Sofia's Guide to San Diego

"You end up in conversation with the sea. It’s our little secret."

Jan 29, 2026

Hi everyone, I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been moving a bit slower this week, more concerned with resting and reading my latest library find (Ann Beattie’s Chilly Scenes of Winter, highly recommend) than being online, but am very excited to publish our third city guide — courtesy of writer and San Diego native, Sofia Bradley.

When Sofia pitched this to me late last year, she described it as a “love letter” to her city. In typical Health Gossip fashion, these picks aren’t strictly limited to juice shops and infrared saunas; below, you’ll also find recommendations for the very best coffee, vintage sunglasses, crystal shops, and swimming coves…

I hope this offers the Northerners a welcome winter reprieve (it certainly did for me).

Sofia’s Guide to San Diego

San Diego is an enigmatic seaside suburbia with a sprinkle of city life. As one of the biggest cities in the U.S., it requires intention and patience to break through and unveil its warm treasures. Here, we find luxury in leisure and golden sunsets, sweetening each day passed.

Wellness = weather.

I’ve never met another population so concerned when it’s not warm and sunny, myself included (I’ve gotten better). This isn’t necessarily a strength...But I do think it indicates our source of health; we prefer wearing minimal clothing so that we can feel the sun directly on our bare skin. When you live in an environment where the sun is accessible pretty much year-round, wellness rituals become far less embellished and more effortless, such as fresh air and green tea. To me, there is nothing more healing and regulating than a good day spent near the water, seaside hysteria-style.

This guide will provide you with my lifelong wisdom, gained from living here my whole life as a romanticizing local. You’ll discover the delicate elements that saturate my memories, adventures, and rituals. Consider this a sensual experience, drifting into the different atmospheres of simple days well spent.

01. Morning Light

The cafe scene has truly become a ritualized component of San Diego outings. For me, cafes are my home away from home, where I can slip into solitude or engage in an energized conversation. There are many to choose from, but I prefer ambient or natural lighting with plenty of seating and a soft aura.

Il Giardino di Lilli
La Jolla

Inspired by Italian tradition, the space is romantic and fresh. Their pastries are to die for, and their food menu is a special and light curation of Italian cuisine. Occasionally, they host a Vino & Vibes event where an exclusive one-night-only menu is served and a DJ plays vinyl. Just another short saunter away from the beach.

Pannikin Coffee & Tea
Encinitas

An iconic San Diegan staple that bakes all its own goodies and roasts coffee in-house. It’s perfect to stay and get cozy, or choose your own adventure by getting takeout and meandering to the beach, just a couple of blocks away. It’s also on the same street as plenty of yoga studios and spas.

Kettle on Grand
Escondido

For many years, I lived 5 minutes away from the Kettle and would be a regular. They genuinely offer the highest quality and best coffee. During college, I would treat myself to an espresso, mostly to save a couple of dollars, and I learned to love the bitter but buttery palette of good espresso. For that period of life, I embodied that slightly intimidating girl sitting (almost always) alone in the corner, sipping espresso from a lipstick-rimmed tazinna. The interior is airy and minimal, against a brick wall with air plants hanging around. Without this place, I’d still be fighting to pass calculus. The Kettle somehow allowed life to become a clean slate as I tended to my work.

The Yellow Deli
Vista

Open 24 hours, this number is pulled from a storybook with its complete woodwork interior. Owned by a commune [Editor’s note: technically the 12 Tribes], the entire vibe is mystical and health-focused, serving organic meals with local produce grown on their own ranch.

02. Altars

To me, certain spaces and shops serve not just as entertainment or consumerism, but as collections — an altar of a specific time and place. An opportunity to notice what the pieces reflect in your inner world and engage your senses in an unexpected way. These places are thoughtful curations as a gateway to the gentle San Diegan style.

La Paloma Theatre
Encinitas

Built in the 1920s, it is an incredibly sentimental and lovely cinema. I’ve been going here my whole life. Its dimly lit, whimsical Spanish-colonial interior is like a time machine. They have an amazing range of showings, from indie art house shorts to seasonal throwbacks, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and of course, new silver screen releases. One time, they did a Wes Anderson marathon.

Second Act West
La Jolla

One day, I unassumingly wandered in here, not realizing it was a luxury consignment store that exudes a gentle backroom energy. I was pleasantly surprised at the boxes of Chanel on display everywhere. You’ll just have to see for yourself and hope they have your size... like if you’re a size 6, please get these Chanel pumps because I can’t.

Little Italy Farmer’s Market
Little Italy

One of, if not San Diego’s largest, farmers’ markets, happening every Saturday morning in the Little Italy cultural neighborhood. It features all the organic local harvests, flowers, and special small businesses that create really thoughtful treats. You’ll find kombuchas, dried fruits, nut butters, handmade jewelry, and almond milks in 10 different flavor variations, including mermaid milk. During my last visit, I got an empanada and a spicy watermelon lemonade.

Revival Eyewear
North Park

I don’t know why it took me as long as it did to go in here. Pretty much since I started dating my boyfriend, he has recommended I go here. All are deadstock vintage sunnies!! Fabulous and perfect. Any frame can be customized to the lens of your choosing. (Check out the adjacent store, Hunt & Gather, for a fun yet ultra chic vintage clothing collection).

RANSACK
Oceanside

Coastal cowgirl heaven. The most gorgeous selection of vintage denim, silks, turquoise, leather, and lace goods for the wanderlust westerner.

Urban Barn
Escondido

A little maze of everything old and charming. I’ve been coming here with my mom since I was a little girl and started fantasizing about a French chateau at an early age. This store is comprised of small booths curated by various individuals, each with a distinct aura. You never know what you’re going to find here.

Crystal Blue Vibrations
South Park

Once upon a time, I had an obsession with coming here almost every week. Situated in the charming South Park neighborhood, Crystal Blue gleams with the finest assortment of precious gems and crystals in San Diego, for reasonable prices. The workers here are the sweetest, and they also provide tarot reading services — a nice way into an esoteric community.

Museum of Contemporary Art
La Jolla

Equally elegant and avant-garde. Contemporary art is something I’ve grown into over the years, as I love the romanticism in classical fine art, but this place can be really inspiring. The pure white building has a lustrous ambiance that warps time clean into serene contemplation, especially as it opens out toward the blue ocean; a sort of symbolism of creative expansion.

03. Water & Earth

Beaches are the bread and butter of San Diego. For San Diegans, wellbeing is very intertwined with connecting with the elements. I’m very passionate about spending long days at sea, fully engulfed in a book, lathered in SPF, with fresh fruit. I find that the ocean is so medicinal, and you leave glowing and dewy. Hiking is another big lifestyle essential, as is any opportunity to get outside.

Leucadia
Encinitas

Leucadia is exactly what it sounds like, a secret cove where the mermaids hang out — tucked away in a quaint neighborhood. The sand glimmers with golden specks, and if you get lucky, you’ll find beautiful turban snail shells. Even in the peak of summer, this beach manages to preserve its privacy, making it a very intimate experience. You end up in conversation with the sea. It’s our little secret.

Terramar
Carlsbad

Before my best friend and I had our driver’s licenses, we would go here together with our moms. Usually, the street is lined with van-lifers and other kooks, giving anyone a chance to hone in on the culture. The entrance is easy to miss, but find the surfers descending the cliff’s edge as a guide. You’ll quickly begin to soak in the essence of local life, aka wondering how people can be so leisurely on a random Tuesday afternoon. Terramar is unique because the actual beach is quite tiny, which is why, after following the stairs down, most people trek the path on the cliff’s plateau to lounge on, where you can listen to the waves crashing below.

Fletcher Cove
Solana Beach

Serenity. There’s something about the wide stretch of white sands and an infinite blue, making God/The Divine feel so much closer here. How tender it is to just be.

La Jolla Coastal Trail
La Jolla

Popular, but dreamy. One of the most stunning ocean views you’ll ever see. The world cascades into infinity, and you feel your smallness. This path is short, and I recommend continuing your walk down through La Jolla Cove, where you’ll find cute sea lions.

San Elijo Ecological Reserve
Cardiff

Picturesque lagoon that seamlessly blends into the ocean like a peace offering. Being one of the largest wetlands in Southern California, there are numerous trails and terrains for your frolicking desires. During October-November, you can watch the baby leopard sharks have their first swims. My favorite thing to do is walk to the very end of the path toward the train tracks, lay a blanket, and idle in the sea breeze.

Elfin Forest
Escondido

An old myth says a white witch haunts this land in search of her family, tragically murdered. Another myth talks of little elves that live here. Whatever the story, this place is inherently magical and grounding. With miles of trails and even a waterfall during the rainy season, you can capture the essence of the natives that once thrived off of this land. Never forget to honor the tribes that were here before us and respect our Mother Nature for nourishing our mind, body, and spirit!

04. Renewal

Although nothing makes me feel healthier and more supple than daily sun and saltwater, dedicated wellness spaces add a little sparkle to my regular sunshine regimen. My recommendations are on the affordable side, as they are more accessible and functional. Honorable mention for a more luxurious option: Four Moons Spa in Encinitas.

The Green Nook
Escondido

A newly opened plant storefront & wellness studio. I may be biased because I work here as a yoga instructor (I’ll see you Thursday morning for Hatha & Vinyasa flow). Still, this place offers a lovely range of small group classes from yoga to barre to dance classes, including heels, twerk, and burlesque. It’s a beautiful community of grounded individuals where we can strip ourselves of ego and be present in our bodies.

Blu Life Wellness Studio
Escondido

I love this place for color therapy saunas. They have one-person sauna rooms equipped with a TV (I like to play meditation frequencies on YouTube), temperature controls, and an informative sheet on how each color offers nourishment. You can choose and change the color that you’re under. Being in your private room is extremely meditative; you sit there completely as you are, no phone, no clothes, and no distractions. Blu Life also offers various services, including IV therapy, cold plunging, and medspa treatments.

Energy Works Healing
Encinitas

Marcela Alva is the Reiki therapist of Energy Works Healing. My bestie gave me a gift card for Marcela as a birthday gift, and I had my appointment scheduled months out, aligning right after the unexpected passing of my dad. She is the most gentle soul, and her practice is incredibly soothing, regenerative, and affirming.

Deer Park Monastery
Escondido

When I was younger, my mom would sometimes coax me to go with her here on the occasional Sunday. At the time, I didn’t look forward to being in silence for hours at a time; now that I look back, I’m so grateful that she revealed the magic to me early in my life. Sitting on top of a secluded mountain, you easily tap into a strong sense of harmony and equilibrium. Sundays are open to the public for a Day of Mindfulness, which begins with a meditation walk around the property, transitioning to a guided meditation, a Dharma talk, and ending with a provided vegetarian lunch. You must register online, but it’s free! And you leave feeling so connected to yourself and the world.

05. Sunset Seductions

Places that feel personal and slightly mysterious, like there’s a secret to uncover.

Lafayette
North Park

If you’ve heard anything about San Diego, you’re probably like, ok, duh, but it’s worth visiting. Nowhere else in San Diego makes me feel the heat of the West Coast glamour like the Lafayette. Another historical icon, it’s not just a luxurious hotel but also home to my favorite jazz bar, Lou Lou’s, where musicians play inside a golden seashell and the dance floor feels like you’re inside the sun (every Thursday is jazz night, btw). It features a pool, multiple bars and restaurants, each with a distinct interior design, yet all equally erotic and classy.

Wildland
Carlsbad

A true favorite. Doubling as a day bakery and a place for chic dinner & drinks with a unique and hearty menu. Reminds me a lot of Copenhagen’s food scene with its Scandinavian interior.

We Olive
La Jolla

Wine + ocean views + gourmet foods. This place is what you make it; it can be sexy, it can be serious, or it can even be an impractical meal, leaving you slightly tipsy before sundown.

The Living Room
La Jolla

A little slice of Europe meets the Californian coast to form a homey yet sultry day-to-night cafe. This place is fab for parallel play with friends, working on your computer, or indulging in a post-dinner affogato. They have an amazing tea selection, and I love getting a pot to share. On weekends, they feature live music, transforming into a late-night lounge.

The Silo Room
Logan Heights

I find that cool people come here. An ex-grain silo turned into an “experimental music space” – quote from their website. I’ve never experienced a venue like this before. The way the high ceilings naturally reverberate the music transports you to another world. The twin silos are transformed into small rooms like a lil rocket ship with seating. It’s also a very intimate space, so naturally, you’ll meet said new cool people, of all ages. Right next to the Bread & Salt art gallery.

Ranchos Cocina
North Park

Arguably, you can’t find better Mexican food than in San Diego. There are so many amazing options, but let me say Rancho Cocina is special. They’ve been around for decades, and from the beginning, their entire menu can be made vegan. Everything tastes homemade and cooked with care. The Frieda Kahlo wall altar is beautiful. 💋

Seneca Trattoria
Downtown

Art-deco rooftop restaurant serving Roman-fusion dishes. Coming here for the first time is like a little quest, trying to find where it’s located and which elevators to take. Yummy espresso martinis. At the end of the meal, the bill is left in an abalone seashell with candied almonds. A fun girls’ night option overlooking the San Diego harbor and city lights. Situated in the heart of downtown, the night can easily continue in the Gaslamp neighborhood clubbing scene.