San Diego, California

San Diego. Famous for Ron Burgundy, the Chargers, and the very best Mexican food you'll ever taste. One of the most sought-after places to live in the US and a top vacation destination for all you sun-seeking travelers.  My grandparents have lived oceanfront in La Jolla for 45 years and, because of them, it has become my second home.  As a kid, it was all about the fact that this amazing metropolis had the five things any kid would want... SeaWorld, the zoo, waves, sand and Legoland.  As I got older, it was still about the waves and the sand,  but also the adorable downtown La Jolla, the Pacific Beach nightlife, and the countless water activities, from jet skiing, to paddleboarding, to biking the boardwalks. San Diego truly has something for everyone, as long as you like sun, surf, sand and sea. Which is everyone.

 The mild 75-and-sunny weather year round brings the people in to this coastal California paradise, but it's the unique SD lifestyle that keeps them coming back. The people are easy-going, friendly, and affluent. The beaches are picturesque, full of surf-worthy Pacific waves, and aren't overcrowded. Located just 2 hours south of Los Angeles, San Diego could not be more different from it's neighboring CA metropolis. Whereas LA has the bustle of a busy city, complete with traffic 24 hours a day, cutthroat careerists and a huge lack of open space, San Diego seems to have taken that city way of life and thrown it right out the window.   I don't think there are many people who wouldn't want to live in this amazing city  with it's laid back vibe, stunning ocean views, and incredible weather. 

So, even if you can't afford to retire to a 15 Million Dollar Oceanview mansion in La Jolla just yet,  you can plan an awesome trip!

Everyone in San Diego has a dog...

for the tourist
San Diego Zoo

If you have only been to small zoos, you're missing out. The huge San Diego Zoo is one of the world's top ranked zoos, and it's no question why. You can't possibly see everything in a day, but you're guaranteed to have a great day trying. Whatever you do, don't miss the famous Giant Panda Exhibit, as the SDZoo prides itself on having the most successful breeding program outside of China for the endangered species, and they are making huge strides in saving the pandas from extinction. My favorite things to do at the zoo are see the panda cubs, feed the giraffes, and watch the polar bears swim. Feeling adventurous? Sign up for the Ropes Course Safari. It's new and looks awesome!

Sea World
Sea World is Disneyland for ocean lovers. Full of awesome water rides and even better sea animal shows, SeaWorld is a family vacation must-do. Feed the dolphins, touch the starfish and the stingrays in the tide pools, and don't miss the Polar Bear exhibit! So much fun.  

Seal Beach

Taken this summer in La Jolla

If you find yourself in La Jolla, don't miss Seal Beach, also called Children's Pool. Here you can watch and get up-close-and-personal with hundreds of seals playing and sunbathing in the cove. 

Del Mar Racetracks
Del Mar, located 20 miles north of San Diego, is a really cute seaside town and is home to one of California's best horse racing tracks. If you're looking to win big or just have a good time at the races, this is definitely a fun adventure. And the horses are gorgeous. Check the schedule before you go, and of course study up on those thoroughbreds to know who to bet on! 
http://www.dmtc.com/

Old Town San Diego

This historic center prides itself on being the "Birthplace of California". Lots of authentic mexican restaurants, museums, shops and great history.  A tourist fave in SD. 

for the foodies
Maitre D
One of my very favorite special occasion restaurants I have ever been to. The 'Maitre D' owner, who gives the restaurant its name and it's fame, is an 80-something year old man whose energy and charisma make this restaurant the gem it is. As soon as you walk into this small, 10-table restaurant, the maitre d and his staff do everything possible to make your celebratory night a night to remember. The menu is full of decadent tableside-prepared dishes such as bananas foster, baked alaska, and the finest chateaubriand steak.  The live piano music combined with the gorgeous antique furniture makes you feel like you've stepped back into the roaring 20's for dinner. The atmosphere, the service, and the food are all incredible. Don't miss out on their famous "infused vodka" which comes to your table as a bottle in a cube of ice, infused with fruit or flowers.  There are also Ice swans between courses that hold your sorbet. Every bit of this restaurant is an amazing experience. It's quirky, crazy and elegant all in one, but the best part has to be the night has to be the owner and how he takes photos of every table with his little camera, then develops them and will give them to you when you return. He wants to make sure your special night is remembered! He remembers every single diner that comes into the restaurant... it's incredible.  I guarantee you your night at this hidden gem will be a night to remember.  Maitre D. 5523 La Jolla Blvd. 

Phil's BBQ

best sandwich in america? you gotta try it

Phil's Barbecue is less of a hidden gem and more of a you're-going-to-be-waiting-in-line-for-two-hours-if-you-want-a-table San Diego staple. But, have no fear, they do take out and you can call ahead and pick up your order with no wait!! Definitely the way to do it! Winner of Travel Channel's best sandwich in america, you have to try the El Toro Tri-Tip Sandwich. It is heaven. And I'm a North Carolina Tar Heel who loooves barbecue and although I would never imagine that my favorite barbecue would be found in CA, Phil's definitely takes the cake.  Also try the pulled pork Broham and their incredible beer battered onion rings. I don't even like onion rings and I could finish a whole order myself.  Phil's BBQ 3750 Sports Arena Blvd 619 226 6333

Harry's Coffee Shop

La Jolla's breakfast hot spot. Harry's has been around in downtown La Jolla since 1960 and it's red leather booths, loyal local diners and classic delicious breakfast haven't aged a bit. I'm not kidding you when I say I dream about Harry's cinnamon rolls, a delicious warmed donut roll that I get every time before my omelette. They also have great benedicts, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal pancakes, omelettes and anything else you could possibly want for breakfast or brunch.  Harry's Coffee Shop 7545 Girard Ave La Jolla CA 92037

Old Town Cafe

Admittedly, this is a very touristy place. But, if you're into touristy mexican margaritas, sombreros, and delicious authentic mexican food, I highly recommend it. They handmake their tortillas right there which is awesome, and the margaritas are muy delicioso!! Old Town Mexican Cafe 

Roppongi Sushi
Located on Prospect Street in the heart of downtown La Jolla, this sushi bar, complete with outdoor fire pit dining for CA summer nights, was awarded Zagat's Top World Restaurants Award as well as Wine Spectator's Award for Excellence. With its contemporary vibe and stunning decor, it's a great place to grab drinks or dinner. 

Dos Pedros Taco Shop

Shhhhh. This place is a local secret. It is literally a 100-square-foot little shack that serves up the best Mexican food I have ever tasted. Get the carne asada fries, a carne asada burrito, or just the quesadilla and take it to the beach. Best. Mexican. Ever. 723 Turquoise Street, San Diego, CA and 6990 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla

My favorite view, taken this Summer in La Jolla

for the adventurer
snorkel with leopard sharks 
Yes, sharks. But they're small and harmless, so don't be scared. Here at the La Jolla Cove, you can snorkel with them! Pretty cool. 

jetski in mission bay
Mission Bay hosts some great water for jetskiing. SO much fun. Check out Mission Bay Sportcenter  for prices and reservations. 

kayak the caves of la jolla 
Rent a kayak or do a tour and see the caves of La Jolla Cove! 

golf at torrey pines
Famous for being Phil Mickelson's go-to course and the site of the 2008 US Open, golfing or sightseeing at Torrey Pines is a must for any golfers coming to SD. Situated atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific, it's a stunning course. 

for the beaches
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is your catch-all California beach. It has huge waves and a gorgeous stretch of white sand that spans for a mile. Go to a nearby surf shop if you want to rent a surfboard for the day or take a lesson! They also rent boogie boards, paddleboards, skimboards, and more! One of the most famous is Mitch's Surf Shop. 
Pacific Beach

Rent a bike and ride along the whole boardwalk lining Pacific Beach. This beach can get crowded, but is definitely a fun one to people watch. Great restaurants also line the boardwalk! (and my favorite shaved ice place, a popular little stand you won't miss)

Coronado Island
Coronado island is one of my favorite places in the world. It is this gorgeous island ten minutes from downtown San Diego that is home to a naval base. The town itself is so great. Full of cute shops, dining, and one of the best hotels in the world, Hotel Del Coronado. The beach outside of the Hotel Del is a great place to go for the day. 

for the nightlife
Pacific Beach bars

Pacific Beach is packed with beachy bars, full of tank-top clad college kids looking to have a good time. The casual atmosphere among all the PB bars is so much fun, and completely different from the bars in downtown San Diego. Check out Typhoons, especially for dancing.

where to stay

Hotel Del Coronado
One of my favorite hotels in the world. Site of Marilyn Monroe's movie "Some Like It Hot", this hotel has incredible history but is gorgeously refurbished to be a top notch modern resort. The pool area, restaurants, and shopping are amazing, and the beach is fantastic. Not to mention you're on the cute island of Coronado, a gorgeous section of San Diego. This is definitely my pick for where to stay! You won't be disappointed.  http://www.hoteldel.com/

The Omni Downtown
This Omni Hotel is connected via a skywalk to Petco Park, the home of the Padres. So, if you're planning on catching a game while you're in town, there's no better place to be. http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/SanDiego.aspx

La Valencia
If you want to stay in La Jolla, this downtown hotel is my favorite. It's beautiful iconic pink architecture and overlooking ocean views make it a top tourist spot for the city. http://www.lavalencia.com/

If you can't already tell, you're never going to get bored in San Diego. The people here are super active, and you'll adapt well to their awesome way of life. Jetskiing, paddleboarding, surfing, boogieboarding, and soaking in the sun... who's with me?

Boost my blog cred and become a follower by clicking 'join this site' under 'Followers' on the lefthand side of the page! 

follow my travel tweets on twitter @jetsetchristina

Lake Tahoe

I may be biased, but goodness I love California. I love our weather, I love our cities, and I love our beaches. But one of the things I love the most about this beautiful golden state is that we prove that it is, indeed, possible to have it all. Beaches? Sure, take your pick.  Big cities? Check. National parks? All over the place. Mountains? You betcha. There are so few states that can boast the amazing ability to get from the beach to the mountains in a short few-hour drive, and I think that it's what makes the Golden State so great. Every Christmas break, the cities and the suburbs flee, all taking refuge from our warm winter days in exchange for lots of layers, cozy fireplaces, hot cocoa, and something magical we just can't get at home: SNOW.  We spend our days skiing all morning, sledding all afternoon, hibernating by the fireplace all night, and always planning our next snowball fight.... Welcome to Tahoe. 

I just got back from a ski weekend up in Tahoe, and I already have another 5 day weekend trip in the works for over New  Years, so obviously I can't wait to tell you all about this gorgeous mountain destination. Orbitz has named Tahoe its #1 Ski Destination for three consecutive years, and after one visit, you won't question why.  Tahoe is a little elitist, but in the best way. People come from all over the world to ski the miles and miles of terrain that make this destination the snowcapped paradise it is. So, whether you're flying in from across the world, or you're a lucky California local vacationing to your backyard winter oasis, Tahoe has absolutely everything you need for the perfect winter getaway. So, grab your hot cocoa (or your irish coffee) and get comfy... I'm here to make sure you take this winter wonderland by storm!

fast facts 
Did you know? Tahoe has the largest concentration of ski resorts in the country with 12 ski resorts in the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountains! It's also the highest alpine lake in the US and the second highest in the world!

Airports: Reno (closest at 40 min away) or Sacramento (about an hour and half drive)

ski resorts

Squaw Valley Once site of the winter olympics, Squaw has some of the most beautiful and most challenging ski slopes in Tahoe. It is the biggest, and one of the best, but beginners beware- a Squaw beginner's green is more like a blue intermediate anywhere else. Squaw is definitely one of my very favorites, and where I skied all last weekend. One of my favorite things is the Olympic Village at the base of the mountain, complete with tons of restaurants, shops, bars & coffee houses-- definitely tourist-friendly. Also, up toward the top of one of Squaw's runs, Gold Coast, you can find the world's first and only ski-in-ski-out Starbucks. Super cool (see pic).

Ski-in-ski-out Starbucks @ Squaw

Best runs: Red Dog (Black Diamond), Shirley (Blue), and Mountain Run (Blue)

www.squaw.com 

Alpine Meadows

Alpine and Squaw have a great deal where you can ski at both resorts for the price of one lift ticket. Since the resorts are so close, you can use their complimentary shuttle and get a two-for-one ski day. Alpine is  another regular favorite, and has a great mix of beginner slopes and high-difficulty terrain. The back of the mountain is also great for the adventurous skiers and boarders. Apres-skiing, definitely check out the Last Chair Bar for food & drinks. www.skialpine.com

Northstar   

Northstar is another of my favorite ski resorts. The smart layout of the slopes, complete with tons of runs for all different skill levels, provides you with a prime mountain playground. 

Like Squaw, Northstar also has a village at the base, which is great if you feel like relaxing in one of the lodges, bars, or restaurants, or doing a little shopping in between ski days. If you do reach the top at Northstar (8,610 feet), stop for lunch at the Summit Deck and Grill. The chili and cornbread will be just what you need in the middle of your exhilerating ski day!  After skiing, kick back at Overlook bar, next to the ice skating rink in the middle of Northstar's base village. Sit on some cushioned chairs by the firepit and take in the beautiful snowy scene. Live bands and $2 happy hour beers don't hurt much either.  www.northstarattahoe.com

View from Heavenly

Boreal A beginner's dream-come-true! With all the intense expert-oriented resorts out there in Tahoe, Boreal is what many beginnners are looking for. Low lift ticket prices, and easy to access for a day trip. Perfect for kids learning to ski. A smaller resort, but it's the closest from Sacramento, about 45 minutes before you hit the other North Tahoe resorts. 

Heavenly With some of the best views of the deep blue Lake as you ski down the mountain, this is a resort that lives up to its name. Lots of terrain variety. Heavenly is consistently ranked in the top Tahoe ski resorts. Go with the whole family as there's something for everyone, and the scenery is tough to beat!

Kirkwood In South Tahoe, Kirkwood boasts tons of open bowls, 65 total runs, the highest base elevation in Tahoe, as well as the deepest annual snowfall.  A great choice if you're in South Tahoe. 

Homewood Like it's name implies, Homewood is a ski haven for many locals and mountain home-owners. A smaller sized mountain, but with some great skiing. Lower prices and less crowds make this resort a favorite. 64 runs, all with incredible lake views!! Homewood has mostly intermediate runs, so it's best for the casual-yet-daring skiier, though they still have enough beginner and expert runs to keep everyone happy! The longest run, Rainbow Ridge, is a whole 2 miles long! skihomewood.com

Where to stay

Resort at Squaw Creek

This past weekend, my boyfriend and I stayed here in the Olympic Valley and had an amazing time.  Seeing the rave reviews, I knew we were in for a mountain lodge oasis, but it exceeded all of my expectations.  Located at the base of the Squaw Valley mountains, Squaw Creek is one of the few hotels that has a private ski lift right outside of your door. With rentals right on the property, they make everything simple and easy for you to get right on the slopes. You can even ski back down to the same spot at the end of your day- pretty amazing! Another one of my favorite parts of this resort is the open-year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tubs (pictured). There is nothing, and I mean nothing, like the feeling of hot tubbing at night surrounded by snow after a full day of skiing. Your soreness and tiredness from taking on the mountain melt into the hot tub.  The combination of the brisk cold, the gorgeous snow, the lit up resort, and the heavenly hot tub will be sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. It definitely was mine. 

The service at the resort was also top-notch. They even upgraded us upon arrival to a fireplace suite with a gorgeous marble fireplace, our own living room and kitchen, and stunning views of the mountains. We ate our meals at the awesome hotel restaurants and rented equipment and bought our lift tickets steps away from our room. With icey roads, snowy weather, and heavy ski equipment, you really don't need to go anywhere once you get to this resort- it's definitely an experience worth the cost, as the Resort at Squaw Creek makes your trip simply amazing. http://www.squawcreek.com/

Cedar House Sport Hotel. This family run hotel in Truckee is your home away-from-home in Tahoe. Modern and eco-friendly, the 40-room Cedar House is a fantastic choice for lodging in Tahoe. It also hosts one of Tahoe's most famous (and expensive) restaurants, Stella, for all you foodies.  Rooms start from $170, including full breakfast! 10918 Brockway Rd, Truckee, CA, 96161 http://www.cedarhousesporthotel.com/

Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe

This five star resort is for those looking the luxe lodge. It is a stunning property tucked away in the mountains, so if you can afford it, this is definitely your place for an intimate and amazing Tahoe getaway.  13031 Ritz Carlton Highland Court, Truckee, CA www.ritzcarlton.com/LakeTahoe

for the adventurer

Skiing/Snowboarding

Me & the bf skiing last weekend at Squaw

I have been a lifelong skiier since about five or six and am personally a huge fan of the sport.  I highly recommend trying it and taking a lesson even if you never have before.  As far as gear goes, you can choose to bring up your own gear and equipment, or rent from your resort. Most people rent, making it easier to not have to carry all the heavy skis and ski boots everywhere. Make sure you bundle up, pack your ski goggles, gloves, pants, warm socks and a big waterproof ski jacket as it gets chilly up in the mountain peaks and layers are key. 

Skiing not your thing? No worries, there is so much to do in Tahoe whether you're sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or just sitting by the fire and taking in the gorgeous mountains...

Sledding

Adventure Mountain. Who doesn't love sledding? This transformed ski resort is now a very popular area for tubing down the snowcapped hills. With 40 pristine acres, it's the perfect place to take your family for a fun-packed snowday. Along with tons of tube runs, they also have snowshoeing! (hiking with special shoes meant for snow). Echo Summit Sno-Park. Hwy. 50 at Echo Summit, South side of roadway 

Kingvale Tubing and Sledding Center. This place has 5 lift-served tubing lanes for the serious tubers. They even have night tubing and snow mobiling. So much fun.  I-80 Kingvale exit, 18 miles west of Truckee, Kingvale

Ice skating. 

Squaw Valley Olympic Ice Pavilion.

1960 Squaw Valley Road Olympic Valley High Camp – Squaw Valley USA

Northstar Ice Skating Rink. Located in the heart of the Village at Northstar, this huge ice skating rink is free for everyone! $10 for ice skate rentals, and open until 9pm. http://www.northstarattahoe.com/info/ski/the-village/skating.asp

Heavenly Village Ice Rink
Heavenly Village Way South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 http://www.theshopsatheavenly.com/golf-skate.php

Snow mobiling

Kind of like jetskiing in the snow, snowmobiling provides an awesome exhilerating experience. Rent one at one of the aforementioned sledding parks or check out snowmobile tours in Tahoe! http://www.laketahoesnowmobilingtours.com/

for the gamblers  Skiing may just be the most expensive sport ever. Between the cost of all the intense clothing and accessories, the hotels and houses, the lift tickets and rental fees, things add up fast. So, why not lose more money win back your money across the Nevada state line?  Reno is hopping with Casinos if you're staying in South Lake Tahoe,  but closer to the North Tahoe resorts is the Grand Lodge Casino (in the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, 111 Country Club Drive; 775-832-1234 ;www.hyattcasinolaketahoe.com) open 24 hours, with a full array of slots, blackjack, roulette and craps tables, and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. 

for breakfast  It's always smart to load up on breakfast before your long day on the slopes! Here are a few of my Tahoe faves

Old Post Office Cafe- Great homestyle breakfast and a local fave. Can get super popular on weekends, though, so be sure to get there early! 5245 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 

Driftwood Cafe - Located steps away from Heavenly Ski Resort, this breakfast place is a skiier's favorite. Loaded omelettes, pancakes, waffles, breakfast burritos, and more. 

1001 Heavenly Village Way. South Lake Tahoe, CA 

Fire Sign Cafe - This place is so good! Gets really crowded, but worth the wait. Omelettes, scrambles, french toast, benedicts, buttermilk waffles... OK my mouth is watering.  1785 W Lake Blvd Tahoe City, CA http://firesigncafe.com/breakfast-items.php

Poppy's Yogurt & Waffle Shoppe- My favorite grab-and-go breakfast place. Located right in Tahoe City on the main road. Grab yourself a delicious waffle, a breakfast sandwich, an avocado, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito, or one of their amazing smoothies. Bonus! Sometimes in the summer, they'll have MIMOSA flavored sorbet.. made with real champagne, which is incredible. First time I've been I.D.ed getting ice cream! 521 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City  

Summer in Tahoe

Which do you like better in Tahoe, Winter or Summer? Most people have gotten this question at some point, and I've known very few who could choose. Winter in Tahoe, as you can tell from the first half of this post, is full of snow-packed adventure. Summer, on the other hand, is full of boating, swimming, beaches, sunshine, and gorgeous hikes. With so many pros to every season at Tahoe, I dare you to try to choose.

favorite spots

Sunnyside

There's no way you can leave a trip to Tahoe without visiting this staple. With it's gorgeous lakeside dining, delicious food and even better drinks, Sunnyside is the place to be in the summer. The best part about Sunnyside in the summer is the ability to boat right in to the dock outside the restaurant. Talk about the perfect spot to go in the middle of your day out boating. Take a break from waterskiing, tubing, or just sunning, and kick back with some of their famous fried zucchini sticks and ranch and one of their many delish cocktails and enjoy the gorgeous view. 

Gar Woods

Gar Woods is similar to Sunnyside, with it's gorgeous lakeside property and outdoor pier dining. We all love it for the pitchers of their famous "Wet Woodys"- a signature Gar Woods drink that you'll just have to try to see what all the hype is about! There's even a whole page on their site dedicated to the "World Famous Wet Woody".

http://www.garwoods.com/

With friends at Gar Woods July 2012

Chambers on the 4th

Chamber's Landing

I don't know about you all, but on a hot summer day, give me a lake, a dock, and an ice cold blended drink and life couldn't get any more perfect. If you agree, Chamber's is your place. Anyone who has been to Tahoe in the summer knows about Chamber's Landing. It's a stretch of beach complete with a bar on the pier that is always crowded with tons and tons of people, all having a great time with chambers' famous rum punches in hand. If you happen to be in Tahoe for the 4th of July, you're definitely going to want to stop by! It is always so much fun. 

summer activities for everyone

Rafting down Truckee River

Less of a "white water river raft" and more of a "river float", but still a really fun day activity, especially if you have a big group! The cruise down the river takes about 2-3 hours and you're encouraged to bring along a cooler in your raft. Lots of fun in the summer.

truckeeriverrafting.com

Boating Boats and tahoe are synonymous in the summer. With your choice of waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, or just speeding around the lake, boat days are the best days. If you don't know someone with their own boat, there are plenty places to rent one around the lake!

Hiking There are tons of hikes all around Tahoe. Tahoe Backcountry has some great ones. I love Emerald Bay, so if you can get there via hiking, biking, or by boat, it is a great trip-Gorgeous!

Whatever the season, Tahoe is one of my favorite places, and I hope it will be yours too. See you in the mountains!
follow my travel tweets on twitter @jetsetchristina