Local Guide
San Diego
We live in San Diego, so these aren’t tourist-guide picks — they’re the places we actually go. The house sits in quiet Scripps Ranch, 30 minutes from the coast and close to everything that makes San Diego one of the best family destinations in California.
Beaches
- Del Mar Beach at Torrey Pines — Our favorite. Wide, uncrowded, backed by the dramatic Torrey Pines cliffs. The stretch just south of the State Reserve entrance feels like a different world from the busier city beaches. Great for long walks, tide pools at low tide, and sunset.
- Del Mar Beach at 15th Street — The locals’ access point. Relaxed vibe and a good surf break. Grab a sub at Board & Brew and enjoy it at the beach.
Outdoors
- Torrey Pines State Reserve — One of the most scenic coastal hikes in Southern California. The Guy Fleming Trail is short and flat with panoramic ocean views. The Beach Trail drops you down to the shore. Go early on weekends.
- Lake Miramar — Five minutes from the house. A flat 5-mile loop around a scenic reservoir, popular with joggers, walkers, and cyclists. The kind of spot that makes living here feel like vacation.
Family Favorites
- Legoland — 30 minutes north in Carlsbad. Best for ages 3–10. The water park is worth adding if it’s warm.
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park — 20 minutes east. Different from the downtown Zoo — more open-range, feels like an African safari. The balloon ride gives you an aerial view of the whole park.
- San Diego Zoo — The classic. Balboa Park setting, incredible variety. Plan a full day.
- Catch a Padres game — Petco Park in the Gaslamp Quarter is one of the best ballparks in the country. Great atmosphere, craft beer selection, and a fun neighborhood to explore before and after the game.
Food & Drink
- Jake’s Del Mar — Ocean-view dining with chef-driven coastal fare and craft cocktails, steps from the waves.
- Monarch Ocean Pub — Casual drinks with sunset views right on the Del Mar coast.
- Karl Strauss — San Diego’s original craft brewery. Solid pub food and great beer — the 4S Ranch location is closest to the house.
- Born & Raised — Upscale steakhouse in Little Italy with rooftop cocktails and a glamorous dining room. A special-occasion spot.
- Herb & Wood — Inventive California cuisine in a beautiful Little Italy space. Wood-fired dishes, seasonal menu, great cocktails.
Getting Around
The house is in Scripps Ranch — suburban, quiet, family-friendly. You’ll want a car. Highway 15 connects you to the coast (30 min), downtown (20 min), and north to Legoland/Carlsbad (30 min).