Inspired by this list of the Top 10 Places to Read and Write in Chicago, I’ve decided to uncover the best places to read and write in San Diego.

Here’s what I’ve got so far…

The Beach. Which beach? Any beach. Dude, it’s the beach. Get all your light, fluffy reading done here while you work on your tan, or use your people-watching skills to pen the next beach read! The new Central Library. The dome’s got great views, whether you’re indoors or outside; the Main Reading Room is spacious and modern; and the Rare Books Room looks exactly like a room full of rare books should. Any rooftop lounge. It’s San Diego, and the weather is great nearly all-year round. So why not enjoy it? Better than the beach, a rooftop lounge lets you tan and enjoy a cocktail or two – all without the hassle of washing off that salty sea spray and clingy sand when the day is done. And, when the day turns into night, you can usually find a miniature fire on the rooftop, along with the temptation of s’mores. Lestat’s Coffee House. It’s named after a vampire, and it’s open 24/7. What more reason do you really need? Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park. The $8 entry fee keeps most of the riffraff out, so you’ll be able to soak up the peaceful, Zen vibe as you read or write near the koi pond. But, if you’re a true cheapskate, you can also enjoy koi for free next to the pond just outside of the Botanical Building.

BONUS

On a train to and from LA. Some might ask, “Why would you go to LA?” I dunno, to grab lunch? To pitch a script to a Hollywood producer? Or maybe just to get some uninterrupted reading and writing time on a train, for $21 round-trip? Or, you know, for this view as you sit back and dream:

What about you?

What are some of your favorite places to read and write – in San Diego, or elsewhere in the world?