Top 5 picks for San Diego seaside scenic spots

San Diego Union-Tribune

May 10, 2018 10:30 AM PT

Whenever I feel out of sorts — physically or mentally — I get in the car and head west. The ocean, the water, salty air — all of it cures what ails me. And thank goodness for that. We’re in San Diego after all, and there’s plenty of ocean to go around. Here are my top seaside destinations when I need a pick-me-up, San Diego-style:

Sunset Cliffs

There’s something about a killer view that can turn a so-so day into a fabulous one, and my No. 1 go-to spot is this beautiful piece of land along the Point Loma-Ocean Beach border. You can’t go wrong with an early morning drive or walk on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Close your eyes. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

It’s a long walk down to the beach, but the view pays you back in spades. If you get here early enough to beat the crowds, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is how many times you need to stop to enjoy the million-dollar view. What’s the rush? Soak it all in.

San Elijo State Beach

It’s a uniquely San Diego experience — sitting on sand and watching surfers do their thing under the California sun. I can’t surf, so I can’t vouch for the relaxing qualities of the sport. But I can watch, and when life’s going too fast, it’s one of the best ways to slow things down.

Coronado State Beach

It’s no wonder “Wizard of Oz” author L. Frank Baum spent so much time in Coronado — there’s something magical about the place. When I’m feeling cowardly about life, a stroll down Coronado State Beach is a sure-fire way to get out of a funk and, just like Baum’s Cowardly Lion, get my courage back.

La Jolla Shores

It may be one of the busiest beaches around, but La Jolla Shores’ southern end is a gorgeous stretch of sand that can be peaceful, especially at low tide. There’s a reason this place is called La Jolla — the jewel. It’s priceless.

What are your favorite San Diego seaside scenic spots? Share them in the comments section below.

Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd

michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com

Travel | Staycation

Michael James Rocha

Michael James Rocha is the digital creative director at the Union-Tribune. He oversees the online presentation of Union-Tribune stories online and has oversight of the photo and graphics teams. Most recently, he was the arts and entertainment editor. During his tenure, the Union-Tribune’s Sunday arts section was named the best in the nation two years in a row (2021 and 2022). Michael started his career at the Union-Tribune in December 1997 as a features page designer. He eventually became the features design editor, managing a staff of 15 designers and 17 features sections. Through the years, he has done stints as the front page designer, audience development editor and home decor editor. He previously wrote a monthly column on outdoor living, which focused on outdoor decor. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications (with an emphasis on print journalism) from California State University-Fullerton in 1994. He is a founding member of the Asian American Journalists Association’s San Diego chapter, and he has taught magazine writing, editing and design at Point Loma Nazarene University. He also loves dogs.