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By Lauren Herber, Staff Writer

As someone who grew up in the Midwest and spent the last four years living in Boston, I never thought I’d find the weather in Phoenix to be cold. I’m not sure if my tolerance for cold has reduced drastically or if it has something to do with the desert climate, but regardless of the reason, the temperatures here in Phoenix have dropped enough that most days require donning both a sweater and a jacket. When I moved here in August I never thought I’d say this, but…I actually miss the heat. So, to cure my winter blues, I packed my bags and headed to San Diego for the weekend. The weather was perfect: a bit chilly in the morning and at a night, but blissfully warm and sunny during the day. Below I’ve included some trip suggestions that might come in handy if you ever find yourself in San Diego.

Photo courtesy of www.flickr.com

Photo courtesy of www.flickr.com

If you like art and history, make sure you check out Balboa Park. The park has over ten museums inside, including the Museum of Man, the Museum of Photographic Arts, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and many more. The park also features several gardens, including a rose garden, a botanical garden, and a Japanese friendship garden. If you prefer something a little more active, there are plenty of hiking and bike trails that showcase San Diego’s beautiful landscape. Theater lovers should make sure to check out the Old Globe theater, which is currently featuring performances of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The park is also perfect for animal lovers, as the outdoor gardens and areas are pet-friendly and the San Diego Zoo is just around the corner.

Photo courtesy of gaslamp.org

Photo courtesy of gaslamp.org

For food and shopping, the Gaslamp Quarter is where you want to be. This area is known for its culture and history; it’s been around since 1850 and has quite a colorful history. Now, you’ll find several beautiful art galleries, lots of great restaurants, trendy boutiques, and fun bars.

Photo courtesy of www.destination360.com

Photo courtesy of www.destination360.com

 

If you’re in San Diego, one thing you definitely don’t want to miss is the beach! La Jolla has several beautiful beaches, and if you’re willing to drive a little farther north you’ll find some cute beach towns, such as Carlsbad and Oceanside, that offer a warm, relaxing vibe and are less crowded. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of places that offer surfing or paddle boarding lessons. Feeling lazy? Find a quieter spot on the beach, sit back, and listen to the waves. Other outdoor activities: renting a back and exploring the town, visiting the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, or visiting Torrey Pines golf course.

Some tips to keep in mind: California is notorious for its seemingly never-ending traffic! While the drive from Phoenix to San Diego should (ideally) only take around five hours, there’s a good chance you’ll hit traffic at some point. So grab a fellow T-bird or two to keep you company on the drive. Use resources such as AirBnB to find cheaper lodging. For my fellow book lovers: if you do make it out to Carlsbad, be sure to check out Fahrenheit 451 Books—there’s a great selection of used books, and the owner is really nice and friendly.

For more information, visit http://www.sandiego.org/.