We recently hit the six-month mark in San Diego and to be totally honest, there are some things that I don’t love about this city. Lately I’ve been getting bogged down with all the negatives (as I see them), but I’m trying to snap out of it. I mean, it’s really hard to compete with New York City and international travel, so I can’t say it’s all San Diego’s fault — not to mention the fact that it’s been a mere six months.
What’s been helping me is to focus on what I do like. Here are six specific things that I think are so special and wonderful to San Diego:
1. Marisco’s fish taco truck. It’s actually now called Nine Seas, but everyone seems to still call it Marisco’s. They have the best fish tacos I’ve tasted thus far — and the cheapest, too. A basic fried fish taco with the slaw and pico topping will cost you $1.50 each. (Don’t forget to add the spicy red onion mixture!) It’s situated in the parking lot of an all but defunct IGA foods and the seating is a series of folding chairs and stools for tables, and I love it all the more for that.
2. The beach, duh. Some people live by the beach and never go, but in San Diego people absolutely go to the beach — and often. After work, on the weekends, in the afternoons — seriously, do you people even work? The water isn’t turquoise or warm (I miss you, Hawaii), but Windansea Beach in La Jolla is a great option.
3. Jacaranda trees. These trees are purple magic.
4. Neapolitan-style pizza. I really, really, really miss the quality and quantity of food in New York, but oddly enough, San Diego does Neapolitan really well. Buona Forchetta is a favorite.
5. The houses. This isn’t specific to San Diego, but I am just loving the West Coast’s commitment to cool and different architecture. Give me a Spanish roof and verdant garden, and I’m a happy girl.
6. Cravory cookies. As much as I miss New York food, no NYC cookie compares to these amazing treats. Seriously, best cookies I’ve ever tasted with the most interesting flavors like birthday cake, rosemary balsamic and strawberry lemonade. That said, the classic red velvet is tops.
I have a serious weakness for fish tacos and those look amazing! Also need to try those cookies when I come out there…. yum!
Those cookies are truly something else. They don’t have a storefront, but they’re available at the Hillcrest farmer’s market and a couple other places.
As a San Diegan in my heart and soul, NYC is one of my least favorite places, so I can understand how if you love it there you would not love it here. However, after being her for more than a decade, I can say that I find jacaranda trees magical still, and I too appreciate the quaint homes covered in blooming bougainvillea with tropical accents…….and I too still wonder “when does everyone work?” September is my most favorite month here so I hope you’ll love it too!
It’s funny because I don’t think I even love NYC. I actually ran away from it by coming here! But after being away, I do realize the few things about NYC that I do love and now miss. And as much as I want to be a California girl, it’ll probably take me a little time to shed the remains of my East Coast-ness. It doesn’t help that I’m a bit of a nomad at heart, and it’s really hard for me to sit still and appreciate one place at one time. This is good practice for me! There is definitely a lot to love here, and now I can’t wait for September!!
I neeeed to try those cookies!! Also, my favorite thing about the west coast are the jacaranda trees!!!!!!
You’ll try them when you visit! As for flowers, I’m also partial to bougainvillea :)
You have to go to the OB farmers market! It’s Wednesdays starting at 3:30. Also, OB (Ocean Beach) is very well known for it’s antique stores too.
I’m a new reader to your blog and I’m loving it! Keep it up :)
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Thanks, Carolina! Funnily enough, I’m going to OB this weekend to really explore for the first time. I know there’s so much more I need to see San Diego, so I’m excited to finally check it out. Thanks for reading!
.Do you still like it here?
I do! I love living here. There are things I still miss about NYC, but overall, San Diego is the perfect fit for me right now. I think it always takes a couple of years to adjust anywhere. Thanks!