16th January 2018: With its lovely beaches and major attractions, there’s plenty on offer during your San Diego stay. My trip started with us taking the time to discover some of the region’s most stunning views and onward from there….
Pauma Valley
We began with a drive up to one of the highest mountains in the county, which lies in the Pauma Valley and reaches a staggering 6,600ft in height. The views at the top were simply incredible and, at 5:30am, there was not a soul within sight. It was breathtaking at the top. As we took in the scenery around us, the calm and tranquillity we felt surrounding us was incredible; you could have heard a pin drop. As we stood admiring the views, we could see clouds began to gather below us; it really was like something out of a film.
This moment was soon ruined however, when our friend told us there were actually mountain lions in this area. So that was it for me; back in the truck and reluctant to get out again!
Anza-Borrego Desert
Our road trip continued as we headed into the desert. It’s vast, barren and stiflingly hot temperatures were a complete contrast to our time in the Pauma Valley but definitely an amazing sight to see! During our time here we had so much fun riding dirt bikes through the desert canyons before stopping for lunch in a quaint little town of Borrego Springs.
Whale Watching
For me, the highlight of my trip to San Diego by far, happened during our last day. Our friends had arranged to take us on a whale-watching trip on board the Hornblower, and it was here that we went in search of the giant Blue Whale. Setting sail from San Diego Harbour, we were actually lucky enough get the last sailing for the Blue Whale season. A few of the whale enthusiasts on board were a little pessimistic about catching a glimpse of these magnificent creatures as two hours in, we had only seen a few seals.
Our hope was fading and, at this point, I think it was safe to say we all felt a little disappointed; even the captain was getting frustrated! Then, out of nowhere, someone shouted: “…there she blows!” and sure enough, we were surrounded by Blue Whales.
I’m not exaggerating when I say surrounded either! It may have taken a while to find them - way out in the middle of the ocean - but amazingly, we had five Blue Whales around our boat, each around 80ft long, staggering! One of the whales was even kind enough to show off his fluke, which apparently only happens one-in-seven times. I managed to catch this amazing natural wonder on camera, so I was pretty overwhelmed.
It was such a beautiful day, calm seas, clear skies and the five Blue Whales swimming around us made for a truly incredible experience and one I will never forget.
Carlsbad
For those who can’t resist a spot of shopping on holiday, I’d recommend a stop at Carlsbad. Full of lovely little restaurants and boutique shops Carlsbad makes for the perfect place to watch the sunset across the ocean. Not only this, due to its stunning beaches and great tides surfing is also very popular here, so you may want to learn a new skill should you visit here.
Final Thoughts
San Diego was an absolute pleasure to explore, and, with plenty of natural wonders, combined with popular attractions, not to mention the glorious weather, there is something for everyone here.
