Showaround Locals in San Diego: Meet Chelsea

Background: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and a wine or beer connoisseur, you’ll want to pay close attention. Local Chelsea is a native San Diegan who, due to years of exploring the ins and outs of the city, can reveal the beauty of any surrounding area by adding beaches, mountains, and desert areas to your agenda.

After a few-hours hike, what’s better than a well-deserved glass of wine? Chelsea can check that box too. She currently works at a tasting room, which serves beer and wine so you can choose which one you’d like to try and on top of that, you’ll also learn more about local brewing and wine-making subtleties.

Showaround: Name three super local things to do in the city?
Chelsea: San Diego is known for its near-perfect weather, sunshine and palm trees; so it's obvious that a visit to the beach is a must and I know all the secret local spots: sea cliffs, sea caves, and tide pools.

San Diego is also known for its Mexican food so a trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of our many delicious taco shops with the best authentic Mexican food you'll find in the states. Pro tip from a local: try a California burrito. Although it's not authentic Mexican food, it is authentic San Diegan food. Last but not least, tourists don't realize there are hundreds of hikes in the county! There are tons of trails to explore in our local mountains, desert, beach and coastal foothills and even plenty in the famous Balboa Park.

Showaround: Favourite restaurant?
Chelsea: Bali Hai is definitely my favourite restaurant in San Diego! It's located on Shelter Island with a fantastic view of the San Diego Bay and downtown. It's an iconic tiki-themed restaurant with amazing Polynesian food and the best tropical mix drinks that you'll ever try! Pro tip: go during happy hour on a Tuesday to listen to Desi play the guitar and sing Hawaiian tunes like an angel.

Showaround: Best place for a drink?
Chelsea: The Grass Skirt in PB (Pacific Beach) is one of my personal favourite places to get a drink. Relax and transport yourself to Hawaii with an umbrella in your drink. If you want fancy craft cocktails, then Polite Provisions is your spot with a great atmosphere to go with. If beer is your thing, be grateful you're in San Diego, the capital of craft. There are over 140 Craft breweries to choose from. Stone Brewery is probably the most popular and impressive of the bunch.

Showaround: What about the nightlife?
Chelsea: Personally I love dive bars and there is an endless supply of them in the following neighbourhoods: North Park, South Park, University Heights, Golden Hill, and OB. But if you're into clubbing, the Gaslamp quarters downtown will always provide a good time.

Showaround: How would you describe the local people of San Diego?
Chelsea: People from San Diego are so down to earth. Native San Diegans are definitely the most chill and friendliest people you'll have the pleasure of meeting.

Showaround: Thank you Chelsea for your answers!