Chasing the Sun For A Winter Warm Up in Pacific Beach

I can feel the temps start to drop, which means I have to chase the sun West for a winter warm up. One of my favorite spots to get to know is San Diego, which is known as the birthplace of California. It’s chock full of neighborhoods teeming with unique character and flare. Just a few miles northwest of the city, find Pacific Beach (PB as the locals call it), an area known for a strong surf culture, a happening main drag along Garnet Ave., vibrant nightlife, and a three mile boardwalk that runs from Pacific Beach to Mission Bay. Here are some of the best things to do in Pacific Beach:

Tower 23, one of California’s only luxury boutique beachfront hotels, is a top PB spot with instant access to the beach, boardwalk and popular restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Whether you stay in a spacious Serenity Suite outfitted with an in-room Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean, or a more economical surf pad, comfort is key. All rooms are outfitted with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, flat screen TVs and in-room coffee makers. If traveling for work, rest easy. Wi-Fi even reaches the beach. Or, catch up on emails from the Tower Deck, a private patio, outfitted with lounge chairs, a fountain and fire pits.

Hit the ground running, or rolling, after checking in with the concierge where you can rent complimentary beach cruisers and long boards to cruise among an active beach crowd playing volleyball, surfing and body boarding. Along the way, make time for adventure at The Wave House – a choice boardwalk spot. Here, an outdoor wave machine creates perfect waves where visitors can experience the feel of riding a gnarly barrel. Or, experience the real thing during a surf lesson with San Diego Surf School, which offers private, semi-private and group lessons.

“Surfing is addicting and can change your life,” says owner Souf Tihhi. “It’s amazing to lose yourself, lose track of time and think about nothing except how to catch the next wave.”  Catching waves is sure to happen with expert surf instructors who have slayed some of the toughest, including Mavericks. Instructors are encouraging and can easily break down the steps to make sure you feel the rush of riding the water into shore. Or, for the more advanced, learn how to cut and catch your own wave.

Still craving some salt? Find yourself four miles off the coast aboard an 80- foot vessel with one mission: to seek out whales and dolphins in water that reaches depths of up to 3,000 feet. San Diego Whale Watching leads the charge with an onboard naturalist who teaches guests everything from migratory patterns to how to tell when a whale is close to surfacing. Whales can be spotted in the distance, but dolphins are almost always surfing directly alongside the boat offering up-close views and picture perfect moments.

When it comes to good eats, the PB crowd favorites are fish tacos and acai bowls. Behind an unassuming storefront, find Oscars, where the wait is worth the best tacos in town. House favorites include the Ahi, Surf and Turf, and the Spicy Fish Tacos seasoned with special spice blends and housed in crunchy homemade tortillas so savory you may be back for seconds. Prices are affordable with tacos ranging from 4 to 6 bucks. For even more local flavor, head to Mad Beets to try a Pitaya Bowl –  sorbet made with a dragon fruit base topped with granola, honey and fresh fruit. Smoothies and shakes are also staples on the menu.

Sand, sun and surfing draw visitors to Pacific Beach, but its cheerful character, hip eateries and hotels, and abundance of outdoor adventures keep them coming back time and time again. Come for the first time or to rediscover a favorite destination. Whatever piece of the California Dream you’re searching for, Pacific Beach has it all.

 

Carri’s Catch

Also on the boardwalk, next door to Wavehouse, stop in at Draft –  a bar boasting 69 beers on tap ranging from local CA brews, international flavors from France and Belgium to others from across the country. Choose between a 9, 14, or 22 oz. For one of the house favorites, order the Cali Creamin’ Vanilla Cream Ale from Mother Earth Brewery in Vista, CA.