Rediscovering a Favorite: San Diego
Sometimes a place becomes memorable because of the moments attached to it. San Diego is one of those places for me.
My very first visit was for a destination date spent on a sailboat, exploring the ocean and experiencing the beauty of the coastline for the first time. I still remember floating by seals as we made our way along the water. Our boat apparently interrupted their afternoon nap because they immediately started yelling at us. The moment felt almost surreal and gave me such a unique introduction to a place I had never visited before.
That first experience was so memorable that I immediately wanted to share it with the people closest to me. Not long after, I returned with my family, hoping they would experience some of the same magic and excitement that made me want to come back in the first place. This time, I got to explore the city in a completely different way.
We ate at local spots, spent days exploring SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, and relaxed at Mission Bay… and I started to understand why so many people fall in love with this city.
My most recent visit was a birthday destination date in June, and it gave me the chance to rediscover San Diego in yet another completely new way. The Safari Park was absolutely phenomenal. Watching the animals up close, seeing rhinos walk right up to our safari truck, and hearing lions roar from across the park was an experience I’ll never forget.
The elephants were also unforgettable. They were clearly having a very romantic afternoon of their own. It was a hilarious reminder that nature doesn’t always follow a schedule or care that humans are watching.
But somehow, I found myself right back at the ocean.
Water has always been my happy place, and La Jolla completely captured my heart. The seals were everywhere… popping their heads out of the water, making their way toward the rocks, and hilariously arguing with each other whenever someone tried to claim a spot. I watched them play, fight, and exist… completely on their own terms… surrounded by starfish, barnacles, and so much ocean life I had never seen before.
Standing there, watching the ocean and all the life within it, I realized that San Diego keeps giving me new reasons to come back.
One of my favorite things about returning to a place is realizing there is always another layer waiting to be discovered. So far, my experiences have been filled with adventure, connection, and lifelong memories. Each visit has shown me a different side of the city, and I’ve loved experiencing those moments with people who share my curiosity for discovering new places and creating unforgettable memories.
After falling in love with San Diego through each visit, I decided to bring another personal tradition with me and create a new photoshoot here, something I usually reserve for Las Vegas. I’m excited to capture this next chapter in a city that has already given me so many incredible memories.
Join Me
I’ll be returning to San Diego August 24-27 and would love the opportunity to continue discovering everything this city has to offer with someone who enjoys exploring new places, trying new experiences, and creating memories along the way. From exploring the coastline and discovering a new restaurant to finding hidden gems that make the city feel unique, I’m excited to see what new memories this visit brings.
a peak behind the scenes…
For those who enjoy the little details behind the experiences, I’ve put together a collection of favorites and things that inspire my adventures.