5 Ways San Diego Is More Romantic Than LA

Coming from two LA lovers, this is a hard statement for us to make. But alas, after a week of sparkling bay waters, homeless-free (ish) parks, great cafes, friendly faces and traffic-free streets (?!), there was no denying the heightened quality of life, air and love in “America’s Finest City.”

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We had been to San Diego before, we even had our first experience staying in a camper van here, but it wasn’t until we stayed for a week, exploring the land and its people, that we realized we could really get used to the place. So, what was it about San Diego that had us swooning in a way only Hollywood could dream of?

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1. Hidden gems.

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From the multitude of beaches, delicious restaurants (Ogawashi), cozy cafes (Bassam + Cafe 976 + Caffe Calabria) eclectic neighborhoods (North Park) and beautiful islands (Coronado + Harbor Island), San Diego made it easy for us to enjoy everything from double-date picnics with friends, to overflowing lattes, rejuvenating morning runs, beautiful sights and serene sunsets nearly everywhere we went.

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Our fave LA hidden gem: That’s the funny part… nothing in LA is really hidden! Except for the Courtyard at our apartment… but that’s a very exclusive club…

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2. Friendliness.

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In SD we found that the majority of people were interested in the success and happiness of everyone around them, saying “Hi,” making connections and spreading smiles everywhere we looked. Maybe this was largely influenced by the awesome people we found ourselves surrounded by, but we felt the same sense of welcome from the slightest interactions with perfect strangers, even at Trader Joe’s! If you’re an Angeleno you know what we’re talking about.

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You see that happy group of people above? It may be hard to believe, but we all met for the first time that morning! Well, at least most of us. Further explanation: Drew and I had the incredible pleasure of being interviewed by John Lee Dumas, of Entrepreneur on Fire, just a week before. After our interview (which airs on Valentine’s Day!) we asked if he’d be interested in hiking Cowles Mountain with us and in response he invited this incredibly fun, fresh and extremely dynamic group of strangers for a 6am sunrise hike! Us with JLD and his “First Lady,” Kate, moments after watching the epically unforgettable sunrise below:

The LA version of this event: A 5:15 wake up call… on a Saturday morning…paired with the fact that most people would have to take the 10 or the 405? This romantic sunrise hike would have had a few more obstacles, a bit more smog, half the attendance and probably would have turned into a mid-morning juice date. #truthbomb

3. Atmosphere.

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Love outdoor movies, good food, fun drinks and classic flicks? How about all that plus an intimately-unique, retro vibe? The Pearl, a hip and savvy boutique hotel in Point Loma, presents its free, “Dive-In Theatre“ every Wednesday night, which we were lucky enough to enjoy.

Front and center by the aqua glow of the pool, laughing at Steve Martin and John Candy by the warmth of the heater, eating delicious food, sipping on the signature drink of the night, all while enjoying each other’s company without a crowd, a line, or a crazy cover charge!? LA, we love you, but Cinespia ain’t got romance (let alone space!) like that.

4. Greenery.

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1,200 acres of wild foliage, beautiful gardens, sprawling walking paths, 15 major museums, several theaters and the world-famous San Diego Zoo! The opportunities for romance, love and relaxation at Balboa Park were absolutely endless. Our favorite thing to do? Chill in our hammock and watch the planes fly right over our heads!

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The LA version of this: Chillin’ at the In n’ Out on Sepulveda watching the planes fly in n’ out of LAX… while this would be fun in its own right, it probably wouldn’t top the charts for romance.

5. Serenity.

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Aa, Mission Bay. One of our favorite places to rent a boat, soak in the sun and enjoy each other’s company until the sun puts its beautiful little self to rest.

LA version: Think more traffic on your way there, more people once you got there and thus, a little less romance.

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Now, it’s important to note that while we find San Diego to be an absolute gem, nothing can take away the fact that we will always love LA. Where would we live if we had to decide? I guess you’ll just have to wait and see…