There are two ways for Handsome and I to get home from Temecula, CA. We could take the faster somewhat boring freeway route. Or, we can take the freeway in to San Diego and drive up the coast to Orange Country. Handsome and I will always choose to take the scenic Highway 1 coast route home. For two reasons. One, it’s beautiful and we’re lucky enough to live by the Pacific ocean. Two, there are always cute little shops that we stop at along the way.
Our first stop: Torrey Pines Gliderport
It’s amazing to watch the Paragliders and Hang Gliders run off the side of the cliff to soar among the birds. Sadly, the weather wasn’t cooperating and there was no one sailing in the beautiful blue sky. Did you know that since the late 1920s sailplanes have been gracing the bluffs just north of La Jolla {right behind the campus of University of California, San Diego}? If you are ever in the area stop by. Or if you have the guts, take a class and take flight!
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 {858} 452-9858
Our second stop: Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
“The mission of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association is to create and maintain a monument that pays homage to veterans who have honorably served our country and to educate the public on the contributions of military personnel throughout our nation’s history. Shimmering black granite stories tell a tale of honor and sacrifice for the greater good upon Mt. Soledad.”
The memorial is quite moving and a beautiful tribute to those brave men and women who have served our coutry. I am honored to say my father served in the Army and I can’t wait to see his Veteran Plaque up on this memorial. The views are breathtaking from the memorial.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, CA 92037 {858} 459-2314
Our third stop: Timeless Furnishings & and Patio.
We were traveling through Solana Beach when all of a sudden I saw the most adorable shop on the opposite side of 
the street. We made a U-turn and in we went to look around. They have a wide range of furniture {home, office and patio} , lighting fixtures, and accessories.
Handsome fell in love with a beautiful Teak Patio table that seats 6 and extends up to 10. We left, but Handsome couldn’t get that Teak table off his mind.
We are now the proud owners of this beautiful Teak table {it is currently in storage awaiting it’s debut in our soon to be renovated back yard}.
Go take a look, you won’t be dissapointed. Tell Heather, Mary from Its All About The Pretty sent you!
301 N. Hwy 101, Solana Beach, CA 92705 {858} 509-2620
candy
That drive from San Diego is beautiful. So many places to stop and visit along the way and the water and sand well I never get tired of looking at it.
Clarissa
Looks like an awesome road trip! I would’ve loved that view for most of the drive 😉
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Barb
I took my wedding photos at Mt. Soledad Memorial. It’s so beautiful up there and you get a magnificent view. Driving up the coast from San Diego is so beautiful isn’t it?
Sarah Jean Althouse
My husband has been talking about doing this! We live in DC so it would be a big trip but looks beautiful.
Laura Romberger
The view at Torrey Pines Gliderport is beautiful! I love the opportunity to drive up a coast or by the bay. Thank you for sharing your experience, I may just have to add these destinations to my travel destination list!
Sara
Looks like a gorgeous drive! I have never gotten to visit California before, but I think if I did I would want to do a drive on the coast as part of it 🙂
Willow
Beautiful! We have relatives in San Diego that we visit. We have never driven up the coast though. The next time we visit we will have to take a drive…
Angie
Beautiful! I miss So Cal!