SAN DIEGO: California, the sunshine city of the United State. Covering this massive state would be impossible in 108 minutes unless there was some sort of Star Trek beaming technology involved. Presumably, humans have not made it that far just yet. So let us look at a small, but fun part of California. Ocean Beach. It is beside the point of San Diego. It is home to a vast variety of people — mostly the hippie free-spirited type. It is a beautiful suburb of San Diego that is calm, easy going and fun. Only an hour and 28 minutes in this town will have you begging for more. Right off the plane, you should grab a Green Ride Taxi awaiting your arrival. They are a friendly people that have very nice Lincoln Towncars as taxis and are fairly cheap. The Taxi driver will ask you “where will it be?” For a calm and relaxing rendezvous, you should tell the taxi driver Sun Set Cliffs. They should be just what you are looking for. Sun Set Cliffs is a beautiful cliff side looking out on the western edge of America. Its magnificent jagged edges rest on the areas most secluded beaches. To find these beaches you will have to walk up and down the winding dirt path ways. The beaches do not have life guards, so you are free to do what you; be it smoke, drink or bring your dog. However, children, elderly and the physically impaired are not recommended because in order to get to these beaches the trek involves some climbing down step terrain. At Sun Set Cliffs you can snorkel, cliff dive, or just lounge around in the sand. These beaches are normally not congested; a much different scene from the other local beaches. Beware though, because sometimes the waves get very forceful. Getting smashed into the cliffs edges is not a glorious time. The scenery at sunset is dangerously beautiful. If life guards and a more normal beach setting is what you’re looking for, Ocean Beach has that too. Just tell the taxi driver “the Beach.” There is plenty of room on its 1.6 km are for snorkeling, swimming, skim boarding or just catching a tan. There is also a section specifically for surfing with plenty of rental shops in the area. If you want to fish there is the largest pier in California to fish from. Ocean Beach also has Dog Beach right next to it. You can bring your fuzzy friend to the beach, leash or no leash. Throw a frisbee or just run down the beach with man's best friend. After the beach activity, you might want to go shopping or grab a bite to eat. Newport Street is at the edge of the beach and has multiple varieties from which to choose. All the way down Newport Street there is the famous Hodad’s burger stand, home to California’s most beloved burger. Also down Newport there are plenty of sushi restaurants, bars and stores for you to enjoy. All these activities are within walking distance in Ocean Beach California. In that 108 minutes the O.B. will have you asking ” Why don’t I live here?” Just remember it’s beside the point. BM
