We arrived in San Diego around midnight, thankfully still on Hawaiian time because it took us over 2 hours to get our rental car and get to the Airbnb. The airport was under construction and the layout of the shuttle bus to rental car area was a mess and then the lines at the car rentals were crazy. But the important thing is we made it safely, Ayla went right to sleep and we were hopeful to wake up the next day feeling better and ready to enjoy ourselves.
Day 1: We’re tourists!
Our Airbnb was located in the perfect neighborhood. One block over was Mystic Mocha, a cute café with great coffee and delicious food. After breakfast we walked back to our house and enjoyed sitting outside in the courtyard and Ayla loved laying all her toys out in the sun. Then we headed to Historic Old Town.
It was so cute to walk around and take in all the energy and history. While I couldn’t walk fast, it was nice to enjoy the sunshine and the little tourist town. We then drove to California Wild Ales brewery known for their sour beer selection. AJ started feeling under the weather a few days ago, so while we didn’t drink anything, we really enjoyed all the cheesy bar games they had. Ayla rocked a lot of them. After we did a few brewery stops with friends, we wanted to have some quiet time and food. We had a local recommend Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant so we headed that way for dinner and WOW, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. Ayla fell asleep on the drive there and stayed asleep in my arms throughout dinner. She only woke up going back into her car seat to head home. It was a good first day.
Day 2: Go Padres!
We started the day walking to the park in our neighborhood. This was a very popular, large playground, which was great to get Ayla some kid play time. They had a lot of benches for us to rest on while she got her energy out. After the park, we walked to Mystic Mocha to enjoy their breakfast and coffee again, and then it was off to the Padres baseball game! We used the park and ride system to get to Petco Park. Ayla loved riding the trolley, and with it only costing $2 per adult, it was very budget friendly. Petco Park was a pretty stadium. We had seats in the outfield, but there was a cool breeze that made being in direct sun actually feel really nice. Padres won 6 – 0! When the game was over we headed to East Village brewery, one block over from Petco Park, to wait for the crowds to disperse. Once things settled we walked to The Church by The Lost Abbey, a very eclectic brewery in an old church, but more importantly Doggos Gus Hot Dog food stand is located in their courtyard. They are known to have the best hot dogs you will ever eat, and AJ agreed. I got the burger which was yummy and Ayla approved of their chicken strips and French fries. We rode the trolly back, which was a lot faster ride, and then off to bed!
Day 3: Going to the zoo!
We started our day going to Sunnyboy Biscuit Co. for breakfast; this is a MUST STOP breakfast spot. While the food may not look fancy or even that big of portions, it tastes amazing and you are stuffed by the end. Their service was fast and everyone working was very friendly. Then we drove another 5 minutes to the zoo. We got there 10 minutes after it opened, got front row parking and buying our tickets online allowed us to walk right in. We started the day with the guided bus tour – THIS IS A MUST way to start your day. It drives past all the main exhibits and with it being early morning it was feeding time for the animals so they were right at the fences for perfect viewing. Important note about the bus, sit on the right side (passenger side), 90% of the animals will be on that side. While on the bus, we experienced a 5.2 earthquake, everyone’s phones were going off like crazy with the warning, AJ and I just looked at each other and laughed, because of course there would be an earthquake while at the zoo on this trip. Luckily we didn’t feel it, but a video went viral of the elephants reacting, and our friends who were about 10 minutes from us felt it too.
The polar bear area had a little play area for the kids that Ayla loved; she also loved the bear exhibits and the auditorium animal showcase. We were there for about 7 hours and I think the only thing we missed were the penguins. The panda exhibit had about a 30 minute line to go in, but the bus tour driver said that sometimes you can see them from the sky bridge overhead, so we took the elevator up to see if luck was on our side, and we saw one!
After the zoo we met up with friends at Panama 66, a cute outdoor bistro at the San Diego Museum of Art. This place was gorgeous. Parking is free and plentiful; I would recommend walking the grounds if you have the time. We were pretty exhausted from the zoo (and being sick) so we didn’t explore very far, but I would love to go back again. Then we went back to our house, enjoyed a quiet night in and early bed.
Day 4: To the coast!
Today is our final day; our flight is at 8:30pm so we have all day to enjoy California. Our Airbnb owners were nice enough to give us a 4pm check out so we can explore without having to take our suitcases. We headed to the coast to have breakfast at Kono’s Café at Crystal Pier on Pacific Beach. The French toast was the best I have ever had! Their portion sizes were huge and their prices are great. They have outdoor ocean view seating and a coffee stand outside that made a yummy latte. It was your iconic, rustic ocean diner, and I loved it.
After breakfast Ayla and I walked to the beach and enjoyed a couple hours playing in the sand while AJ rested on the pier and watched the surfers. After our beach time we headed back to the house so AJ could nap. When it was check out time, we drove to the neighborhood park to let Ayla play for about 90 minutes before we headed to the airport. We got to the airport about 3 hours early, and thankfully the car drop off process was way smoother than the pickup process.
When we dropped our bags off at the gate Ayla cried because she wanted her stuff back and didn’t understand that we will get it back in Spokane. She was still crying through the TSA line, and they were so sweet offering her reassurances. Our flight ended up being delayed about an hour, but because it was so late leaving, we all slept the whole ride home.
The next day, AJ was still feeling under the weather, so he went to the doctors only to find out that, he too, has pneumonia. We just couldn’t catch a break this whole vacation.
We loved California, despite both being ill, and would love to do a whole redo at a time we’re feeling better. Now time to rest, rest, rest and recover.
