I was recently asked by a childhood friend, Veronica, if I could guest write on her blog on what to pack when visiting San Diego, she posted it on her blog so I decided to do the same and add some pics. I’ve never been into fashion, but since moving to NYU, I’ve somehow channeled my inner fashionista and decided to start wearing clothes that are a little more becoming than the typical soccer shorts and hoodie I donned all four years through high school. Even though San Diego is pretty laid back in terms of style and clothing choice, there are some must have items before visiting America’s Finest City. Here are my top ten must haves whether you’re visiting for just a few days or a few months.

1. Bikinis, Tankinis, and Swimsuits galore! – San Diego is a large beach town, with some of the best beaches in the World and currently the number one beach in the United States. Even if you’re not a big swimmer, wearing a bikini is a way of blending in with the locals–you never known when the ocean will call or when the marine layer will clear out.
2. Shorts –  Short Shorts are a go-to staple here and I know my closet is filled up with a billion of them.  Whether they’re athletic shorts or fun multicolored jean shorts, they are a go-to item in San Diego.
   

   A swimsuit and shorts – a great combo

3. Your Favorite Pair of Jeans – San Diego is a casual city, and along with that comes a casual dress code. Whether I’m going out to dinner or going to a kickback, I’m pretty much always in my jeans – they’re cute, comfy and never out of style.
   

   I’m addicted to my white jeans

4. Sweatshirts – San Diego is beautiful 11 months out of the year, however there is a one-month period known as “June Gloom” that simply stinks! The marine layer seldom leaves the coast and a sweatshirt or hoodie is absolutely necessary, especially if you head to Coronado or La Jolla in the morning or late at night for a bonfire.  I always have a stash of sweatshirts in the back of my car just in case.
   

   The Patten girls in sweatshirts on the bay

5. Rainbows Sandals  – Or a pair of casual sandals for the beach. Over the course of my high school career, I developed a pretty extensive tan on my feet from wearing Rainbows everyday. They’re super comfortable and perfectfor any occasion. If you don’t have any and you’re in San Diego, head to your nearest surf store or up to the Rainbow Factory in San Clemente.
   

   Rainbows for Big Foot

6. Sundresses – Although SD is super chill, it’s nice to get dressed up during summer every once in a while. Knee length dresses to maxi dresses are totally fine, as long as you have a smile intow.
   

   A Wide of Variety of Outfits to Choose from for a night out

7. Workout gear – San Diego prides itself in being one of the most fit cities around, so if you plan on spending any time here at all, I recommend bringing running shoes and some workout gear. Anywhere from the mountains out to the East to the beaches out west offer great options for workouts, plus if you find yourself in Coronado you might find yourself running among some of our nation’s finest Seals and Naval Personell– what’s better motivation?
   

   Workout gear can be used for climbing mountains or jumping on them

8. A Camera – Whether its on your iPhone or Canon, I highly recommend bringing a camera along for all of your San Diego adventures. Maybe it’s just me but I’m a photo bug and would much rather have a bunch of pictures to remember my travels by than just memories. San Diego is so photogenic; why not take a few pics?
   

   Smile for the camera!

9. Sunglasses and Sunscreen – Also known as Sun Diego, the sun is always out and I highly recommend protecting your skin and your eyes. I’ve been a victim of a few burns myself (must be my Irish heritage), and would hate for anybody’s vacation to be ruined by just forgetting to put some lotion on.
   

   Everything’s all good when you protect your eyes

10. A Sense of Adventure – There are so many amazing things about San Diego, so many places to explore, so many foods to try, and one who wants to truly experienceSan Diego at its finest must be open to new things. Although I recommend this for any sort of travel, this is especially true in San Diego, where you’rebound to run into something weird and exciting, especially in Mission Beach.