5 Things To Do In Pacific Beach, San Diego

This isn't just any beach town. With its own flair and attitude, Pacific Beach has a different feel compared to others in Southern California, and this neighborhood is a must during any visit to San Diego. I had been to SD (La Jolla and Coronado) previously when I was younger with family, though it was nice to re-visit the city in my 20s - I have some friends that live there that could show me around, as well as get some beach time in!

5 Things To Do In Pacific Beach, San Diego

San Diego Pacific Beach

1. Beach

Because, obviously. :)

(This was taken on Fourth of July, my friends said it was much more crowded than nomal!)

2. Walk along the pier

Pier San Diego Pacific Beach

Beautiful homes, beautiful views, and people watching (or surfer watching).

3. Grab some fish tacos or an acai bowl

Acai bowl copy

A Southern California classic - quality Mexican food. It is close to the border, after all! Head to Oscar's or, well, pretty much anywhere for a bite. There is no shortage of good Mexican food in San Diego.

You'll also find acai bowls everywhere, from coffee shops to cafes to Mexican restaurants. My favorite was from PB Beach Cafe on Garnet - the agave nectar, coconut flakes, and blackberries set this one far ahead of the rest. I'd even go as much to say it's the best acai bowl I've ever had!

4. Rooftop and beach bars

Spend your Saturday (or any day, we won't judge) having a cold one outdoors. There's an abundance of rooftop lounges and outdoor patios by or near the beach, so you can't go wrong here.

5. Nightlife

Take the casual daytime buzz from the beach bar and head into the night. You'll definitely see people of all ages, especially in their 20s-30s, out and about.

While these things to do could be done in many places, experiencing it in Pacific Beach is simply different - it's cool, relaxed, and unique, in my opinion! 

Headed to San Diego?

Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

Southwest Skies Before a Storm

While the weather in Phoenix, Arizona tends to be straightforward most of the year - blue skies, sun, and major heat - sometimes storms are thrown into the mix. The storm could be a monsoon, a 10-30 minute downpour that temporarily floods the streets in the summer, a haboob, a thick wall of dust that travels through town, or even just your average rainstorm.

The skies look the coolest during the calm before the storm, especially at sunset. Check out these photos taken right before a thunderstorm and you'll see why.

Sunsets are also fun to edit. This photo was taken at the same spot, on a different night.

Edited with Mextures app before uploaded to Instagram.

Hiking in Phoenix Arizona: Camelback, Papago, and Pinnacle Peak

hiking in arizona

The Southwest USA is filled with red rocks and natural wonders that look like they'd be from a different planet. It's amazing how beautiful our world is. Within the USA alone you can go hiking through pretty much every terrain imaginable.

While lush forests are the first to come to mind when you think "hike," you may (or may not) be surprised that the only plants you'll see on Phoenix hikes are wispy trees and cacti.

Three fun Phoenix area hikes include Camelback, Papago, and Pinnacle Peak.

Camelback Mountain

Difficulty: Intermediate (Cholla Trail) or Advanced (Echo Canyon Trail)

View from top of Camelback

Phoenix's most popular hiking spot is Camelback. Situated next to Downtown Scottsdale just northeast of Phoenix, it provides easy access in terms of getting there from anywhere in the Phoenix area, especially if you're staying in Scottsdale.

The Cholla Trail provides great exercise for those in shape but still provides a challenge. Echo Canyon is said to be for those more experienced.

Read more about tips for hiking Camelback here.

Hiking Camelback Mountain

Papago Mountain

Difficulty: Easy

Papago Mountain Phoenix

Papago is more of a rock formation that you can walk around on than a mountain and is a great spot for checking out views of Downtown Phoenix from afar.While the address is technically Phoenix, Papago is more in the Tempe area.

Young kids and families with dogs were easily able to get around this area.

DSC_0178

Pinnacle Peak

Difficulty: Moderate-intermediate

Pinnacle Peak Hike Scottsdale AZ

Situated in North Scottsdale, Pinnacle Peak is a good spot that provides variety to hikers. Parts of the trail are more flat, parts of it are steep, and there are good lookout points along the way. If you're in Phoenix from out of town, you'll love all the cacti scattered up close around the well-maintained trail.

The intensity varies at times - while you definitely get more of a workout on Pinnacle than Papago, it's not as difficult as the Cholla Trail on Camelback.

Pinnacle Peak Arizona

Photos of an Amazing Rooftop View in New York City

If you don't live in a big city, a trip to New York will have you awestruck at all the skyscrapers. Rooftop patios, bars, restaurants - you name it - on a nice day, these are some of the best places to be if you're looking for a nice view. Here are some photos from my hotel in Midtown that provided panoramic views of tall buildings - you don't have to look out at Rockefeller or the Empire State Building (or pay $$$) for views like this.