Synergy Global Housing Business Development Associate Dolores Estrada
Ask anyone for travel advice and the recommendations you receive might not ever end. That’s the first lesson I learned on a recent visit to San Diego.
I had never been to San Diego before, but as a Business Development Associate at Synergy Global Housing I had the opportunity to visit Southern California on a business trip last week. I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss any great experiences during my first visit to the area, so I asked anyone I knew for San Diego’s “must-see destinations.”
I received so much travel advice that once I arrived at the San Diego International Airport, I knew I would never be able to fit it all into my schedule. Instead of trying to fit all that advice into one trip, I focused on using my adventure-seeking skills and became a tourist on my own discovery terms.
I think I made the right decision because the main thing I learned on my trip to San Diego is that it’s the kind of place that you can’t overwhelm yourself with everything. You have to learn to enjoy the experiences of San Diego as they come.
Here are my top five favorite memories from my first time in San Diego.
Amazing sculpture outside of Porkyland.
Porkyland – Carmel Valley
I wanted some fresh seafood and a business associate recommended Porkyland for a quick lunch. I ordered some fried fish tacos and I think my taste buds are still in recovery. They were so good!
I ate these life-changing tacos outside next to a beautiful art sculpture to better enjoy San Diego’s weather. Porkyland was the perfect spot for an on-the-go weekday lunch.
The outside of the Air Conditioned Lounge in San Diego.
The Air Conditioned Lounge – San Diego
At a business lunch I had casually mentioned my love of house music. One of the San Diego locals recommended I check out this nightclub, which offers an amazing showcase of dance music on Friday evenings. I really enjoyed this spot because of the music and because it was located away from the overcrowded tourist-heavy downtown scene.
My bike ride around Coronado Island included a stop by this mural.
Coronado Island
A $4 ferry ride took me across the San Diego Bay to this resort island city, and I immediately fell for the beautiful views and amazing beach.
I rented a beach cruiser bike and began my own tour of the area. I had a map to guide me, but chose to follow other bike riders down multiple paths along the shoreline, eventually circumnavigating the entire island. I saw kids playing on the beach, rollerbladers, speed boats passing by in the water and a painting class being conducted outside the historic Hotel del Coronado.
The leisurely atmosphere provided by the bike ride allowed me to explore the Island on my time and on my terms, and was the ideal way to see this beautiful area.
Drinks and dessert at George’s on the Cove.
George’s at the Cove – La Jolla
All I really wanted was a nice place to grab a drink and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean as I left Coronado Island. I struck up a conversation with a local couple on the ferry, who recommended George’s at the Cove.
The combination of a scenic Pacific view, strong mixed drinks, tasty food and amazing service made this the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset for an isolated tourist. I had never tried tombo before, but being so close to the Pacific made me crave seafood. The Hawaiian-inspired albacore tuna was the perfect complement to my cocktail and ocean terrace view.
Some of Ocean Beach’s finest graffiti art.
Ocean Beach – San Diego
All the recommendations I received advised me to check out Pacific Beach, locally referred to as ‘PB,’ but I ended up in the Ocean Beach neighborhood instead and still had a blast.
I was amazed at how similar Ocean Beach’s atmosphere was to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco. The area is heavily influenced by the local surfing community, with its chill attitude and graffiti street art.
I had also intended to go shopping at the small boutiques in the area, but the vibes I got from the beach kept my toes in the sand for most of the day.
This list is definitely incomplete, but that’s part of the joy of traveling.
I may have gone on this trip by myself, but with Synergy’s help, I certainly wasn’t alone. With options from Carlsbad to Coronado, and a region that can service any lifestyle and need, Synergy has an expert team in San Diego that can find the right accommodations for you. Call (858) 242-5900 to get in contact with a Synergy representative.
