San Diego has always felt like a second home to me. When my parents and I moved up to Washington as I started second grade, we left a part of ourselves here, and we've made sure to come back as often as possible. Some of my happiest memories are here, and I've even been able to introduce my best friend to some of my favorite spots, so the fact that I am now living here again is completely unbelievable at times. Here's a list of all of my favorite SD hangouts:

1. Balboa Park

Easily one of my favorite places in San Diego. I have such a hard time explaining Balboa to friends...it's a park, but also there are museums, and indoor gardens, and a giant organ, and also a bridge over the freeway? Whatever it is, Balboa is one of the best people-watching spots. On a weekend day, I love to sit on a ledge near the Globe Theater with a book and listen to the busking musicians while people flow in and out of the plaza.

2. Ocean Beach

OB has always been my favorite part of San Diego. My hippie heart smiles every time I walk down Newport Ave. Walking down the pier at sunset should be on everyone's SD bucket list. Ocean Beach has the perfect combination of every type of person. Some of my favorite OB spots include: Newbreak Coffee, Peace Pies (raw vegan desserts!!!!), the Wednesday night Farmers' Market, and the tidepools.

3. Sunset Cliffs

Easily San Diego's most beautiful asset. Sunset Cliff's Natural Park is a 1.5 mile stretch of gorgeous coastline with, yes, cliffs and sunset-watching spots galore. Most people tend to stop right along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, but my favorite part of the stretch has recently switched to the cliffs right along Point Loma Nazarene University. I've camped out on the cliffs for an entire day, reading and snacking and watching the surf for hours.

4. Better Buzz: The Lab

If you've been to San Diego at all, you've probably heard of Better Buzz. I get off campus as much as possible, and this is one of the places I'll head to for studying/homework, but only if I'm working on stuff that doesn't require complete concentration. Better Buzz is always busy and right on Mission Blvd, so it's a pretty lively location. Awesome chai, epic acai bowls, and super friendly staff. As a bonus, the beach is a mere step away when I'm ready for a study break.

5. Newbreak Coffee-OB

One of my Ocean Beach favorites...some of my earliest memories are of my dad and I clambering along the beach rocks and then stopping into Newbreak for muffins. Now, it's another one of my study spots. Newbreak is typically a lot quieter than Better Buzz (although it closes earlier!), and their tea selection is so impressive that it takes up an entire wall. Again, you can actually see the beach from the window. Not bad for a studying view.

6. Coronado Beach

Coronado Island is a bit of a haul from campus, so if I head out there, it's going to be for the whole day. I love the Coronado beach because it's got the classic white-sand, long-stretch beach look, and the view of the famous Hotel del Coronado makes me feel like I'm on the set of a movie (probably because the Hotel del is the set of several movies... Some Like It Hot , anyone?).

These are only a few of the gorgeous spots that San Diego has to offer. Get out and explore this magical beachland paradise!