Best places to live, work, play—there’s hardly a top 10 list these days that doesn’t proclaim San Diego the greatest. So what’s the hype all about? Take the two-hour drive south to find out for yourself.
LEFT: Cafe 22.
WHERE TO EAT
Green Eggs and Spam? The Naked All American? The quirky dishes at the kitschy Cafe 222 (222 Island Ave., 619-236- 9902; cafe222.com) will put a smile on your face, both for their whimsical names and yummy taste. Don’t miss the Bluegrass Brunch at Urban Solace (3823 30th St., 619-295-6464; urbansolace.net)—the warm cheddar-and-chive biscuits are the perfect way to start your Sunday. For a true taste of Mexico (sans the south-ofthe- border trek), head to Carlsbad for fish tacos and chicken mole at the newly resurrected Casa de Bandini (1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, 760-634-3443; bazaardelmundo.com/bandini). The seat to request at La Valencia’s The Sky Room (1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858-454- 0771) in La Jolla is a coveted corner table, where the succulent sea scallops come paired with panoramic ocean views.
WHERE TO SHOP
San Diego is a shopper’s delight, with retail outlets guaranteed to please all. Louis Vuitton, Gap, Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom, Tory Burch, Macy’s— there’s bang for every budget at the highly democratic Fashion Valley (7007 Friars Road; simon.com), a Simon Malls venture. If ambience is key to your shopping experience, head to Del Mar Plaza (1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar; delmarplaza.com) for a taste of Tuscany: The boutiques and restaurants are nestled amid the rustic setting of an authentic European marketplace, complete with a backdrop of stunning ocean views. The mammoth La Jolla Village Square (8657 Villa La Jolla Dr., La Jolla) is a one-stop spot for everything from groceries (Trader Joe’s) to a trip to the movies (AMC La Jolla Village 12).
LEFT: The pool at the Ivy Hotel; RIGHT: The 14th hole at Torrey Pines Golf Course. BELOW: Untitled by Pablo Picasso.
