Nostalgia is touching me as I say goodbye tomorrow to San Diego, who has been a lovely and faithful home. As an Ode to San Diego, I would like to share with you some of my favorite places (that I have photographed) in San Diego and its North County. I hope that you may have an opportunity to visit a few on your next journey to San Diego!
Along North County, the waves gently wear away at the beautiful cliffs that are covered in moss and algae. Moonlight Beach is exceptionally beautiful after it rains, as mini-waterfalls cascade down the cliffs to mingle with pools of seawater below. While the best surf is undeniably at Swamis, beginning and intermediate surfers enjoy excellent rolling waves at Beacon’s Beach, which is just a few blocks from my (soon to be) old house.
On the cliffs of Swamis surprisingly sits the Self-Realization Fellowship. If you are in Encinitas, this is a fantastic place to rejuvenate your soul and mind. Around every corner and through every path, you stumble upon secret meditation spots surrounded in alcoves of green, as well as breathtaking nooks, such as…. 
…this one! It took my husband and myself about six visits before we found this secluded sitting spot, complete with marble benches that allow you to take in the ocean views while you contemplate life.
Most Saturday and Sunday mornings, you can find my fellow Leucadians and myself indulging in a cup of Joe at our local Pannikin Coffee Shop, which resides in a repurposed train station.
I live(d) in a town where our motto is, “Keep Leucadia funky.” Traverse through Pacific Coast Highway in Leucadia, and you’ll see quirky shops and wonderful vintage type.
Despite all of San Diego’s commercialization, there are still a few places of mom-and-pop surprise, such as the aptly named Hideaway Cafe in Solana Beach.
While San Diego is not known as an epicurean capital, I have been enamored by Marakkesh, a Moroccan restaurant in the heart of La Jolla. From its amazing ambiance to its wonderful staff, Marrakesh enticies me to visit weekly. In fact, my husband and I had wanted to hold our Mainland wedding reception here!
As we travel south to proper San Diego, I find myself roaming about Balboa Park every week. There is magic in this park, stemming from its beautiful gardens to its stunning Spanish architecture. From the San Diego Art Museum (who hosts fantastic Culture and Cocktail parties complete with a DJ) to the Japanese Friendship Garden, everything a soul needs in terms of culture can be found within Balboa Park.
Of course, one of my favorite destinations in Balboa park is the Arboretum, where you walk into a tropical rainforest enclosed within beautiful architecture. However, they are not open on Thursdays, so plan accordingly!
When I lived in Point Loma, I would frequently visit the lighthouse. My husband and I like to picnic on the old bunkers and watch the waves. The tide pools are always a fun experience, and I’ve found the most interesting rocks here.
A visit to the neighborhood North Park San Diego will treat you to the sight of mixed architectural styles and an eclectic array of restaurants, among many other things.
Goodbye San Diego. You will always have a piece of my heart.
