We recently took a short vacation to the San Diego area of California. This trip was a bit different, because we had our 9-year old granddaughter with us. Because of that, we tried to work this trip so that she would have a great time. And I think she did.

Here’s a quick overview of what we did. Oh yes, there will be pictures. Later. For now, thrill to the exciting recap of… “Our Trip to San Diego”!

Monday – April 25th

It’s a long way to San Diego. Even though we had six days of vacation, two of them (one on each end) were driving days. On this one, we headed south from Sacramento, on our way. A few hours  into the trip, we stopped for brunch in Kettleman City, at Mike’s Roadhouse Cafe. Really! It was big and hearty. Then back on the road. It’s not the most beautiful drive but it’s ok. Finally, in the Los Angeles area, we stopped in Coast Mesa at Native Foods, an all-vegan restaurant that has some truly delicious food. How did we know that? We had been to three of their other locations on previous trips. I really wish they had a location closer than 400 miles away! But anyway, we had a tasty meal and then continued on our way. In the evening, we finally arrived at the condo and checked in. We unpacked and relaxed for a little bit and that was that for the first (travel) day.

Tuesday – April 26th

After some food at the condo, we headed out to Balboa Park, specifically the San Diego Zoo. Everyone says it is a great zoo and now I know, they are right. It was huge and we saw, well, most of it. Thankfully they had shuttles that help you get to and from the various parts of the Zoo. More animals than you can shake a stick at (if that’s your idea of a good time). And the granddaughter loved it! This is THE zoo to see. Afterward we had dinner at nearby Pokez, Mexican food with lots of vegetarian options. Once back at the condo, the granddaughter had a little time to get in a quick swim (more like play) at the  pool.

Wednesday – April 27th

Another breakfast at the condo and then out to the Zoo Safari Park. A little way outside San Diego proper, they have animals roaming in an “open” (more open at least) area. Giraffes, antelopes, zebras, etc… And in smaller, but still generous areas, lions, tigers, gorillas. Oh yeah, the gorillas were pretty cool. Did you know they are vegan? Again, the granddaughter had a great time. But this place is just too big to see it all and there were no shuttles, so a lot more walking. But it was still big fun even if we missed a few things. We had dinner at Sipz Fusion Cafe, an all-vegan (except for one or two items that were “only” vegetarian) restaurant. It was really good, wish it was in our town instead!

Thursday – April 28th

After a little breakfast at the condo, we headed to nearby Carlsbad, home of our destination, Legoland. Yes, the famous interlocking blocks have their own theme parks. It was truly a theme park, meaning waiting in line for a long time for couple-minute rides, crowds, expensive and lame food, but kids love that experience! We tried to see most of it and had a good time. The granddaughter got terrified on a pretty tame roller coaster and we got soaked on a water ride. But everyone had fun and that’s what counts! We had dinner at Sipz (like last night) and it was great again. There was a bit of time after, so the granddaughter had a half hour or so in the pool, which she absolutely loves.

Friday – April 29th

Breakfast at the condo. You know the drill by now. Then it was off to Balboa Park. Lots and lots and lots to see there but we only picked a few things and it still filled most of the day! First was the Spanish Village, a group of 35-40 artists shops and studios. Lots of art and crafts and many spaces are studios where the artists actually work too. Very cool. Then we went to the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center, a science museum geared toward kids but interesting for adults too. Dinner was at a vegan fast-food place (really!) called Evolution. Yeah, burgers, chili cheese fries, etc, all vegan. Then back to the condo where Josephine had a few minutes in the pool before bedtime.

Saturday – April 30th

Time to go home. It always comes too soon! We stopped for lunch at Native Foods in Tustin (near Los Angeles) and while we were there we actually met Chef Tanya, the owner of the chain and inventor of all the awesome vegan food that they serve. I’m telling you, this place is great, click on the link and check out the menu. My Rueben sandwich was to die for. After that, a long drive home, with a quick stop later at Taco Bell for dinner. Well, the meals can’t all be great  😉

A really fun trip for the granddaughter and actually it was for us too. Plus we were given a wheresgeorge bill along the way too. All good…

What do YOU think?

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