San Diego, Southern California’s finest beach city, made an effortless first impression as we arrived from the LAX Airport, its golden shores and ocean breeze setting the perfect tone for adventure. With its laid-back energy and scenic coastal beauty, the city instantly felt like an idyllic escape, inviting us to explore its vibrant neighbourhoods and sun-drenched landscapes. We were beyond the moon to explore the beautiful beaches, vibrant marine life and calm waters, lush green parks, stunning views, cruises and needless to say, abundance of fresh seafood offering a blend of luxury and natural beauty. From the moment we sat in our cabs and drove to our hotel, we could clearly see that this trip would be unforgettable, giving us a perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence.

After a quick check-in at the Pendry Hotel we went for a quick shower and change and were all excited about the most thrilling adventure that was in store for the day. The uber luxurious property bang in the middle of all the action, yet secluded from the hustle bustle was instantly comforting and uplifting.

So much to ‘sea’ at SeaWorld
Our adventure began with the Ultimate VIP Tour of SeaWorld, where marine life and thrilling attractions swept us into an enchanting world. The experience was nothing short of magical. We grabbed every single moment here that brought the inner child within us all alive and kicking. With 60 years to the day that SeaWorld first opened its gates in 1964, celebrations have been on in full swing. It’s a perfect family summer getaway and there’s always so much to ‘sea’.

After a delightful lunch while watching the playful antics of dolphins, a personal guide whisked us past the crowds to front-row seats at the Orca Encounter. Watching these powerful killer whales leap gracefully through the air was nothing short of breathtaking. Our ecstatic screams echoed in unison with delight as we cherished unforgettable personal encounters and photo sessions with majestic killer whales, graceful beluga whales, adorable penguins, and mighty walruses. A moment of pure joy, indeed!

The adventure didn’t end there. With our hearts in our mouths, we faced our fears and dared to try the Emperor, Manta, Electric Eel, Arctic Rescue and Journey to Atlantis rides. The exhilarating 90-degree drops, high-speed twists, heart-racing loops, and electrifying inversions sent us soaring through the air and left us breathless, our adrenaline pumping beyond words. These moments have been etched in our hearts for a lifetime.

Our dinner at Civico 1845 on India Street that night transported us to the lively charm of Little Italy. We opted for a selection of contemporary Italian dishes, each thoughtfully crafted to preserve their authentic, timeless flavours – Fritto di Mare, Insalata Fresca, Raviolo Al Gamberi and Tiramisu emerged as clear winners. The energy of Little Italy added to the meal’s charm, creating a perfect end to our first day.

Island Escape
The next morning was as delightful as the city itself. Breakfast at Provisional Café, Kitchen, and Mercantile offered a serene start to our day, with its bright atmosphere and innovative flavours fuelling us for what lay ahead. Our luxury tour began at the elegant Pendry Hotel. We explored the streets around the area over a very insightful Walking tour passing by the Gaslamp Quarter learning about its rich history. We hopped onto a ferry from the Broadway Pier at the port of San Diego to Coronado post our Walking tour, where we captured some of the most stunning panoramic views of the San Diego skyline at the Ferry Landing. Those skyline photos were undoubtedly Insta-worthy – a stunning reminder of the city’s allure.

Coronado is perfect for a leisurely stroll, shopping at cute boutiques and dining at any of the cozy restaurants with waterfront views. Known for its sparkling sands, Coronado Beach is ideal for sunbathing, beachcombing, or simply soaking in the ocean breeze. We sipped on some champagne and nibbled on a few heavenly bites at Little Frenchie on Orange Avenue. So Diego helped us for the show around with insightful details of the island. A visit to Hotel del Coronado, a historic and luxurious landmark is a must, not only for its delicious food, but also for some of the most stunning architecture around. Infact, Hotel del Coronado has a new Nobu restaurant opening in May 2025. You can also head to the Centennial Park or the Spreckels Park for a fun picnic with clear views of the San Diego skyline. At Chicano Park, the vivid murals and rich cultural history drew us in, leaving us in complete awe of San Diego’s diverse and dynamic identity. We also stopped by at Seaport Beach, for a quick coffee, while taking in the coastal charm. If you have time you can also check out the local boutiques here for some retail therapy.

It was time to indulge in some Michelin-recognised Mexican dishes at Lola 55, that spoke of the city’s culinary soul and was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. We also tried our hand at making some tacos from scratch after which we sat down and tucked in the handcrafted tacos, washing them down with delicious margaritas.

Sunsets and Catamarans
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we hopped aboard the luxurious Adventuress Catamaran, a gorgeous luxury catamaran for a private San Diego Sunset Cruise. The gentle sway of the yacht boat, the shimmering waters, and the painted skies created a moment we’ll surely hold onto forever. Adventuress not only impressed us with its wide beam stable, spacious and comfortable decks, but also its stupendous service and the surreal sundowner views.

A quick change back at Pendry Hotel after our sundowner luxury cruise, we were all set for our last dinner of our trip at ANIMAE, nestled in the elegant Marina District, which was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Every dish here was a testament to the artistry and sophistication that define San Diego’s dining scene. The ambiance and the flavours came together in perfect harmony.

On our final morning, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, soaking in the last moments of our American sojourn. With a heart full of fond memories, we made our way to LAX Airport, bidding farewell to a city that we would love to keep coming back to. What we truly loved was the fact that the luxe life in California is always so relaxed and completely non-fussy. Not just the city, but even the casual chic yet warm-at-heart Californians and local San Diegans, also left an indelible mark on our soul and we will always cherish these unforgettable moments of heartfelt connection, cheer, camaraderie and celebration.