In 2018 we’re focusing on experiences over things so I was thrilled when Kyle gifted me plane tickets to San Diego as a Christmas gift. My sister moved there over 3 years ago, and I only see her once or twice a year, so I relish any chance to spend time together. It was also Kyle’s first time going to California so we went in with a long list of spots to visit. As I sit here typing this, we’re experiencing our fourth winter storm within four weeks, and I’m so thankful we got a warm weather escape when we did!
Shop Good went on the “to visit” list as soon as I found out about the trip. I had bookmarked them on Instagram a while back and was excited to see the shop in person. Their bright airy space in North Park opened recently and their inventory is lovely! They offer natural cosmetics and body care. Leah, the owner is incredibly kind and helpful and passionate about making non-toxic skin care the norm. We were lucky to have her walk us through the shop and have her answer our questions.
No trip to San Diego would be complete without a trip to Pigment! You’ll need lots of time to comb through all of their treasures. From a stunning array of succulents, to an epic greeting card wall, to home accessories, they have it all. You’ll want one of everything and you’ll most likely walk out with a unicorn balloon, decorative pins, party supplies, and lots of other goodies that you didn’t know you needed.
When you’re ready for an adult beverage, I highly recommend the newly opened You & Yours in East Village. The distillery makes gin and vodka which they serve at their very instagram-worthy tasting room. They offer world class cocktails in a chic space with lots of natural light, a striking blue and white tiled bar, and cozy nooks for settling in. I don’t drink, but I LOVED their mocktail, the “Sober Bunny,” which was a mix of carrot, turmeric, ginger, lemon, and Topo Chico. As a side note, they’re also woman owned and the founder, Laura Johnson, was recently featured in Food & Wine.
My favorite place to eat in San Diego is Cafe Gratitude and I really hope that they someday expand to the east coast. They offer elevated vegan dishes and their macrobiotic bowl is so delicious that I can’t order anything new when I’m there. So often healthy food is served at fast casual restaurants where the only option is to order at a counter. Cafe Gratitude feels like a special dinner out, and oftentimes you have to make reservations to guarantee a spot. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat eater, you should give CG a try!
This is hands down, my all time favorite place to go in San Diego. Located in Ocean Beach, right near the pier – Current Collective is a super laid back shop and cafe. The shop carries goods from local makers and artisans. Everything is thoughtfully curated and displayed. The cafe is the perfect place to get some work done and they have the. best. lattes. ever. It’s impossible to choose between the nut mylk latte, matcha latte, lavender latte, charcoal latte…and the list goes on. They also have acai bowls, smoothies, and fresh juices. I go there on the daily when I’m in San Diego and I highly recommend you add it to your list! It’s lovely to see locals coming in after yoga, before surfing, or just going about their daily routines.
We also hit some of the more touristy spots in the city like Torrey Pines, the boardwalk along Pacific Beach, and Balboa Park. If San Diego is on your list, be assured that there’s no shortage of coffee shops, independent stores, breweries, delicious restaurants….or sunshine. If you’ve been to SD, before I’d love for you to share some of your favorite locations in the comments below!
Pop & Circumstance | Guidebook for Beautiful Living 