Well Intentioned: A Chilled-Out Guide to San Diego, California
Hit up beaches for sunset treks, head to mindful cafes with healthy menus and dial down the pace with spa treatments in this laid-back California city.
With yoga studios on practically every corner, thousands of bike routes and an abundance of beaches, San Diego is one of the most liveable cities in the United States. All you need to experience the benefits that living here can bring is a can-do attitude, a pair of yoga pants and, perhaps, a floaty kaftan. Ready to soak up some of that SoCal sunshine and unwind? Here are the best ways to go slow in San Diego.
1. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Spa Hotel, Luxury
This Spanish-style hotel near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve – stitched with 3,000 rare trees – is spread over 10 acres (4ha) of succulent-studded gardens and home to one of the best spas in Southern California. Book a whole day to enjoy a tension-busting CBD-oil massage, relax in the eucalyptus-scented steam room and swim in the saltwater pool (reserve a cabana in advance for the ultimate shady lounging spot). There’s also a meditation garden and private yoga classes on request.
2. Cafe Gratitude
Cafe, Restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian
4. Hotel del Coronado
Hotel, Luxury
Fans of Marilyn Monroe may recognize this grand beachfront resort as the Seminole Ritz – the ‘Miami’ hotel from the classic romantic comedy Some Like it Hot (1959). In reality, it’s a true California dream, with Pacific Ocean views, mermaid-themed water-aerobics classes and ocean-inspired spa treatments (try the algae-infused facial). Swing by the watersports center to hire an SUP board or book a surf lesson.
5. Balboa Park
Park
You could spend a week in Balboa Park and still not see it all. Its sprawling 1,200 acres include art galleries, cultural centers, the Natural History Museum and San Diego Zoo. But those seeking a chance to immerse themselves in nature will have ample opportunity. Take your pick of the many gardens – Palm Canyon hosts 50 different species, while the Desert Garden is packed with drought-resistant plants – or follow one of the challenging, tree-lined hiking trails.
6. Rancho Valencia
Boutique Hotel
7. Salt Pilates
Fitness Studio, Gym
Head to the quirky, LGBT-friendly neighborhood of Hillcrest for a sweaty workout at Salt Pilates. Classes engage both body and mind and focus on firing up your core. Some sessions are heated to between 85F (29C) and 95F (35C), which is said to help your body flush out toxins, improve muscle recovery and promote relaxation. Choose between HIIT-style sets, sequences backtracked by upbeat tunes, and slow-paced, stretchy flows.
8. Ocean Beach
Natural Feature
Want a lazy beach day with a casual, hippy vibe? Head to the boho neighborhood of Ocean Beach, where you can browse artists’ stalls and second-hand record shops and sip organic smoothies on the sand before heading into the waves for a surf lesson. For a life-affirming finale, head south along the Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail to soak in the epic sunset views.
For more information and to start planning your own trip, visit sandiego.org
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