San Diego Influencer: What is Influencer Marketing? What Do Social Media Influencers Do?
I'm a blogger.
I'm an influencer.
I'm a social media manager.
I'm a blogging coach.
I'm a freelance writer.
I'm all of the above!
There are so many buzzwords these days - blogger, influencer, influencer marketing, engagement - but what does it all mean? Well, some have different meanings, some are similar, & some are industry words much like you'd view on a resume. I don't go around introducing myself as a San Diego influencer in all instances.
I've written over 500 blog posts & hundreds of posts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, over the years. I've had a blog since 2011, long before I ever had an Instagram page. I majored in journalism & decided I didn't want to spend my life at a newspaper, the next best thing was a lifestyle blog. In 2011, it wasn't about followers, it was about finding a place on the internet where you felt at home. What a different time! In 2017, I quit my corporate job to find the next step for me: freelancing, remote work, writing, social media management.
Read my yearly freelancing anniversary updates from Years 1, 2, & 3!
Hanging out & hiking in Julian, California. |
When I do social media management for small local businesses & other clients, I'm a social media manager. What does a social media manager do in a day? Read here. When I'm completing contracted writing for magazines, I'm a freelance writer. If I'm invited to a restaurant opening in San Diego, it's probably because of my blog or social media accounts, so in that case, I'd call myself a San Diego influencer.
I remember attending a press trip for Visit El Paso in 2018 & talking to a man in his 50s. He was on the press trip too, but more on the event planning side, I was on the blogger side. He asked me about the term "influencer" & asked if that's what young people refer to themselves as these days. It was a good question.
Click here to contact me. I'd love to learn more about you & your top business needs.
Related reading: Life in Quarantine as a San Diego Blogger + Social Media Manager from April 2020
What Are Influencers vs. Bloggers?
Influencer marketing isn't just in San Diego or the United States, it's all across the world. There are influencers everywhere, from San Francisco & Los Angeles to New York & Paris & Warsaw, Poland. Overall, being a top blogger, influencer, etc. really depends on the person & what they want to be called. Generally, a blogger has a literal blog. Whether on WordPress, Wix, BlogSpot, SquareSpace, what have you, a blogger is a blogger because of a blog.
Someone who blogs is a blogger; someone who knits is a knitter; someone who plays basketball is a basketball player. It's more about the action, not about semantics.
Read this post for a whole exercise on how to find blogging inspiration & blog ideas.
An influencer might not have a blog but instead has a social media presence, such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, the list goes on. PS, read this blog post for tips to increase your Facebook reach. So because an influencer could be on any/all social channels, the term influencer is a general description of what we do. Social media influencers have influence because of the followers & online presence they've created, similar to a blog, but in a different capacity.
For example, at one point in May 2020, I had up to 2.2 million monthly viewers on my Pinterest profile. Is Pinterest social media?
A blogger might also have an active social media presence, & an influencer could have a blog. Because there isn't a magical exact preciseness to it all, each person might refer to themselves as something different! You can view examples of what a person calls themselves on their blog or social media channels, sometimes in their email signature.
Have questions about influencer marketing in the city of San Diego? Click here to contact me.
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What is Influencer Marketing?
Both the top influencers & bloggers create content, write (whether it's captions or blog posts), take photos, negotiate, & so much more. Whether you are a therapist, beauty brand, or a beach towel company, there are ways to improve engagement, get a follow or two, increase visits, increase page views to your contact page, & more.
Influencer marketing is basically like user-generated marketing for the brand; they essentially hire the influencer to do work, ie. content or photos & then share it with their family, friends, audience that they personally developed.
Sometimes I'm a lifestyle blogger, travel influencer, travel writer, social media consultant, the names change because I'm all of them. It depends on who I'm speaking to or what I'm doing! When I went on that press trip in Texas, it makes sense that I'm a California blogger/San Diego influencer since I'm coming in with a California perspective & California viewers make up one of my biggest percentage of followers.
Want to contact me? Click here.
What Do Social Media Influencers Do?
Lifestyle influencer marketing revolves around things people use, eat, or experience on a regular basis, such as tea or a toothbrush or a short trip with family. After the Texas press trip, I created content on my blog. I found a particular aspect about El Paso that I loved & felt my followers & Google searchers would be interested in or would search for later. I wrote a blog post about Franklin Mountains State Park & then shared that content on my social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TripAdvisor).
Going on the press trip gave me content to write about; it gave me experiences, memories, & furthered my own blogging/influencing career by being part of a full-on fly me out, pay for my hotel room type of press trip! In return, the influencers/bloggers create content, take photos, or tag the brand, link to the website, generate interest, views, website clicks, or bookings, etc.
A lot of times a top influencer becomes an influencer by being themselves. For example, I wrote a post about rainbow eucalyptus trees in Balboa Park, San Diego (which you can read here) & it started getting organic search traffic from people Googling fun things in San Diego or where to see rainbow eucalyptus in San Diego.
As an influencer or blogger, you don't work for someone else, it's your platform to use as you wish. As an influencer, it becomes a business that the person chooses what's best. They can choose if they want to work with fashion & style, news, beauty, travel, food.
And remember: it's not always about the number of followers, how much reach do they get? How much engagement?
For example, I had a campaign with Del Taco to promote the Beyond Meat range of burritos & tacos. As someone who has been meat-free for 15 years, I was already buying this product. It made sense to me when the email popped in my inbox about doing a sponsored post on Instagram to talk about it. Make money talking about something I already used, ate, tried? Yes, please. Take a look at my Instagram post!
If you'd like to contact me, click here.
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Examples of San Diego Influencer Marketing Events I've Attended
- I went to an event at Home & Away Encinitas for Thorn Beer. They invited foodie influencers to attend. These are regular people. Most of them have a day job, a life other than influencing. These are people who love food & probably post about it frequently, perhaps they use certain hashtags to find new followers. Take a look at my Instagram post about the event & experience here.
Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town
- I was invited to the opening of the Scripps Ranch location of Juneshine. View my Instagram post from that event. This event was a bit younger, more modern, & fresh. Most influencers were young, under 40. It's all about the brand, Juneshine is a hard kombucha, which might have a fun, fresh young audience compared to a craft beer brand. The influencers you invite to your event should reflect your brand!
- I attended a mindfulness app launch party in San Diego a few years back at the start of influencer marketing. There was a range of professionals - not just bloggers. Each professional might have a different niche & audience, whether influencer or other local business representatives.
Is Influencer Marketing Free? What Does it Cost?
I've been invited to events across San Diego County. Sometimes a public relations company contacts me via email or sometimes you get a quick Instagram message about something from a brand itself. Each company or event is different. Sometimes there are no requirements for a particular event, they just invite you to feel free to post or not post. Sometimes they want you to post a couple Instagram Stories & other times it's more involved. This is where certain influencers have the leverage to have sponsored posts, posting fees, or other requirements, especially if a lifestyle influencer has a large following/reach. And yes, sometimes there is payment, depending on the campaign or type of sponsored collaboration.
Contact me or see about Coaching, Consulting, & Management for your small business.
On a press trip in Lompoc, California with Explore Lompoc. I wrote Fun Things to Do in the City of Lompoc, California on my blog. |
Finding an Influencer for Your Business
From La Jolla, Balboa Park, Del Mar, all the way up to Julian, there are events, restaurant openings, local businesses all around San Diego that could use lifestyle influencer marketing. It's all about finding the correct person for your brand. One influencer might offer daily posting on Instagram about local eateries to try in San Diego County while another might share home decor tips. Follow a few to get a feel for who's out there.
Related reading: How to Set Effective Personal & Business Goals So You Actually Get Things Done
You made it all the way to the bottom so what's the next step? Sometimes you have to take a leap & see what happens. If you need some help, I work with businesses on their engagement, blog writing, social media content, & more.
Whether you live in the city of San Diego or somewhere else, your business might benefit from influencer marketing. Have a question about social media influencers or small business influencer marketing? Contact me. Interested in social media management, help, or consulting? Fill out my Discovery Questionnaire & I'll get in touch with you within 48 hours.
Testimonials
“Very good job going above and beyond my request for stats. Appreciate you putting your critical thinking hat on when looking at the data and extrapolating actionable insights. This is excellent as we continue to test and tweak.” - R.W.
"Carmen helped me prioritize my goals for my brand as a whole. She provided me with skills to improve my decision-making in everything from blog topics, gauging my audience, and making my personality really shine through in my work." -K.S.
"I have so much more clarity about the direction we are headed in--and we are already seeing results! I implemented her SEO strategy a few weeks ago and in the past week we have started to see more referrals through Google. Most importantly, these are quality referrals that have booked with us right away and been eager to pay our full fee. Carmen keeps me accountable to my goals and also provides feedback on my marketing. I send her 90% of our content before it goes out, and she always thinks of ways to make it better." - C.A.
Want to hire me for social media management, consulting, or something else? Fill out my Discovery Questionnaire & I'll get in touch with you within 48 hours.
Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad's beachy vibes make it an ideal spot to sip on a comforting cuppa coffee - or an Earl Grey tea with a glug of oat milk. From Carlsbad breakfast joints to buzzing coffee spots, I'll break down some of the best coffee shops in Carlsbad. North County San Diego has plenty of local joints to choose from. There are vegan and gluten-free options too.
If you are searching for operating Carlsbad coffee shops near me, you've come to the right place!
*Updated as of September 2022.
Best Coffee Shops Near Me in Carlsbad
As a precaution, search online or call ahead to check if these coffee shops in Carlsbad are open or closed. You never know these days. I've done the work & put the address, phone number, & website all in one place for you. No need to do an extensive search, it's right here. Dine in or takeout. You'll have a flavorful experience. California. Coffee? Tea? What'll it be? There are quite a lot of things to do in North County San Diego, California. These are the best coffee shops in Carlsbad, so take a sip and enjoy.
Baba Coffee
I've used Baba Coffee as my office away from office multiple times. They have it all. They have solid Wi-Fi, ample seating, & a full menu of goodies. They actually have one of the most impressive food & drink menus out of the Carlsbad coffee shops. Dine in or takeout. With options like avocado toast, breakfast sandwich, açai bowl, lox bagel sandwich, smoothies, & salads, you won't go hungry here. Don't worry though their beverage menu is even more extensive with a slew of coffees, cold brews, lattes, cold brew tea, hot black teas, herbal teas. Secret menu item: Order the whipped latte or whipped espresso. Ask about it the next time you're there!
Address: 2727 State St #100, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 994-0666
Website: Baba Coffee
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters Carlsbad
You might've heard of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters as they have 6 locations: La Jolla, Bressi Ranch, Little Italy, Torrey Pines, Morena, & Pacific Beach. They're committed to direct trade & sustainability. You can buy their roasted coffee online or head to a brick & mortar location for a different experience. Their menu includes cold brews, pour overs, iced espresso drinks, & hot drinks. Find their Bressi Ranch location near Trader Joe's, Sprouts, & popular grocery stores. Their shop inside the Square at Bressi Ranch has outdoor seating. You'll always find people chatting, sipping coffee, & occasionally someone working on their laptop.
Address: 2656 Gateway Rd #150, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Phone: (619) 272-0203
Website: Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
Cafe Elysa Coffee Shop
This cute cafe in Carlsbad serves breakfast, lunch, & coffee with open patio dining so you can spread out & get out of the house. Dine in or takeout. They have a full menu of breakfast plates, omelets, eggs Benedict, even burgers. Cafe Elysa spreads out tables & staggers line to encourage social distancing. They even have Wi-Fi. Cool space, nice place.
Address: 3076 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 434-4100
Website: Cafe Elysa Coffee Shop
Cafe Ground Up
The owner is Gaetano Cicciotti, also the owner of the Italian Restaurant, Cicciotti’s right across the street (they also have a location in Cardiff-by-the-Sea). This coffee shop has a menu which includes cafe caldo (hot coffees) such as espresso, hazelnut mocha, & event an affogato al caffe (espresso, vanilla gelato, & cocoa powder). They have frappes, smoothies, & a food menu with a range of sandwiches, fresh pastries, muffins, & more. Inside you'll spot bold green pops of color & an Italian-inspired collage wall with a young Sophia Loren & Italian news headline clippings.
Address: 550 Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 637-5077
Website: Cafe Ground Up
Cafe Topes
Fun fact: Cafe Topes & The Goods are family-owned & operated. One brother & his wife runs Cafe Topes while another brother & his wife runs The Goods. Their top items include the dirty cinnamon roll (house made cinnamon roll with extra frosting) or their “double header” Benedict where you can choose twp types of Benedicts on the same plate. As for drinks, the Hawaiian Express is the star of the show with its coconut milk latte, hazelnut syrup, & Ghirardelli chocolate. If you order all three items, you pretty much hit their top-seller list.
Address: 3091 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 434-8673
Website: Cafe Topes
INVITA
INVITA is another family-owned coffee shop in Carlsbad. Once COVID-19 hit & San Diego faced its lockdown, INVITA was afraid of losing the shop. Ten of the women cousins banded together & saved the cafe by working as a team to keep the business afloat. Customers love their lattes & quality Italian ingredients. INVITA imports its coffee beans straight from Italy. Try their crema cafe, a signature drink that's kind of like a whipped creamy coffee. The outdoor space is open & airy, so you don't have to search for a place to sit.
Address: 6806 Embarcadero Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Phone: (760) 685-0411
Website: INVITA Cafe
La Costa Coffee Roasting
The no fuss, no muss ambiance at La Costa Coffee Roasting feels comforting. You can tell by the diverse influx of people that this place is popular amongst locals. The casual coffee shop smells like you're floating in a coffee cloud. The roasting coffee radiates through the air & into your hair similar to the lingering scent of smoke from after a campfire. La Costa Coffee Roasting ethically sources its international array of coffee beans.
Address: 2965 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 994-0458
Website: La Costa Coffee Roasting
Leap Coffee Roasters - Temporarily Closed
I've been to Leap more times than I can count. I spent hours at the communal table with the other laptoppers, typing away & working remotely. My go-to is a pot of tea, but they have so many delicious options. Although unintentional, Leap is staffed by all women-owned, managed, roasted, you name it. Men have certainly been a part of the team, but none ever stuck around, so that's how Leap became accidentally fully-female run. Top orders include the Vanilla Bean Latte, Caramel Latte, & the Bee Sting (cortado, half & half, & a drippy drop of honey). Their syrups are housemade. Vegetarian, vegan options are available too.
Address: 5611 Palmer Way Suite D, Carlsbad, CA 92010
Phone Number: (760) 448-6167
Website: Leap Coffee Roasters
Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town (Solana Beach is nearby)
Lofty Coffee La Costa
Lofty Coffee is an Encinitas staple. I included it in my Things to Do in Encinitas, California guide. They also have Little Italy & Solana Beach cafes, so it's no surprise their La Costa location in Carlsbad launched without a hitch. Lofty Coffee allows fans throughout San Diego County to have access to their fine coffees. The Aztec Mocha with dark cacao, cinnamon, & cayenne tastes like a hot chocolate with a spicy kick in the palate. They also have a collection of loose leaf teas available for purchase on their website (along with coffee beans) such as black lavender or hibiscus lemongrass.
Address: 7740 El Camino Real Unit A, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Phone Number: (760) 230-6747
Website: Lofty Coffee La Costa
Peet's Coffee Carlsbad
Although not on the same level as Starbucks, Peet's is a relatively popular chain of coffee with about 200 locations total. Peet's Coffee has a range of espresso drinks, brewed coffees, cold brews, as well as teas. The Espresso Forte stands as the foundation for their signature espresso beverages. All espresso drinks can be made hot or iced. Peet's Coffee has a breakfast menu with offerings such as breakfast burritos or roasted tomato & kale quiche.
Address: 2641 Gateway Rd #103, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Phone Number: (760) 448-1835
Website: Peet's Coffee Carlsbad
Sleeping Tiger Coffees
Located in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Sleeping Tiger Coffees offers a large space to enjoy your drinks. Beverages range from espressos, macchiatos, & cortados to their local favorites such as the vanilla bean latte or hibiscus lemonade. They include plant-based milk on the menu: almond, coconut, soy, macadamia, oat. This is one of the best places to work on your laptop with open seating. Stay long enough & it shifts to a winery, Witch Creek Winery that is. Take pictures of the cute, cool, colorful mural of sleeping tigers.
Address: 2906 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone Number: (760) 720-7499
Website: Sleeping Tiger Coffees
Steady State Roasting Co.
Sip the world of coffee right at Steady State Roasting Co, tucked in an unassuming corner of Carlsbad. They have more than 12 kinds of coffee from around the globe. The Indian Summer, a chai latte, is of their fan-favorite beverages. In addition to the chai, customers love the pour over coffees. Their shopfront includes a black accent wall with a minimalist mural of an astronaut driving a van along with indoor seating. Things are different with COVID, so you can now you can get caffeinated under an umbrella in their outdoor seating.
Address: 2562 State St Suite G, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone Number: (760) 994-0001
Website: Steady State Roasting Co.
The Goods Doughnuts
Breakfast in Carlsbad is a remarkable experience with a couple outdoor seating options so you can people watch & social distance. Head over to the Visit Carlsbad website for all about the city. The interior feels minimal, modern, with an eye toward design. Munch on delectable donuts that'll make your tastebuds explode at The Goods Doughnuts. Vegan & gluten-free options are available too. There is always the chance they'll sell out, so grab a couple donuts while you can. They have monthly flavors that come & go, like the Banana Almond Cream, a doughnut in a banana almond glaze filled with a banana dulce cream topped with a French macaron. What good is an artisanal donut without coffee? They have house drip, flat white, & all the essentials.
Address: 2965 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 994-0458
Website: The Goods Doughnuts
Succulent Cafe
The Succulent Cafe feels like a plant oasis amongst coffee shop Carlsbad options. Breakfast Carlsbad choices just got better. Succulent Cafe has coffee, tea, bagels, & other items to nosh on as you're surrounded by a potpourri of succulents & plants. It feels like you're in a garden or a corner of the a gardening store rather than a cafe.
Address: 505 Oak Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Website: Succulent Cafe
Vinaka Cafe
Carlsbad Village has a thumping life of its own. There are so many food & drink options but Vinaka Cafe remains a staple. It's one of those places in town where you might run into an old neighbor or schoolmate. They have organic coffee, tea, espresso, pastries, sandwiches, & the golden ticket: outdoor seating. Their vegan sandwich tastes scrumptious & fills you up. Vinaka Cafe is not a new trendy place with funky merch & fun designs, it's a Carlsbad staple with hundreds of online reviews dating back to 2014.
Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #211, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 720-7890
Website: Vinaka Cafe
Related reading: The San Diego County Fair Tradition
Carlsbad Village
If you're in downtown Carlsbad Village area, you'll find Vinaka Cafe & Sleeping Tiger Coffees very close to each other. Succulent Cafe, Cafe Ground Up, Baba Coffee, & Steady State Roasting around Carlsbad Village as well. Drink in the Carlsbad Village coffee shops, restaurants, fresh seafood, Pacific Ocean air, & sunny days.
Unless something new opened up (or one of these is closed), these are the best Carlsbad coffee shops!
Coffee, tea, blended frappes, & every type of delicious caffeine awaits you in the city of Carlsbad. North County San Diego has plenty of coffee, tea, & other drinks, whether you're in Oceanside or Escondido.
Search coffee near me online or order ahead to check if a coffee shop is open or closed before heading over directly. There's nothing more disappointing for remote workers than packing up your laptop & everything you need for the afternoon, heading to the coffee shop only to find that it's closed or completely packed. If that happens, now you have pretty much all coffee shops in Carlsbad area right here in this blog post at your fingertips. Visit the downtown Carlsbad Village website for more insight. What's your favorite coffee shop in North County San Diego? Please leave a comment!
What do you think? From cold brew, coffee, tea, and more, these are the best Carlsbad coffee shops.
Related reading: Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See
The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret Park, Cancun
Picture yourself floating magnificently down an underground river created by nature, enjoying the view as you swim. Imagine the utter thrill of releasing all control and trusting mother nature to guide you through dark crevices in a natural underground cave.
Experience the wonderful attractions at X C A R E T park, a world full of adventure hidden in the tropical paradise of Cancun Quintana Roo, Mexico. You and your family are bound to have fun and memories to last for years to come.
Xcaret Park is basically the Disneyland of Mexico. There's food, attractions, entertainment, remarkable views, but there's also an underground river, zip-lining, & so much more. Xcaret Cancún Park is popular amongst Riviera Maya locals, citizens from Mexico, as well as tourists from all over the world. This is one of those one-stop-shops. People dedicate days here or just a day, depending on your energy level.
Related reading: El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico
Floating the Natural Xcaret Underground River Cancun
Xcaret Park has underground rivers allowing guests to swim in the waters through dark caves & into the tropical world of Xcaret. The names of the underground rivers include the Blue River, the Mayan River, and the Manatee River. Xcaret is located in Cancun in the Riviera Maya (Maya River Mexico), near Playa del Carmen, giving it a natural vibe that's unlike any other theme park. You can unknowingly trek through a jungle, only realizing it when you see it from about. The pure expanse of trees as far as the eye can see. You have a feeling like you're just one fraction, a tiny leaf or bug in an enormous jungle.
You'll find something great to explore in every corner. Xcaret is a popular trip destination for a reason. It's one of those places you must travel to at least once. Xcaret's Cancun Eco Park in Playa del Carmen offers the Mayan Village, the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium, & the Butterfly Pavilion. Get your grub on with fresh food at one of their many restaurants. I only spent one day at Xcaret & feel like I missed out on a lot; there was so much more I could have done, seen, experienced, & of course, eaten. A vacation isn't a just chance to rest but an opportunity to learn more about the world around you.
Underground Rivers
The Xcaret river experience is easily one of the most popular things to do in Xcaret Park. The underground rivers flow about 16.4 feet below the ground. Xcaret Park gives you a life vest & flippers for the river experience. I went with my family, a group ranging from a 50-something-year-old who couldn't swim to kids who could kind of swim to myself, an Olympic gold medalist. Oh wait, that's not me. I'm not an Olympic medalist but I know how to swim more or less. The swimming experience is easy. Simply hold on the road as a guide & the lifejacket helps keep you buoyant.
For snorkeling, guests can rent snorkel gear for a cost as well as a refundable deposit. However, if you have an Xcaret Plus ticket, you only need to pay the refundable deposit. Take a look at the Xcaret website for information about the underground rivers.
Related reading: Things to Do in Queretaro Centro, Mexico Top Attractions
Paradise River allows you to witness the beauty of the underground rivers without having to dive into the water. Paradise River runs along stretches of the Tropical Jungle Trail as you waft a raft. If you're not a swimmer or don't want to get wet, this is a superb option. Whether you swim through it or float through it, don't miss the experience of the Xcaret underground river in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Due to the whole underwater aspect, I didn't bring a phone or a camera so I made sure to utilize the photo-taking capabilities of my wristband. I took some photos throughout Xcaret Park but not at all during the underground river exploration. I love photos & being able to fondly look back on memories but sometimes you just have to completely absorb without any distractions.
How Long is the Underground River at Xcaret Park?
The river has an extension of 656 yards & an average depth of 5 ft. The underground rivers aren't for practicing laps, you can't just swim willy nilly wherever you want. Parts of the underground river are literally pitch black & you'll want to follow the rope lead like it's nobody's business. Other parts enable you to revel in the natural light of the sun. If you ever feel over your head, scared, or as though you've had enough, you can leave at one of the designated exits along the way.
Life jacket use is mandatory & it helps you float throughout the course. There are no waves so you don't have to stress about being overpowered. That said, everyone must wear a lifejacket. Why wouldn't you want to? Like I said, it gets dark in certain areas so you'll appreciate those safety precautions when you're in the water.
Related reading: Things to Do in Roma Mexico City Neighborhood
How Cold is the Water in Xcaret?
I visited in December & parts of the Xcaret underground river waters were cold-ish but nothing frigid. If you visit in summer, I imagine the temperature of the water is refreshing or warm! Even throughout that December day, the air felt warm against your skin, the sun shone brightly, drop of sweat rolls down your cheek after tracking all afternoon. The underground river sounds refreshing right now.
Tickets & Admission
There's Food and Beverage tickets, Photopass tickets, adult options, child options, so choose what works for your family, depending on what attractions you want to see. Beautiful Xcaret Park offers experiences you won't forget. They even have fun, educational, exiciting performances! Google it and read a review or two to see what others say.
Xcaret Plus admission includes a number of convenient, fun perks such as:
- One lunch buffet
- Tours in three underground rivers
- Xcaret México Espectacular presentation
- Access to the beach, inlet, & natural pools
- Visits to the Butterfly Pavilion, Coral Reef Aquarium and the Aviary
- Children’s World, a place of fun exclusively for the little ones
- Horse Exhibition, Papantla Flying Men and Pre-Hispanic Dances
- Tropical jungle trail
Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show
Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show is fantastic, showstopping, acrobatic, cinematic, & entertaining as hell. The costumes alone were a masterpiece with bobbing flamingos & jellyfish dancing their way across the stage. Hundreds of cast members make their appearance throughout the show, somewhere around 300 to be presence. You'll experience the history of Mexico through song & dance. You'll watch a terrifying match of the Mayan fireball game. Learn more about the Expectacular Show on their website and check the hours.
Address: Carretera Chetúmal Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Where Can We Stay Nearby?
It also includes the use of snorkeling gear, lounge chairs, hammocks rest areas, free parking, & more. Read about the Plus admission features on the Xcaret website. If you plan to stay more than a whole day, it certainly helps to spend the night in a nearby hotel. If you have money to spend, the Hotel Xcaret Mexico is the most convenient choice. They have 900 rooms ready for you & your family.
The Hotel Xcaret Mexico has an ALL-FUN INCLUSIVE® vacation option which includes unlimited access to the parks Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco & Xenses, tours to Xenotes & Xichen, transportation between parks, airport shuttle, food & drink.
If you have a car or rental car you can drive in from your own hotel, Airbnb, or wherever you're staying. That's what we did. We drove in for the day. Had fun. Swam in an underground river. Ate tacos with an ocean view. Saw flamingos.
I positively enjoyed my time at Xcaret eco park in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo with a range of family members. Kids, adults, & elders can revel in the diverse entertainment, good food, & fun. I definitely could've stayed longer; I'm sure it would have been fun & I would've tried out more of the features. Hope you have a chance to enjoy it yourself!
Visiting Mexico
Mexico is a large country with so much to offer, making it the perfect spot for a fun trip. Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya is an incredible place to explore. Take a look at the Visit Mexico website for more information on tourism. Did you know Mexico has 32 states? Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur , Campeche, Coahuila, Colima, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatán, & Zacatecas.
Cancun, located in the state of Quintana Roo, is certainly one of the more popular locations but it not for nothing. With crystal clear warm water & absolutely intoxicating food like huitlacoche tacos. What is huitlacoche you ask? What does it taste like? Read this post. Search for a place to eat, there are plenty of options in Cancun. You'll have a great trip!
Read my other blog posts about Mexico:
A Mini Guide to Tijuana's Breweries, Craft Beer, & Tasting Rooms
Things To Do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico
Things to Do in Queretaro Centro, Mexico Top Attractions
El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico
Halliwell Manor: Where is the Charmed House Located? Where was Charmed Filmed?
If you're a Charmed fan you've seen a lot of Halliwell Manor over the seasons. In the TV show, the Victorian-style manor is based in San Francisco, but that's not where the series was filmed.
Where did the Halliwell sisters live on the tv series “Charmed”?
The witches lived in San Francisco. The Halliwell family went through a lot of tribulations & jubilations in that house in San Francisco. And plenty of magic! It was passed down over the generations. The Book of Shadows played an important part up in their attic of those witch sisters, Piper, Prue Phoebe and Paige.
The Warren line of witches is powerful. For the most part, we saw the women inside their home with shots of the outside of the Halliwell house more seen during transitions for scenes. The manor stayed in the Warren family line for four generations. Where was this filmed? If you were ever wondering about the Halliwell manor Charmed houses, this post has the information you're looking for.
Doing some external maintenance on the Charmed House/Halliwell house in LA. |
Where Is Halliwell Manor in real life? The house used for Charmed is a real house that real people live at. There are no tours. It is a neighborhood with people please be respectful. The address is 1329 Carroll Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026. The whole street is historic!
If you're in the LA area you need to check out the Halliwell manor near the Echo Park neighborhood. Where is Charmed filmed? You can actually find the Charmed house location in Los Angeles. Can you believe it? I suppose it's not the biggest surprise considering Hollywood & Los Angeles is well-known for being a big part of the movie industry. That said, the tv show takes place in San Francisco so it is a bit of a shock to find out that's not where it was shot. 500 Hidden Secrets in LA.
@carmenvarner Los Angeles hidden gem: The house from Charmed ##charmed ##losangeles ##la ##fypage ##thingstodo ##hiddengem ##travel ##travelbucketlist ##witch ##fypシ 🔮
♬ original sound - carmenvarner
Plan a trip! The address is 1329 Carroll Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026. The entire street is lined with remarkable, unique homes that you won't want to miss. The home's estimated value as of August 2020 is just over $1,100,000, & it has only gotten more popular with time. These days people have easy access to watching the Charmed TV show snuggled in their pajamas tucked in bed as they watch Netflix. It's certainly having its revival in popularity.
If you like to travel, add this location to your bucket list if you are a big fan. Not only is it a beautiful house but the street is lined with remarkable Victorian-style manors. Read 111 Places in Los Angeles that you can't miss!
“Our powers are not toys.” - Prue Halliwell: Season 1, Episode 2
You can find the original structure of the house on 1329 Carroll Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026, along with a bunch of other beautiful houses on the same street, such as the Heim House which is at 1320 Carroll Avenue. The Victorian mansions are worth a visit since you're already in the area. They filmed loads of outside shots of Halliwell house for the show, so it's easily recognizable. Walk around the neighborhood to get the full scope of the Victorian-style manor, architecture, windows, even the door!
If you want to shop online so you can have episodes conveniently located at your home, opt for Charmed: the Complete Series or start with Charmed Season 1. Do you have a favorite season?
Whether you're a new Charmed fan or you've seen every episode 100 times & can quote every line, no matter what - you are welcome here on my blog!
Los Angeles has literally thousands of things you can potentially do, so this is just something to do if you have extra time or are a Charmed fan. Surprisingly, it's not very well known that the Charmed manor is actually in LA. I found it on accident as I was looking at the map, it just showed up. Carroll Avenue is located in Los Angeles near Echo Park. The neighborhood is beautiful.
Is the Halliwell Manor a Real House?
Oh yes! It's definitely a real house & a stunning one at that, well from what I've seen at least since you can't tour it. However, the exterior of the house is different than the set they used for the inside of the house. The furniture on TV is not the same as the actual interior of the house. When I visited they were doing construction on the exterior of the house. It looked like they were just doing standard maintenance to make it look refreshed. It's an old Victorian house after all. Explore the area, there are other gorgeous houses to see.
People live in the home so it's not available for tours or anything tour options I know of. Where did the Halliwell sisters live on the tv series “Charmed”? In the tv show, the home is supposed to be on 1329 Prescott Street, San Francisco. But there's no location to tour in San Francisco!
“We kick evil’s ass every day.” “Sometimes twice a day.” - Paige Matthews and Piper Halliwell: Season, 4, Episode 15
Is the Charmed House Los Angeles Historic?
In 1976, the entire 1300 block of Carroll Avenue was listed as a National Register of Historic Places. (Learn more about the National Register of Historic Places.) The Carroll Avenue 1300 block contains the highest concentration of Victorian Era residences still standing in Los Angeles. The interesting homes are considered part of the Eastlake & Queen Anne style. Built by real estate developer and city councilman, Daniel Innes, the Charmed house location in real life is called the Innes House. It's one of the original homes build during the 1880s on Carroll Avenue in Angelino Heights.
These nine Victorian residences are considered Los Angeles-Historic-Cultural Monuments as they represent times long gone, a dedication to architecture, beauty, design. This house had some external work done such as a paint job & fixing the roof, but much of it remains intact. For the most part, it's still the original structure.
Buy the full Charmed DVD disc set on Amazon.
Can You Visit the Halliwell Manor?
Here's the thing: the Halliwell house is a real house & real people live there. It's a private residence and historical landmark. It's a historic home, the Innes House. The whole street is a historic site. It's not a fake house on a fake street with fake people. It's a neighborhood with humans who genuinely live there. Be considerate & respectful when you visit. Don't walk directly onto their property, keep your distance & get a shot from the sidewalk. The home is tall so you don't want to cut it out by getting too close anyway! You can't go inside but you can take photos from the outside. The real name of the house is the Innes House.
Where was Charmed Filmed?
Perhaps you're searching for the Charmed house San Francisco. For the most part, the filming location for Charmed was at Paramount Studios at 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Exterior shots of Halliwell manor were shot at 1329 Carroll Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Despite the tv show being based in San Francisco, they didn't film there! There is no Charmed house San Francisco.
Don't Forget to Check Out the Thriller House
While you're in the area, check out the Thriller House on the same block. The address is 1345 Carroll Avenue in Angelino Heights. The home is called the Sanders House & is well-known as the place featured in Michael Jackson's Thriller music video. Check out the Thriller CD on Amazon. You'll love walking around the neighborhood known for its architecture and history.
You might be interested to read my blog post about checking out the Gilmore Girls location: Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed? Where Is Stars Hollow?
About Charmed
The Charmed series has eight seasons that aired from October 7, 1998, until May 21, 2006. Fans across the globe were devastated when the show was canceled but at least we can watch it now. Since the show first aired in 1998, the fashion & style really reflects the era. They have some pretty iconic outfits & cool looks. These badass witches use their powers to fend off the world of evil & other creatures & demons that come into the mix.
The Book of Shadows is a family spellbook filled with all the essentials of witchcraft. The manor has been in the Warren line for four generations. The Book of Shadows includes spells, incantations, instructions for potions, & everything in between. There are even some Book of Shadow Replica books out there. The tv show received a cult following of people who enjoy watching the episodes to this day. Perhaps you are one of those people! I know I am. They are the Charmed ones.
“Stop trying to predict the future, that’s my job.” - Phoebe Halliwell: Season 2, Episode 16
The main actors include Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, T.W. King, Dorian Gregory, Greg Vaughan. Karis Paige Bryant, Brian Krause, Julian McMahon, Rose McGowan, Drew Fuller, & Kaley Cuoco. The show is supposed to take place in the city of San Francisco, California: located on 1329 Prescott Street, San Francisco.
The main characters are Piper Halliwell, Phoebe Halliwell, Prue Halliwell, Paige Matthews, Leo Wyatt, Darryl Morris, Cole Turner, Wyatt Halliwell, Elise Rothman, Inspector Andy Trudeau, Billie Jenkins, & a bunch more. Did you know you can buy Piper Halliwell action figure dolls online?!
Once again, find the Halliwell Manor located on 1329 Carroll Avenue in Los Angeles, California. The street has a bunch of interesting houses. Los Angeles has rooftop bars to enjoy creative cocktails & trendy places to eat, but it also has the Halliwell Manor! The Victorian-style manor is near Echo Park, so you can spend the afternoon in the area; hang out at the park, reading a book under the cozy shade of a swaying palm tree.
The great thing about television is that it allows you to live a different life, meet new people, take part in a world you've never been to.
Have you visited? Please feel free to share your experience, your favorite Charmed episode, or anything. Hope you have a great day & happy watching! Do you have a favorite season or character? What's your favorite thing to do in Echo Park/Angelino Heights?
Other Things to do: San Diego Edition
Things to Do in North County San Diego, California. North County San Diego has hundreds of e experiences to offer, from coastal surfing to hiking in the mountains to sipping craft beer. The coastal cities are Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Solana Beach, and Vista. Inland cities are Escondido, Poway, San Marcos. The mountain cities include Ramona & Valley Center.
Things to do in Oceanside, California: food, coffee shops, beaches, & more.
Things to do in Encinitas, California: surf, fun, food, & other stuff.
Things to Do in North County San Diego, California
Related reading: Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, California
Remember this post is more for future reference as travel starts to open up again. Please be safe. Socially distance yourself from others whenever possible. Wear your mask. I went on a hike & nearly everyone wore a mask. There weren't many people on the trail, but each person put their mask on as they passed by, especially in narrow areas of the trail where you can't distance yourself. It's like sunscreen, hat, water, it's protection! Why wouldn't I protect myself?
What is Considered North County in San Diego? What Towns are North of San Diego?
Things to do: What is There to Do in North County San Diego?
Beaches
Hikes
Water Activities
Gardens
Grab coffee or tea at one of the many coffee shops in Carlsbad, Oceanside, etc! |
Coffee & Tea
Breweries in Vista
Don't miss the craft beer & brewery scene in North County; Vista has a lot of breweries! |
Breweries in Carlsbad
Breweries in Oceanside
Wineries
Other Adult Beverages
Lots of hiking & nature in North County SD, such as in Escondido! |
Parks
San Diego Zoo
LEGOLAND California
Shopping at Westfield North County
Schools
Outdoors and Other Things
Oceanside, California
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Encinitas, California
Del Mar, California
Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town
Rainbow in San Marcos, California. |
Travel outside of La Jolla & the most well-known parts of San diego & really visit up north. There are literally so many things to do. Adults, teens, & kids alike can find several great opportunities in North County San Diego. From shopping local boutiques on a weekend to heading to a dive bar with friends at night, there's always something to do. You'll have a good time. What is there to do in San Diego today? See for yourself! I hope you get a chance to travel to North County. Do you have any new information? Leave a comment or email.