By Samantha Mason
I’ve been a resident of San Diego for the last six years. I originally hail from Orange County, so I didn’t have to go far when I moved to the College area to attend San Diego State University in 2019. In the years since, I have had the privilege of exploring most of the neighborhoods of this wonderful county, until I finally landed in Del Mar in 2023.
Since then, I’ve rubbed elbows with the rich soccer moms and private school kids on the perfectly-paved roads of Carmel Valley. It’s an odd place to live as a 24 year-old postgrad, but when your partner's dream job calls and tells you to head north, it’s what you do.
As a writer, I am not geographically bound to one area; I luckily can go wherever the wind takes me. That being said, I regret to admit that I rarely leave my North County bubble. Life gets busy, we need groceries, the dog needs a walk – rinse and repeat. By the time the work week is over, I’m too tired to do anything new, or we venture out to our tried-and-true Del Mar spots (shoutout to Monarch Ocean Pub and the Brewer’s Deck).
This isn’t to say I don’t love my neighborhood. It’s beautiful, safe and lush. However, I can’t say there’s much action. The lack of potholes does not make up for the lack of personality. I do find myself craving the party scene of Pacific Beach or the hustle and bustle of downtown. I want character. Carmel Valley is boring (at least in my experience). So, on this beautiful Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to explore San Diego’s crown jewel of character: Ocean Beach.
I’ve spent some days here and there in OB, but always to grab a quick beer or see Sunset Cliffs. Today, I wanted to take some time to revel in this lively community.
To start my journey, I headed south and made my way to OB Thrift. As soon as I got off of the freeway, I was met with crowded sidewalks and colorful, little homes. I appreciate the uniqueness of the neighborhood, with every structure telling a different story, just from its facade. It’s a nice change from the manicured suburbs.
In the heart of the action on Newport Ave., OB Thrift is regarded as one of the best thrift stores in San Diego.
By Samantha Mason
I’ve been a resident of San Diego for the last six years. I originally hail from Orange County, so I didn’t have to go far when I moved to the College area to attend San Diego State University in 2019. In the years since, I have had the privilege of exploring most of the neighborhoods of this wonderful county, until I finally landed in Del Mar in 2023.
Since then, I’ve rubbed elbows with the rich soccer moms and private school kids on the perfectly-paved roads of Carmel Valley. It’s an odd place to live as a 24 year-old postgrad, but when your partner's dream job calls and tells you to head north, it’s what you do.
As a writer, I am not geographically bound to one area; I luckily can go wherever the wind takes me. That being said, I regret to admit that I rarely leave my North County bubble. Life gets busy, we need groceries, the dog needs a walk – rinse and repeat. By the time the work week is over, I’m too tired to do anything new, or we venture out to our tried-and-true Del Mar spots (shoutout to Monarch Ocean Pub and the Brewer’s Deck).
This isn’t to say I don’t love my neighborhood. It’s beautiful, safe and lush. However, I can’t say there’s much action. The lack of potholes does not make up for the lack of personality. I do find myself craving the party scene of Pacific Beach or the hustle and bustle of downtown. I want character. Carmel Valley is boring (at least in my experience). So, on this beautiful Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to explore San Diego’s crown jewel of character: Ocean Beach.
I’ve spent some days here and there in OB, but always to grab a quick beer or see Sunset Cliffs. Today, I wanted to take some time to revel in this lively community.
To start my journey, I headed south and made my way to OB Thrift. As soon as I got off of the freeway, I was met with crowded sidewalks and colorful, little homes. I appreciate the uniqueness of the neighborhood, with every structure telling a different story, just from its facade. It’s a nice change from the manicured suburbs.
In the heart of the action on Newport Ave., OB Thrift is regarded as one of the best thrift stores in San Diego.