Caryn Tyler Yoga
San Diego, California - Some time in my hometown - so familiar while so different
Leave the airport...go straight up to Encinitas
Take a class at Soul of Yoga, a beautiful place just off the 5 freeway in Encinitas. From there, head out to eat at Sitaram, a lovely little restaurant in the same town where you get a thali plate of yummy veggie dishes.
Take a walk down the little main street, which is full of cute shops or... walk over to the Self Realization Fellowship garden for lovely views, quiet, and a place for a sweet meditation - place seems charged to me. Last, get your butt out to the beach - dive in, the water's GORGEOUS!!
Last, I heard a rumor that there is a Sunday morning ecstatic dance in the area, so check it out if you're in town!
Stuck downtown? No worries - good stuff to be found, if you simply look
In the morning, drive up to Balboa Park for a walk, practice yoga, or simply meditate. The morning crowd is mostly walkers and joggers, amiable.
From there, stay up on the hill and find one of the many little tea/coffee shops - this area is up and coming - used to be a slum when I was a kid, but things are always changing.
Lunch or dinner - try Urban India - I actually unintentionally crashed an Indian party and was only found out when I asked where to sit...they were so kind - took me in, no problem. The waiter said I was supposed to be there, I agreed. Food was fantastic.
Craving a gorgeous sunset? Get your butt out to Coronado island - a quick hop over from downtown. Head west, my friend, right to the incredibly huge strip of sand. I think it's at least 1/4 mile to get from the street to the water. You'll have views of the Hotel Del Coronado all the way up to Point Loma. I spread out my yoga towel and practiced.
Finally, head up to La Jolla
I know, you may think I'm telling you to go shopping at a richy, rich area. But actually...there are some great hidden gems right in the middle of the village. Seems there is a tribe of yogis in the area.
Start with a class or two at Buddhi Yoga, try to get a class with Goldie or Natasha. I took a 4 hour ashtanga workshop last weekend with Natasha and learned so much. Highly recommend this place. If you're really early and really hungry (can't wait until after class to eat), head around the corner to Beaming for a superfood juice concoction.
After class, there are a couple of options, but my ABSOLUTE favorite place is Trilogy Sanctuary. They actually have a great yoga class schedule, including aerial yoga on the rooftop overlooking La Jolla. I actually stumbled into a yoga festival after the ashtanga workshop and stayed for hours. Try the kava chai, so yummy!