Lean on the Locals

Travel guidebooks are great resources for what to do, where to sleep, and what you should eat when visiting a new location. However, one thing that I also have found is even more helpful, befriend a local. Whether it’s the barista at the coffee shop, the waitress at your restaurant, or the simply the person in line at in front of you, these people can offer helpful advice on what to see, where to go, and hidden gems. If it wasn’t for a helpful lady at a rental shack in Whistler sharing with us a cool evening activity, we would never have found Vallea Lumina which is definitely worth a visit when visiting Whistler. Ask a local what they think you should do, you’ll be happy that you did. They’re also really good on letting you know what to avoid or watch out for.

In today’s newsletter:

• Travel News this Week

• City Spotlight: San Diego, CA

  • Who should go?

  • When should we go?

  • What should we see?

  • Where should we eat?

  • Why here?

• Travel Hacks

Travel News this Week

Some helpful travel news for families that have occurred this week.

• Tick, tick, tick… With the clock ticking on summer, here are some last minute options for quick vacations.

• A “block”buster announcement? Legoland announces new additions

• 2025 Travel Trends…so far: Americans traveling trends might make you scratch your head.

City Spotlight: San Diego, CA

The city that is known as the birthplace of California, the city that boasts one of the most ideal climates in America, San Diego is full of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless options for families to explore. Let’s break San Diego down using the tried and true 5 W’s in helping families decide if this is the next vacation destination.

Who should go to San Diego? If your family loves sunshine, spending time outdoors, and world-class attractions, this is a perfect city for you. However, if your family also likes beautiful beaches, unique neighborhoods, and a laid-back vibe, San Diego can also be a great location for your next adventure.

When should we go? The honest answer is anytime. San Diego is famous for its mild, sunny weather year-round. For the warmest beach days, summer is ideal, but it's also the busiest season. Spring and Autumn offer beautiful weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. Keep in mind that coastal areas can experience "May Gray" and "June Gloom," where morning fog and clouds are common before the afternoon sun shines through.

What should we do? San Diego has so much to offer. Here are just a few ideas with links to their websites for more information.

• USS Midway Museum: You can tour the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. With over 60 exhibits and 30 restored aircraft, this floating city museum offers a fascinating look into American naval history.

• Balboa Park: This 1,200-acre urban park is a cultural oasis. It is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, over 17 museums, beautiful gardens, and stunning Spanish-Renaissance architecture. You could spend several days here and not see it all.

• La Jolla Cove: A picturesque corner of the coastline, La Jolla Cove is famous for its stunning views and abundant marine life. Families can watch sea lions and seals sunbathing on the rocks, explore tide pools, or go kayaking and snorkeling in the protected waters.

• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Step back in time and experience California's history from the early Mexican-American period. This vibrant park features historic buildings, including original adobes, museums, unique shops, and authentic Mexican restaurants.

Where should we eat? Where to start is the question. You can’t go wrong with the food scene in San Diego, but here are a few of my favorites when I visit.

• Lucha Libre Taco Shop: For a fun and unforgettable experience, this wrestling-themed taco shop serves up some of San Diego's most creative and delicious burritos and tacos. Don't miss the "Surfin' California Burrito."

• Breakfast Republic: With several locations, this popular breakfast spot offers a fun, quirky atmosphere and a menu full of inventive dishes, from Oreo cookie pancakes to shrimp & grits. It's a guaranteed hit for the whole family.

• George's at the Cove: Located in La Jolla with breathtaking ocean views, George's offers three levels of dining. For a family-friendly yet spectacular meal, head to the Ocean Terrace for delicious California cuisine with a backdrop you'll never forget.

Why San Diego? The question should be why not? San Diego is a quintessential Southern California city that offers an incredible variety of options for families. From exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter to meeting the animals at the Zoo and Safari Park to spending a perfect day on Coronado Beach, a family can experience a number of memorable experiences in "America's Finest City."

Travel Hacks

• If you are on a long drive and need a quick refresher, remember a truck stop is not just for trucks. You can grab a quick shower and use their facilities for a small fee.

• If a cab driver asks if you’re from “around here”, say yes. Some drivers will drive farther and longer to drive up your cost if you identify yourself as a “tourist”.

• Don’t discount visiting a rural locale. Reconvene with nature and check out when the meteor showers are and try to set up a trip around those dates. Let nature be the wow factor.