Sunsets, Seafood & San Diego Vibes: A Two-Day Getaway from Phoenix
- GR
- Jun 14
- 5 min read
Sometimes life gives you a window — and you’ve got to climb right through it. That’s exactly how this trip came to be.
Our son, his girlfriend, and our sweet grandson were traveling from Wisconsin to California for a wedding, and we couldn’t pass up the rare chance to see them just a few hours from home. That was our only plan. Everything else — the beach, the food, the wandering — happened as we went. And honestly? That’s what made it so good
From Phoenix to the Pacific
We headed out from the west valley of Phoenix, aiming for San Diego — a 4- to 5-hour drive depending on where in AZ you're starting. It’s a scenic cruise, especially when you're not on a strict schedule. For us, the pace was perfect.
EV drivers, take note: California is dotted with charging stations. You won’t have to go out of your way to find a plug, which takes a lot of stress out of road-tripping in an electric car. So if range anxiety is a thing for you, calm your nerves on this ones.
And to make it even better, we had company — our parents joined us for this little adventure. Every stop we made was accessible, wheelchair-friendly, and easy to navigate. It made all the difference and reminded me how much joy there is in being able to travel together across generations.
First Stop: Park Social for a Laid-Back Meal
Once we rolled into town and checked into our hotel, we headed straight to Park Social for a late lunch/early dinner. The vibe? Light, modern, social — exactly the kind of place that works whether you're catching up with friends or just looking to unwind after the drive.
The menu leans health-conscious without skimping on comfort food. Think brunch, happy hour, self-pour taps (yep, those exist), and dishes that satisfy both kale lovers and hangover cravings alike. To be honest, the food itself wasn’t something I’d crave weeks later, but the overall experience? I'd go back. It felt like a modern-day picnic with family, laughter, and good energy — which is really the whole point.
Mission Beach: Sunsets & Nostalgia in Full Color
From there, we headed to Mission Beach, because if you’re in San Diego and don’t catch a sunset, did you even go?
There’s something sacred about watching the sun sink into the Pacific — it grounds you, reminds you how small you are in the best possible way. It’s also the perfect excuse to stroll and people-watch. Seriously, the boardwalk feels like a real-life movie set out there: roller skaters, boom boxes, golden retrievers with better sunglasses than me, families on tandem bikes, and maybe — just maybe — a Rocky Balboa doppelgänger power-walking by in short shorts and a headband. The energy is contagious..
And then — the unmistakable sound of carnival rides and the smell of fried dough pulled us toward Belmont Park, a historic beachfront amusement park that’s been delighting visitors since the 1920s (so I have read).
We didn’t go full thrill-seeker mode (though the Giant Dipper wooden coaster was tempting), but we did stop for funnel cakes, except I stopped short at a churro shop, bright lights, fried smells, and long line ignited a fomo feeling. Although delicous, and dare I say more indulgent than the funnel cake, almost too indlugent once I added the ice cream and caramel dip, there is still nothing like a funnel cake. However, regardless of the source of the sugar rush it was the kind of spontaneous, sugary moment that’s better when you’ve got family by your side and zero regrets in your back pocket.
Wandering the boardwalk after sunset, still sticky-fingered and grinning, I had one of those “wait… how did I get here?” midlife moments. Sandwiched between watching our adult kids figure out the world and helping our parents navigate theirs — this is the middle. It's more layered than I ever expected, the middle can feel overwhelming at times, but today I'm just greateful.
The layers of middle age would have to be pondered another day, because after that kind of day - road trip, great food, ocean air, sunset, and a fried dough finale — there was only one thing left to do: take a hot shower and sleep like we had zero responsibilities in the morning. And honestly? That might’ve been the best part.
Day 2: A Slow Morning at Balboa Park
The next morning started with a light breakfast at the hotel (nothing fancy, but just enough to get us going) and then off we went to. And no — this is not your average neighborhood park. It’s a cultural treasure trove.t’s part art museum district, part garden wonderland, and part architectural time capsule. There’s no way to see it all in a few hours, but here’s how we spent ours:
We skipped the guided tours and did our own thing, which included:
Lily Pond & Botanical Building – Free to entry, rich in color and calm, QR code-guided plant learning, and succulents the size of toddlers. Who knew?
Moreton Bay Fig Tree – Massive and majestic. One of those trees you can’t walk past without stopping.
Spanish Village Art Center – Brightly tiled pathways lead to artist studios full of life, talent, and handcrafted pieces. You can chat with the creators, watch them work, and pick up one-of-a-kind pieces that feel like treasures, not tourist bait.
We passed by the Japanese Friendship Garden just as the cherry blossoms were starting to bloom (a week too early for the full festival, but still a delight), and I made a mental note to come back someday and stay longer.
Balboa Park has more than we could ever cover in one morning — from the Comic-Con Museum to Casa del Rey Moro Garden — but with home calling, we made one last stop for lunch before hitting the road.
Final Stop: Kiko’s Place — A Flavorful Farewell
Our last stop was Kiko’s Place, a small but mighty Mexican seafood spot tucked away on C Street. The storefront is unassuming, but inside? You’ll find fresh ceviche, oysters, grilled octopus, tacos, and a flattop grill sizzling right in view. As someone who loves seeing my food prepared, this setup was a win.
We sat indoors (only about 10 tables total, so keep that in mind during peak hours), and the meal was fantastic. Everything was seasoned well, served hot, and paired with a light soup and salsa bar. They’ve got a few veggie and meat options too, so you’re not left out if seafood isn’t your thing.
It was the perfect send-off — flavorful, satisfying, and not too heavy before a long ride home.
Reflections from the Road
This trip wasn’t extravagant. It wasn’t meticulously planned. But it was full — of connection, laughter, memory-making, and spontaneous joy.
As a midlife traveler (or so I am manifesting), this kind of trip feels like gold. When you’re in the middle — watching your kids raise their kids, caring for your aging parents, and still trying to remember what you need — these small windows of time to step away and just be are everything. Even and possibly more so when traveling alone, that is also what made this trip worth sharing, the spontaneous setting change is versitle for solo budget friendly get aways.
✨ Let’s Chat:
Have you taken a quick getaway lately that surprised you in the best way? Got a San Diego favorite I should add to my list next time? Drop it in the comments, or send me a note. And if you enjoyed this little escape with me, consider subscribing or pinning this post for future travel inspo!
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