggest arriving early because of the popularity. If you want to arrive later, be prepared to wait in line. 2. IZOLA : This artisan bakery is located in the downtown San Diego neighborhood of the East Village. They are known for their decadent croissants and sourdough loaves. I recommend the almond croissant or the Tahitian vanilla knot both were absolutely delicious! 3. Bread & Cie : Located in the Hillcrest community, this bakery specializes in artisanal bread and pastries, including croissants, baguettes, and brioche. They also have a selection of gluten-free options. 4. Le Parfait Paris : This bakery offers a range of French pastries, including croissants, macarons, and éclairs. They also have a selection of sandwiches and quiches. 5. Sugar and Scribe Bakery: Located in La Jolla and home to Food Network Holiday Baking Champion Chef Maeve, Sugar & Scribe offers a range of pastries, including scones, muffins, and croissants. They also have a full-service restaurant serving delicious benedicts, salads, and sandwiches. 6. Panchita's Bakery: With several locations throughout the city, this is the place to go if you want authentic Mexcian pastries! This bakery specializes in Mexican pastries, including conchas, churros, and pan dulce. They also have a selection of cakes and cookies. 7. The French Gourmet : Located in Pacific Beach and Little Italy Farmers Market, this bakery offers a range of French pastries, including croissants, éclairs, and tarts. I love their chocolate almond croissants! They also have a full-service restaurant menu with crepes, benedicts, and omelets at their Pacific Beach Location. 8. Con Pane Rustic Breads and Cafe : A popular bakery located in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego. This bakery has gained a reputation for its high-quality artisanal bread, as well as its selection of pastries and sandwiches. This is the place to go for delicious, fresh, homemade bread loaves to take home to your family. 9. Bear Buns Bakery : This family-owned bakery is located in the Serra Mesa community. This bakery is known for its delicious baked goods and it’s my favorite place to go when I want a mouth-watering breakfast muffin! The muffins are out of this world delicious and baked from scratch daily. When you go try their brown butter banana nut muffin, the blueberry muffin, or the mixed berry lemon muffin. Tip: Warm the muffins before you eat them, you can thank me later! 10. Hans and Harry Bakery : Located in the city of Bonita, a suburb of San Diego, this family-owned bakery has been blessing the community with delicious pastries since 1991. They are most known for the fresh fruit strudel, but they also have a variety of other items to choose from! 11. Black Market Bakery : With two locations, one in North Park and one in the East Village, this bakery is a great place to stop for a morning breakfast croissant sandwich or a tasty pecan sticky bun! 12. Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe : Located in Poway, a suburb of San Diego, this local bakery was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives! They have an extensive restaurant menu from decadent French toast to savory paninis! On the weekends they serve huge and delicious cinnamon rolls! If you want a cinnamon roll, be sure to get there early because they are known to sell out! 13. Azucar : A popular Cuban-style bakery located in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. One of the signature items at Azucar is the guava and cream cheese pastry, which is made using flaky pastry dough, a sweet guava filling, and a cream cheese topping! 14. Maya's Cookies : A popular locally owned and operated vegan bakery. This bakery is known for its delicious, plant-based cookies! You can find these mouthwatering cookies at the brick-and-mortar location in Mission Valley or at the Little Italy Farmers Market on Saturdays. I can’t get enough of the s’more cookie! 15. SPLIT Bakehouse : Located in La Mesa, CA at the Grossmont Shopping Center, this 100% vegan bakery creates sweet treats with house-made vegan butter, house-made vegan milk, and house-made vegan eggs. You can find a range of items from berry pop tarts to scones to their horchata custard vanilla concha.

Summer in San Diego is a magical time filled with endless sunshine, stunning beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the best activities, events, and hidden gems that make summer in San Diego truly unforgettable. From coastal adventures and outdoor festivals to relaxation by the shore, get ready to soak up the sun and make the most of your summer in America's Finest City! Relax at the Beach S an Diego is famous for its beautiful beaches. Spend a day at popular beach destinations like La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, or Coronado Beach. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, paddle boarding , or simply relaxing by the ocean. Go on a Tour Tours in San Diego are a great experience for both locals and tourists! Some of my favorite tours include: La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks Old Town Trolley Tour - a great way to see the city, especially if it's your first time in San Diego! Segway City Tours Ride Bikes in Mission Bay Mission Bay is the largest aquatic park of its kind in the world, surrounded by 27 miles of shoreline and several popular beach communities. This is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing bike ride. If you don't have a bike, there are a few bike rental places located right on the boardwalk. Explore San Diego Neighborhoods San Diego is a large and diverse city with many different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and local restaurants. You can easily spend the day exploring just one neighborhood! Sail Around the Bay on a Brunch Cruise This is the perfect way to start your weekend with beautiful views of the bay and a delicious brunch buffet! Join Flagship Cruises on this unforgettable experience! Enjoy a Community Festival Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cookoff Festival - June 24, 2023 Chula Vista Lemon Festival - August 12,2023 Scoop San Diego- Ice Cream Festival in North Park - June 25, 2023 Fourth of July Celebrations Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks at many locations throughout the city! Light up the Night with a Beach Bonfire Gather family, friends, and firewood for a cozy beach bonfire at one of the scenic beaches in San Diego County, including Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores, Ocean Beach, and Mission Beach. Watch a Free Summer Movie Every year the County of San Diego sponsors free movies in different parks in San Diego during the Summer. Click this link for the latest information and schedule. Attend a Surfing Event If you have ever wanted to attend a surfing event, now is your chance! This summer check out the World Body Surfing Championships in Oceanside, CA on August 19-20, 2023. Dance the night away at Salsa under the Stars Held on select Fridays at the Headquarters at Seaport Village . San Diego County Fair- Del Mar Fairgrounds The county fair is back and better than ever! Get your adrenaline pumping and ride one of the many rides, or indulge in all the fried fair food! Pack a Picnic Grab your picnic basket and head to any one of San Diego's inviting spots for a casual outdoor repast — from Downtown's Waterfront Park, with its wide patches of grass and interactive fountain, to the beachside charm of Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla, to the sweeping city vistas from Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach. Watch a Movie with a View Enjoy a night out at the Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero and catch a movie with views of the San Diego skyline! Go to a Padres Game Catch a baseball game at Petco Park and cheer on the San Diego Padres! Ride the Trolley This Summer is the perfect time to take a ride on the trolley and explore the city! You can ride the blue line to Westfield UTC and do some shopping or get off at the Old Town stop and learn about the history of San Diego. These activities are just a handful of all the things there are to do in San Diego during the Summer! I hope this list is helpful and gave you some ideas to make your Summer unforgettable!

San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches and perfect weather, but did you know it’s also home to miles of hiking trails? With a diverse range of ecosystems, from coastal cliffs to desert canyons, San Diego offers beautiful hiking trails for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there's a trail for you. In this blog post, we'll explore some of my favorite hiking trails in San Diego, and what makes them worth the trek. 1. Torrey Pines State Reserve : Located along the coastline, this reserve offers several trails, including the Guy Fleming Trail, which has beautiful views of the ocean, and the Flat Rock Beach trail that guides you from the cliffs directly to the beach. Start at Torrey Pines Beach Parking and follow Torrey Pines Park Rd up the hill. As you walk up the hill, you will see signs for different trails. Feel free to explore all the trails that Torrey Pines has to offer. There is little to no shade on this trail, so be sure to wear a hat, carry water with you, and wear sunscreen. Location : La Jolla (25 min from downtown San Diego) Difficulty : Easy to Moderate, good trail for first-time hikers Distance : Varies (multiple trails) Elevation : 439 ft Why I like this trail: This is my favorite beach trail in the city. It has the best ocean views and beautiful seaside cliffs. 2. Cowles Mountain : The highest point in San Diego, Cowles Mountain offers a challenging but rewarding hike. The summit provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. There is a parking lot near the trailhead, but most of the time the lot is full. There is ample street parking available. This trail is very rocky, so I recommend wearing good shoes or hiking boots and being watchful of where you step. This is a challenging hike, with a steady climb and switchbacks. There is no shade on this trail, so be sure to wear a hat, carry water with you, and wear sunscreen. Location: La Mesa (22 min from downtown San Diego) Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Distance : 3 miles out-and-back Elevation : 912 ft Why I like this trail : This is a popular trail located in Mission Trails Regional Parks, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. This trail is the highest point in San Diego. On a clear day, you can view downtown and even the Mexican islands 3. Iron Mountain : This popular hike takes you to the summit of Iron Mountain. It is a challenging hike, but the mountain views at the end are worth it. There is a parking lot right near the trailhead, but most of the time the lot is full. There is ample street parking available. This is a challenging hike, with a steady climb. There is no shade on this trail, so be sure to wear a hat, carry water with you, and wear sunscreen. If you decide to hike this trail in the Summer, I recommend starting early as North County is usually a few degrees warmer than other parts of the city. Location: Poway (30 min from downtown San Diego) Difficulty : Moderate to difficult Distance : 5.9 miles out-and-back Elevation : 1,125 ft Why I like this trail : This trail provides some of the best mountain views in the city. 4 . Mother Miguel : located in the city of Chula Vista, this trail is great if you want to hike but also avoid the crowds of the other trails. There is no parking lot near the trailhead, but there is ample street parking available. This is a challenging hike, with a steady climb. There is no shade on this trail, so be sure to wear a hat, carry water with you, and wear sunscreen. Parts of this trail are rocky, so I recommend wearing good shoes or hiking boots. Location : Chula Vista (20 min from downtown San Diego) Difficulty : Moderate to difficult Distance: 4.5 miles out-and-back Elevation: 1,040 ft Why I like this trail : This trail is close to downtown, making it an easy trek for visitors who want to get out of the city but also don’t want to drive too far and there are nice views at the top. This is also one of the less crowded trails and is popular with locals in the area. 5. The 7 Bridges Trail: This urban hike takes you through charming neighborhoods and across 7 historical bridges in San Diego. This trail can be a little tricky because if you are not paying attention you can easily miss your turn. If you do miss your turn, it’s easy to get back on track. You will start in Balboa Park so I recommend parking near the San Diego Natural History Museum . After parking, you will walk over to the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden which is near the first bridge Park Boulevard Bridge. Visit SanDiego.org for continued details on this trail. Location: San Diego ( 10 min from downtown San Diego) Difficulty: Easy (great for beginners) Distance: 5.5 miles loop Elevation : 334 ft Why I like this trail: This is a unique trail in San Diego that gives you a different view of the city as you stroll through hip neighborhoods, walk by coffee shops, and restaurants, and across iconic bridges in San Diego. You will walk across the Quince Street Bridge, built in 1905 and the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge built in 1912 that crosses Kate Sessions Canyon. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge Quince Street Bridge I hope you find this post helpful and that it inspires you to explore the beautiful hikes we have here in San Diego. If you don’t live in San Diego, I hope this post inspires you to explore hiking or walking trails in your city.

If you're a coffee lover, you know that finding the perfect cup of coffee can be an adventure in itself. In a world filled with chain coffee shops, there's something truly special about discovering a unique and local spot that serves up your favorite brew just the way you like it. With its vibrant and diverse coffee scene, San Diego offers hidden gems and unique places. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the streets of San Diego, uncovering 6 extraordinary coffee shops that will satisfy your coffee cravings and provide you with a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you're a resident or just passing through, join us in exploring the best places for coffee in San Diego. 1. Communal Coffee : Why I love it: This popular local coffee shop has several locations throughout San Diego but the location in North Park is my favorite. Communal offers delicious coffee options such as latte flights, cold brews, teas, and more. They also have a food menu to help fuel your morning errands. What I ordered : Iced matcha Latte + acai bowl Why it's unique : Communal Coffee is a charming coffee shop that is also a flower shop. The motto is "Coffee + Flowers" and the combination of aromatic coffee and beautiful blooms creates a delightful atmosphere. 2. Saigon Coffee: Why I love it: Family-owned and operated coffee shop located in the North Park community. The owners of Saigon are a sister and brother team who started this company in 2012 at the Hillcrest Farmers Market. They opened a brick-and-mortar store in 2023, but they still sell their coffee at the farmers market. Heads up, they only serve coffee iced. What I ordered: Hanoi Egg Coffee Cream made with pasteurized eggs. Why It's Unique: Saigon specializes in authentic Vietnamese brewed coffee with ancient Phin filters and the entire process takes 4 hrs. The original recipe was created by their mom and it is still used in their shop. 3. Yohed Coffee Why I love it: Located in the diverse neighborhood of City Heights, this community coffee shop serves up delicious coffee in a welcoming atmosphere. What I ordered: cappuccino Why It's Unique: Yohed specializes in authentic Ethiopian coffee. If you have never tried Ethiopian coffee before, stop by Yohed and give it a try! 4. Moniker Coffee Co- Liberty Station Why I love it: Moniker General has two locations throughout San Diego but I usually visit the location in Liberty Station. They offer delicious coffee options such as lattes, cold brews, and tea. What I ordered : Iced matcha Latte + toast flight Why it's unique : During your visit check out the attached retail store with clothing, gifts, and home decor! 5. The Mental Bar Why I love it: This cafe offers coffee as well as relaxing herbal teas. What I ordered : I love to order any of the teas. They have a great selection and every time I go, I try a different tea. Why it's unique : One of the few black-owned cafes in San Diego. 6. Better Buzz Why I love it: They offer several drink options and great food. Almost every one of their cafes has a great aesthetic creating a cozy atmosphere. What I ordered : I have tried several items on their menu. I typically get a matcha (of course) and a pastry item. Why it's unique : Better Buzz Coffee is a popular coffee chain in San Diego known for its vibrant atmosphere and, of course, its delicious coffee. I like to think of it as the "Starbucks" of San Diego, but better. I hope you enjoy checking out San Diego's local coffee shops!