Ten Things to Do in San Diego When You're Thirty

Let's face it, activities that you may have found desirable while in your twenties (ahem like, drinking tequila in Tijuana) may not have the same appeal in your thirties when staying out until 10 PM feels like a really late night.  Of course, this is a huge generalization, and the friend for whom I am creating this list for is a blessed 29 years old, but in my life, my "San Diego to do" list has slowly evolved into the following checklist:

1. See Sunset Cliffs. Better yet, buy a coffee from the Cafe Bella coffee cart in Ocean Beach ("OB") and then park at the cliffs, drink your beverage, and enjoy the amazing view.
2. Eat at El Camino. It's Mexican-style decor is kitschy, its noise level is loud, and the margaritas are strong, but while you are there, you will forget that you are thirty. It's close to the airport, so if you sit outside, you can watch the airplanes pass by dangerously close overhead.  My favorites: the classico margarita and the al pastor tacos.
3. Go for a walk/run/bike ride at Mission Beach. Park at the Mission Beach Boardwalk (it's free!) and then find the concrete path that everyone else is on. If you're lucky, you might see a San Diego icon:  the very tan, fit, rollerskating man who wears only a mask and a banana hammock.
4. Drink a pint at Shakespeare's. It's a British Pub, filled with devout soccer fans watching their televised games, and an extensive menu.  My favorites: The pasty and Cider & Black.
5. Visit the bakery counter at Cafe Zucchero. If you know me, you know how much  I love coffee and a good cannoli.  The cafe has a variety of Italian desserts, including several gelato flavors. I would tell you that the gelato is great, except I've never tried it. I always end up with a cannoli. 
6. Have a cocktail at Top of the Hyatt.  Located on the 40th floor of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown San Diego, it offers panoramic views of the city. If you've ever heard the story of how I met Elton John in an elevator, then you might remember that this is where I met him. Ditch your flip flops for some classy closed toe shoes and drink a martini. You might see some royalty. 
7. Hike to the top of Cowles Mountain. You need to burn off some of these calories that I'm encouraging, and while you're at it, you can see experience another view of the city. It's approximately 1.5 miles to the top, and can get a little crowded on the weekends, so plan accordingly.
8. Maximize your guacamole intake at Taco Fiesta. Every San Diego native has their favorite taco shop, and for me, it's Taco Fi. My favorites are the Rolled Taco with Guacamole special and Horchata. If you aren't afraid of serious caloric intake, order the Carne Asada fries.  And note, stop here after hiking up Cowles Mountain, otherwise you might experience a little heartburn from all the hot sauce.
9. Eat breakfast at the OB Pier Cafe. Specifically, eat the mango pancakes. Arrive early to get a window side table to watch the morning surf patrol (the OB Pier is a heavy local surf spot).  If you feel yourself rocking side-to-side mid-meal, it's because you are; just cross your fingers that your breakfast isn't interrupted by a Southern California earthquake.  Sometimes in the winter, the OB Pier will be closed for repairs. If it is, eat at Margarita's in OB. They always have cheap cheap breakfast specials.
10. Visit Balboa Park.  It's the largest cultural park in the United States, and between the 15 museums, the world famous San Diego Zoo, and the countless gardens and restaurants, there is always something to do. Even if you nix all the attractions, it's a great place to have a picnic under a eucalyptus tree and watch the tourists and natives wander about.  My favorite Balboa Park activities consist of visiting the Lily Pond, and having lunch on the outdoor patio of The Prado.

San Diego is a pretty darn big place, and while my list is focused on my favorite places in the central part of the city, there are plenty of other really great neighborhoods and sites to see.

I know there are lots of people who read this blog that are either frequent visitors or live in San Diego. If you have any other suggestions for my friend, who will be visiting America's Finest City very soon, please leave a comment below. :)

Sunset Cliffs