Surf and Sand at Pacific Beach, San Diego, California
Pacific Beach and it's sister Mission Beach (to the south) are San Diego's answer to Venice Beach in LA. Casual, fun, a little bit of something for everyone. Park yourself on a beach towel and you'll watch a never-ending parade of skateboarders, rollerbladers and bikes move along the boardwalk between Belmont Park and Crystal Pier.
Grab a hearty breakfast and then spend a day playing in the sand, perhaps taking some surfing lessons or renting a boogie board from the Pacific Beach Surf school. Take a ride on the Big Dipper Roller Coaster, or ride the surf at the artificial wave pool at Belmont Park.
Broken Yolk
Address 1851 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, Tel (858) 270-9655 Call, Hours 6am-3pm
A local favorite since 1979, this is a great place to get an omelet in the morning. The outdoor (rooftop) dining room is pleasant in warm weather. Not interested in omelets? There's also a large selection of other breakfast standards like pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
The Broken Yolk offers a 12 egg omelet with home fries and biscuits, if you eat it all in an hour you get your name engraved on a plaque on the wall. Send your kids on a scavenger hunt to find the one that reads "Chris Menke Scooterist extraordinaire."
Pacific Beach Surf School
Address 4150 Mission Blvd. Suite #161, San Diego, CA 92109, Tel 858.373.1138 Call,
If you've always wanted to learn to surf, Pacific Beach Surf School is a good place to start. They've been in business since 1998 and offer a wide variety of private lessons, semi-private lessons, and weekend clinics. Equipment rental is included in the price of the lesson.
The Mission - Mission Beach
Address 3795 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA, Tel (858) 488-9060 Call, Hours 7am-3pm
The Mission restaurant, popular with locals, specializes in simple, healthy, Mexican inspired breakfasts and lunches. This is a great spot for breakfast or lunch with the kids while you're visiting the beach.
Gringo's
Address 4474 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA, Tel 858/490-2877 Call, Meals Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch
The menu at this upscale mexican restaurant is divided between Cal-Mex favorites and traditional Mexican dishes. After a long day with the kids, you'll also appreciate the excellent Margaritas. There are lots of high chairs and outdoor seating.
Reservations recommended
Hamel's Skate and Surf
Address 704 Ventura Place, San Diego, 92109, Tel 858-488-5050 Call,
Rent whatever you need to enjoy the sand at Hamel's. This popular skateboarding and surf shop sells surf and skate gear, but also rents surfboards, boogie boards, bikes and beach gear.
Lanna Thai Cuisine
Address 4501 Mission Bay Dr # 1B, San Diego, CA 92109, Tel (858) 274-8424 Call,
This beautifully designed and reasonably priced Thai restaurant serves some of the best Thai food in San Diego. Their menu includes Thai specialties not often found outside of Thailand. Delivery is available if you're in the mood to stay in your hotel room.
Try the "Island Treasures," a seafood dish served in a young coconut
