#ThrowBackThursday: California Part II (San Diego)

Continuing where we left it (before the hiatus), last time we were on our Amtrak heading to beautiful San Diego, where I would be staying both times at a wonderful hostel where I met some really great people: Lucky D's Hostel on 615 8th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. Impossible to miss, it's around the corner from the Padres' Stadium at the end of the Gaslamp Quarter, right downtown San Diego. Another really great option is the HI San Diego Downtown on 521 Market Street (San Diego, CA 92101).

As the train pulled into Santa Fe Depot, I couldn't help but find myself amazed by the beauty of the building, colourful colonial style, tiled and surrounded by fountains and so many windows ... a few blocks away the marina where many a film has been set, and the promenade where new and old ships can be seen all mixed. From the promenade one could also see the planes taking off and landing, the airport is riiiiight there, a bit scary to think about it but so cool too!

Anyhow, as soon as I arrived, dropped my bags and set out to explore the city that would be my home for the next few weeks. I won't bore you with all the details, better you see for yourself. 


Heading down the street to the home of the mighty San Diego Padres, San Diego's Baseball team.




The sun was pretty much present for my whole stay in beautiful San Diego, because how Albert Hammond sings: "It seems it never rains in Southern California" 


Walking through the city center I headed myself towards Ocean Beach (also known as O.B. to the locals) through palm trees, fancy cars and clear water fountains...







 Don't you just feel like jumping right in? I sure did!






Santa Fe train station in contrast with the sky scrapers, looks beautiful and timeless!






Finally in Ocean Beach, where the sun shines, and kids and adults alike enjoy the surf and the weather.












 Ocean beach is also home to the longest concrete pier in the West Coast with a length of 601 meters.



Kids doing their lifeguard training

Also, while in Ocean Beach, take the time to walk south to Sunset Cliffs, where beautiful sunsets can be spotted, but beware as it can be a bit tricky to get to.




In contrast, there is Pacific Beach (or P.B.) is one of the preferred locations for young people as it has a very active nightlife, as well as an amusement park and a beach market along the promenade.

Unfortunately, I was having so much fun that I forgot to take pictures, so I'll just leave you here the link to the San Diego tourism website so you can take a look.

Lastly, I would highly recommend that while you are in San Diego you should visit Balboa Park and the San Diego Old town. Beautiful historic places that will bring you back hundreds of year back to the time the Spanish were in the area. Amazing...!Oh and in Balboa Park is also located the San Diego Zoo.
































And, Coronado Island if you have some time.
Oh, seeing all this pictures made me wish I could go to the beach already! Enjoy :)

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