THE NEW CALIFORNIA
Move over LA! WD’S GILLIAN TAYLOR vultures are flocking to San Diego
Flying into Sandiego, San Diego, it’s easy to see why it’s become the east coast’s new Los Angeles. Gorgeous beaches, rolling hills, spacious suburbs – none of it can be said for the endlessly traffic-filled LA. San Diego is an easy three-hour drive from LA airport (or a short 40-minute flight) and offers something for everyone.
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most famous districts, situated about 20 minutes from downtown. Perched on the beach, check out the sea lions while you indulge in delicious fresh fish tacos, plus all the margaritas.
The views are just beautiful over the beaches as we make our way to The Lodge at Torrey Pines, an estate that’s come straight out Hollywood’s Golden Age, complete with Tiffany lamps and polished wood.
The hotel’s spa offers a standout Torrey Pines Signature Massage, complete with essential oils, and
I soon fall into my beautiful bed for a great night’s sleep.
MEXICAN INFLUENCE
The city is heavily influenced by Mexican culture – the country is only 27km away. Visiting the Old Town quarter provides great homemade arts and crafts, fresh fruit and beautiful flowers available at the farmers’ markets are beautiful and super cheap.
Mexican food is everywhere but favourite eateries are Tahona Bar for mezcal (FYI, mezcal is the new tequila if your stomach can handle it!), Galaxy Taco and Salud!
Another unmissable pit stop? Living out your Top Gun fantasy at the USS Midway Museum where you can explore a retired aircraft carrier that’s home to a huge fleet of aircraft.
Another amazing activity – getting the all-american baseball experience by watching the Padres play the Dodgers at Petco Park. The atmosphere is fun and friendly and afterwards we pop into the Gaslamp Quarter’s underground bar Prohibition for live blues and spicy cocktails.
MAMMOTH WONDERS
Still in California, and only a five-hour drive from LA, lies the stunning Mammoth Lakes, home to Mammoth Mountain and neighbour to the famous Yosemite National Park.
The views driving in are incredible, with the Sierra
Nevada mountain range rising up, still covered with snow in autumn. The skiing is amazing but for a unique que trip full of hiking, bike riding, ng, mountain climbing and hot springs, visit in autumn when the leaves are gold.
One of the highlights of Mammoth is visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, where everyone’s invited to sit in its warm pools and look out at the mountains.
You also need to stop by the awe-inspiring Yosemite. Winding roads lead you to incredible views of El Capitan, a 2300-metre high vertical rock formation that people actually climb – it takes about three days!
Everywhere you look are jawdropping views, glimpses of deer, and you might even spot a bear if you’re lucky.
Another Mammoth highlight is historic ghost town Bodie. This once-thriving gold rush town has a colourful past, with more than one murder every day – check out the graveyard.
All in all, whether you’re after scenic nature or sensational authentic eats, it’s time to bypass busy LA and explore a new side of sunny California!