San Diego

 I had a wonderful opportunity to travel to San Diego, California this summer about a week after I returned from Europe and a week before I embarked on my PNW experience!

1. La Jolla Cove- This place was so beautiful! I was amazed at how flourishing and close the wildlife was. The seals and sea lions were fearless and everyone I encountered was very respectful of their space. It was like an Atlantis encounter, for free!

Walked right up to these buddies!

SO sweet.

 2. The Cave Store is a short walk away. Such a neat spot, I would suggest wearing water shoes though as the descent is a little slippery!

 3. Scripps Pier I hear that the sun sets perfectly aligned with this pier.

 4. Birch Aquarium was pretty basic to my standards but is an option in the area, here's a view from it.

 5. Old Town had some great culture and delicious Mexican food! Wish I'd had time for the short drive to Tijuana.

 6. Pacific Beach had lots to offer. I even had a surf lesson booked with San Diego Surf School but my flight in from Pensacola the evening before got cancelled and I couldn't fly in until the following afternoon.

Straight out of Rocket Power.

Pacific Beach Sunset

 7. GasLamp Quarter was a great lunch spot. I hear the nightlife is fun, too! It was crazy busy at the time with San Diego Comic Con.

 

8. Balboa Park was very laid back and picturesque.

 9. UCSD housed us for our event in great dormitories. The university is also home to the famous Geisel Library.

Dr. Seuss with the Cat in the Hat Sculpture outside the Library

 

There were a plethora of great hiking trail around too, if time allows. Thankful to the Discovery Education Network and DEN Ambassador Program for this trip of a lifetime!

 

La Jolla Beach

Seattle

After a memorable PNW road trip, our last leg to Seattle ended on a beautiful ferry ride. We arrived right downtown where there were plenty of places to grab a bite. Not pictured was our time spent at SAM (Seattle Art Museum). While I'm normally not an art appreciator, it was a nice experience and conveniently located downtown.

SO much to see at Pike Place Market:

Freshest seafood!

THE 1st Starbucks. Line is CRAY. Right across from market.

Cheese-a-licious.

Drop off some pennies in Rachel

The {in}famous Gum Wall kinda/sorta under the market.

 

Storyville Coffee Break

Rachel's Ginger Beer

 

Ellenos

 

Starbucks Reserve- neat stop for coffee lovers. We walked here from the market but it was a hike.



Molly Moon's was a perfect cool down in the fun neighborhood of Capitol Hill.

Space Needle- Considered a "tourist trap" for some but I recall seeing this in an elementary Studies Weekly decades ago and proclaimed (to just myself) that I would find myself there one day. So, check.

My friend had her welcome cocktails at The Thompson and this lovely rooftop bar was a perfect night cap.

The mail event of the trip was my friend's BEAUTIFUL wedding at Westland Distillery, such a fun night!

Back to Florida. :(

If more time allowed, I definitely would have ventured out to the mountains or even Canada (had no idea it was so close!). Would LOVE to come back for some outdoorsy fun.

La Push & Forks



 

From Portland, our sweet friends drove us via the (most ever) scenic route towards Seattle.

 



Our first adventure was seeing blue whales off the Pacific Coast!

Pit stop in the Hoh Rainforest.

The trek to La Push Beach!

Bring some bubbly and a picnic.

 

SO beautiful.

Starfish Haven

Team Jacob Forever.

Channeling my inner Bella at the cutest gift shop.

 

A must for Twilight Fans.

 

Portlandia



We visited my sweet friend and her fam in Portland (well, Beaverton, technically) and in just a few days, I fell in LOVE with the Pacific North West!

 

1. Be sure to get a window seat when flying in for some mountain views. I was in awe of the snow covered peak in August!

 2. Witch's Castle- I'll admit, we had a heck of a time finding this place. It was a great little beginner's hike though and nearly deserted!

 3. Multnomah Falls- Being a born and bred Florida girl, I was shook with the beauty of the PNW. Multnomah Falls was mesmerizing! The hike to the top is long-winding but well worth.

 

So glad I packed my Tevas!

 4.  Oneonta Gorge is not far past Multnomah and a definite MUST. Rather than an uphill hike, this trek was like a jungle gym of fallen trees. I consider myself a mediocre risk taker but was pretty nervous throughout the passing; however, small children were quickly passing me! Don't overlook this gem.

SO COLD!

 4. Bridgeport Brewery was next on our list to reward ourselves for a day well spent. Delicious!

 5. Old Town near the Chinatown District was such a quaint drink stop. It's even said to be HAUNTED!

 6. Pioneer Place we ended the day at the mall downtown and came upon the most fun bar inside! Def worth checking out if in the area.