20 Signs You Grew Up In North County San Diego
If you’re from San Diego, but not “San Diego, San Diego,” you know the struggle of constantly trying to explain that yes, you live in paradise, but maybe just a little north of the paradise everyone thinks of. But other than that, there aren’t many other struggles to living in our quiet beach towns up the 5. Here are 20 signs you’re from North County San Diego!
1. The 101 is your life blood
You know all the best Mexican food resides on the 101, yes THE 101 – and not the 1 either. This historic highway has everything from thrift stores in Luciedia, camping in Carlsbad, the Kook in Cardiff, and of course, all the Mexican food.
2. Most of your town is catered to tourists
They’re everywhere, and it’s not hard to see why. Who can resist the charm of quiet beach towns just a few miles up the coast from the city? It is a little annoying when shop keepers constantly ask you where you’re from. Sometimes you wish you could just have “LOCAL” tattooed to your forehead.
3. You know a professional skateboarder
Perhaps it’s Tony Hawk, or Shaun White, or just your childhood best friend. While in most places skate boarding is just seen as a fun way to get around, here it’s actually seen as an acceptable career choice.
4. You know all the Insta-worthy spots
Besides the beach, obviously. From Solana Beach, to Leucadia, to the Oceanside Pier you know where to snap that perfect pic to make everyone on your timeline swoon.
5. You have a farmer’s market preference
Vista, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe – sure most of them share the same vendors, but there’s a different vibe to each, ya feel?
6. You live in San Diego, but not according to San Diegans
Prepare for judgey looks when you tell someone from Hillcrest you live in Vista, but a quick train ride down the coast will get you anywhere you need to be.
7. The Coaster and the Sprinter are always there for you
Want to bypass all that Comic Con, Fair, or Horse Races traffic? Our trains get you where you need to go, all with a beautiful view on the way there.
8. You know people that go to Palomar, Mira Costa, and Cal State
When kids want to stay local for college, this is where they go. You also know people from all over that come to study at Cal State San Marcos, and it’s not hard to see why.
9. You know people that work at Legoland
It’s the perfect summer job for any high school or college kid. They hire so many people each year and with all your connections, you might even end up working there one day
10. You took a field trip (or two) to Sea World during school
This was BEFORE Blackfish came out. Although, you’ve probably avoided watching that chilling documentary in order to preserve some of your best childhood memories. Say it ain’t so Shamu!
11. Your school had a surf team
You probably never realized how unique it is either. It was a common things to hear surf reports and how well your team did this past weekend over the loud speaker. It was so commonplace you never thought about the fact that this was a pretty exclusive experience for those on the coast.
12. You know all the best Mexican food spots
Everyone swears that they know THE best, but you’ll never let go of your favorite.
13. You know what a California Burrito is
It’s actually a crime that the rest of the country doesn’t have these. Delicious carne asada, cheese, sour cream, gauc, and crispy fries all rolled into one home-made tortilla? Yes please!
14. Trips to the beach after school were the usual
It’s just so convenient, although not always practical to take your homework to the beach and work on math problems with your toes in the sand. You can finish your book for English while getting a tan!
15. Your school had “Fire Days”
Snow days? Please, try “Everything is on fire and it’s too dangerous to go outside” days. Although they can be scary, who can object to a few days off of school?
16. You know that the surfer stereotype is all too real
And they all live in Encinitas.
17. Everyone and their mother does yoga
This is not an exaggeration. In fact, you probably know more moms who do yoga then people your age.
18. You’ve probably done yoga
And you don’t know how the moms manage it.
19. You dread the traffic on the 5
Comic con, rush hour(s), the fair, the races, summer tourists, the countless events at the fair grounds; it seems like there’s always something going on that you’re desperately trying to avoid.
20. You never realized how good you had it until you were gone
North County is beautiful and an amazing place to grow up, but you might not realize it until you’ve moved away and suddenly you’re craving those late night bonfires at Moonlight or peaceful walks along the Oceanside pier. The hustle and bustle of big cities can make you so grateful to always have a serene and beautiful home to come back to.
Do you have any other signs you grew up in North County San Diego!? Share in the comments below!
Featured Image: weheartit
