1. PUPPIES!!!
We love puppies so much so that we actually managed to ban pet stores from selling them anywhere in San Diego. How freakin’ adorable is that?
2. The Fact That Even Their Suntans Have Tans
When it’s possible to catch a tan literally every month of the year, sometimes it feels like you're living in Oompa Loompa land down here. Oompa Loompa, do-ba-dee-doo…
3. Being Shirtless. All The Time.
No shoes? No shirt? No problem! What’s the point in spending all that time working out if you can’t show it off to every person within a 100-mile radius?
4. 300 Plus Days Of Sunshine, While The Rest Of Country Is Covered In Snow
See that snow in the background? Yeah, that’s where San Diegans like it: far, far away.
5. That It's Impossible To Get Lost Here
Not quite sure where you’re at? Just look to your left. That’s the ocean. It runs north and south and, if you follow it, you’re bound to run into one of the trolleys or 900 busses that will provide you with a handy-dandy map to ANYWHERE.
6. Tijuana
The land of zonkeys (or is it debras?), Bart Simpson dolls, four-hour border crossings and drunken mistakes. What happens here…will probably follow you home in the morning to try and peddle its crap on your front lawn.
7. You Can Swim With The Seals, If You Dare
Those adorable creatures can pack a mean punch. Don’t believe me? Then spend a lovely day at La Jolla Cove watching these monsters body slam each other into oblivion. Or maybe those are the sea lions. Nobody ever seems to be sure, especially the tourists.
8. They're Sexy And They Know It
Even when they're not, that doesn’t stop them from tryin’…
9. Being Die Hard Charger Fans!
Okay, that one isn’t true.
10. Being Too Cool For School
But who can blame them? If you lived in an endless summer wonderland full of surfers and bikini-clad hotties, spent every weekend getting stoned in Pacific Beach and living off your rich parents’ retirements you would probably think you’re too cool for school, too.
11. That Their Fast Food Kicks Your Fast Food’s Ass
Ah, In-N-Out. I remember my first time crossing your threshold at 2 A.M. Your line for the drive-thru was so long it was blocking traffic and there was nary a spot to park. Double, double, whole-grilled onion with cheese. Protein style, please!
12. Surfers
They even put up crossing signs for their protection. Awwww.
13. Having Any Outdoor Sport You Can Possibly Imagine
They’re all within a two-hour drive, no matter where you’re located. Surfing, rock climbing, skiing? You name it, we can find a place for you to do it. I went skydiving for my birthday once, and my birthday is in December.
14. Ice Skating On The Beach
Every year the Hotel del Coronado makes an ice skating rink on the beach. Because, clearly, when you think of ice-skating you also think of sand, waves and 80-degree weather.
15. That San Diego Is Ron Burgundy’s Home Town
16. The Glory That Is San Diego Beer Week
Did someone say beer garden? Yes, they may have these all over the country, or even the world, but San Diego does it better. And classier. Just like Ron Burgundy told us.
17. Julian Pies
You haven’t lived if you haven’t tried a slice ‘o pie from Julian Pie Company. Located east of San Diego in Julian, it’s totally worth the two-hour drive to get a taste of this miracle in your mouth. Sure, you could pick one up at the local Albertson’s, but why would you pass up a chance to have one of these straight from the oven and into your mouth? Plus, if you go in the winter you can watch them light the town Christmas tree. That’s nice.
18. That The Summers Aren’t Too Hot, Aren’t Too Cold, But Juuuust Right
Summertime in San Diego means that the temperatures sometimes rocket up to the mid-80s. I heard Texas got into the 110s this past summer. How was that?
19. We Can All Dress Up Like Cartoon Characters On A Day Other Than Halloween
In case you hadn’t heard, San Diego is home to Comic-Con. Because doesn’t everyone secretly dream of throwing dignity to the wind and dressing up like slave Leia? Oh, that’s your typical Friday night at the bar? Never mind…
20. Craft Beer. Everything Else Is Subpar.
There’s nothing like winding down after a rough day on the surf by sipping a cool locally-made beer. Lucky for you, San Diego is home to the “All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth,” otherwise known as Stone Brewing Co.
21. Legoland AND Disneyland
Yup, we’re home to the most magical place on Earth. But if that’s not enough, you can go build your own magical Lego kingdom down the road. I hear Shamu lives around these parts, too.
22. Getting Naked In The Sand
Okay, there might be one downfall to all the sunshine. Tan lines. Especially in the nether regions. But San Diego's got a solution for that! Black’s Beach! The land where you can let it all hang loose, and possibly traumatize wandering children for life.
23. The Military Men. My God, The Military Men.
What’s better at making a city feel safe than a constant stream of sailors and marines walking the streets? God Bless the USA.
24. That L.A. Is Right Up The Road
Because we all need a little dose of crazy in our lives once in a while.
Source: Flickr user Keith Roper
25. Babycakes: The Little Cupcakes That Could
Maybe they’re not the best cupcakes in the world, but it’s hard to walk away because there are Just. So. Many. Try the lemon Bavarian cupcake. Heaven.
26. The Hassle-Free Beauty Of The Coaster
Tired of fighting traffic on the 5? No problem. Just hop on the Coaster for a few bucks and you can bypass all of the road rage and roadblocks for a scenic trip along the Pacific Ocean. Hell, sometimes I’ll hop on and ride just for a little peace and quiet. The views are gorgeous.
27. Having The “Most Haunted House In America”
San Diego is home to the Whaley House. It’s been the subject of numerous television shows and has been visited by quite a few celebrities who’ve claimed to see the ghost of Yankee Jim or Anna Whaley. Regis Philbin visited once. That’s pretty scary.
28. Seaport Village
I’m going to level with you. This place is a tourist trap. But, if you happen to be down by docks on a Saturday night you might want to stop by and see a guy shove flaming swords down his throat. That happens.
29. Knowing The Only Way To Live Is On The Beach
In San Diego you wake up almost every day to a bright blue sky staring down at you and a day of sun and sand waiting to be enjoyed. Really, what's better than that?
