Discover San Diego: An Affluent, Safe, and Surprisingly Diverse Coastal Gem

If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, San Diego is a lovely spot to visit. Known for its affluent neighborhoods, exceptional public schools, and high quality of life, the city blends laid-back coastal charm with sophisticated, big-city amenities.


1. Safe and Affluent with World-Class Amenities

San Diego is widely regarded as one of California’s safest cities. Well-maintained neighborhoods, clean streets, and top-tier infrastructure reflect a city that invests in its community. The public schools, especially at the high school level, boast excellent facilities, making the area popular with families and long-term residents.

The top notch sports field at a public school in San Diego

2. A Car-Centric Paradise

Though public transport options exist, San Diego is undeniably car-centric. Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to explore beyond downtown — from the city’s famous beaches to natural gems like Annie’s Canyon Trail.

Car-centric San Diego – to get around, you really need a car. Going on foot or by public transport is not really convenient.

3. Pricey

Be prepared for higher prices across the board. Groceries, attractions, and dining tend to be on the expensive side. That said, the quality usually matches the cost.

  • The San Diego Zoo, for example, costs $76 USD per adult, but it’s widely considered one of the best zoos in the world — immersive, expansive, and incredibly well-maintained.
  • Budget Tip: Visit on the first Tuesday of the month to enjoy free admission to select Balboa Park museums, including the Natural History Museum and Fleet Science Center.
Fleet Science Centre, Balboa Park – free admission on some Tuesdays
Botanical Building at Balboa Park
The San Diego Museum of Art
Casa del Prado, Balboa Park

4. Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders

Nature plays a starring role in San Diego’s appeal:

  • Annie’s Canyon Trail is a short but spectacular hike through narrow sandstone slot canyons, opening up to sweeping cliffside views.
  • At Torrey Pines Gliderport, you can watch paragliders leap from the cliffs and soar over the ocean — often appearing just a little too close together, buoyed dramatically by the coastal wind.
Annie’s Slot Canyon
Annie’s Slot Canyon
Gliderport
Gliderport

For botany lovers, San Diego surprises with its diverse plant life — from sculptural desert cacti to vivid blooms like waratahs in local gardens and parks.

Firestick Plant, San Diego
Cactus

5. Big Portions, Bold Flavors

You won’t go hungry in San Diego. The city celebrates American-sized portions, and Mexican cuisine reigns supreme. Think:

  • Fresh fish tacos
  • Carne asada fries
  • Homemade guacamole everywhere you go

Need supplies for a picnic or beach day? A trip to Costco offers those famously oversized items, perfect for groups or extended stays.

Mexican Meal in San Diego

6. World-Famous Beaches

No visit to San Diego is complete without some beach time. Whether you’re surfing, sunbathing, or tidepooling, the coastline offers something for everyone.

Del mar beach

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or considering a permanent move, San Diego’s beauty, safety, and rich variety make it one of America’s most attractive coastal cities.

Del mar beach
Del mar beach

Traveling in Germany with the Deutschland Ticket: Cities, Food, Culture & Tips

Würzburg, Leipzig, Dresden, and Berlin
Great weather and local friends can make travel in Germany truly special. Here’s a firsthand travel guide to exploring the best of Germany—cities, cuisine, public transport, culture, and tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Sculpture in Würzburg Residence
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The London Marathon – A Journey of Grit, Glory, and Good Vibes

There’s something uniquely electric about the London Marathon. With over 56,000 runners crossing the finish line of the punishing 42-kilometre course, it’s a spectacle that must be seen to be believed.

The day begins with awe as the elite wheelchair athletes blaze through the streets, showcasing phenomenal upper-body strength and determination. Then come the elite men and women runners—extraordinary athletes whose effortless, long strides make 42 km look deceptively easy.

But the heart of the marathon lies with the masses: everyday heroes who’ve secured their place through a fiercely competitive ballot or chosen to run for charity. Each would have trained for months. Some glide through the course, others battle every step—but each runner is an inspiration.

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A Day in Bloom: Exploring the Magic of Kew Gardens in Spring

These gardens in the South-West London boasts the most diverse botanical collections in the world. If you go, try to choose a fine day. Pack a picnic as you will want to be there all day! There is a lot to see and doing a free guided tour is recommended.

Kew Gardens is far more than just a picturesque park – it’s a living museum, a center for conservation, a sanctuary away from the bustle of central London. It’s a very special place and my pictures do a poor job of conveying its beauty.

A carpet of bluebells
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Breathtaking Views and Hidden Gems: A Week of Driving Around Southern Sardinia!

The island of Sardinia is located to the west of the peninsula of Italy. It is a surprisingly large island and a week is not enough time to fully sightsee the whole of it. In the space of a week, it was only possible for us to visit a little of the southern half of the island and that was with quite a busy itinerary.

We visited in mid-October and as you will see from the photos, the weather was gloriously sunny and a perfect 25C during the day. It was warm enough for swimming but not too annoyingly warm for a day of sightseeing. This is considered shoulder season. Therefore, there were other perks such as cheaper accommodation, inexpensive car rental and less crowds at the attractions.

The beach that you walk past to get to Area archeologica di Tharros is the most spectacular beach!!
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A Visit to Paris – Is it better than London?

Musee Carnavalet – free entry, huge and spectacular museum

Paris is a gorgeous city and it’s only a quick 2.5 hour train ride on the Eurostar from London. We visited in the middle of September. The weather was perfection – cool and lovely in the low 20s. The city looked majestic and elegant as always. Remnants of the recent Olympics and Paralympics were being taken down. So based on these few days in Paris and my time in London, which is better? (Note: I’m probably biased as I know London better and I speak English!)

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