If there's one place that never disappoints, it's California. From the stunning coastline to charming towns, this state offers something for everyone. I recently spent some time in San Diego County, soaking in the sunshine, enjoying amazing food, and exploring everything from coastal cities to tranquil wineries. Whether you're a beach lover, foodie, or nature enthusiast, California has it all—and I’m here to share some of my favorite spots and hidden gems that you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

Pre-Travel Packing

I had an exciting trip planned to join Waterhorse Charters for two days of diving (more on that later), but unfortunately, the adventure was canceled. Despite that setback, I was ready to go!

I packed my large Away suitcase with everything I would need for some cold-water diving, and the best part? I didn’t have to repack! Everything fit perfectly, and I was able to keep things organized and efficient.

In my smaller Away carry-on, I packed all my clothing and toiletries for the trip, making sure to double-check the weather forecast beforehand. It’s always a good idea to confirm your destination’s weather before packing, especially when you want to avoid being caught off guard!

The Flight

I flew on Christmas Day, thinking the airport would be relatively empty—and I couldn’t have been more wrong! Thankfully, as a Gold Medallion member with Delta, I enjoyed the perks of Sky Priority, which made checking my bags a breeze and got me through the airport much faster.

TSA PreCheck & Clear: The Dream Team

Having both Clear and TSA PreCheck made my airport experience a total breeze. I flew through security like a pro and headed straight to the lounge to relax before my next flight. Honestly, I can’t recommend Clear enough—it’s been a game-changer. Plus, thanks to my AMEX Platinum, I got Clear for free! A little perk that goes a long way.

Layover in Salt Lake City

My layover was in Salt Lake City, and I have to say, what a charming airport! The views were breathtaking, and the airport itself was clean and well-organized. I spent some time unwinding in the Delta Lounge before heading to my gate for the final leg of my journey to sunny San Diego.

Crazy Weather

I knew it was an El Niño year, but I wasn’t quite prepared for the impact! California got hit with "King Tides" and some massive waves, with some areas experiencing swells up to 40 feet! Unfortunately, the surf was just too intense, and as a result, my scuba trips were canceled. Nature definitely had other plans this time!

Beautiful view of the waves from La Jolla Tide Pool Beach area

Fallbrook Winery

One of my absolute favorite wineries in San Diego County is Fallbrook Winery! Now, I know what you’re thinking—yes, the adorable dog there is definitely one of the reasons I keep coming back, but it’s not just that!

The wine tasting experience is always well-organized and enjoyable, with a great atmosphere to match. I'm a huge fan of their wines, and every visit solidifies my love for their unique offerings. Needless to say, I’ll be returning time and time again!

Carlsbad

Without a doubt, Carlsbad Village is my favorite spot in San Diego County. The charming area is packed with unique shops, cozy cafes, and amazing restaurants—definitely a must-see for any traveler. We had a fantastic time grabbing a delicious pizza and cold beer at Pizza Port, which never disappoints!

The state beaches along the coast are pristine, and finding parking was a breeze. But the real highlight of the trip was strolling along the beach, soaking in the breathtaking views and relaxing ocean breeze. It was the perfect way to unwind and truly experience the beauty of Carlsbad.

Seabird Resort

I used my AMEX Platinum points to book two rooms for two nights at the Hyatt Seabird Resort in Oceanside, and it was an excellent choice. The resort’s location is unbeatable, just steps away from the iconic Oceanside Pier. If you’re a surfing enthusiast, this place is a dream come true, offering easy access to some of the best waves in the area. It’s the perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure!

View of the O’side pier from the resort pool

Unfortunately, the check-in process was far from smooth. The staff claimed their phones weren’t working, but I watched as they picked up the phone, heard someone on the other end, and then hung up on them. It was clear that the check-in team lacked basic customer service training, and it took me over an hour on the phone with AMEX Travel to resolve an issue that should have been handled at the front desk. I wasn’t the only one dealing with this frustration—several other guests were having similar problems.

On a positive note, the AMEX Travel team was outstanding. They went above and beyond to assist me, and I can’t recommend them enough for any travel-related issues!

Once the check-in situation was sorted, the rest of the resort experience was fantastic. We were upgraded to a partial ocean view room, which was beautiful, and the room itself was spotless, with great amenities. The resort offered plenty of activities, from the gym and pool to the hot tub, library, and game room—all of which were a lot of fun.

I was a bit disappointed with how early everything closed, especially during the New Year holiday. For instance, the game room closed by 7 p.m., which felt a bit early given the occasion.

However, our New Year’s Eve dinner at Piper more than made up for it. We had reserved a table and enjoyed a prix-fixe menu served family-style. The food was absolutely delicious, the drinks were perfectly crafted, and the décor was sleek and chic—setting the perfect atmosphere for a memorable evening.