Happy 4th of July!

Fire up the grill, crank up the homemade ice cream, and get out some lawn chairs to watch a big fireworks show with the whole family. It’s time to celebrate our Independence Day! What’s your favorite tradition for our national birthday party?

CHIC (Pearl)

After three years stuck inside hiding from the pandemic, I can’t wait to get out and cheer for a big patriotic parade, with floats and classic cars and VIPs you’ve never heard of waving to a bunch of people they’ve never met. We recommend the Rose, White & Blue Parade along the Alameda in San José!

GEEK (Kevin)

By now, if you’ve been reading these emails, you should know where to find me on the 4th: watching a pile of mouth-watering meat as it slowly sizzles and pops on my barbecue. You can keep the parades and the fireworks. They’re fun to watch, but I’d rather be eating! Who’s coming to dinner?

On the Road: San Diego

Recently, we took a road trip to San Diego to visit some sister Compass offices and get a feel for the diverse neighborhoods that make up this exciting city. There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches, walkable villages, and vibrant nightlife. Here’s a quick look at a few of our favorites.

Del Mar

Just 20 miles up the coast from San Diego proper, Del Mar is a cute seaside village with a small-town vibe, boutique shopping, fabulous food, and inviting beaches! And for the kids, it’s also home to the San Diego County Fair! This used to be where movie stars would come to take a break from Hollywood. It could be the perfect fit for you and your family.

Mission Valley

A few minutes’ drive from Downtown, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld, Mission Valley and Old Town are home to restaurants, cantinas, galleries, and theaters that showcase the rich and diverse history of the city. There are also plenty of shopping options, and the schools are among the top-rated in the nation. Enjoy a margarita while listening to street music in the summer sun.

La Jolla

La Jolla (pronounced la HOY-uh) is 20 minutes north of Downtown and an absolute jewel of the Southern California coastline. Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, with white sand beaches and cliffs, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean! This sophisticated enclave is only becoming more popular, so get in while you can!

Downtown

Downtown is the heart of the city, and the pulse is getting louder every day. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to Petco Park to fine dining and walkable commutes, this is the place to be for anyone who wants an urban living experience. You are literally 20 minutes from anywhere via foot, bike, bus, or train. Cars are entirely optional, and family outings are encouraged. Want to see more?