Discover Why San Diego is a Self-Care Sanctuary

San Diego’s laid-back vibe and wholesome lifestyle make California’s beach city an oasis for travelers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Making time to recharge the body, mind and spirit is an important self-care practice easily obtainable in San Diego where holistic treatments and spaces, health-conscious eats and healing outdoor landscapes abound.

From guided meditations amongst cherry blossom trees and transformational healing through themed moon rituals to a customized apothecary detoxifying facial, San Diego is the perfect escape for a self-care getaway.

Holding space for physical and spiritual well-being is part of Saffron & Sage’s mission. This holistic health club located in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood offers services, classes and natural products to help nourish the body, mind and spirit. Treatments include cupping, acupuncture, reiki, botanical medicine and nutritional therapy. Soul healing classes feature yoga, energy work, breathwork, sound baths and moon circles designed to harness one’s lunar energy. Located in the seaside community of La Jolla, Trilogy Sanctuary is an eclectic rooftop vegan café and wellness studio offering outdoor aerial yoga, live music concerts, dance parties, poetry nights, craft workshops and free full moon drum circles packed with magical elixirs, themed food and fire performances meant to heal with the moon. 

Adorned with cherry trees, Zen stone arrangements, koi ponds and soothing waterfalls, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a haven in the heart of San Diego’s iconic Balboa Park. Among the garden’s variety of educational programs, exhibits, events and classes offered, its weekly guided meditation sessions teach the practice of awareness and being present. The sessions are free with admission, and times and days vary weekly. For an air travel wind down, the San Diego International Airport created The Spirit of Silence, a reflection room where travelers can meditate, contemplate and pray. Located in Terminal 2, the non-denominational space created by artist Norie Sato encourages visitors to quiet their minds and escape from the stress of air travel.  

Setting time to nourish the skin is as important as inner self-care. With locations in North Park and Del Mar, Shop Good is a clean beauty advocate specializing in non-toxic makeup, wellness and skincare products and a variety of facial treatments. Shop Good’s detoxifying facials are customized by holistic estheticians who focus on addressing internal stressors that influence the skin’s health and a person’s well-being. Also located in North Park, Skin Habit believes in making facials accessible and affordable while utilizing cutting-edge technology and natural ingredients. Services include an 80-minute full facial as well as a 25-minute maintenance facial that helps restore the skin’s vitality for $25.  

With more small farms than any other county in the nation, it is no surprise San Diego is home to a vast selection of health-driven restaurants utilizing the freshest ingredients. With locations in La Jolla, Little Italy and Del Mar, Parakeet Café focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle by serving health-conscious food, coffee, tea and freshly baked goods. The café’s all-day menu includes vegan, gluten-free, keto and paleo items like salads, rice and veggie bowls, avocado toasts and unique finds like matcha waffles. Located in the diverse Normal Heights neighborhood, Pachamamaspecializes in South American-inspired eats utilizing 100% organic, environmentally sustainable ingredients. The menu includes small bites like the tacu tacu, a vegan Peruvian bean and quinoa cake, and main dishes like crispy wild salmon and the verde bowl with spinach, green rice, marinated chickpeas and avocado dressing.

Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and elevate the mood, which is probably why San Diego locals are known for their positive outlook. San Diego is home to a variety of natural landscapes ranging from beaches and wetlands to mountains and desert. Located on the cliffs above Torrey Pines State Beach in La Jolla, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers a spectacular blend of coastal wilderness, canyons, parks and hiking trails where visitors and locals can feel the healing power of the earth and ocean. Adjacent to Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado, the South Bay National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a remarkable 4,000-acre oasis for protected birds, fish and other animals. Bird watching is popular year-round in the refuge and is a perfect practice for those seeking to reconnect with nature. There is also a walking trail that runs parallel to the neighboring Bayshore Bikeway offering beautiful views of San Diego Bay and the reserve.

There’s something to smile about in San Diego. For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website at www.sandiego.org.