San Diego Week - Day 5 - Drive Down to Oceanside
Not that there aren't enough things to do in San Diego, but when you're on a sight seeing expedition, you want to take in as much of the sights and sounds as possible. And if ever there was a truism that the journey is the best part of travel, then it has to be true on the one hour strectch of heaven in between San Diego and Oceanside.
First up on the road trip is Del Mar. Considering that we already had spent a day at the Fairgrounds, we skipped past it (still beautiful) and went on to Solana Beach. Fletcher Cove Park is an amazing place, with a park just off the ocean. There were all kind sof people there, picnickers, scuba diving teams and basketball fans and others like us, just come to enjoy the atmosphere. Also visited the Cedros Design District and browsed the shops.
Next on the route was Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Again, insanely beautiful and the surf was great. But we were in Cardiff mainly for lunch, and spent most of the time there at restaurant row. Excellent tortilla soup at Las Olas and the mango margarita was something else again. All said and done, fine mexican food.
Post lunch, we cleared out of Cardiff and headed to Encinitas and the Moonlight State Beach. I tell you true, Moonlight SB is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places you'll ever see. Even in the middle of such magnificient beaches and surf friendly areas, this slice of California is practically devoid of pesky tourists and its more of a small residential community. Wide sandy beach gently sloping up to a bluff, lone palm trees popping up here and there, sea gulls hopping about, its really peaceful and worth spending some time in.
Next up was Carlsbad and Legoland. I'm not really into theme parks and stuff which draws in a heavy crowd, so I kinda just skipped it and spent some down time in the car. Felt great, much better than jostling with a crowd of tourists and screaming kids...
Finally arrived at Oceanside, and again, the beach is great, and the pier is even more inviting. Especially liked the Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier. Great view of the ocean from in there. This drive was probably one of the better ideas I've ever had, and it was certainly the best part of the San Diego week so far. But then, the main event - 4th of July, the Padres game and the post-game festivities - are yet to come. So stay tuned.
