American West Coast Road Trip - San Diego, California

Last November saw us travel to the US for a 2 week holiday. Flying into Phoenix for a night, we picked up a Ford Mustang hirecar (it’s compulsory, right?) and drove the 4-5 hour drive to San Diego on the West Coast of America. Reading forums, we had considered flying to San Diego - costing about £20 more, but probably more faff. Users talked of a long, dull drive, however it was a drive of many contrasts - from dusty vistas, to full-on deserts, to twisting rocky mountain passes where you could really feel the chill of the air. We also passed a huge livestock farm - miles long and literally full of cows - presumably one of the fast food giants. Quite a shock but still another interesting early insight into the Arizona/California region.

Arriving in San Diego to a beautiful sunset, we stayed in an Airbnb - a little Spanish style self contained flat. Starving, we went out for dinner in the Hillcrest area. Being November, Southern California is still sunny and fairly warm in the day but there was a real chill at night, while the further up North you go the colder and rainier it tends to get. The following day we took a 30 min drive to La Jolla (pronounced La Hoya) - a beautiful, affluent suburb of San Diego. Set along the coast, the huge Atlantic waves come crashing against the rocks, sending spray soaring in front of your face and creating mini-rainbows. Sea lions also sat in crowds, lazing on the rocks, just metres from the wandering locals and tourists. La Jolla is definitely one to visit if you’re in San Diego - there are some great cafes and restaurants in the area as well as some stunning short walks along the coast.

Sea lions at La Jolla

Being a surf hotspot, we decided to go for a spot of surfing the next day. Having gone once before and got up  few times, we were confident we would master it this time round. Unfortunately, the waves, although smallish, were crashing aggressively on Pacific Beach. Usually packed with surfer, we were joined by only 5 or so other surfers, including a surf school of teacher and 2 students who retreated to the beach after only 20 mins. We did the same after being wiped out repeatedly by the waves, combined with oncoming hypothermia from the chilly water and cloudy conditions that day. A trip to San Diego Old Town for lunch, home of many taquerias, helped sooth the pain with a burrito and bottle of Mexican beer.

Evening surfing, San Diego

Overall San Diego is definitely a great place to spend a few days (or more) - with great food, lovely weather (most of the time) and a chilled out vibe - different to that of it’s big brother Los Angeles a couple of hours North.

Pacific Beach, San Diego

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