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It is just about this time of year when my mind, body and soul begin to grow weary of the wintry Midwest climate and yearn for warm sunny locales, cocoa butter flavored sunscreen and small, colorful swaths of fabric with only a few strings and clasps to hold it up as the appropriate attire of the day.
During these musings, I often reflect upon a wonderful winter weather escape I had in Pacific and Mission Beach, in San Diego.
Occupying several picturesque miles along the Pacific Ocean between the ocean and Interstate 5 just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific and Mission Beach are regarded by some as the most popular beach destinations in San Diego. The ambiance here feels very much like a small town—its denizens encompassing an eclectic mix of surfers, families, single professionals, college students and baby boomers reliving their 60’s heydays.
Thanks to the mild weather, anytime of the year is a great time to visit. And for beachgoers—whether for sunbathing, people watching, walking, running, bike riding, skating, surfing, fishing, swimming or just plain sitting and reflecting—both Pacific and Mission Beach are pleasant outdoor havens day or night.
I spent at least a part of each day bike riding or walking along the boardwalk, which runs parallel to and just off Mission Blvd. The incredible views of the horizon, crash of the surf tossing oodles of surfers into towering waves, the caress of the ocean breeze, and people watching just couldn’t be beat.
The main drag and shopping districts in both locales are bursting with everything you could ever want or need from clothing boutiques to fitness centers, restaurants, coffee houses, bookstores, flower shops, sports bars, nightclubs, shoe and sporting goods stores…you name it, and it’s here.
Lodging options are numerous as well, encompassing apartments, quaint bungalows, condos and seaside homes just off the boardwalk offering weekend, weekly and monthly rentals. Added to that are a plethora of chain hotels and local motels dotted around the area, where you’re sure to find something that suits both your taste and budget, particularly during the off-season (October through April).
Rejuvenation California-Style
In keeping with my rejuvenation theme, in between all of the beach going and shopping, I temporarily offered my body to the holistic sciences in Pacific Beach at the Inner Balance Center. Located on Hornblend Street, Inner Balance is one of several holistic-centered facilities in the area, many of which are within close walking distance. Services here include a variety of massage and bodywork treatments, acupuncture, facials, waxing and other skin care treatments. It’s a must for any revitalizing endeavor!
Of course, being the “Foodie” that I am, the best part of any vacation (which also rejuvenates and keeps me in the gym!) is the culinary exploration and I was not disappointed!
Anything you want from Caribbean to Japanese, Italian, barbecue, Soul Food, baked goods, aromatic coffees and teas, Spanish, Middle Eastern, French, Vegetarian, Thai, Seafood and much, much more can be found at numerous mom-‘n-pop, casual and fine dining establishments, brewpubs, bar and grills and Oceanside joints.
Of the numerous places I ate that weekend, I have very vivid and fond memories of the outdoor patio of The Green Flash in Pacific Beach where I spent my last glorious day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant is known for its fresh fish and seafood, steaks, prime rib and chicken. For a light lunch, I ordered a steaming cup of Boston clam chowder--creamy and chocked full of fresh clams—plus a plate of lightly breaded and seasoned calamari strips, accompanied by a refreshing glass of passion fruit ice tea.
But it’s the name--The Green Flash--that aptly sums up my respite weekend experience in Pacific and Mission Beach. Anoptical phenomenon, the “Green Flash” is said to occur at sunset at the instant that the upper rim of the sun kisses the horizon. It seems that at sunset, the colors of sunlight are scattered and dispersed at varying intervals, with the color green moving to its ultimate destination last. It is this combination of light movement that causes a short and barely perceptible brilliant green flash at the moment of sunset.
For me, it was that brief “flash” of time spent there that calmed my nerves, embraced my body and soul, recharged my batteries and left me content but desiring more.
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