California has never ranked very high on my list of domestic destinations.  I have visited a few times, but personally did not understand the attraction. That changed a few days ago. I had a small window of time  before my trip to Peru, so I decided to take advantage of it and squeeze in a quick stopover in San Diego. My friend also happened to be there visiting, so the timing could not have worked out better. Below are some of the highlights from my day exploring the town of Ocean Beach in San Diego.

A quieter version of Newport Avenue. This area is typically lively and filled with a wide selection of bars, restaurants, boutiques and novelty stores. But if you’re there before 9am like I was, the streets are still sleeping…

It didn’t take long for the beauty of this place to wash over me. As soon as I caught a glimpse of this stunning view, I instantly felt  myself relax and exhale.

Ocean Beach has a rather large yet mostly invisible population.  The poor and homeless residents of this breezy beach town were hard for me to ignore. A group was actually settled underneath this pier not far from where I snapped this photo. It felt a little strange capturing such beauty while the harsh realities of life were in such close proximity.

 I joined the morning joggers and early risers along the boardwalk. It’s hard to believe this is how some people get to start their day.

Azucar is a favorite among Ocean Beach residents. This tiny café serves up a variety of Cuban specialties including pastelitos, Cuban sandwiches and croquetas. Those needing their daily dose of caffeine will most certainly find it here!

Surfers headed to the beach before noon…just a typical Tuesday!

One of many rainbows that day. This one faded just a few minutes after capturing this photo.

They say you’re either a mountain person or a beach person…I am without question the latter. Rain or shine, there are few places where I find myself more at peace and centered than when I’m on a beach staring out at the horizon listening to the waves crash onto the shore.

After a heavy afternoon rain shower, we were greeted by this little beauty…

The sun began to set around 5 that day. Luckily, we made it to the Sunset Cliffs just in time to catch this amazing show.

Although I didn’t spend much time in San Diego, it was enough to begin to shift my opinion of this place. The pace was slower, the views were breathtaking and everyone I met seemed to be in a permanently good mood.  I can’t say that I’m ready to pack my bags and move out west just yet, but I definitely started to understand the draw of California.

Has travel ever changed your opinion about a destination? How would you spend a day in San Diego? Share your comments below!