I am born and raised in San Diego, California.
I can't say I've been to every corner of California, but much of it.
As California starts to take down restrictions around the state, I thought it'd share great places that have been good to me and my nervous system over the years as many of us have been cooped up in the house. Let's Go Adventure!
Some of these places are but a hop, skip, and 5 hour drive away.
**Only recommended for those who are vaccinated**
Not in mentioned any specific order
For a day trip in nature...
Idyllwild, California
From Ocean Beach a 2 hour straight shot to a warm and homely town of Idyllwild.
Sitting right next to Lake Hemet, and recently equipped with full bars of cell service. It is not far from civilization at all, and your in the middle of it's woods and feeling really remote. This place has gotten really popular so less and less so, but still... You could never tell Hollywood is only and a hour or so away.
In the main townie area, there is an Italian restaurant called Ferro. Just go.
There are a few interesting shops, gift shops, a brewery, and many bars. Idology was my favorite bar there, they have a pool table, giant jenga, and a lively chatty young crowd, and sometimes live music.
My favorite hike is a short and sweet one in Idyllwild Park. It takes about an hour, but there are so many spots to stop for views, I take about 2 hours.
Idyllwild Park Trail
When I stay in Idyllwild I usually choose this park. All campsites are close to some kind of water source. There are coin showers, fire rings, and my god there are boulders, although relatively easy for most, I repeat BOULDERING ROUTES in and around the campsites.
Reserve Campsite at Idyllwild Park
For Hydro Therapy to Sooth the Nerves...
Yu Spa, Clairemont, California
There are few things that relaxes me more than 20 or so minutes in a hot tub, followed by 20 minutes in a dry sauna, followed by 5 minutes in a cold bath, and a yoga nidra. AND REPEAT.
For the newbies that have never been to an Asian spa.
1. Wash your body and hair very thoroughly
2. Peace and quiet is appreciated
That is actually my routine when I go to the Spa, bring your wireless noise cancelling ear buds for the nidra and try it. Most times I'll go through multiple cycles before my first yoga nidra, I will also add some Yin Yoga depending on the current body aches. I regularly fall asleep and nap.
Yoga nidra is yogic sleep. I recommend Richard Miller's work (Trauma Sensitive)
The staff is friendly, the price is fair ($30 for addmission), and it is right in the middle of some of best Asian food in the city. Go to dumpling inn and get some Xiao Long Bao after.
I do not recommend their massages.
Yu Spa & Saunas
Speaking of Massages...
Karma Spa, Hillcrest, California
I haven't found a place where you get more massage for your buck and quality of care than Karma Spa. The staff is very warm, well organized, and they have sauna rooms on site. When I was in deep grieving of my Dad's Death and divorce, this place was my refuge.
$60 for 60 minutes? On many different styles. They are very good. I recommend the 'Ashiatsu' and 'Back and Shoulders'
So for $90 you can get an hour massage and sit in the Sauna for 30 minutes. Pretty sweet deal.
Karma Spa and Sauna
If you've got longer than 2 days...
Sequoia Kings Canyon
You may have seen some footage or pictures of myself and company in the face of a giant blizzard stuck on a mountain.
As terrifying as that was, it was THE MOST beautiful place I've ever seen.
Now we were lucky to have snow Disneyfy the place, but even without the snow, the giant sequoia are awe-inspiring.
I recommend dispersed camping. The sites that I found were very remote and it is oh so very nice to be around no one else.
Free Dispersed Camping in Sequoia Kings Canyon
If you'd rather go to the beach, and with very few people...
San Diego River Trail / Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, CA
If you want an almost private beach experience away from the tourists and the crowds, and filled with more nature and wild life, and not so wild life (Dogs), this is your place.
I walk this trail and this beach area a few times a week because there are very few people and it maybe the only beach area where on the weekdays, even for a few hours, you may not see another human for a while.
Bring your Journal, a cup of coffee, a blanket.
You might get lucky and catch the white birds diving down into the river for a quick bite.
Beach Nature Trail and Semi Quiet / Empty Beach