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Symptoms
Inability to focus, gnawing feeling in the gut, insomnia, forgetfulness.
Diagnosis
Stress overload.
Prescription
Fly into LAX or, even better, Orange County. Rent a convertible. Drive south on the Pacific Coast Highway. Destination: San Diego.
Day 1: Beaches of Orange County
As you head south on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), each beach town gives you the opportunity to visit Mother Nature’s spa. Soak in the sun and breathe.
Newport Beach: Admire the tanned surfers toting their boards to the breathtaking beaches. Enjoy a free foot massage and exfoliation by strolling barefoot in the sand.
Laguna Beach: Meander through this charming town full of artsy people and panoramic views. Savor a meal worthy of any spa on the deck of The Beach House Restaurant.
Dana Point Harbor: Watch yachts come and go and dream of faraway places. Inhale the healing salt air as you consume a luscious ice cream at the Scoop Deck Ice Cream Shop.
Drive south to San Diego and devour some Mexican food at Casa Guadalajara in Old Town. Check in to the U.S. Grant Hotel or the Marriott Courtyard Downtown and luxuriate in the Victorian splendor.
Day 2: Balboa Park
Spend a day exercising and playing as you explore the 1400 acres of Balboa Park. The world famous San Diego Zoo, nine museums, a golf course and beautiful trails are yours for the choosing.
Zoo: Giggle at the adorable pandas and marvel at the outstanding gorilla tropics exhibit. Pet the baby monkeys at the children’s zoo.
Café in the Park: Take a break and savor a light lunch in a beautiful setting.
Alcazar Garden: Walk among the beautiful plants and fountains. Pretend you are on extended vacation in Seville.
Museum of Photographic Art: Channel the creativity from the world-class exhibits housed in a beautiful Spanish Colonial-style building.
Prado Restaurant: Drape yourself at a table in the courtyard and relish good Cal-Mex dishes. Imbibe the tasty margaritas at a leisurely pace.
Old Globe Theater: Be inspired by a performance of a Broadway show or a Shakespeare production in this historic theater.
Day 3: Downtown San Diego
Re-energize by spending a day and night in downtown San Diego. The combination of Victorian buildings and new, eye-popping construction will put a spring in your step. And don’t miss the nighttime scene!
Gaslamp Quarter: Take a walking tour among the beautiful Victorian buildings in one of the U.S.’s largest national historic districts.
Horton Plaza: Enjoy the diversions at the retail center of downtown. Get your cardio workout in this huge, multi-level hub packed with stores, theaters and dozens of restaurants.
Contemporary Arts Museum: Play with the interactive (and often weird) installations. Watch the trains come and go at the historic Santa Fe Depot next door.
Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar: Indulge in delicious food and drink at this spot owned by Jim Croce’s widow. Peruse the artifacts and music from his life as you listen to the live music. Don’t skip dessert – the Fondant Au Chocolat (melted warm chocolate cake with fresh raspberries) is a crucial part of your cure.
Day 4: La Jolla
For the last day of your treatment, luxuriate in the sunshine and work on shopping therapy at the playground of the rich and famous: the Village of La Jolla.
Beaches: Laugh at the seals playing on Children’s Pool Beach. Work out by walking along La Jolla Shores and spying on the most expensive real estate in the U.S.
Shop and browse galleries: Dedicate yourself to shopping at the stores and galleries along Prospect Street and adjacent blocks. Don’t stop until you are healed.
Mt. Soledad: Drive (or hike) to this hilltop with a military memorial and stunning views of San Diego and the ocean. Memorize the view so you can return to it in your mind during stressful times.
Seaside Cafe: Watch the waves roll in at this oyster bar next to the Crab Catcher restaurant. Compliment yourself for getting great food and drink deals
during happy hour.
Drive over the bridge to Coronado. Experience the sunset with stunning views of Mexico, the San Diego skyline and Point Loma beach. Head to the low-stress San Diego airport. Kiss the convertible goodbye. You are cured!
Follow-up recommendation
Repeat as needed.