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California Dreaming in San Diego

  • 21 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

Colorful outdoor Mexican food cart with striped awnings, signs for tamales and elotes, in a sunny garden setting.

Artist Cory Plowman

Instagram: @cplowmanphotog


A Photographer's Snapshot 


Weekend Road Trip

San Diego 


I am always down for road trips, especially when I’m back home in California visiting family. While I was growing up on the Central Coast, I occasionally traveled to San Diego, but I’ve had more opportunities to explore this fantastic town throughout the years. 


One morning, we ventured to Coronado Island. Upon arrival, we took time to stroll along the beach, peruse the shops, and eat at a local diner. The weather that day was ideal for a beach stroll adjacent to Hotel del Coronado. We discovered a variety of distinctive boutique stores with an abundance of treasures as we continued to Clayton’s Coffee Shop for a late brunch. 


Old Town


You have the blue sky, the tall palm trees, and other colorful foliage with the Spanish colonial architecture. You can enjoy so many local spots as you stroll through this historical area. There is a lovely contrast between the bright green foliage flourishing and the white and brown hues of some of the structures. There are numerous restaurants, shops, and museums in and around Old Town.


Enjoying some delectable street tacos while watching some local artists perform during the Fiesta de Reyes was just one of the many things I observed that day. It seems that there is always some type of festival going on whenever I’m in Old Town, making the visit even more unique and extraordinary. 


  • Old Town San Diego

Staring at the Ocean


Sitting, standing, or walking along the Pacific Coast brings me peace every time. I love watching and hearing the waves crash over and over with the horizon in the foreground. The waves that day were smaller, but it’s so calming. I love the blue tones and hues from the sky to the water to the lifeguard station, making it a perfect contrast. 


Quintessential California


I remember finding this yellow and white VW bus a couple of years ago, and I was on the hunt on this trip to locate it again. This time it was set up right in front of Hotel del Coronado. It’s the perfect imagery for the beach, along with the palm trees and beautiful sky. 



For over 25 years, I’ve explored the globe, capturing its essence through writing and photography. With many years behind the camera lens, my mission remains simple: finding beauty everywhere I go and sharing those stunning stories with the world. 

ORIGIN is a national travel magazine featuring more than 70 destinations in each issue—where to go, eat, sleep, and play. Our travel essays feature more than 20 of the world’s best travel photographers and writers each issue. Made in collectible volumes, 164 pages on archival paper, focused on boutique travel, family getaways, the American South, active adventures, unique cruises, and unexpected destinations.

 

Our readers are multi-layered travelers who love a good culinary and vibrant art scene while also embracing the great outdoors and exploration in nature. 

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