If EXile is what you seek, America’s Finest City offers the peaceful beauty of La Jolla Cove, a gorgeous little nook nestled below La Jolla’s shopping district. Away from all the “beautiful” people, you’ll find a quiet paradise of palm trees and open grassy areas at Scripps Park, the ideal place to spread your blanket, whip out your journal and reflect on where you’ve been, what you’re leaving behind, and the greatness that awaits you. The walkway traces the cliff side and offers fantastic views of the expansive Pacific Ocean and the coast that meets its clear blue/green waters. After a reflective walk past quaint coffee shops, restaurants and hotels, take a seat in one of the cliff side gazebos and enjoy the sights of sea gulls, sea lions and the human brand of sea lovers who all come out to enjoy the cool waters of the ocean. When you’re ready to get your feet wet, grab your snorkeling gear, dip into the calm waters and EXplore the abundant undersea life of the Cove, arguably one of the best snorkeling spots in Southern California.
Continue your explorations by venturing downtown to discover the country’s largest urban cultural park – Balboa Park. Covering over 1,200 acres, the park is a stones throw from downtown and features some remarkable architecture and landscaping sights that will have you wandering around the place all day. Among its immense grounds, you’ll discover some of its secret treasures like the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, the Botanical Building and the Japanese Friendship Garden—perfect spots for quiet reflection. Visit the more than 25 museums and attractions, including the world famous Old Globe Theatre, for a touch of culture and historical discovery. And be sure to swing by the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s most popular man-made habitats for the preservation and display of animals.
For a little adventure, try a challenging hike up Cowles Mountain. The dirt trails and rocky cliffs of this intermediate hike are sure to challenge your body and revitalize your soul. It’s empowering to conquer this mountain, and the 360-degree view from the top is the icing on the cake.
Feeling sexy, a little risqué? EXpress yourself with some dancing at Café Sevilla. With Latin Hip-Hop, Latin/Euro, and Salsa dance lessons all week long, plus live music and an electric atmosphere, the diva in you is sure to emerge here. Okay, perhaps you’ve got two left feet and dancing just isn’t your cup of tea. Well, leave your dancing shoes (and everything else) at home and dare to bare it all at Black’s Beach, one of San Diego’s (and probably the country’s) most popular nude beaches. The water’s great, the sand is soft and the people are just downright pleasant.
