24 hours in ... San Diego

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This was published 15 years ago

24 hours in ... San Diego

By Kristie Kellahan

Izzy and Coco Tihanyi are twins, natives of San Diego, proprietors of the Surf Diva school and authors of Surf Diva: A Girl's Guide To Getting Good Waves.

06:00

The girls like to rise with the sun and grab a coffee from the Bird Rock Coffee Roaster in the posh neighbourhood of La Jolla. "You've got to support the locals, plus it's organic, sustainable, free-trade and delicious," Izzy says.

The Bird Rock region has become a beacon of the environmental movement, by introducing initiatives such as installing organic, drought-tolerant landscaping in public places to limit water use and prevent harmful ocean run-off.

06:30

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is the hottest new sport for Californian celebs (including Jennifer Aniston) and La Jolla is one of the best places to try it out. The girls like a morning paddle from La Jolla shores to La Jolla cove, an area known for having some of the most scenic coastline in the US. "We love the beautiful weather, seal-watching, fresh air ... and hot guys in kayaks," laughs Coco.

SUP rentals and lessons can be arranged from the twins' store, Surf Diva, on Avenida de la Playa. They suggest an easy route for beginners, from sandy La Jolla shores to the caves and inlets around the cove, part of the La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve."Keep an eye peeled for dolphins," Coco says.

08:30

Refuel at the refined Marine Room on Spindrift Drive after an energetic paddling session. "The food is diva style, prepared by chef Bernard Guillas, who has won multiple awards," Coco says. "He says: 'A chef is a sorcerer who dispenses happiness on a plate'. "

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The restaurant is a landmark on the La Jolla shores. It's almost as famous for the surf splashing against the floor-to-ceiling windows as for Guillas's menu. "Their champagne and orange juice mimosas are fabulous," Coco says.

09:30

Warning: shameless self-promotion ahead. The girls are rightly proud of their Surf Diva boutique, just off La Jolla shores beach, and extend an invitation to readers to drop in and say hi. "We have a great selection of surfwear and swimwear, hot clothing, a good vibe and lots of fun," Izzy says.

10:00

San Diego is a delight for water babies. The next step on the twins' itinerary is a spot of snorkelling by La Jolla cove. The cove has some of the clearest water along the coast and thick kelp beds teeming with fish. "Watch for seals and bright-orange garibaldi fish, the state fish of California," Coco says.

Izzy recommends hitting the waves at La Jolla shores beach with a surfboard and attitude. "It offers the iconic Southern California beach experience - just like in the movies - but with free parking and fewer crowds," she says.

12:30

Lunch is low-key and delicious at Osteria Romantica, a favourite of La Jolla locals for its top-notch Italian fare just steps from the beach. The twins' unanimous favourite meal is the ruspante salad with spinach and grilled chicken and a glass of Italian wine. "Oh, and the bread with pesto and basil dressing is divine," Coco says.

15:00

An after-lunch wander around the shops and galleries of La Jolla village will inevitably lead to Froglander's Frozen Yoghurt Shop for a treat. When La Jollans have a craving for frozen yoghurt, they head to this down-home shop in the heart of the village on popular Pearl Street.

16:00

For an expansive view over San Diego, drive up to the top of Mount Soledad. As the highest coastal point in San Diego, soaring above La Jolla, it has the best shoreline views on land - all just five minutes from downtown. "You can see from downtown San Diego all the way up the coast; that's more than 30 miles [almost 50 kilometres] on a clear day," Coco says.

17:30

The girls love to be pampered and they don't want to check their eco-cool credentials at the door when they enter a spa. At Gaia Day Spa on Prospect Street they revel in the organic elements used in facials and massages from a spa committed to ecologically responsible operations. "It's heaven on Earth," they say.

19:00

It's dinnertime and there's one thing on the divas' minds: "Margaritas, margaritas, margaritas." In Old Town San Diego, the Mexican influence is strong, thanks to a flood of Spanish missionaries in the 18th century and Mexican dominance during the 19th. The district has some of the best Mexican food (and margaritas) in the US. Try the Cafe Coyote, Old Town Mexican Cafe or Casa Guadalajara.

21:30

Don't go overboard with fajitas and nachos; you'll need room for sweets at Extraordinary Desserts. "It's the most decadent spot in town and always a sure-fire hit for chocoholics and first dates," Izzy says. "The downtown Little Italy location has a cool modern style that's definitely worth checking out."

23:00

The night is young and so are the twins. They'll hit Cafe Sevilla on 4th Avenue for some salsa dancing. This downstairs club in San Diego's bustling Gaslamp Quarter nightlife district always offers a sultry vibe and great music.

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