We love going to San Diego–especially since it is only about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Los Angeles–where two of our kids live. It also has SO much to offer when it comes to beauty, nature, and exploration!

Thanks to Alyssa’s recommendation, we started this San Diego trip at La Jolla Cove for some seal-watching. This is a protected marine reserve, where–in addition to seals– you can see lots of colorful fish and sea creatures–so it would be a great place to come back and go snorkeling some time. We saw some snorkelers while we were there, but the water felt very cold to me–so maybe we should come back in the summertime!

When I saw all these birds, all I could think of was twenty years ago when my childrens’ friend Leah (around 5 years old at the time) used to point out the birds lined up on telephone lines and say, “Bird meeting!” Wonder what she would have thought of THIS?! (Leah, if you’re reading this, send me your thoughts) 🙂 Click below to watch my video.

And, of course I had to photograph the beautiful colors–with my telephoto lens of course, because if I get too close I sneeze–AHHHHH–CHOOO!!!

This little seal was one of the first ones I spotted, and I was SO excited! At that point, I didn’t realize there were literally dozens more right around the corner!

A cute couple…

A sweet trio…

Is this a mating ritual, or a stand-off…what do you think?

Seal meeting! But, it must be pretty boring, cuz look at the guy on the far left–snoozeville! (Relatable…I have definitely been to some meetings like that!)

“I will literally bite your head off!”

What me, stay back? Not today, Satan!

Petco Park Tour

We were really excited to take this baseball park tour–and scratch another one off our baseball park bucket list. And, I feel good about supporting the Padres because my son Branden pitched for the Padres Scout Team when he was a senior in high school. So, I got very used to yelling, “Go Padres!”

I think their mascot–the swinging friar–is SO unique and cute! Not as cute and unique as the Philly Phanatic, but still…!

I love Dan’s smile in this picture. I think he was having a good time. 🙂

The Padres Mission Bell is rung during certain times at Padres games–and three times if the Padres win! Hopefully, we’ll get to go to a game one day and hear the bell ring!

They were working on the field while we were there. It is amazing to think how much work goes into making the grounds so beautiful.

We were really bundled up–it’s still pretty chilly sometimes in San Diego in May!

While the tour guide kept offering to take our pictures, I still prefer the selfies.

We got to sit in the dugouts–wish we could do that during a game!

We got to sit in the press box for a picture. The tour guide asked us a question in front of a room full of tourists–it was stressful! The question was something about a player trade or something, I don’t know…I just smiled and nodded and let Dan answer.

Dan was very cute, just chillin’ in the dugout.

Apparently, the Showley Bros. Candy Factory opened in 1905–and, it was in business until 1951. Fun fact, the building was actually MOVED (on wheels) to accommodate the construction of Petco Park! As you can see, it is now home to Bumble Bee Seafoods.

Balboa Park

Thanks again to Alyssa’s recommendation, we visited Balboa Park and stopped at several points of interest.

First of all, the Spanish Village Art Center was a dream. I loved seeing all the shops and gained inspiration from being surrounded with so much creativity!

I thought the colorful, painted ground was awesome!

And, I saw the coolest trash can, ever! This was actually in front of an artist’s studio where I bought two handmade-glass necklaces. One is a yin-yang, and the other a tree. I love them both!

I think Dan preferred this trash bin.

Japanese Friendship Garden

It was starting to rain, so we did not go in the Japanese Garden this time–but, I’d love to visit on a return trip to San Diego! Can you believe I got these shots from the sidewalk outside the gardens?! What an exotic paradise!

And, I saw a pretty bluebird playing in the puddles!

Food

When I pulled up Google Maps looking for food nearby, and saw there was a pot pie restaurant, I said, “Yes please!” I absolutely love pot pies, and I’m always disappointed that Cracker Barrel (where we often sleep) only serves them once a week–and the day is different in every state. But, Chicken Pie Shop has been serving pot pies every day since 1938. And, boy oh boy, it was goooood!

And, then we said our sad goodbyes to San Diego.

Until next time!

XO,

Joanna