As much as we enjoyed our stay in the Palm Springs area, I have to say that the ocean calls and we are just lapping up the sun, surf, culture and architecture both outside and within San Diego.  After driving through the mountains on Hwy 74 from Palm Springs we headed first over to the coast by Oceanside a day before our Airbnb reservation.  Little did we realize that it was not only Valentine’s day but President’s day long weekend plus a big fair going on in the town of Del Mar.  We searched high and low for accommodation with prices ranging from $80 to $500 a night.   We even tried to get into a camp ground right by the ocean but everywhere was booked (we did pack a little tent, just in case).   We finally lucked out at a low-key hotel inland and the next morning with our coffee in hand drove to the beach and just stood and watched the surfers and took in the early morning vistas.  Discovered along the way a lovely little bistro which served great breakfasts and afterwards walked around a charming neighbourhood taking in all the gardens and quaint gates, porches and of course exotic flowers;  in particular the amazing “bird of paradise”.

The Airbnb we are staying in is very quaint too in the historic part of San Diego, called South Park.  Even before booking in we familiarized ourselves with the area.  South Park has an array of bistros, restaurants, boutique stores and consignment stores.  The houses are older including our Airbnb (1920’s cottage) but they have so much character.   The gardens are mainly planted with succulents, cacti and a few perennials.  The southern Californians are very conscious of water shortages and the plants used have adapted to survive in very dry conditions.   

This is only the start of our adventures in San Diego.