The 10 Best Gifts for the Jetsetter in Your Life

The holidays are here!!! And I, for one, could not be more excited. I've spent the past week decorating the tree, watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, listening to christmas music nonstop, and of course, baking lots of cookies. Baking might be my favorite activity (after traveling), followed closely by another favorite holiday pastime... shopping. Is there anything better than picking out the perfect present for your loved ones? It's the season of giving, and I'm here to help. Here are my top holiday gifts for people who love to wanderlust.

Pictured: passport case, bon voyage pillow, suitcase, scarf, tote, and sunglasses 

1. Bric's Luggage

I am absolutely obsessed with this new luggage brand. The quality is unbeatable and these pieces of luggage will last a lifetime. Not to mention they are beautiful and so, so classy.

Buy here: Bric's Life Bellagio 30" Spinner
Bric's Bellagio 18" Boarding Duffle with Handle Sleeve (Cream)
Bric's Luggage Life Pelle New 4 Wheels Pilot, Cognac

2. Bon Voyage Throw Pillow

Because how cute is this? Retails for $100 and it's on sale on Amazon for $17.50!

Buy here: Bon Voyage Pillow

3. A great passport cover

Every traveler needs a great passport cover.  This is one of my favorite gifts to give around the holidays.  Here are some of my favorites:

Kate Spade Leather Passport Holder Blue Hydrangea
Kate Spade New York Passport Holder Rose Gold
Fossil Passport Case, Air Blue

4. The perfect leather tote

 I recently was gifted a beautiful monogrammed leather tote and I have to say it is one of the best gifts I've eve received. These totes are good for the busy girl who is always on the go.

Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Tote
Mark & Graham Elisabetta Tote (this is the one that I own!)
Tote Bag, Pearlized Silver 
BCBG Paris Tote Black

5. A 2016 Travel Calendar!

Shameless plug here but I created a beautiful travel calendar full of landscape photos that I've taken of beautiful scenery all over the world! It would make the perfect accessory to any jetsetter's office or home. 
Buy at my store here

6. A Gold Compass Necklace

How perfect is this necklace for anyone that loves to travel? Dogeared makes some great (and affordable) jewelry, and they are always some of my favorite gifts to give and receive. My best friend in the whole world got this necklace for me before I studied abroad, and to this day it was one of the most thoughtful, meaningful gifts I've ever received. 

Dogeared Going Places Compass Disc Gold Dipped Chain Necklace

7. A great bottle of California wine

I love to give people who love to travel a little taste of my home in California. Whether they've been to Napa Valley before, and are missing it, or whether they just dream of winetasting there,  Napa is a great place to start when it comes to Christmas gifts...  Your friends and family will think you got it straight from the winery - but you can actually easily order one of my very favorite wines- Grgich Hills- online on Amazon!
2012 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay 
2012 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel 
2013 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 

8. A travel set of their favorite beauty products

I love the Jack Black "Power Trip" set for stuffing my boyfriend's stocking. It has everything they need for their Dopp Kit in a cute little power-trip pack.
Jack Black Power Trip Travel Set

9. An ideal-for-airplane-travel infinity scarf

It keeps you warm at high altitude and makes any airport outfit look great. These are my go-to when traveling on long flights.
Womens Thick Ribbed Knit Winter Infinity Scarf 
Plush Women's Plaid Infinity Scarf, Black/Red
Wrapables Lightweight Silky Soft Infinity Scarf, Turquoise 

10. A giftcard to their favorite airline!

Because what traveler doesn't want an excuse to take a trip somewhere!?
Southwest Airlines Gift Card $100
Hyatt $100 Gift Card


Happy shopping (and jetsetting!!) xoxo,
Christina
 
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Montenegro: Europe's Next Big Hotspot

If you have been following my instagram, you know I just got back from a two week European cruise to Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. One of my very favorite spots was Montenegro. This small Balkan country has everything! Medieval villages, rugged mountains, and a picturesque coastline spotted with gorgeous beaches that rival any of its mediterranean neighbors. I fell in love with this captivating country in just one day, and I have no doubts that you will too. So, here is my go-to guide to your perfect day in Montenegro.

Step 1: Arrive By Sea

One of the most jaw-dropping things you will see on your trip to the Dalmatian Coast is the fjords of Montenegro. If you're thinking Fjords? I thought those were only in Norway and Iceland? , you're not alone. I thought the same thing before visiting Montenegro, but was quickly corrected that in fact the Bay of Kotor, a stunning maze of sea inlets, is Europe's southernmost Fjord, and home to the beautiful city of Kotor.

Step 2: Explore the medieval town of Kotor & Hike to the top of the Castle of San Giovani

As you sail through the Bay of Kotor, you'll reach the end of the bay, home to arguably Montenegro's most famous town, Kotor. It looks like a typical coastal town until you see up close that it's surrounded by medieval city walls, built by the Venetians to protect it from invaders. If you're up for the climb, these five kilometer long stone walls run right into the steep hillside above the town, offering incredible panoramic views across the entire Bay of Kotor. The hike is pretty treacherous-- you'll be climbing approximately 1,350 stairs to a height of 4000 feet!! It will take you around two hours to get up and back, and is a fantastic workout to start off your day. Don't forget to bring your camera! 

After your hike, walk the town! It's a walled city that feels as if you're stepping back in time, and there are lots of cafes and shops to explore. 

The view from the steep hike to the top of the Castle San Giovani

Step 3: Hop in a cab to Budva

Getting the right cab driver here is key. The right driver will know all of the gorgeous spots to stop at as you're driving the coast of this beautiful country, and they'll fill you in on all of the rich culture and history in Montenegro on the way. For example, did you know that the Montenegrans are the 2nd tallest people in the world? After the dutch. They also play a LOT of water polo (and they're very good at it) and will often play right in the ocean instead of in a swimming pool, since there are very few waves and the salt water provides extra buoyancy. Having grown up a swimmer/water polo player myself I thought that was very cool. 

Here are some of the views we saw on the way to Budva of the town and beaches. 

Budva is a seaside town on the other side of the mountain from Kotor, and it's at most a 40 minute drive from each town to the other. In Budva, you'll find gorgeous beaches and restaurants and shops, making it a perfect spot to swim and relax for a couple hours in the middle of the day. We stopped here on our way to Sveti Stefan and are so glad that we did.

Step 4: Eat lunch at the Olive Cafe on Sveti Stefan

Aman Sveti Stefan is a luxurious coastal resort that takes over a small island off the coast of Montenegro. Look at this island. How can you not be completely captivated by it?

 Researching where to go in Montenegro, I just KNEW I had to see it. Only one problem. This resort has 24/7 guards guarding the bridge and only allowing the guests onto the resort. And by guests, it means the people paying upwards of 2k a night. Oh, and famous tennis player Novak Djokovic, who, in between holding world records in tennis and often being ranked #1 singles mens tennis player worldwide by ATP, held his wedding at this beautiful resort. So, what are the rest of us to do when we are just dying to see it? Well, there is a beach that is accessible to the rest of us who aren't athletes or celebrities, and it, my friends, is SO beautiful. However, if you want to lay on this beach, it's going to cost you. 75 euro per person. That's a lot for a beach! Worth it? 
Not in my opinion. So what do you do? Eat at the stunning restaurant on the beach overlooking the resort.

The Olive restaurant directly overlooks the island with a prime view of the beach, the resort, and the sea. It's extensive outdoor seating, luxurious restaurant decor and its amazing staff will provide the perfect setting for a delectable mediterranean meal by the sea. I had told the restaurant we'd be visiting for the first time and we were greeted by the wonderful manager, Misko, who was an amazing representation of the friendly Montenegran culture. From the moment we sat down, so much attention to detail was given to the entire experience of the meal. From the perfect positioning of every outdoor table to have a gorgeous view of the island, to the highly trained waiter anticipating our every need. The food was quite possibly the best I had on my entire trip to Europe, and was very reasonably priced. The melt-in-my-mouth fresh fish was the highlight of the meal. We also had shrimp that was to die for, bread with tzaziki, farm-fresh greek salads and, of course, a delicious chilled bottle of summery Montenegran white wine. It was a perfect meal. I cannot recommend this restaurant (and its staff) highly enough. 

Step 5: Enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking Sveti Stefan

The Olive restaurant also has the BEST sunset view in all of Montenegro.. With plenty of outdoor tables & delicious drinks to enjoy it. I mean, look at this picture taken at Olive. Does it get any prettier?

There you go. A PERFECT day in Montenegro! I hope you'll visit this beautiful country soon, because it is so wonderfully off-the-beaten tourist track right now but most definitely won't be for long!!! Just look at the immense growth in popularity of tourism in Croatia and I can tell you that Montenegro is definitely Europe's next big thing. 

Embrace the Chaos: In Travel, and Every Day

You hear people say it all the time. Don't take any moment for granted, enjoy the journey not the destination, live in the moment.  We all KNOW all of these old adages, but do we truly live by them?

When I went abroad on Semester at Sea, I learned very quickly how easily time slips away from you. We would have only 5 or 6 days in a country, and that was it. Five days to see an entire country. We were thrown into port with little planning and preparation, armed with nothing but an open mind and high expectations. If you didn't take advantage of every moment, every opportunity, every sight to see, you missed out. We were going to countries like India, South Africa, Brazil, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan and China.. places I wasn't sure if I would ever have another opportunity to get back to. I had too many places to go, too much to see, too many memories to make.

Life isn't so different from traveling in that way.  We're thrown into this life, which is always going to be too short. We have too many places we want to go, too much to accomplish, too many memories to make. We can prepare, plan, and create a fool-proof itinerary for the rest of our lives, or we can just live. The happiest people, in my opinion, find somewhere in between. A blend of preparation, long-term goal planning, and spontaneity. I think the happiest of us all learn to embrace the uncertainty that life brings, and live every day no different than as if it's a vacation in a new destination. 

And so I challenge you. Can you take advantage of every opportunity that every day presents? Can you see all there is to see and leave every day, and every destination, with no regrets? Much like travelers do in a new place, people can, and should, live every day with the mindset of, if I never get another opportunity, if tomorrow isn't guaranteed, if my long-term itinerary isn't set in place, would it make me happy in this moment to do this? Living for the moment, instead of constantly making our life decisions based on how we think we'll feel in the future or how we think we should feel right now, is, in my opinion, the key to happiness. It seems to me that after all is said and done, we actually don't want the plain, perfect life we set out to create at a young age. We want the mishaps, the risks, the chances we take, we want the mistakes that make us who we are. Just like on vacation, it's the flat tires, the last-minute itinerary changes, the storms, the adventures, the spontaneous times that make the best stories.  It's simply about embracing the uncertainty, and flexing with the twists and turns that life throws at us. 

I wish every day could actually be a vacation. But, then again, can't it?

The Best & Worst Parts of Traveling

waiting. 
This has got to be the worst part of traveling. First, you spend months counting down the calendar anticipating that amazing light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel day your vacation finally comes. Then, the day finally arrives. This is it! So long, stress... Sayonara work! Arrivaderci real world, I'm going off the grid! But... wait. You get to wait some more! Airports are one big waiting central, with ticket lines, security lines, lines to get your 10 magazines, lines to board the plane, the annoying wait to deplane, the never-ending wait to 10,000 feet so you can finally turn on TaySwift on your iPod.... It's all one big waiting scam. But the worst has to be when you're forced to watch that stupid metal carousel circle around and around and around for what feels like hours. "YES! There it is! My bag! Finally!!!!" Oh wait, some lady grabs it... not your bag. Keep waiting. Finally got your bag? OK! The wait is over! The wait is over! You can finally start relaxing!..... As long as you don't have to wait for a train, your car rental shuttle or drive a whole other hour to your hotel only to wait more for the 4pm hotel check in. Traveling is exhausting.

relaxing.
Relaxing is the tradeoff to all that exhausting waiting. Although it may seem that you have to jump through a million hoops to get there, by the time you're on that beach lounge in the sand, margarita in hand, we seem to easily forget about all the hassle that travel ensues, as all that waiting begins to pay off. So, whether you're relaxing with bronzing skin and melting margaritas, a bottle of wine and a warm fireplace, a gondola and italian music, or simply a good book on the cobblestone streets of Charleston... make time to enjoy the quiet break away from reality, wherever you are. After all, relaxing is what vacationing is for. 

freaky foods. 

hmm.. no thanks

I'm gonna go ahead and say most of us don't love to be surprised when it comes to the food we eat. OK OK, I get that sometimes this can be one of the best parts of traveling, tasting some exotic foods that truly represent a culture... I get that. But, I personally would like to find a balance between exotic/unique and full-on Fear Factor.  I don't really want to mistakenly find out I've eaten bear tongue or fried alligator feet (both have happened, in Finland and Africa). There are some pretty gross foods around the world, and props to you if cow eyeballs become your new favorite office snack...but I think I'll stick to my american string cheese. 

Now this is the kind of cultured food I like. (in Mykonos, Greece)

Although I'm not the most adventurous when it comes to all the local 'delicacies', I must admit that the sushi I've had in Japan was the best in the world, nevermind that I didn't know what I was ordering, aside from asking for anything with "abokado" (an actual japanese word for avocado) and watching them create these gorgeous raw masterpieces that featured god-knows-what along with my abokado.. but dang was that sushi delicious. So my travel advice to you is this: definitely step out of your comfort zone a little, don't pass over a foreign authentic place for a McDonald's anytime soon, but take a pocket dictionary with you just to make sure you know if what that Spanish bar is serving you is some good ol' chicken wings, or if it's "criadillas".....bull testicles (yep, they're really popular.. ole!).

doing things you can't do at home.

Why not?

This may seem a little contradictory to my don't-go-eating-things-you'll-regret paragraph, but I believe doing things we can't do at home is one of the best parts of traveling. If you go to a new place and immediately fall into your same old at-home routine, you're not doing it right. Traveling is all about trying new things! Whether that's learning something new, like surfing or scuba diving, or doing something adventurous, like skydiving, ziplining or parasailing. Take advantage of your time in a foreign country or in a new city to take yourself to new heights of experience. It's an amazing feeling to learn something new, even if it's something small like how to make a lei in Hawaii  or something lifelong like an Italian cooking lesson.  These are unique experiences that will shape your travels, so, in the wise words of nike, just do it. 

unpacking.

Sorry. Too busy daydreaming to unpack. 

Unpacking is by far my least favorite aspect of traveling. I dread it an unhealthy amount. I will usually put it off as long as possible, just eyeing that suitcase in the corner of the room and wishing I could go back to the excitement of packing instead of the annoying chore that is unpacking all my dirty clothes. My bikini still has sand on it... My coverups still smell like the ocean...my favorite dress has a mai tai stain on it. I'm gonna go cry and look at pictures of my trip for over/under three hours now. OK bye. It's inevitable that unpacking is going to remind you of the trip-that-was, and when your vacation is over and it's back to the real world , this is the most annoying reality check ever. 

packing.
Packing, on the other hand, is an amazing part of traveling. It's full of excitement for your trip... and, of course, shopping.  I would be lying to you if I said I didn't start packing for vacations weeks before them, at least in the form of planning my outfits in my head. I already have all my outfits picked out for my trip to Hawaii in two weeks, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I read somewhere that women, on average, spend more money on clothes for a trip than on the actual trip, which, honestly, didn't surprise me at all. New bikinis? New travel bag? New floppy hat? Travel sized beauty products? Passport cover? Maybe a new suitcase? check, check and check.  A vacay is, first and foremost, an excuse to shop. And who doesn't love the feeling of packing all those adorable new clothes you can't wait to wear? 
airports.
I have a love-hate relationship with airports. On the one hand, they are the waiting, waiting, and more waiting hells that I described earlier in this post. But, on the other hand, they are centers of excitement and chaos that you can't help but love. I've had my best people-watching moments in airports... wondering where everyone is going, what each of their stories are. And I've met and had the best conversations with the most interesting people in the airport, from army men coming home to their families after 3 years, to honeymooners, to couples traveling together after 50 years of marriage. I've met people from different countries, and I've had kind strangers help me navigate new cities. Airports connect people from all over the world, taking you to new places, or simply bringing you home. They will never cease to amaze me, even if they're sometimes the most irritating places on the planet. 

facing fears. 

Yep, that picture is me in Mauritius, Africa... hanging out with a wild lion (see that stick in my hand- that's for protection!). Something you could never do in America, and something I never thought I'd do in my life. Walk with a wild animal known for it's viciousness? Sure, why not. The the beauty of travel is that it lets you let go of your fears, trust things you wouldn't normally trust and challenge the comforts and fears you left at home. So, whether it's an uncaged lion, a sky-high zipline, a snorkel trip to Sting Ray City (awesome place in the Cayman Islands), or a 100 mph vespa ride through the crazy bustling cities of Vietnam (scariest moment of my life probably), traveling can scare us, but our memories will be all the better from those fear-facing moments. 

Yes, there are some downsides to traveling... but no matter where your travels take you, you will see things you've never seen before, experience things you never thought possible, and feel more alive than you ever have. Still sitting on your couch reading this? Get out and see the world!

XOXO,

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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?

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