California has long been associated as a place with all of the natural conditions in place to be well. Enviable weather, miles of coastline, open spaces, and in San Diego in particular, sunny days nearly year-round.
And in San Diego’s northern parts, where I spend most of my time when I’m home, there are numerous opportunities to carve out a moment to unplug and reset. Currently, these are my go-tos in North County, San Diego that fill me up when I want to slow down.
My Wellness Picks in North County, San Diego
For Fun and Spicy Dance Cardio: Mad House Dance, Encinitas and Morena
An hour has never flown by as quickly as when I’m learning a lick of choreography in this dark, red light lit, judgment free dance studio. The instructors are energetic and encouraging, and the class is structured in a way that by the end of class most feel comfortable enough to capture the day’s lesson on video. It’s not uncommon to be dancing next to women decades younger or older than yourself, which only adds to the powerful communal energy in the room. You’ll likely find me dancing in these incredibly soft, lightweight sweat pants.
For Classical Pilates With a Twist: Pilates Republic, Encinitas
Customized pilates reformers in a bright, minimalist space make for an inviting studio experience that blends traditional pilates exercises, musicality, and a focus on form and technique. Follow the verbal cues, like choosing the triangle loops over the long loops, opting to release your hands during certain holds, or challenging yourself to lift higher, bend or reach further in a series of core stabilizing and strengthening movements. Class types vary but seem to be rooted in traditional pilates principles that offer multiple ways to modify for less or more challenge. My favorite format is the more traditional Align class, and Renew, which fuses elements of yoga.
For a Trail to Yourselves: Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve, Santa Ysabel
Not knocking Torrey Pines Natural Preserve or Mission Trails Regional Park, but to truly feel like I escaped the crowds without leaving the county, head to rural mountain town Santa Ysabel. There are two trails to choose from: East and West. A combined 15 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails route through 3,800-acres of rolling hills, clusters of Oak trees, Santa Ysabel Creek (rainfall permitting), and picnic areas along the way. Passing through a herd of grazing cattle is also likely. They, as I’ve experienced, could care less about your presence as long as you don’t get too close to the calves. Occasional, steep inclines make panoramic views from the top that much sweeter. I also like Blue Sky Ecological Preserve in Poway.
For Gathering: Wildland, Carlsbad
When friends are in town and I need a place with good coffee or cocktails and the kind of menu that’s delicious from top to bottom, I take them to Wildland in Carlsbad Village. It’s an airy space with a shaded front patio that works for day time and evening meetups. I’m such a fan of the spot that I included Wildland in an Infatuation piece on the best places to eat in North County.
For a Cozy Day: Tide Beach Park, Solana Beach
When I’m in the mood for an intimate beach experience (maybe I’m an introvert? Big crowds are meh to me), I head to Tide Beach Park in Solana Beach. This beach requires some navigation into a residential area, and parking is available on the street. As a result, the beach seems hidden and therefore, less trafficked than beaches immediately flanking PCH.
Wellness Resources in North County, San Diego
- Get Outside San Diego: This interactive website and free mobile app, thanks to The San Diego Foundation, aggregates city, county, and state parks and outdoor recreational spaces. Search by activity of choice—hiking, biking, watersports—zipcode, or amenities like bbq areas and skate parks.
- Locally Well San Diego: I follow this website to discover new yoga and pilates studios around San Diego County, and stay up-to-date on wellness events in the area.
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