With 70-miles of spectacular coastline and an enviable year-round climate, San Diego off ers visitors beachside attitude with big city excitement, as Sophia Amos discovers...

Where to eat…

San Diego is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, award-winning chefs, craft beer culture and thriving local wine regions, with Cali-Baja cuisine in particular leading the way. A vibrant mix of locally inspired flavours, from the simple to sophisticatedly artful, San Diego’s proximity to the ocean and Mexico has influenced both the local cuisine and culture, known as Cali-Baja, which sits at the intersection of two culinary styles: California cuisine, distinguished for its devotion to fresh local ingredients and farm-to-table roots, and Mexico’s Baja Med cuisine, a food revolution that combines traditional Mexican ingredients with those of the Mediterranean.

With unique monthly food festivals taking place each year – more recently the Cado, a pop-up immersive experience celebrating the Californian staple the avocado – San Diego is definitely the place for foodies. The city is home to many plant-based eateries, catering for all day dining and proving that vegan food can be delicious and healthy.

Kindred – 1503 30th Street

Plant-based comfort fare and tasty craft cocktails are served amid Gothic Victorian decor at this South Park brick-and-mortar from chef Kory Stetina, who previously organized the pop-up dinner series Love.Like.Beer. Generous portions and aff ordable prices make Kindred a worthy gamble, even if you’re travelling with someone who isn’t entirely convinced of the vegan lifestyle. Seared cauliflower steak, Memphis BBQ jackfruit sandwich, and green garbanzo chilli all prove worthy alternatives to meat entrées, while brunch items like smoked carrot (in lieu of smoked salmon) and banana bread French toast topped with whipped coconut cream and dark chocolate are excellent ways to convince anyone that dairy and eggs aren’t a requisite for your weekend mornings.