From roller skates to birria tacos, this episode takes us southbound on the 5 from Los Angeles to sunny San Diego. Join Host Oneika Raymond on a road trip down one of the most famous coastlines in America to get a taste of southern California culture.

We start our journey heading south down Whittier Boulevard to catch a glimpse of the iconic low-riders of LA. We’ll park on a stretch of Long Beach called Junipero Beach. There we’ll speak with roller skater Rubina Bernabe, best known for her roller skating on Instagram, and her organization of the “Don’t Hate, Let’s Skate” anti-Asian violence event.

Next, it’s off to Santa Ana to take in a unique music scene that’s growing right next door to the goliath music industry of LA. We’ll stop at GCS Clothing Store and Art Gallery, a store, venue, and cultural center for the Santa Ana scene where we’ll speak with DJ Great Daine about what makes the Orange County music scene so eclectic.

After a few hours along the 5, we’ll hit Agave Birrieria for some birria tacos. These tacos served with meat soaked in consomé are making mouths water across the United States after first gaining popularity stateside in southern California.

Finally, it’s time to ditch the car when we make it to our destination, The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. With its proximity to all there is to see and do downtown, this hotel makes it easy for guests to see San Diego on foot. And for those looking to explore further out or hit the boardwalk, the hotel offers a fleet of bikes to its guests, free of charge.

Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. Check out Rubina’s Instagram account at Instagram.com/rollercoastinrubes. We recommend checking out nearby Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop to try a pair on for yourself: https://pigeonskates.com. You can see more about GCS Clothing Store and Art Gallery at https://www.gcssantaana.com/. To try some birria tacos, head over to Agave Birrieria at https://agavebirrieria.com/. 

For more about this route — and to get other road trip ideas — visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler at traveler.marriott.com/road-trip-ideas. Learn more and book a room at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter at https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanwi-the-westin-san-diego-gaslamp-quarter/. 

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About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.