The combination of great weather, active residents, and healthy food make San Diego a beacon for health and wellness, but it is not relaxing figuring out where to go and what to do. That is why we created a one day wellness guide for San Diego, all located in the Bird Rock neighborhood of La Jolla. Think of this day as your own local personal wellness retreat.
Designed to have virtually no driving between activities (because driving is not very conducive to health and wellness), this itinerary aims to maximize good vibes and healthy activities. To make this happen smoothly, here are a few helpful tips:
Prepare for the day: You will be out and about, so make sure you bring everything you need – water bottle, light jacket and change of clothes, beach-wear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, phone charger.
Make your reservations: Most of these activities require advanced reservations and bookings, so don’t forget to set them up (we’ve added the appropriate links).
The Itinerary
1. Yoga at Riffs Yoga Studio
2. Breakfast and Seaside Surf Cafe
3. SUP at Bird Rock
4. Massage at Bird Rock Massage Studio
5. Healthy Dinner at Paradisaea
6. Meditate, Journal, and Head to Bed
Morning
Take A Yoga Class At Riffs Yoga Studio
Make reservations here.
Start off the day at Riffs Yoga Studio in Bird Rock for the best outdoor yoga in San Diego. The instruction is great, but the outdoor setting is what sets it apart from other studios. You will be outside on a large, shaded, wooden patio surrounded by trees and plants, basking in the soft morning sun and breathing the fresh air. The “outdoor” bit may seem trivial as most indoor yoga is in a (relatively) calming environment, but for us it makes all the difference, especially when doing those group exhales.
Beyond traditional yoga classes, Riffs has unique offerings including restorative yoga with a musician, yoga with sound healing, and even community/donation based yoga sessions to help aspiring yoga instructors practice teaching a class. It definitely hits the mark on wellness and relaxation.
Likewise, there is no pressure or elite yoga vibe from other participants or the instructors. As an inexperienced yogi we felt comfortable here, setting our own pace and looking awkward (with confidence). It is a great place to forget the world outside and fully engage in the activity.
Classes are $30 for a drop-in (as of July 2024), and you should sign up in advance because they do get booked.
Get Breakfast And Coffee At Seaside Surf Cafe
No reservations required.
In the Bird Rock neighborhood, we recommend Seaside Surf Cafe for a healthy breakfast. It is across the street from Riff’s Yoga Studio.
Not overly indulgent, they serve acai and pitaya bowls, smoothies, savory avocado and fruit toasts, sandwiches, salads, raw juices, and health shots – perfect fuel for post yoga. Our favorite item there is the PB Bowl – a refreshing, protein rich bowl with organic peanut butter, banana, cacao, and almond milk topped with seasonal fruits and hemp granola (extra protein). They also have a full cafe including good drip coffee, lattes, and tea.
There are five stools against a bar near the window with a few other tables inside, but most of the seating can be found outside on a large outdoor patio.
Go Stand Up Paddleboarding
Reserve your paddleboards here.
Before you get to the most relaxing part of the day you should earn it by breaking a sweat with one of the best water activities in San Diego, stand up paddleboarding. The best part is, you can rent the SUPs directly from the surf shop inside the Bird Rock Surf Shop which is attached to the Seaside Surf Cafe. There are a few options, including the Bird Rock beach just down Bird Rock Avenue, or we recommend heading north to the Windansea Beach which is just over a mile from the Bird Rock Surf Shop. Feel free to ask the staff at the surf shop, they are a friendly crew and will be happy to set you up for the best ocean-going experience.
The coastline in California is gorgeous, but it is full of rocky outcroppings and cliffs jutting into the ocean so be careful getting in and out of the water. Likewise, be mindful of the tides and try to head out during a lower tide (you can check the tide times here) and check with the surf shop to make sure the waves are not smacking that day. With that being said, it is not uncommon to witness sea lions, seals, and all sorts of incredible ocean creatures among the blue, turquoise waters. It’s an epic experience.
Rentals are by the day so you can take as little or long as you would like. However, you should time this well with your next activity as you don’t want to miss your scheduled massage.
Alternative: Go for a nice walk along the rocky coast, take in the views and check out the epic tidepools. You might even see a tiny octopus ʅ(°_°)ʃ
Afternoon
Get A Massage At The Bird Rock Massage Studio
Make reservations here.
Not far from your SUP excursion, The Bird Rock Massage Studio might be the best part of your day. They make a sincere effort to tailor your massage to your needs, offering different modalities depending on your preferences. We recommend the deep tissue massage to get out the stress and knots built up in your muscles, which uses stronger pressure and strokes.
If that’s not your thing, there are many other options available including Swedish massage, sports massage, prenatal massage, reflexology, trigger points, and add-ons to accompany your experience like CBD oils and cupping. Either way, you’ll be in a beautiful, calm setting that slows down the pace and relieves any lingering stress. Don’t forget to drink water and rehydrate after the massage.
Evening
Get A Healthy Dinner At Paradisaea
Make reservations here.
Paradi-sea…Paradis-ia? It’s a genus of the birds-of-paradise, but don’t stress trying to pronounce it correctly because it’s time to round out the day with some healthy, elevated dining in La Jolla’s Bird Rock neighborhood. Offering locally sourced seafood, grass-fed beef, handmade pastas, and an excellent salad selection, this restaurant hits all the cravings for elegant, healthy dining.
Located inside a former piano store, aptly named the “Piano Building,” they carry out the original ambiance by offering live music on Wednesday’s between 5pm and 7pm. Even further, they pay homage to the amazing Alicia Keys with the Keys-Razor tequila cocktail (behave yourself, no need to indulge in alcohol on your day of health and wellness).
Some of our favorites include the raw oysters – a refreshing, healthy seafood option (and aphrodisiac), and the dry-aged branzino. Light, flavorful, and indulgent all at the same time. Offering a smaller but exquisite menu (updated regularly), you won’t suffer from choice anxiety like you may at other restaurants. They keep it simple and stress free.
Meditation, Journaling, And Bed Time
Time to head home and relax before bed. Make sure you round out the day with some journaling and meditation, however you like to engage in that. Avoid the TV, avoid excessive screen time on your phone. Don’t ruin the good vibes.
Alternative option: Still feeling the need to stretch your legs before bed? Before you head home, take a walk to La Jolla Hermosa Park, take in the views and breath in the salty air before you head out.
