A superfluity of towns dot the coast of southern California, providing San Diegans with endless options for a staycation. For this thirty-six-hour getaway, just forty minutes north of our home in La Jolla, I chose to stay in Carlsbad for the night. We had so much fun driving up the coast with our top down, listening to music, as the ocean hugged our route, which included stops in charming towns along the way. It’s incredible how vacationing less than one hour away from home, for even just one night, can bring you a renewed sense of adventure, newfound experiences, and a sense of joy in your backyard. Who says vacations require an airplane and multiple nights away? I say, get in your car and explore a neighboring city or two to refresh, rejuvenate, and regain a new sense of pride in where you live.
1) Begin with a Fine Cup of Fuel
Lofty Coffee in Solana Beach well-deserves its hype and cult following. Although the line is long, it moves quickly, and the freshly baked pastries, along with the perfectly made barista drinks, are certainly worth the wait! Tip: for my chocoholic readers – the Aztec iced hot chocolate and chocolate croissant are pure bliss.
2) Make a New Weekend Morning Goal
When a kitchen combines ingredients that create an explosion of flavors you could never recreate in your kitchen, to me, that is perfection. Atelier Manna in Encinitas is the ultimate breakfast destination. Join the two-hour waitlist in advance on your phone to receive a text when your table is ready. Then, get ready for a food journey that will leave you yearning for another visit. The Spanish-style French toast is unreal… You have literally never eaten anything like this before! The crispy crust surrounds the gooey center, which has been soaked overnight in the housemade custard, causing it to ooze once you dare to cut into the stunning creation. Topped with fresh raspberries, dark chocolate, granola, aged balsamic, and chevre, this dish is exceptional. Also worth noting are the Turkish poached eggs over herbed yogurt, chili, garlic butter, herbs, and toast. Trust me on this one, and thank me once you experience firsthand what a master chef can do with eggs.
After a glorious meal, you’ll not only want to walk off those calories, but you’ll likely want to count your blessings for being lucky enough to take a staycation and enjoy outstanding food along the way. Southern California is breathtaking, and four years in, I am still madly in love with it. The Meditation Gardens in Encinitas offer the perfect place to contemplate amongst gorgeous gardens and vast views of the Pacific Ocean. Slowly stroll through the colorful paths and soak in the beauty around you. This little piece of paradise is free to enter, just make sure to use your quiet voice!
4) Do Not Ditch a DonutÂ
VG Donuts in Cardiff has been a donut-pumping institution for over fifty-five years. The sugar cake with cinnamon crumb is a superstar- so fluffy and flavorful, it’s worth every calorie.
Fresh seafood is always readily available when you’re by the California coast and just one flight over from Japan. What makes Sushi Taisho in Carlsbad special is its creative and extensive menu. They even have several vegetarian rolls to choose from! For those who like a kick in their bite, the Las Vegas Roll is SO GOOD! The deep friend roll is stuffed with salmon, cream cheese, and avocado and then topped with jalapeno, spicy mayo, and sriracha.
6) Comb Through the Shops of Colorful Carlsbad
Carlsbad Village bursts with color as welcoming mom-and-pop shops fill the storefronts. Live music fills the air as you’ll explore the bustling streets of the quaint village. Aimlessly walking around here is a perfect way to Saturday.
7) Hop on Over to Your Hotel
The Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad is a five-star resort with everything you need for a relaxing escape. The rooms are especially spacious with expansive balconies. After a long day of exploring and eating, you’ll be thrilled to unwind in your beautifully appointed room.
Ok, so once you kick back on your king-sized bed, you’ll quickly realize a glass of wine is in order. The hotel bar served me a crisp glass of Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc at an ideal temperature. Happy girl.
9) Cuisine & Cocktail with a Sunset
Don’t bother leaving the hotel – it boasts several great restaurants, along with the nearby restaurant at the Four Seasons. Because I am obsessed with Mexican food, we reserved a table at Ponto Lago known for its Baja-inspired cuisine. From the moment your cocktail is served, you’ll love every sip and bite that is offered to you. The smoked Oaxacan Old Fashioned was dramatically smoked for several minutes and was a treat to sip on throughout dinner. The cheese-filled arepas, the potatoes with salsa and cotija crema, the cauliflower with strawberries, smoked cashews, and mojo vinaigrette, and the roasted maitake mushrooms with green garlic, pepitas, and mole verde were all outstanding, especially when wrapped in the warm, homemade tortillas and selection of chef’s salsas.
The hotel offers a bountiful buffet of breakfast items, including my all-time favorite: chilaquiles! However, the stars of the show were the variety of freshly baked pastries, my ultimate kryptonite. My ultimate vacation routine is a cup of brewed coffee with homemade baked goods. The selection offered at Ponto Lago will surely set your day off to a sweet start.
The sprawling property at Park Hyatt Aviara offers a wealth of vacation amenities for all: four restaurants, a full market with barista station, two pools (including an adults-only pool), a golf course, tennis courts, and a spa. Exploring the aesthetic grounds makes for a great walk after a big breakfast.
3) Lazily Lounge Poolside
We spent almost five hours stretched out on our chaises, mastering the art of vacation mode at the adults-only pool. Nothing beats lying poolside while being served and doing absolutely nothing else beyond eating, sipping on wine, and dozing off into the breeze.
We didn’t expect the food to be so good at Water’s Edge, the hotel restaurant that serves both pools. We devoured the scrumptious “aviara nachos” down to the last black bean. The vegetarian bowl was also surprisingly delicious- a mix of brown rice, black beans, corn, radish, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and cilantro crema.
Handel’s has a line down the block at all times of the day. Since 1945, this chain has grown to have dozens of locations throughout the country, each making homemade, creamy ice cream in unique flavors. The “monkey business” with banana cake batter, caramel ripple, and brownie chunks is divine. Very few places are worth waiting in line for; Handel’s is one of them.
6) Wrap Up with a Michelin Star
All good things come to an end, and on your Carlsbad adventure, plan for a perfect ending to your weekend escape at Jeune et Jolie. The French cuisine is meticulously crafted in an open kitchen where staff repeat “oui” once the expo calls out orders; the interior is playful and inviting, and the staff is attentive throughout the meal. Now the food… we were treated to four courses of dishes comprised of the freshest ingredients, bursting in colors from the garden, and flavors so delicately presented, not to disturb the taste of the ingredients themselves. Begin with the amberjack crudo with pear, celery, kombu, and passion fruit, followed by a stunning plate of slightly roasted spring vegetables; then dive into the perfectly seared halibut accompanied with spinach, saffron, vanilla, and warm spices. Finally, satisfy your palate with a sweet ending of strawberries, pink peppercorn, mascarpone, and puff pastry. Most notably, the restaurant is the only one in San Diego that offers an alcohol free cocktail pairing menu.
You don’t have to board a plane to go on vacation. Oftentimes, we can find the best ways to relax and the most interesting places to explore, within a short drive. I love getting to know my city through occasional staycations. Nothing is easier than getting in your car, driving a short distance, and playing tourist for two full days and then returning home refreshed and ready for the week ahead.
