San Diego Beauty

Sometimes I have to keep pinching myself that I live here. San Diego is full of so much natural beauty. It is so vibrant. So pristine. So utterly beautiful. While my friend was here visiting a couple weeks ago, we headed a bit North of where I live and explored parts of Del Mar and La Jolla.

Del Mar is full of miles and miles of pure beach and cliffs. You can enjoy the views right on the sand, either walking along the water or enjoying a drink or bite to eat at one of the oceanfront restaurants in town. Or, you can do what we did and enjoy the view from the top of the cliffs.

And then there is La Jolla. Oh, La Jolla. A favorite part of San Diego for many, many people. There's so much to see and do in La Jolla. You can walk around and look in all the high-end designer stores, sit and people [and Lamborghini] watch. Seriously, I dare you to count how many you see there in one day. There are many fun eateries and bakeries. And, of course, there is the famous La Jolla Cove, which is where we spent most of our time.

While you're visiting the Cove, you must go out on the rocks and get an up-close view of the seals and sea lions. This is their spot! The huge sea lion above was showing off and sunbathing for us with his head stretched back. Such a character!

We walked around for a bit and then I was craving chocolate. I know, I know - what's new? I turned to my handy-dandy friend, Yelp, and found an amazing organic cupcakery known as Cups! Many of the reviews mentioned the "Death by Chocolate" cupcake and since I was going through chocolate withdrawals, I think my choice was pretty obvious...

Death by Chocolate it was and, I have to say, it was probably the best cupcake I've ever had. Perfect size. Perfect flavor. And did not fall apart as I devoured carefully bit into it. Plus, they have the cutest retro diner feel inside with seating up at the counter or comfy booth space if you so choose. Cups was a nice find!

We didn't wait much longer until we decided to head on over to the Karl Strauss Brewery & Grill right up the street. I love how walkable downtown La Jolla is. And they have a Roxy store there. Just had to throw that in there.

Anyway, Karl Strauss. We started off sitting out on the patio but then our heat lamp didn't work. #sandiegoproblems So, we moved inside and chatted it up with our server about all the tasty choices they had on tap. He even allowed us to sample. What a guy. Karl Strauss is best known for their Red Trolley Ale which you find on tap frequently throughout San Diego.

I listened to my Yelpers yet again and decided to order the Mac & Cheese and it was out-of-this-world. I couldn't finish the entire thing but it made for amazing leftovers later. Also, their Chili Lime Sweet Potato Fries were divine. Funny thing - I didn't like sweet potato fries... until I moved to SD.

The night ended with a beautiful La Jolla sunset in Scripps Park. I took it all in as I constantly remind myself to do here.

This place is perfect for me. It inspires me. It motivates me. It pushes me. Looking outward at the Pacific, as my favorite colors all blend together and sink behind the deep turquoise water. This view will never get old.