Some of my favorite days on the road and when at my home base in Encinitas, California (San Diego County) involve some type of outdoor activity followed by a drink, typically a beer, so I’ve decided to start sharing recommended combinations of the two.
My first trails and ales recommendation for San Diego natives or visitors is…Cabrillo National Monument followed by Soda & Swine at Liberty Station. The two are proximately located and if you’re not into beer, it’s easy to turn this one into trails & cocktails!
In full-disclosure, while I’ve explored both Point Loma and imbibed at Soda & Swine, I have not done them both in the same day (yet), but I am 100% confident in the recommendation to combine them. The combination was actually an idea from a former date that didn’t work out (that plan for the date or the relationships).
Here’s what you need to get started on planning your own adventure:
TRAILS: Cabrillo National Monument
Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 557-5450
Website: https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm
Instagram: @cabrillonps
Parking: Within the park
Entry Fees: $20/car, $10 walk-in/bike-in (Fee Schedule)
The fee is heftier than I prefer and as far as I have been able to tell, paying some form of fee is unavoidable. But the fee supports national parks and 80% stays local and is used to keep up Cabrillo.
You can climb the lighthouse, the actual national monument, then walk few miles along the rocky oceanfront exploring the coast and if it is low tide (tide chart), explore the tidepools (video). The oceanfront views, like most of San Diego, are beautiful, and there are nice views of other parts of the city and towards Mexico. It’s also fun to be able to climb around on the rocks a bit, tide permitting.
The trails are trails, not paved road, but are more walk than hike. That makes it a good option for families or dates early in relationships (when you want to still look kinda cute and not be so winded that you can’t talk).
ALES: Soda & Swine
Address: 2750 Dewey Rd #104, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 501-9989
Website: https://sodaandswine.com/
Instagram: @sodaandswine
Parking: Easy & free within Liberty Station complex
Beer Offerings: Local, regional, and out of region craft beers on tap
Other Drinks: Cocktails and wine also available.
I have not historically been a huge meat eater (no ethical or dietary restrictions, just preference) so it’s interesting that I’m so drawn to a place that specializes in Meatballs (sliders or straight up!). Yet, I freaking love Soda & Swine so much that I find myself looking for reasons to be in the area.
Every one of its affordable small bites that I’ve tried have been good but the Banh Mi slider paired with a craft pale ale is my personal favorite combination. On a recent visit, my sister paired a red wine with the slider special (red meat with gorgonzola and onions) which I’d call a close second pairing. According to my sister and my brother in law (who has a strong but discerning sweet tooth), the apple pie is a sold choice to follow-up your meal.
The décor is an interesting combination of modern, clean lines with warm and vintage inspired touches that combines to somehow make the 5,000 sq. ft. space feel homey. There’s also a 14-person(ish) foosball table that adds a playful touch, though I’ve yet to see anyone play.
If possible, I’d recommend going at a non-peak time. You initially order at the counter then can add on (and add on you will) additional food or drinks once you’re seated. The hybrid ordering approach is, as you’d suspect, a slower process during busy times. Go early on a weekday and enjoy not only speedy service, but Soda & Swine’s happy hour specials! Sunday evening, in my experience, is another slower time.
