I wanted a dog for 20+ years. I dreamed about having a dog, cried about not having one, studied dog encyclopedias, read training manuals. In short, I was obsessed. But I also knew to wait until the right time and right city before making that dream happen. More power to the people who can manage big dogs in New York City, but it didn’t seem feasible to me. Then when we landed in San Diego, I didn’t waste any time. Three months after pulling up to our new home, we went to look at litters and found our sweet Teddy boy.

Though initially we were exhausted puppy parents who failed at bringing him out with us—do it; it’s amazing socialization for them—we now take him almost everywhere. And lucky for him, San Diego is a doggy wonderland. There are tons of dogs parks, three dog beaches within a 20-minute drive, cafes that welcome pooches, ice cream specifically prepared for them, shop owners who keep treats on hand for four-legged visitors, and more. Teddy is one spoiled pooch.

So in celebration of yesterday’s National Dog Day, here’s a round-up of our favorite dog-friendly spots in the city:Coronado Dog Beach: Between the sparkling mineral mica in the sand and impressive Hotel Del Coronado down the sand, this has to be the prettiest dog beach in all the land. I’ve gone maybe 20 times or more, and each time, the owners are responsible, the dogs are gentle, and the space is really clean. (Except this past weekend when I went and seaweed was everywhere.) It’s one of my favorite spots in San Diego because it combines my love for dogs, the beach, and time on the sand. Here’s a 3D view and another.

The Patio of Goldfinch: Most restaurants in San Diego welcome pooches to their patios, but this Mission Hills restaurant takes it up a notch. The entire front area of the restaurant—enclosed and indoors—doesn’t just welcome dogs but also offers them treats made with leftover table scraps. Bone appetit!Kayaking with Aqua Adventures: This dog-friendly kayak and SUP outfitter is more than happy to include your dog for a day out on the water. The guy who helped us with our equipment even gave us a tennis ball to throw out from the kayak for Teddy. Yes, he jumps out of the kayak every few minutes and then requests to come back up less than 30 seconds later, but it makes for a really fun, silly ride. And even though hydrophilic Teddy can swim easily, we give him a lifejacket just so we have an easy way of pulling him back into the kayak…500 times.Grape Street Dog Park: You might not think “beautiful” is the right word to describe a dog park, but it rings true at Grape Street, a five-acre sprawl that’s the largest of Balboa Park’s three dog parks. It’s so big that it feels like three parks in one, despite the fact that three goldens choose to congregate at one water fountain. There’s a mix of grass and dirt, and the parks department does a great job of sectioning off certain dried-up areas to promote new grass growth, making for a lush, green park. With a view of the golf course and downtown, it also happens to be a great place to catch the sunset.
Kettle & Stone: Plenty of San Diego cafes welcome dogs indoors, from Coffee & Tea Collective to Young Hickory to Holsem, but Kettle & Stone in Mission Hills stands out. The sweet owners (who have treats!) are happy to have Teddy inside, but the sidewalk is where the action is. It’s one of the friendliest I’ve ever seen, the kind of place where strangers meet, dogs make new friends, and lovely conversations are had. It’s now a semi-regular weekend tradition of ours.Iron Mountain: I don’t mind Cowles and Mt. Woodson/Potato Chip, but for a less crowded hike, this trail in Poway is ideal. Like the Goldie Locks of San Diego hikes, the six-mile out-and-back path is not too hard, not too easy. Dogs are allowed on leash, but make sure to BYOWater, and though there isn’t necessarily a breath-taking view at the top, I enjoy the simple pleasure of relaxing with Teddy and feeling the breeze before heading back down.Daily Scoop: Sure, you can get a scoop for your dog at most ice cream shops, but this South Park ice cream parlor sells “dog scream,” which includes a pre-scooped serving of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream with a dog treat. And so long as it’s not too busy inside the shop, pooches are welcome inside, too.

Bates Nut Farm: This family-friendly farm in Valley Center has an epic pumpkin patch late September through Halloween every year. It’s become our tradition to drive up to pick pumpkins each fall not only because the mountain landscape and technicolor leaves remind me of true autumn, but because Teddy climbing over all the pumpkins and trying to eat the stems is pretty paw-some. We also let him pick his own pumpkin with this method.

Breweries: Dozens of breweries allow pooches. In fact, I’m surprised when I hear one doesn’t allow dogs. At Hillcrest Brewing Company (above), the staff often brings Teddy treats made from leftover barley. Check this helpful list for some suggestions, and cheers!

Where else do you love taking your pooches in the city?

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For this month’s issue of San Diego Magazine, the annual Best of San Diego package, which highlights the best of the city’s food, drink, shopping, and more, I rounded up five of my favorite neighborhoods and the top restaurant, bar, and classic fave in each. There’s the Italian eatery Catania in La Jolla, a cool brewery in Barrio Logan, my favorite home boutique Pigment in North Park, and other goodies. You can read the full story here.

And tomorrow the magazine will be throwing its annual Best of San Diego party at Liberty Station’s NTC Promenade. I was on the news yesterday to talk about a few of the vendors that’ll be there—you can watch the clip here—and I must’ve done a pretty bang-up job because tickets are now sold out. (I kid.) If you’re local, I hope you got your tickets—see you Friday!

Photo via 

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We’re spoiled in Southern California with al fresco weather nearly year-round, but that distinct summer vibe—think flip-flops, beach towels, late sunsets, and barbecues—is hard to replicate in the others seasons. That’s why I’ve been fighting my laziness and making sure I tick off all the summer goals I made mental note of in June. Things like heading to Sunset Cliffs to watch golden hour on a weeknight or hanging out in Imperial Beach on a Friday evening when the farmers market turns the pier area into one big block party. And also picnics, tons and tons of picnics.

There’s no shortage of good picnic spots in San Diego, from Balboa Park and Mission Hills’ Pioneer Park to Windansea Beach and even the area outside our baseball stadium, Petco Park, but my favorite is Kate Sessions Memorial Park in Pacific Beach. The wide, grassy space (on a sloping hill) has trees, ocean vistas, skyline views, and a very lax policy on keeping dogs leashed (you didn’t hear it from me). It’s also where I chose to ring in the big 3-0. It’s a really special, really beautiful spot.So with the spirit of summer in mind, here are six steps to to plan your next picnic party:

The type of pack. Baskets are a sweet nostalgic touch, but I also have a cool backpack that comes with insulated pockets, slots to store plates and utensils, and even a clasp on the outside to secure a rolled-up blanket. It’s a great option if you’ll be biking to your picnic destination.

The tools. I highly recommend packing real plates, glasses, and cutlery. Beyond the argument for being eco-friendly, it’ll feel more like a proper meal. Don’t forget napkins, cutting/cheese knives, a bottle opener, salt, pepper, and a bag to store all of your trash. (Do not be a litter bug.) But my favorite tip of all is to bring a big Zip-loc because once you open those cheeses, the Zip-loc will be a safe place to store the now-unwrapped fromage.
The food. I like to include at least one veggie side, a serving of fruit, one cheese and/or meat side, one main, and a dessert that can withstand heat unless you have a proper cooler. On this day with my girlfriends, I packed baby carrots, grapes (the organic ones at Trader Joe’s are the best), caprese salad skewers (which look very impressive but are stupid simple to make), this Greek chickpea salad, and to make the meal a bit fuller, we added a cheese platter. Using my handy cheese guide, I combined goat, cow, and sheep’s milk cheeses for variety and added dried cherries, pesto, crackers, and sliced baguette. For dessert, we had chocolate pirouettes.

The drinks. Wine and beer are good options, but I hardly ever drink alcohol. Maybe a glass of wine or a sangria here and there, but 99.9% of the time, I want a virgin cocktail that tastes “fruity and fizzy,” as I often tell bartenders. A lot of the carbonated options out there are full of artificial flavors, but the new IZZE Sparkling Water is USDA Organic Certified—made with organic natural flavors and organic cane sugar. The twist-off bottles come in three flavors, including Mandarin Lime, Raspberry Watermelon, and (my favorite) Blackberry Pear, and it’s an ideal refresher in the heat—a bit bubbly, a bit sweet. A low-calorie drink, IZZE Sparkling Water has just 10 calories per 12-oz serving and a hint of organic pure cane sugar (1-2 grams). Lately I’ve been taking them to work for that inevitable 3 p.m. need for sugar. Between the bubbles and the sweetness, it’s satisfying and in the time it takes to drink, I forget about that donut/pastry/cookie I wanted.

The cool factor. Coolers, insulated bags, ice packs—there are a variety of ways to ensure that your food and drinks stay fresh. Some people pack cooler items on top of your basket because heat rises, but we separated our foods into separate bags by temperature. (My S’well bottle is amazing at keeping hot things hot and cold things cold.)

The extras. Grass can get a bit damp, so make sure to pack a thick enough blanket that will keep everyone dry and comfortable. 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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And Breakfast Republic’s menu is equally flamboyant, with pancakes in flavors like Oreo, churro, and mint chocolate chip (choose three different varieties to make the very awesome pancake flight), veggie tostadas, jambalaya, S’mores French toast, and a beer and sausage sampler amongst other items. There’s also Cafe Moto coffee and 20 beers on tap, along with a chance to buy some Breakfast paraphernalia, like tees and their very cute coffee mugs.

Take a look:

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And lest you think I’m turning my nose up at hipsters, it’s actually quite the opposite. Hipsters favor all things cool and trendy with a flair for the non-mainstream. And let’s be clear: I’m a hipster. And here are all my favorite hipster spots. Go on and enjoy the anti-establishmentarianism:
Breakfast at Wow Wow Waffle. How’s this for hipster cred? Wow Wow is a waffle eatery tucked behind a North Park laundromat and decked out with upcycled lecture hall seats from Point Loma Nazarene University, succulent walls, and plenty of books and magazines. Off the charts hipster! And it’s where my happiest mornings start. I’m truly Wow Wow’s number 1 fan. The waffles, made with a Brioche-based dough rather than a batter, are the best I’ve ever had, and for drinks, the flavored lemonades are quite popular, and coffee comes with free refills. (Open Fridays and Saturdays)Boutique hopping in North Park. Walk north five blocks to the crux of Hipster, San Diego, better known as 30th Street and University Avenue and its surrounds. This is where hipster favorites like, craft beer (Fall Brewing, Bottlecraft) and craft coffee (Holsem, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters), meets cool-kids shopping. After you’ve walked around the area, head to Aloha Beach Club (formerly known as Aloha Sunday). If you didn’t think surf culture could be hipster, think again. Beyond surf gear, the Club also sells upscale bath and body products, apparel, and more. Hunt & Gather is also worth a look-see for vintage clothes. (Photo via Aloha Beach Club)Lunch at Tacos Perla. A plum location on the newly happening corner of 30th and Upas streets is a perfect place for the trendy taqueria, where street-style tacos get all fancy on us. Backed by the owners of The Pearl Hotel, Perla and its chef consulted with prominent Tijuana taqueria Kokopelli on the menu, which spans carne asada, mahi-mahi, and a great (and constantly rotating) selection of vegetarian and vegan tacos as well as the robust salsa bar (above) corralled in an old Coca-Cola crate. You can even order fried crickets. #hipsterShopping at Gym Standard. Over by 30th Street and El Cajon Boulevard is this sleek, sparsely outfitted boutique dedicated to cool sneakers, offbeat magazines, and plenty of plants with cool planters. Yes, it feels wee too-cool-for-school on the outside, but owner Edwin Negado is one of the friendliest people in town. He’s welcoming, kind, and charming. (Photo via Gym Standard)
Afternoon pick-me-up at Coffee & Tea Collective. There’s no such thing as too much caffeine for a hipster. After Gym Standard, head next door to the equally sparse Coffee & Tea Collective. (I included their downtown location in my Design Lover’s Guide to San Diego, but the North Park cafe is the O.G.) The baristas are absolute sticklers for perfection, so expect attention to detail with those single-origin blends. Given the small space and few outlets, it’s not a great place to work, but it’s perfect for reading and catching up with friends.Pre-dinner hangout at The Quartyard. What was once a vacant lot in downtown’s East Village neighborhood is now a popular community park that includes a beer garden, Sausage & Meat restaurant, dog park, coffee shop, and more. Named after the shipping quarts used for the different structures, The Quartyard is a unique outdoor patio and a testament to turning nothing into something (really great).  (Photo via)Dinner at Burnside. North Park gets most of San Diego’s hipster cred, but Normal Heights is quite the enclave of anti-establishment fun. Case in point: Burnside, a new elevated sandwich canteen from the folks behind the very cool cocktail lounge Sycamore Den. Any hipster will tell you that the casual food with an upscale twist is so in right now. (See: donuts, fried chicken.) At Burnside, the menu is short but sweet, including a pork or tofu banh mi, ribeye with Korean bbq sauce, a stinky grilled cheese, and my favorite, favorite, favorite, the buttermilk fried chicken ($9). Be sure to get the fries, too. A half-order ($4) was the perfect amount for me and my boyfriend to share. Drinks at Polite Provisions. After dinner, stick around in Normal Heights for drinks in one of my favorite San Diego bars. Polite Provisions is a stylish, speakeasy-style spot housed in a former pharmacy. (We hipsters love a bit of old with the new!) The space is well-designed—tiled floors and a white marble bar counter—and the drinks are equally fashionable. Their punch bowls are great for groups, and while my boyfriend’s go-to—Attorney’s Privilege made with bourbon, bitters, and a syrup of almond, rose water, and sugar—is no longer on the menu, he still gets it whenever we go. If you get hungry, you can order from next door’s Soda & Swine, a meatball-themed eatery, and eat your meal in Polite Provisions. (First photo by Zack Benson; second photo by Lyudmila Zotova)

Extra credit: Blind Lady Ale House (pizza in Normal Heights); Young Hickory (coffee, acai bowls, and plenty of space and Wifi to get some work done); Nomad Donuts (gourmet donuts).

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2. Kayaking. A week before starting my job, I took a week off to staycation in San Diego, which included stand-up paddleboarding in Mission Bay (not my first time SUPing, but my first time in San Diego), staying at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, doing less glamorous stuff like handing off long overdue dry cleaning and tailoring, and kayaking with Teddy in Mission Bay. We went with the same outfitter, Aqua Adventures, as we used last year, and the experience was just as sweet, thanks in large part to the guy at the front desk who gave us a tennis ball to throw for Teddy from the kayak. Maybe it sounds weird to non-pet owners, but the hardest part about transitioning to a 9-5 job has been being away from Teddy all day. Since we brought him home two years ago, he’s been by my side while I work, and now it’s strange to see him only weekday mornings and nights. So this staycation week was all about doing fun things with him. I love that little big guy. 3. Weekend getaway to Tri-Valley. Along with my friend Cindy, I visited this quaint wine region east of San Francisco. Read all about it here.4. Pearl Hotel’s Dive-in Theatre. I finally got to check out the retro hotel’s weekly movie event with a screening of 40-Year-Old Virgin. Every Wednesday they play a movie on a poolside screen, and people (not just hotel guests) can watch from the bar and pool area. You can reserve seats—you’ll be expected to order food and/or drinks—or try for first-come, first-serve seating (no food/drink orders necessary). I spent plenty of years in Chicago and New York waiting in line for events, so I’m pretty much over that, and I was so happy to have a guaranteed seat. Next week, a group of my friends and I have seats for a screening of Bridesmaids. Oh, that’ll be a good one.5. A peaceful morning to me, myself, and I. My friend’s boyfriend spends most Sunday mornings alone, at a cafe, reading a book or the paper. I thought to myself, man, doesn’t that sound just lovely? Then I realized, why don’t I just make it happen for myself? I schedule so many other things in my life—work, work events, exercise, friend dates, etc.—why don’t I schedule alone time, too? This particular morning was spent at Cafe Madeleine in South Park with my stack of neglected magazines. I’ve been recreating this experience at home the last few Saturdays, and it’s been a great way to recharge. I highly recommend it. Also, oh the irony of my croissant with that skinny model on the cover of Conde Nast Traveler. Whatever, I thoroughly enjoyed my pastry.

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Breakfast at Captain Kirk’s. Make your way to South Park (my favorite ‘hood) for an acai bowl breakfast. Not familiar with the term? Think of an acai bowl as a thick smoothie topped with granola, fruit, and other goodies like shredded coconut if you so desire. There are countless acai bowl spots in San Diego, but this unassuming stand in a vacant parking lot is my favorite, thanks to its perfect size and ratio of acai to granola to toppings. (I just hate those bowls that don’t come with enough granola!) (Photo via)

Shopping at Make Good, Junc Life, and Bad Madge. A walk around the beautiful South Park homes near Captain Kirk’s is a must, but once the clock strikes noon, it’s time to shop in some of San Diego’s most charming boutiques that are slightly more off-the-radar. Lined up side by side on 30th Street are Make Good (above; home decor and other giftables made exclusively by San Diego and Tijuana artisans), Junc Life (a mix of edgy, artsy, and quirky products), and Bad Madge (vintage clothing, accessories, and furniture). Make Good is my favorite for picking up something “San Diego.” (Photo by Tommy McAdams)

Seven Bridges Walk. It’s time to build an appetite for dinner. I like to call this an urban hike. Though there’s very little change in elevation, the course, which runs through historic and new bridges in Bankers Hill and Hillcrest, is a lengthy 5.5 miles that crosses, yep, seven bridges. The most surprising of which is the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge that dates back to 1912. It’s a also a wee bit wobbly! For detailed directions, head to this San Diego Reader piece. (Photo via)

Dinner at Venga Venga. All of us like our favorites, sure. But sometimes relying on the tried-and-true means confining yourself to a bubble. Time to break out and head to Chula Vista for a true gem. Venga Venga is a sophisticated Mexican restaurant-lounge full of flavor and pretty people, not to mention an absolutely charming outdoor patio. The menu offers elevated tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and burritos, along with S’mores kits for dessert, and tequila flights. Given the setting and food options, it would make a great choice for a special occasion dinner. It’s also a part of Otay Mesa Town Center, which includes an Anthropologie that’s hardly ever picked-over. (Second photo via Venga Venga)

Drinks and perhaps a second dinner at Turf Supper Club. Home stretch! Time for a drink. You can channel Frank Sinatra at this swinging lounge, which opened in 1950 under the name Turf Club. When a gas line was installed five years later, they added food to their menu and Turf Supper Club as its now known was born. You can grab a classic cocktail, and if you’re jonesing for another meal, DIY a second dinner with their self-service hot grill. Simply choose your cut of meat, and go! (My boyfriend goes nuts for this spot and has eaten many a 1 a.m. steak here.)

Extra credit: Mama’s Bakery (Lebanese food in North Park); Sab-e-Lee (Thai food in Linda Vista); Brazil By the Bay (authentic Brazilian eats in Midway)

OTHER MY SOCAL’D LIFE CITY GUIDES
A Design Lover’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego
An Urbanite’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego
A Zen Seeker’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego

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Breakfast at Lazy Hummingbird: Ocean Beach’s Lazy Hummingbird offers coffee, tea, pastries, live music, and even Fair Trade Peruvian textiles, but what it’s most famous for are its acai bowls. (The large size is truly gargantuan.) I love the intimacy and why-don’t-you-stay-a-while vibe, even though it strangely shares a space with FedEx. (That said, it’s the most laid-back, non-corporate FedEx you’ll ever see!) Lazy Hummingbird also has a welcoming patio, where customers and their four-legged friends relax, a comfy working area with free wifi, and a sweet, fun staff to boot.

Shopping in Ocean Beach: Head a half mile northeast to the Ocean Beach People’s Organic Market, a co-op grocery store and deli that’s a hallmark of this hippie, bohemian neighborhood. The prices are a bit steep—members who pay $15/year and first-timers get the reduced rate, while non-members pay a 10% surcharge—but the products are often organic, unique (i.e. pistachio butter), and sustainably minded. The deli upstairs is also a wonderful lunch option. Next door is the Blue Dot Refill, a mecca for eco-friendly bath and body products. Bring in an empty bottle (or grab one for free in the store) and fill with shampoos, conditioners, lotions, soaps, and more. Head back towards Lazy Hummingbird, and a few blocks away is Often Wander at Noon (above), a boutique of jewelry, furniture, prints, and beautiful, all-natural candles poured into vintage glass containers. (Photo via)

Time out at the Meditation Gardens: Let’s head north to Encinitas, the epitome of all things Zen, yogi, and bohemian in San Diego. (Fun fact: Encinitas is said to be the American birthplace of Ashtanga yoga.) At the lush Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens perched above Moonlight Beach, touch base with the calmer side of nature by meditating on a bench, gazing out to the ocean from the garden’s many vantage points, or taking a stroll through the succulent patches and Koi fish pond. Even if you’re not one with your spiritual side, it’s a beautiful place for some R&R. It’s also affiliated with the Self-Realization Fellowship, but all are welcome. And though photography is allowed, silence is golden. (Photo by Found Creative Studio)

Lunch at Haggos Organic Tacos: Lunch time! And in Encinitas, a visit to Haggo’s Organic Taco is a must. Their menu includes tacos that use non-GMO corn tortillas and are served with jasmine brown rice and organic red beans, burritos and quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas, meat, seafood, and veg options, and a 98% organic stamp of approval. Translation: fresh, fresh, fresh! The space itself is a cozy, unassuming garden with colorful furniture and a casual, surfer attitude. (Photo via here and here)

Beacon’s Beach: Yes, Moonlight is family-friendly with its playground and restrooms, but it’s also often annoyingly packed. Instead, head over to Beacon’s on Neptune Avenue in nearby Leucadia for uninterrupted coastal beauty with hardly any crowds (and no bathrooms, FYI). There’s a fairly easy switchback path to get down to sand, and parking is split between a tiny lot and the residential area. (Photo by Taryn Kent)

Raw/vegan eats at Peace Pies: This cafe specializes in raw-, vegan-, gluten-, and soy-free food. That means tomatoes stuffed with basil hemp pesto, zucchini noodle lasagna, nachos topped with walnut meat, and nori wraps (above). They also prescribe to a zero waste policy, which, among other things, means they compost everything. So you can have your pie, and be green, too. Just make sure to get here early! Both the Encinitas and Ocean Beach locations close at 8 p.m. (Image via)

Glow-in-the-dark stand-up paddleboarding: Considering the clean dinner, you shouldn’t be too full for some exercise. Offered on Sunday evenings (7:45 pm) in the summer, this glow-in-the-dark SUP class at San Diego Paddle Yoga cruises around Mission Bay with LED lights strapped to the bottom of your paddleboard. With the light, you can see some marine life and fireworks from Sea World, not to mention get an amazing core workout while you’re at it. Though it’s not actually a SUP yoga class, feel free to get your three-legged dog on. (Image via)

Next week—another 24 hours guide!

OTHER MY SOCAL’D LIFE CITY GUIDES
A Design Lover’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego
An Urbanite’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego

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Breakfast at Cafe Chloe: Yes, you’re in San Diego, but this charming cafe in the East Village feels straight out of Paris. Grab a seat on the patio and order from a bistro menu of croque madams, caramelized onions tarts, or, my favorite, the poached eggs with wild mushrooms and sage-truffle beurre blanc.

Central Library: Walk a few blocks south to the gleaming Central Library, a renovated sculptural beaut that re-opened in late 2013. Once you’re done marveling at the exterior and its fabulous dome, head inside to the 8th floor reading room, a glassed-in area with panoramic city views, the 9th floor art gallery, and The Library Shop, located on the ground floor near the courtyard. There, you’ll find stationery, jewelry, kitchenware, stylish pet gear, and yes, books. (Photo via)

Lunch at Puesto: Walk 20 minutes west towards the water until you hit The Headquarters at Seaport, the old police headquarters-turned-downtown-shopping center that houses Seaside Papery, Simply Local, Venissimo Cheese and other goodies. Once you’ve built up an appetite, settle in for lunch at the colorful Mexican eatery, Puesto. I’m usually a hole-in-the-wall kind of gal, but Puesto is the only large-scale Mexican place I trust. (It’s also an ideal choice for parents, who are less enthusiastic about shady taquerias.) My go-to is the taco trio plate, always with at least one chicken verde taco. And try the Parmesan guacamole. It sounds unusual, but surprisingly, the chunks of cheese are a genius addition. (Photo via San Diego Magazine)

Walk along the Waterfront Park: You probably went to town on Puesto’s chips and salsa, so it’s time to get active. But how do urbanites get active amongst the skyscrapers? They walk through the beautiful Waterfront Park adjacent to downtown and Little Italy, of course! Lined with fountains and splash areas, it’s a great area to bring kids, cool down, and chill out on the lawn. (Photo via)

Apertivo at Monello: Monello’s apertivo is one of my favorite San Diego activities. Pulling from Milan’s tradition of a pre-dinner drink and snack, Monello offers a fun deal from 4 to 7 p.m.: Buy a drink at full price—their house made sweet vermouth is popular with craft cocktail lovers—and get three free small bites to enjoy with your beverage. The menu depends on what the chef is feeling, so it’s a bit of a fun surprise. You also get these great lupini beans to start your meal. It’s available only at the bar or patio, the latter of which is a great vantage point for people-watching amidst Little Italy’s busy streets. (Photo by Monello)

Shopping + coffee in Little Italy: Head north on India Street until you hit this shared space that includes James Coffee Co. (above), Ajax Shoppe (men’s fashion), Homesteez (vintage mid century furniture), Specs Optometry (cool eyewear), Turquoise (leather goods), and The Urban Shave (barbershop). It’s a funky warehouse space with a lot to see in a little area.

Dinner at Juniper & Ivy: Perhaps you’ve noticed the trend: big-name chefs are flocking to smaller cities (think Austin, Nashville, etc.), and in San Diego, Top Chef winner Richard Blais has added serious panache to Little Italy with Juniper & Ivy. The restaurant is an architectural dream, with sleek banquettes and steel accents—very urban cool. The menu consists of American fare with a West Coast twist, like a gourmet toast topped with beer tartare, quail egg, and cotija. And save room for the very-shareable yodel (above), a devil’s cake with white chocolate, hazelnut brittle, and hot chocolate. And later this year next door to J&I, Blais will open The Crack Shack, a casual eatery that focuses on the chicken and the egg. #whichcamefirst (Photos by CeCe Canton)

Drinks at Kettner Exchange: I once lived in two big cities (New York and Chicago), so I’d like to think I know a bit about the urban experience, and a night at Kettner Exchange, a trendy two-floor restaurant in Little Italy, is the closest I’ve felt to experiencing that big-city flavor in San Diego. It’s pretty, filled with pretty people, gives me a chance to bust out my high heels, and offers a fun rooftop with firepits, swinging daybeds, and a DJ spinning Thursdays through Saturdays. If you’re planning on dining here, reservations for dinner are a must. (Photo by Sam Wells)

Extra credit: Museum of Contemporary Art; New Children’s Museum; Bottega Americano

Stay tuned for the next 24 Hours guide next Thursday!

OTHER MY SOCAL’D LIFE CITY GUIDES
A Design Lover’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego
A Zen Seeker’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego

The post An Urbanite’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego appeared first on My SoCal'd Life.

Lately I’ve been getting a lot of questions from visitors and recent transplants about San Diego—where to eat, what to see, where to go outdoors. And I must say, I’m honored. In the mere 2.5 years I’ve lived here, my day job as a food and travel magazine writer has forced me to get a firm handle on this city in a short amount of time, and now I can confidently recommend wonderful parks to visit, restaurants to try, and shops to peruse through.

So I wanted to launch a series of San Diego guides that pay homage to the never-ending joy I get out of giving people recommendations. Here, the first of five guides for how to spend 24 hours in San Diego. (I know what it’s like to zip around this city in one day, so I was very realistic with how many things to do during those non-dormant 24 hours. At the end of each post, I’ll offer more options for the ambitious tourist.)

If you love mid-century design, art museums, Instagram-worthy cacti, and the like, you’re in luck. Today, I’m tipping my tour guide hat to the Design Lover.

Take a look:

Breakfast at Juice Saves/Coffee & Tea Collective: Coffee or pressed juice? At this hybrid East Village spot, you don’t have to choose. On one side is the Third Wave-worshipping Coffee & Tea, and on the other—separated by a sleek and slender wooden high table—is Juice Saves, a trendy juice, smoothie, and acai bowl cafe with funky drink names like, “Aloe Vera Wang” and “Grow a Pear.” The design is industrial, heavy metal, and hipster all at once. It’s also where the cool kids hang. (Bottom photo by Derrick Tran)

Shopping at Pigment, Geographie, and Nok Nok Living: Once the clock strikes 11 a.m., you can enter San Diego’s design temple, better known as Pigment in the happening ‘hood of North Park. This home decor shop, which I included in my Best San Diego Home + Gift Boutiques post, has a well-organized selection of kitchenware, jewelry, stationery, and more. To flex those design muscles, make your own succulent arrangement at their plant station, which is stocked with planters, colored sand, cacti, and more. A few blocks away is Geographie, a relatively new boutique with paper products, beautiful cutting boards, leather goods, and more, much of which is locally made. (Like Pigment, Geographie has a ridiculously cute shop dog.) As long as it’s a Tuesday-Saturday, you can then drive or Uber it to the nearby neighborhood of Golden Hill, where you’ll find vintage mid-century furniture designs at Nok Nok Living. Saarinen, Danish Modern, Herman Miller—the gang’s all here. (Photo via)

Lunch at Cucina Urbana: You’ll be thankful you had that light breakfast once you see the lunch menu (served Tuesdays through Fridays; Saturdays at their Del Mar sister restaurant) at the beautiful Cucina Urbana, located in Bankers Hill. Housemade pastas (gluten-free available!), pizzas, and paninis are ripe for the taking, but my favorite is the vasi platter. Imagine a serving of excellent bread with mini mason jar accompaniments, like burrata with roasted garlic. Developed by London-born restauranteur Tracy Borkum, Cucina shows off her love of haute design. The Cucina space is huge and gorgeous, or if you have extra time to make the trek north (25-30 minutes) to Del Mar’s Cucina Enoteca, the latter is even more stunning. (Photo by Singler Photography)

Museums and more in Balboa Park: Time to walk off the carbo lunch. Fortunately, Balboa Park is a hop, skip, and jump away from Cucina Urbana. Take a stroll down El Prado to the various museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, Mingei International Museum, and Museum of Photographic Arts. Head further east, cross Park Boulevard, and you’ll find yourself in the wacky and whimsical Desert Garden. The crazy formations were rumored to have inspired late San Diego-based author Dr. Seuss. Pause to choose the best Instagram filter.

Snack at Panama 66: Time to refuel! Back track until you’ve reached the San Diego Museum of Art. Part of the Museum’s Sculpture Garden is the cool brewpub Panama 66, backed by the same team behind Tiger!Tiger! Tavern and Blind Lady Ale House. Beer + art? What could be better? I’ll tell you: Those fries with truffle and shaved Parmesan. (Photo by Found Creative Studio)

Dinner at The Pearl Hotel: Go back to your hotel, friend’s apartment, or Airbnb because it’s time to freshen up for dinner. And at this retro Point Loma hotel-restaurant, you’ll want to look your best. The 23-room boutique property feels like a slice of Palm Springs, and its restaurant, EAT, offers a great mix of indoor-outdoor charm. The menu is comprised of small plates and entrees, and if you’re there on a Wednesday, the hotel hosts a weekly Dive-In Theater, so you can watch a movie during your meal.

Drinks at Starlite: Ready to keep this train going? Then head 4 miles south to Starlite, a lounge that looks nondescript on the outside and positively gleaming on the inside. The den-like space is large without feeling cold, sparkly without feeling Disco, and it was even featured on Design Sponge. Starlite is a unique and classy spot, and one of the few places in San Diego for late-night dining that doesn’t involve take-out taquitos. (Photo via Soma Magazine)

Extra Credit: Mural-gazing in Barrio Logan’s Chicano Park; dinner at The Patio on Goldfinch in Mission Hills; craft cocktails at the speakeasy-style Polite Provisions in Normal Heights.

Stay tuned next Thursday for the next 24 Hours guide!

OTHER MY SOCAL’D LIFE CITY GUIDES
An Urbanite’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego
A Zen Seeker’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego

The post A Design Lover’s Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego appeared first on My SoCal'd Life.