My recent San Diego jaunt with my mom and sister was more focused around historic sites and local eats. We drove around town and strolled around touristy places like Seaport Village and Old Town San Diego. Also visited The Del, I first photographed at Christmastime decades ago. Named a National Historic Landmark, the 1888 Hotel del Coronado, a wooden Victorian resort fronting San Diego Bay, looks well-maintained after all the years.

The local food scene was lively, notwithstanding the off-peak season. Ironside Fish and Oyster, a busy restaurant and bar in Little Italy, and the downtown Extraordinary Desserts by Karen Kranse were amazing finds.

At Ironside, my fruity fried oysters complemented my farm-fresh leafy salad dribbled with blue cheese. Clam chowder was also excellent. You can see them bake their own bread at a station.

Sweet cravings led us to Extraordinary Desserts near The Bristol where we spent the night. The place was also full. I got a Shangri-la which was so true to its name. Laced with a not too sweet guava confit, the pastry was deliciously light.

The Bristol Hotel is a nice and comfy place to stay in San Diego. They allow pets, btw.

No to zoos for me.

Photographed by V. Lo and Tina Tan
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