March 10, 2017

Let's go, 'Surfin' U.S.A.'

From coast to coast in under five hours – San Diego is closer than you think

By Caroline Russock
PhillyVoice Contributor

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The standard one-way flight between Philadelphia and San Diego is about four hours and 40 minutes.

The Beach Boys were onto something when they sang about skipping school to go to Del Mar and Doheny Way to go surfing. There's more than "bushy bushy blonde hairdo"s and Huarachi sandals to absorb in "America's Finest City."

Next up in our “Direct from Philly” itinerary is San Diego, Calif.

Nestled between L.A. and the Mexican border, the sunny city by the sea makes for the kind of low-key vacation that everyone can get behind. Nonstop flights leave from PHL International Airport multiple times a day and will have you on the left coast in about five hours. Bonus points for an airport that’s basically in the center of the city.

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Zagat, Thrillist, Yelp and Foursquare, among others, will point you in the right direction when it comes to great ramen in San Diego.

Navigating the City: A downtown boom in recent years has rendered the city’s center infinitely more walkable, but in keeping with classic West Coast tradition, getting your hands on a set of wheels is the way to go. If you’re not into booking for your entire visit, Zipcar has vehicles available all over town.

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The Pearl was featured in “Sunset Magazine”'s “Top 50 Hotels Under $150”.

Where to Stay: The Pearl , a boutique minutes from the airport is all about Mid Century chic. With outdoor movies by the pool, semi private patios and a buzzy restaurant and bar, its almost impossible to believe that rooms here are routinely priced under the $150 mark. If your looking for something a little closer to the waves, checkout this surfer friendly cottage in Pacific Beach that's all yours for $99 a night.

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The Dumpling Inn & Shanghai at 4625 Convoy St., San Diego.

Where to Eat: San Diego’s Mexican food scene is serious — a California burrito with carne asada, guac and fries is a must. But if you head northeast of downtown, you’ll find a neighborhood that’s filled with a world of Asian flavors. Convoy and neighboring Kearny Mesa are home to unparalleled izakayas, Hawaiian plate lunch spots and dumpling dens. Instead of driving out with an itinerary, its best to scan the various strip malls for a DIY grazing tour.

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With Brewery Tours of San Diego, you can book a custom brewery tour on a private bus for your group or secure a special space for corporate gatherings.

Can’t Miss: When it comes to a citywide love of all things beer related, Philly and San Diego share a similar passion. With big names like Ballast Point, AleSmith and Pizza Port, the best way to taste your way through the city’s thriving brewing scene is to leave it to the pros. Brewery Tours of San Diego offers daily public and private tours where guests are chauffeured from tasting room to tasting room.

Caroline Russock
PhillyVoice Contributor