Espresso Boarding: San Diego, CA
Espresso Boarding sends a weekly burst of inspiration for your travel plans.
San Diego, California:
Seuss, Sand, and Sun
Welcome to the land of Dr. Seuss, beaches, and endless delicious food. Home to world class Universities, military bases and a strong art scene, there’s so much more to do here than “only” surfing.
- Cris
WHAT TO SEE
The Land of Dr Seuss
If you’ve ever curled up with The Lorax, chuckled at the chaos in The Cat in the Hat, or daydreamed your way through Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, then our next destination is for you. We’re headed to San Diego, home of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.
Here’s how to experience the world of Seuss - no Truffula trees required.
Start with a View on Mount Soledad
In 1948, Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, and his first wife, Helen, purchased an old observation tower on Encelia Drive and built their home around it, creating a unique space that offered exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean. This vantage point served as a source of inspiration for many of Geisel's beloved works.
After Helen's passing in 1967, Geisel married Audrey Stone Dimond in 1968. The couple lived in the La Jolla home until Geisel's death in 1991. Audrey remained in the residence until her own passing in 2018, marking over 70 years of continuous occupancy by the Geisel family.
Following Audrey's death, ownership of the property transferred to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in accordance with her wishes. The university listed the estate for sale in 2022, with proceeds designated to establish the Geisel Fund, supporting various campus initiatives.
The 5,000-square-foot estate, set on over four acres, features three bedrooms, multiple offices, a pool, and panoramic 270-degree views of the La Jolla coastline. Mount Soledad is a very swanky neighborhood that is respected for the highly educated (not just wealthy) residents. Many of these homes are gated. The Geisel property is also stunning but playful, with features such as a hidden room concealed behind a bookshelf.
The entire estate was listed at $18,995,000, with individual parcels ranging from $3.9 million to just under $12 million. The main house, situated on a 1.51-acre parcel, was priced at $11,995,000. The final sale price for each parcel, and the identity of the buyer(s) were not disclosed because this neighborhood is swanky! It remains a private property.
Geisel sketches designs in an office with a fabulous view of the ocean
Legends Gallery: The Secret Seuss Museum You Didn’t Know Existed
Tucked along Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla, the Legends Gallery is a true gem for fans of the good doctor. You won’t find giant crowds or velvet ropes—just wall after wall of delightful artwork, much of it authorized by Seuss’s estate.
Here you’ll find sculptures of the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and even characters you might not recognize from Seuss’s more obscure works. Some pieces are vibrant and cheeky; others are surprisingly emotional. It’s like walking through a secret portal into the creative mind of a literary genius.
Insider tip: Ask the staff about the “Secret Art” collection—a series of paintings and sketches Seuss never intended to publish. They’re weird, wild, and totally wonderful.
Geisel Library: A Building as Quirky as His Books
Next, make your way to UC San Diego, where the Geisel Library stands like a spaceship that crash-landed and decided to stay. Named after Theodor and Audrey Geisel for their generous contributions, this architectural marvel is one of San Diego’s most iconic buildings.
Look down at the pathway as you walk toward the building and realize it’s a giant playful snake from his books. Outside, you’ll find a life-sized bronze statue of Dr. Seuss seated at a drafting table with the Cat in the Hat perched beside him—an excellent photo op and a must for your Seuss scrapbook. Inside, there’s a collection of rare books, sketches, and Seuss memorabilia waiting to delight you.
Being respectful of the Quiet! floors (this is a working library for students), take the elevator to the top and walk around the floor. Imagine being a student who could gaze out at the ocean while studying! With the excellent baristas in the lobby, architectural beauty of concrete and glass, I would work from here daily if parking wasn’t such a problem. It has the perfect ambiance of quiet study and outrageous imagination.
Each floor contains a different display of Seuss memorabilia and students are generally very tolerant of visitors as long as they are quiet. If the San Diego sun is feeling too hot for you, this is the perfect place to get iced tea and relax.
Coronado Beach: Golden Shining Sand
If you only have time for one stop in Coronado, make it the beach. But not just any beach. Coronado Beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the U.S. and for good reason. Wide, clean, and peaceful, it’s ideal for sunbathing, sandcastle building, or just listening to the gentle rhythm of the Pacific. The beach is so wide that it never feels crowded or overwhelming, even when the multiple volleyball courts and fire pits are all in use. There is just so much space available that no one gets territorial. Everyone can spread out and have fun.
What sets it apart? The sand literally sparkles, thanks to flecks of mica that catch the light and give the shoreline a fairytale shimmer. It’s soft, it's scenic, and it’s perfect for everything from romantic strolls to family fun. My younger sister confidently declared Coronado to be her destiny because the sand appears to be made of gold 😀
Local tip: Head toward the southern end of the beach (near the dunes) and look at the sand art - local artists occasionally shape the dunes into giant letters that spell "Coronado" from above.
Hotel del Coronado: A Living Legend
Towering just steps from the shore is the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a Victorian masterpiece that looks like it was plucked from a Hollywood film - because it was! (Some Like It Hot, anyone?)
Built in 1888, “The Del” has hosted U.S. presidents, Hollywood royalty such as Marilyn Monroe, and curious travelers from around the world. But you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy its charm. You can walk the historic grounds, grab a drink at the Sun Deck Bar & Grill, or explore the on-site shops and museum. For locals, it’s a ritual to have lunch on the Sun Deck at least once a year because the view of golden sands, sailing yachts, and Navy cruisers is relaxing and inspiring every single time. Meals are healthy and affordable, and no one would dare rush you. The vibe here is relaxed and friendly. People will happily wait for hours for a table because they can walk the beach or go for a swim in the pool while waiting.
Don’t miss: The oceanfront fire pits at sunset - bring you s’mores kits. Or if you’re feeling indulgent, book a spa treatment in a cabana that faces the sea. It’s relaxation on a whole new level.
Real-Life Action, No Ticket Required
Believe it or not, you can sometimes witness elite military training just by being in the right place at the right time.
Coronado is home to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, the heart of Navy SEAL training. Early mornings on the southern stretch of Coronado Beach (near The Del) might surprise you with a glimpse of wetsuit-clad teams running with boats overhead, plunging into the surf, or performing calisthenics in the sand.
It’s not a show - it’s the real deal. And while public access is limited and interaction is off-limits (do YOU want to be interrupted when carrying a heavy boat?), quietly observing from a respectful distance offers a unique peek into one of the world’s toughest training programs. Rent a sailboat and notice that the Captain avoids those little buoys with boats nearby. Why? Those buoys mark the location of SEALs training underwater. The boats above are to intervene if someone doesn’t know how to sail and ends up in their space. That is not recommended. I was once on a sailboat whose centerboard snapped, leaving us dead in the water. The Coast Guard and a SEAL team on break came to get us. Bestill my heart - that was the best sailing trip ever!
It’s humbling. It’s awe-inspiring. And it’s one of the coolest things you didn’t expect to see on a beach day. One tip? It’s highly likely that the cute guy you met at the bar last night lied when he claimed to be a SEAL. While it is legitimately possible to meet a random SEAL at a bar, be smarter than that. EACH bar has several SEALs? Probably not.
Hometown Heroes
Fire is a very serious threat in San Diego and locals are grateful for firefighters. It is a profession of the highest honor and respect. Make your way inland a few blocks to 1001 6th Street, where the Coronado Fire Department sometimes conducts live training drills.
Tower climbs, hose drills, rescue simulations - you’ll be surprised how fascinating it is to watch these everyday heroes practice their craft. It’s a real-time demonstration of skill and coordination that kids (and adults!) find absolutely riveting. Even if they sell calendars, please don’t ask them. Just look in the local stores and gift shops. Have some self respect as you wipe the drool from your face.
There’s no schedule posted, so it’s a bit of a lucky catch - but if you see firefighters out and active, hang around. It’s a local experience you won’t find in any guidebook. It’s ok to take a picture as long as you don’t interrupt them or try to make it a selfie. No one will believe you took part in training.
Where Animals Go On Vacation To Make Babies
Nestled in the hills of Escondido, about 30 miles north of downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is like someone gave a wildlife documentary a backstage pass, cranked up the volume, and added churros. This isn’t your standard animal exhibit stroll. It’s an adventure. And it’s wildly fun for adults and kids alike.
🦓 First Things First: It’s Massive
The Safari Park is BIG - like, “you may want to pack snacks and running shoes” big. Unlike its cousin, the San Diego Zoo, which is more traditional in structure, the Safari Park was built with sprawling savannahs and open-range habitats that mimic the natural environments of its residents.
So don’t expect cages and glass walls. Expect to squint into the distance and say things like, “Is that a rhino… or a rock?”
Spoiler: it’s probably a rhino.
🚐 Hop On a Safari (Yes, a Real One)
The star of the show is the Africa Tram Safari, which takes you through herds of wildebeests, rhinos, giraffes, and even cape buffalo - all cruising through a massive landscape as if you’ve dropped into a scene from The Lion King.
You can also upgrade to premium safaris where you literally ride in the back of a truck through the fields and feed a giraffe straight from your hand. Just don’t make eye contact with the giraffe too long - it’ll win. Every time. If you find giraffe’s to be as beautiful as I do, you can watch them on the Giraffe Cam!
🦍 Meet the Locals
Here’s a short list of residents you might bump into during your day:
Elephants who roll in the mud like it’s a spa day.
Cheetahs that do daily sprint demos, just to remind you you’re slow.
Lemurs who seem to be in a dance battle at all times.
Condors with wingspans that can blot out the sun (not literally, but close).
There’s also an adorable cast of baby animals being raised behind-the-scenes in the Animal Care Center, so if your heart isn’t already mush from the giraffes, that oughta do it. Safari Park has mastered the art of the upsell. To budget appropriately, estimate how much you think it will cost, then triple it. Once you arrive, after a long flight and months of waiting, are you really not going to pay up to touch the animals? Are you really going to explain to your spouse why s/he can’t go on the safari? I doubt it. From my experience, every upgrade has been worth the price. Tip: the best upgrades must be reserved in advanced because there is very high demand and very few seats available. As soon as you book your hotel, check out the upgrade list and pick something.
🌍 Conservation is Kind of a Big Deal Here
Fun and fluff aside, the Safari Park is deeply involved in wildlife conservation, especially for endangered species. From the northern white rhino project (spoiler alert: there’s only two left on Earth) to their groundbreaking breeding and reintroduction programs, this place is not just for oohs and aahs - it’s about making a difference.
And yes, you can adopt an animal (symbolically, no lions in your apartment) to help support the cause. You can also watch the animals from home for free on several live camera feeds:
🪂 Bonus Round: You Can Fly Over It
If you’ve ever wanted to soar over rhinos like a majestic, slightly terrified eagle, book the Skyfari. It’s an aerial tram. Over animals. Need we say more?
This replaces the zipline which was previously offered but…the animals got spooked…people can fly? So now those of us too terrified to zipline can enjoy the view without worrying about what we ate for lunch.
🎟️ Final Thoughts: Go Wild or Go Home
Whether you’re a budding biologist, a bored local looking for something new, or a tourist with a safari-sized bucket list, San Diego Safari Park delivers on every level. It’s educational, it’s entertaining, and it somehow balances “heartwarming” with “epic” in a single, lion-scented breath.
Bring water, wear sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.
Because the only thing more wild than the animals is how much you’re going to love it here.
Coming Soon
coming soon
Coming soon
Need a place to sleep?
Need money for travel?
