Three of our favorite summer destinations are just a car ride away Gone are the days of stuffing a backpack with snacks and whatever’s clean, hopping in the car, and following the open road with nothing but our hearts and a printed-out sheet of Mountain Dew-stained Mapquest directions as our guide. Now that we’re adultier […]
Three of our favorite summer destinations are just a car ride away
Gone are the days of stuffing a backpack with snacks and whatever’s clean, hopping in the car, and following the open road with nothing but our hearts and a printed-out sheet of Mountain Dew-stained Mapquest directions as our guide. Now that we’re adultier adults, we plan.
The great state of California is filled with highways and byways that lead to the destination you’ve been dreaming of—even if you’re not quite sure what that is yet. Don’t worry, we can help with that. Consider distance, for one. A long leisurely drive up the coast sounds relaxing, adventurous, even romantic—unless you’re riding in an SUV filled with kids asking the age-old question: “Are we there yet?”
Our annual Road Trip Guide is your roadmap for success, and these destinations are some of our top picks for a quick trip, a weekend getaway, or a stretched-out summer sojourn.
Load up the trunk, rev the engine, and let’s hit the road.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Let sparks fly in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This idyllic village off Pacific Coast Highway along the Central Coast has been rated the third best city for romance in the world (after only Venice and Paris) by Travel & Leisure. After a picturesque drive along Carmel’s Scenic Road, you’ll be treated to one-of-a-kind experiences, cozy stays, and amazing food (there are more than 60 restaurants in the one-square-mile village). And don’t miss the eclectic art, shopping, and live theater—all within walking distance. Wine lovers will appreciate Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 18 wineries and tasting rooms, plus a self-guided wine walk mobile guide accessible for free on your smartphone.
Conejo Valley
In search of an inland adventure? Look no further than the Conejo Valley. Around 3 ½ hours from San Diego and just a short drive from LA, this hidden retreat offers the ideal mix of outdoor beauty and relaxation—without the crowds. Hikers and bikers will appreciate the region’s scenic trails along rolling hills, breathtaking views of the sweeping valley, and fresh air. After a day on the trails, taste your way through the Conejo Valley’s diverse dining scene. Keep an eye out for special events during your stay, like fun community events, concerts, and local theater productions. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or savoring local flavors, your perfect getaway starts here.
Ventura
Even sunny San Diego can get old after a while. Cruise up the coast and experience an affordable beach vacation in Ventura, where you don’t have to break the bank for an ocean view. This hidden gem just north of Los Angeles is known for amazing surf spots perfect for surfers of all levels. There’s even a protected beach that’s gentle enough for the smallest of swimmers. Find hidden treasures thrifting in Ventura’s charming downtown area, and if adventure is calling, visit the Channel Islands National Park and say hello to the adorable island foxes.
Don’t Forget to Bring …
Entertainment—A rocking playlist or intriguing podcast can make the hours on the road fly by. Just don’t get so into it you miss your exit.
Chargers—Make sure you have a charger that works with all of your devices and works in the car. We cannot stress this enough, check this in advance. You don’t want to get stuck without access to maps or able to make an emergency call.
A map—Your internet connection may get spotty. It helps to have a backup way to get around.
Snacks and drinks—Save your hard-earned dollars and avoid convenience store grub by packing a cooler with snacks and drinks from home. Bonus points if they’re somewhat healthy.
Car maintenance kit—Probably not the most fun part of road trip planning, but you’ll thank us later if you happen to get a flat tire or need a jump.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Growing up, Laika Nur, MD, Scripps Clinic sports medicine specialist, loved watching beach volleyball when the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour came to her hometown of Chicago. A talented volleyball player herself, she remembers sitting in the stands all day, and once, even got a couple autographs. Years later, Dr. Nur was attending a professional event focused on women’s sports, and the discussion turned to a new professional women’s volleyball league. The general manager and coaching staff for San Diego’s team, the Mojo, happened to be in attendance, and Dr. Nur took the opportunity to ask them if they needed a team doctor. Flash forward to the Mojo’s inaugural 2024 season, when Dr. Nur officially became the team physician. Click here to read more about Dr. Nur and how she incorporates lessons she learned on the court into her practice.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Your feet and ankles probably aren’t something you give much thought to—until something goes wrong. Orthopedic surgeons at Scripps Clinic are on the leading edge of foot and ankle reconstruction, treating patients with sports injuries, deformities, traumatic injuries and other conditions. That includes repairing torn Achilles tendons with a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks the incision site to less than a centimeter, and performing advanced ankle replacement on some patients with ankle arthritis. Read more about Scripps’ innovations in foot and ankle care here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Mai Vue was just 34 weeks pregnant when she delivered her baby. Her pregnancy had been complicated, and she’d had a recent second trimester pregnancy loss, which led to her receiving specialized care from Sean Daneshmand, MD, a Scripps Clinic perinatologist who oversees high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Daneshmand and his team took care of Mai during her pregnancy, through the birth of her healthy baby girl and beyond. Mai was part of a program Scripps launched to provide support to new moms in the weeks and months after delivery. The postpartum program, known as Scripps Health’s Fourth Trimester Continuum of Care, provides care for women with high-risk pregnancies to optimize their health after childbirth and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies. Click here to learn more.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
It’s estimated that one in five people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. When you factor in living in a sun-soaked city like San Diego and the outdoorsy lifestyle that comes with it, that figure can jump to as high as one in three, which makes early detection and intervention all the more important. Dermatologists at Bighorn Mohs and Dermatology Center are using innovative imaging methods and advanced surgical techniques to diagnose and treat skin cancer. For certain cancers in sensitive spots, like the face, dermatologists perform Mohs surgery, removing skin tissue layer by layer until reaching healthy, cancer-free tissue. They also use a process called immunohistochemistry to view tissue samples taken during Mohs surgery in far greater detail than previous methods. Read more about how Scripps is advancing skin cancer care here.
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When endurance athlete Isaac Sanchez learned he had cancer, he felt blindsided. He was healthy, surfed often and was training for an Ironman triathlon. But he had to put that on hold to undergo treatment. His physicians at Scripps Cancer Center developed a plan to treat the cancer in his tonsil and lymph nodes that included six-and-a-half weeks of near-daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy. He also worked with a Scripps Cancer Center dietitian to enhance his nutrition to promote strength and healing. Today, Isaac’s back to doing what he loves. Read more of his story here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
