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San Diego Skyline

San Diego, California

After Kevin finished up his video game testing at Sony, we had one whirlwind day to run around sunny San Diego together before heading back to blustery, snowy Alabama.

San Diego, California

We started at Cafe 222, which was featured on The Best Thing I Ever ate for the Peanut Butter & Banana Stuffed French Toast. You know Kev was all over that!

San Diego, California

Our cute little salt and pepper shakers! Loved the little outdoor terrace where they seated us. I think I ate just about every meal outside while I was in San Diego! One place we went to actually had seating available indoors immediately, but we chose to wait a few minutes for a table outside.

San Diego, California

My husband is a huge ice cream fan, so after lunch we headed to Chocolat Cremerie. This was such a fun little gelateria, just steps from our hotel.

San Diego, California

Tiramisu & Nutella. Yum!

San Diego, California

Gorgeous sunset at Mission Beach.

San Diego, California

Talk about windy! My hair was whipping all over the place. So funny, as just the day before on Coronado Island, it was not windy at all.

San Diego, California

I’m clenching my fist in the picture, as I normally do whenever I have to be in front of the camera. I’m much more comfortable behind it. I tend to be a little camera shy.

San Diego, California

What was I saying?

San Diego, California

We stayed on the beach for a bit after sunset to watch the pink skies turn to bright fire engine red and deep indigo.

San Diego, California

The skyline view of San Diego over the bay was just captivating! So colorful and gorgeous. That streak on the left of the photo is a plane, which is so distinctly San Diego. The airport is so close, and the planes land right in the middle of all the buildings. Sometimes you feel like you could just reach up and grab one!

San Diego, California
Click image to view a larger version

Here’s the panoramic photo of our view, with the Coronado Bridge on the right. Click the photo above for a larger view, you don’t want to miss this gorgeous skyline! :)


View San Diego in a larger map

And for those who are interested, here’s an interactive Google Map pin-pointing all our stops in San Diego, including the exact location I was standing for the skyline photo above.

Thanks for sharing San Diego with us! :)

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85 Responses
  1. Christie R.

    Amanda, you are so helpful! I am planning a trip to San Diego for my husband and I, and the first thing I thought of was to check your site! And then to see your google map of all the places you visited while in San Diego….I was blown away! Thank you for all the useful info and for sharing your beautiful pictures!

  2. Heidi

    Hi Amanda,
    I thought I would drop a note and say hi. My husband is one of the designers on the baseball game your husband got to test, and somehow blogging came up and your husband told mine about yours (if that makes sense). I’m fairly new to the blogging world and working on getting my blog out there. I took a trip home to visit my family the day the community guys came to town but I did hear about their late night gaming haha, my husband was included. Your blog is great, I haven’t lived in San Diego for very long but I definitely want to check out some of the places you went to! Maybe if your husband comes out next year we will have to get together since they will be busy playing late into the night again!

  3. Tash Daly

    Wow! These are the most amazing set of photo’s…. I am so envious, I am such a shocking photographer!! Have always wanted to take great photo’s particularly of my little girl. But these are just beautiful. :-)

  4. Constance

    ….all that and more is why I moved to San Diego 21 years ago (from LA) and made it my home town. You captured many of my favorites: Coronado beach sunset (or anytime!), the Cottage in La Jolla, Old Town Mexican Cafe…all the local favorites…Good job! But let’s keep it a secret, huh?! The freeways are getting crowded here!
    Next time be sure to also check out the Brockton Villa in La Jolla, for “Coast Toast” and an incredible view. And I’d love to see your photo take on the Horton Plaza Mall architecture–very near to your hotel.
    PS Among a MILLION photos I’ve seen of our fabulous skyline yours is BY FAR the best!!! You might consider submitting it to San Diego Magazine—who knows, you might end up working here in our little Paradise!

  5. brenda

    I LOVE your travel stories and photos. Just amazing! I have 3 small children and don’t travel much so getting to see places here makes me feel better. lol

  6. ImAprilE

    How the HECK do you stay so thin with all the amazing food you find!? Please share your secrets! :) Beautiful pics, especially of you both on the beach. Breathtaking!

  7. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)

    I live in San Diego..about 6 blocks from Extrodinary Desserts (was reading about your meetup w/ Jenny) And go to all the places you girls went to!

    If you are ever back here, would love to say hi.

    New to your blog, dont know how/why it’s taken me this long to find you :)

  8. Jenni Roseland

    i have been following you for quite some time, always a good read!

    i also love all of the fonts that you offer and the tutorials that you give to help us make our blog beautiful too! just wanted to say thanks! between you and megan, at shabbyblogs, i feel like i am looking pretty good!

    i love these pictures of you and the hubs (and your shirt, to die for)!

  9. Kandice

    My husband and I went to San Diego for our honeymoon 7 1/2 years ago. We LOVED it and seeing your recap of your vacation makes me want to go again! I think we spent 4 out of our 7 days there at Sea World, I love that place! I loved driving over to Coronado Island across that big bridge, not having any big bridges where we’re from, I was scared!:) That city is beautiful, we definitely want to go again.

  10. Lilianna Grace

    I’m so glad you were able to come to San Diego. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful city with all of your readers. You made me want to become a tourist in my own city. BTW, I thought I would let you know that I think your blog is truly one of the best. So…Congratulations! I’ve awarded you with a “Stylish Blogger Award!” If you chose to accept please visit my post: http://liliannagrace.blogspot.com/2011/01/blogging-share-fun-love.html Grab the “Stylish Blogger” photo, and follow the rules. Thanks for being such a fantastic blogger!

  11. Laurie Howard

    Hi Amanda – I love your site; you keep it so fun and entertaining and your photography skills are that of a pro. It looks like you and Kevin had a wonderful time – you are so blessed to travel so much! The silouette photos on the beach are *gorgeous* and I hope you frame them; or atleast the one of you both kissing! You are pretty handy with that tripod and self-timer! ;) Thank you for always sharing your life with all of us!!

  12. Courtney

    Wow what a great looking trip! I’ve been drooling over all your food photos – any chance you might make an attempt at making that roasted tomato hollandaise sauce for that yummy looking eggs benedict or Kevin’s peanut butter and banana french toast? Oh it all looks so good! And how jealous am I that you had such gorgeous scenery when you were there! Hope you had a great time :)

  13. rachel

    WOW. that sunset picture with the palm tree silhouette is phenomenal. great shot! do you remember what your camera settings were? (um, also, the gelatto looks to-die-for…)

  14. Melanie

    I’m from SD and I’m glad you enjoyed your time. Wanted to say how amazing your photo of the skyline was. I’ve seen many SD skyline photos but have never been wow’d!!
    Also glad you were able to visit my two favorite dessert places in San Diego. Extraordinary desserts is mine and my Husband’s spot. One of our first dates. Babycakes is where i take my boys often. Mommy – Son dates.

  15. Lisa

    Hi Amanda! I have been following your site for a while and I just love it!! But, how in the world do you stay slender with all of the goodies that you eat? My goodness!! You are soooo lucky to be able to eat all of this delicious food and stay slender. Keep up the good work on your blog and thanks for sharing your adventures!!!

  16. Meagan

    My hair stylist and I were just talking today about how much we love San Diego and how blessed we are to live here. Your pictures really capture the beauty of it and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your “San Diego Series” :) Thanks for capturing some great shots and come back anytime! LOL

  17. Karen

    I always look forward to your posts.They are always informative and interesting on lots of different subjects.You can tell that you don’t take any of it for granted and enjoy every moment of your life.I must admit I am always a little envious sat here in a dreary UK,with no cool places to eat like you get in the States.
    And your photography always gives me hope as I have the same camera.I know practice makes perfect.

  18. Catherine

    i have so much enjoyed looking through your ‘vacation photos’. i am so impressed. your photography is just gorgeous. so talented.

  19. Becca

    Hi Amanda,
    Love all the photos! You both look very natural in front of the camera. You are lovely. Embrace your beauty! You two look like a pair of world travelers!

  20. Carrie

    Love the photos….especilly the sunset and skyline ones. Beautiful. The picture of the gelato brought back memories or my husband and my trip to Rome last Februay. Gelato every night!

  21. Heather @ Sweet Sins 2 Share

    I am a California native that now lives in Southern Oklahoma and I loved getting to see all your photos it made me feel like I took a little trip home!! Gorgeous photos as always!

  22. Shirley Larsen

    Loved your pictures. Thanks for sharing! I’m not much of a traveler, but feel like I have been there in your photos!!!
    Hugs,
    Shirley

  23. Emily L.

    You should visit SD during the 4th of July, we watch the fireworks from North Island on Coronado looking over the bay at downtown. AMAZING!
    Love your pictures :)

  24. Jennifer

    All of your photos are breathtaking! The kissing, holding hands and skyline are just amazing!
    I drool over your recipes, adore your fonts and strive to photograph like you. Thanks for being an inspiration

  25. jeny.tyler

    Amanda-
    I loved the silhouette picture of the two of you. Did you use a tripod? The black is so sharp against the orange. Brilliant photos! Thanks for sharing.

  26. Kathleen

    Hello Amanda, your photos are stunning! I especially love the ones of you and Kevin silhouetted against the sunset. Just beautiful, thank you for sharing them with blogland. I always enjoy your blog, I have you on RSS so’s I don’t miss anything!

  27. Christie Kane

    Wow- your photography is just Amazing- great job. I love the picture of you and Kevin in the sunset. How do you take that kind of photo?
    Great work.
    -Christie

  28. Jen

    What a fabulous shot of the skyline at night! So true about the airplanes landing :) Your recap of San Diego has been such a fun read. It really makes me long to go back, especially as it’s been a nippy -23 degrees where I live right now!

  29. Sharie T

    GASP!! These are the best photo’s; you do such a great job! Okay, what settings did you use for the silhouette sunset photo’s? Did you see the heart under your chins? So cute!

  30. Amy @DYKTMP?

    You were able to find a gorgeous place to take a picture of the skyline! YAY! I’m gonna check out where that is and visit it soon. The whole trip looks so wonderful, Amanda. I’m glad you had tons of fun! And food!

  31. Nicolle

    Love the pictures of you guys on the beach! They are so romantic and cute! :) You would never be able to tell that you are camera shy. The pictures turn out great!

  32. Jen @ The Decor Scene

    O.M.G!!!!! What gorgeous pics. Thank you for sharing. That palm tree picture…..I’m drooling. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. What setting did you take that picture at. Oh how I want to go back to SD right now. This snowy NY weather….I’m done with it. Me needs some warmer beautiful tropical weather. Thanks for sharing Amanda. And I love the pics of you and the hubby.

  33. wenders

    Thanks so much for your post. We’ll be heading down to San Diego soon, for a couple of days, and I’ve been jotting down the places you’ve gone to, and hopefully can check out some of them! I grew up in Northern Cal, and only been to San Diego once when I was a kid – can only recall the SD Zoo and Seaworld, now I live in the Northwest, and will bring the family down to visit.

  34. Jane

    Amanda – What can I say?!??! Great post and I really, really loved that you put together the Google map… so cool! I’m going to do one every time I travel now. Awesome idea.

    I’m so jealous you went to so many places I’ve seen on Food Network. Such a blast. I keep telling my hubby we need to do a “Food TV vacation” trek one of these days. I’ve gone to numerous places from “Triple D” (I have a TV crush on Guy F.) and I’ve never been disappointed!

    Thanks again!

  35. Lynisha

    I LOVE the sunset and the skyline pictures! Thanks so much for sharing your data on the pictures!

    I’ve been eyeing the 7D for an upgrade from my old rebel EOS – the more I see with it the more I’m sure I NEED it in my life!

  36. Tina

    Amazing photos!!!!! Especially love the beach views, as I am in Missouri with several inches of snow on the ground. Thanks so much for sharing!

  37. Evil Pixie

    Fabulous photos of you and Kevin. I especially like the San Diego at night shots. Amazing stuff.

    PS. I gained 5 pounds just look at that ice cream. I LOVE ice cream.

  38. Kristen@PrettySweet

    San Diego has definitely shot up to the top of my list of Places to See, especially since now I know all the best places to go. =) Thanks for sharing – and as always, the pictures are spectacular!

  39. Cortney VW

    I am so jealous of your picture taking? Did you do classes? What editing software do you use!!! I LOVE YOUR PICTURES!!! I wish my pictures looked half as good as yours!!! What lens are you using all the time???? I am just in awe!! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Amanda

      Thanks Cortney! I take the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens with me on trips, I love this lens! Always seems to be versatile from food to portraits to scenery. I use Photoshop CS5 to edit, I upgraded from CS3 and haven’t looked back! :)

  40. Tara

    As always Amanda your post delight and entertain. I simply love the shots.
    Two questions:

    1. What lenses do you use for the macro shots? and the night shots. I think you said you have the Nikon D90 is that right?
    2. As asked above, what settings are you using for the night shots and the panorama?

    I’m getting ready to purchase a new DSLR and am deciding between the Canon 7D and Nikon D7000. Not sure what lenses to invest in and I would love your input.

    As for those wanting to take classes, there are a lot of free ones and free tutorials to get you started right online. Hewlett Packard has lots of them for free on their website

    http://h30187.www3.hp.com/all_courses.jsp?mcID=em15saright&dimid=1196806230&dicid=null&jumpid=em_edm/us/jan11/smb/across-bg/newsletter/9-9999/mcc|xxxx/saright/model_desc

    Be sure to have a DLSR camera before you start so you can follow along with the lessons. Thanks Again Amanda!!

    1. Joan Pratt

      Wow, thanks so much for the info on HP. There is so much on there I want to check out I will be in front of the computer all weekend!

  41. Debi

    Oh My….. those pictures of that skyline are just breathtaking!!!! What kind of camera do you have? I take lots and lots of pictures but they NEVER look like any of yours. I think I read somewhere on your site what kind it is….I’ll have to go check again. We’re snowed in today so I’ll have plenty of time to look around.
    Thanks so much for sharing… loved it.

  42. Joan

    I am so envious of your photo taking capabilities. I am a newbie to photography & feel like the quality of your photo’s are unobtainable! Are you self taught or should I take some classes?
    PS. I am a mama to a 6 year old Boston Terrier. That is how I found your Blog.

  43. Bobbi

    Hi Amanda,
    Georgeous pics! You are so talanted. I love reading your blog and always want to visit the places you have been because your pictures draw me in. I was curious what your camera settings are for the nightime pics of the skyline. Please share, mine never turn out. Thanks again for sharing all of your trips!

    1. Amanda

      Thanks Bobbi!

      Canon 7D
      24-70mm f/2.8 lens
      f/22
      6.0 sec
      ISO 3200 (I should’ve used a much lower ISO, forgot to change it!)
      Tripod used.

      I’ve found for nighttime skylines to use a low ISO, long exposure, and a high aperture with a tripod gives me the best results. :)

  44. Anna Faustini

    Hi Amanda,
    once again…I LOVED the beautiful photos and all the places you visited. The gorgeous sunset at Mission Beach was just breathtaking and looked like a stairway to heaven to me. Just beautiful and so serene. Thanks for sharing, as I love waking up to your fabulous photos. :)

  45. Barb

    What GORGEOUS pictures!!!! Woweee! I hope you get some enlarged and framed!The two of you on the beach should go on your bedroom wall!

  46. Amanda

    Your shirt is adorable and your beach pics were fabulous! Once again, my “newly” preggo self is hungry after reading your post!!

  47. ava-j

    Hi Amanda, I always enjoy visiting your blog for the stories and photos you post. But sometimes I just h.a.t.e. how your food photos make me drool and ache in wanting, LOL! I love how your sunset photos are both lighted and the sunset’s colors are still captured so beautifully…and the view of the skyline over water is just amazing! Great job Amanda!

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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