Only Sort of Solo in San Diego

One of the secrets of solo travel is that you rarely have to be solo. While you might choose to book the trip or literally do the traveling part alone, it seems rare to be all alone on a trip unless you choose to be. For example, I recently took a solo trip to San Diego and, thanks to family and friendly strangers, this trip alone barely felt like one. These Only Sort Of Solo trips are an excellent addition to the solo traveler’s repertoire.

My main purpose in visiting San Diego in April was to attend a Change of Command at Naval Base Point Loma. If you have the opportunity to attend a military COC, I recommend it! A distinguished tradition in every branch, it is two-part reverence and one-part responsible revelry. I am so proud of my cousin who is the new commander of the USS Alexandria, a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine. 

changeofcommand

The Only Sort of Solo part of my trip started as soon as I stepped off the plane and almost bumped into a family member who lives in Denver as I do. We were on the same flight! Spending time with family was definitely the best part of this trip, from a party at the artisan-chic Liberty Public Market to playing dominoes to champagne brunch.

As much as I appreciate urban centers in general, I didn’t want to spend this whole vacation (my first vacation in nine months, by the way!) in the city. I was impressed with the rental car price and with the relative ease I could drive around San Diego. It’s convenient to get to the airport or around it.

collage-balboapark

There was plenty of parking at Balboa Park. This area has trails and a dog park around Cabrillo Bridge, which visitors cross to get to the expanse of historic, artistic and cultural attractions such as the San Diego Museum of Natural History, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Spreckles Organ Auditorium. It’s free to walk around to enjoy some of the sights while others, understandably, charge entry fees.

I wanted to drive up the coast a little bit and see some of the ocean communities I’d heard about, like La Jolla. I enjoyed my time in Oceanside, in particular. There were many sea lions at the marina, more than I have ever seen in one place before. That was a great surprise. There were several budget hotels with a beach view and within a 15 minute meander to the beach, which was a perfect way to start the morning.
oceanside

Also along I-5 were two extra special places for this Only Sort of Solo Around San Diego trip, Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Garden (AKA Swami’s) in Encinitas and the Flower Fields at Carlsbad. I had learned about Swami’s in my pre-trip research, and a friend from the area also recommended it. It was! It was free to walk around. Beside a pool beside the ocean, I made a new friend whose advice about deep-breathing, mindfulness and universality has brought me peacefulness many times since.
swamis-encinitas

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch were quite magnificent. In the spring at least, there are 50 acres of flowers in bloom. There was a small entry fee, reasonable to other gardens. It felt worthwhile with many sights, activities and fragrances. It was strange that the woman running the panning for gold operation told me whom to vote for, as in, for the election. But right before that I had just encountered my second new friend and advisor of the trip. She had some great ideas and inspirational stories of her own. She said how neat it was that I don’t let being solo stop me from traveling.
flowerfields

Although these two encounters were days apart, there was something about the warmth and knowledge they imparted upon me that was outstanding. In this sense, they both reminded me how all our friends in life began as strangers who lent a few extra minutes.

In stark contrast to my solo-if-necessary travel spirit are the journeys taken by submariners, like my cousin. After the COC, I was excited to tour the USS Alexandria. I have been in a submarine before, but it was a WWII-era diesel electric. It was also a serious reality check. These submariners head under with enough supplies for 90 days of submersion. They live with little or no personal space, some of the crew members “hot bunking” or sleeping in shifts in the three-high stacks of nooks. Makes most hostel bunks seem a little more luxurious, that’s for sure.

changeofcommand

At the COC ceremony, my cousin spoke about how they will all learn much about themselves and each other on a great adventure of protection. Whether for profession or pleasure, whether Sort of Solo or surrounded by others, we are all already on a great adventure of life. Don’t let the fact that you’ll be boarding a boat by yourself keep you from booking the trip.

To round out the itinerary, I also took an overnight to Joshua Tree National Park and Twentynine Palms, CA. Plus, I spent an afternoon at Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma, CA. Read about those by checking back soon! Let me know if these stories inspire you to think about the San Diego area for your next travel.


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