Welcome to San Diego Explorer!
We are Greg and Maria (and Robby the dog), San Diego locals and explorers. San Diego Explorer is our local San Diego Blog, where we share our favorite hangout spots, restaurants, and things to do in San Diego. We hope this site becomes a valuable resource for locals and visitors alike.
Greg was born and raised in San Diego and has lived here all his life, except for a few years in Texas. He loves his hometown and can’t wait to share his favorite places with you.
Maria grew up in Bavaria, Germany, and met Greg during her studies in San Diego. She instantly fell in love with beautiful San Diego when she moved here in 2006 and is now happy to call it her home as well. She loves to travel the world and cook cozy recipes. Read all her articles here>>
Robby is our Australian Shepard/Great Pyrenees mix that goes on many of our dog-friendly adventures with us. He loves long walks on the beach, a few rounds of catch in the park, and is pretty much up for everything.
Meet our local San Diego writers:
Noreen Kompanik
Noreen Kompanik is a freelance writer and registered nurse who fell in love with San Diego when her husband, a retired naval officer, was first stationed here in 1999.
Despite other moves around the world, from that day forward, she declared San Diego to be home, and in 2008, she returned for good. She loves beaches, delectable food, good wine, traveling with family and friends, and introducing others to “America’s Finest City.”
Please take a look at her website: Travel Writer’s University.
Michael Kompanik
Michael Kompanik is a freelance writer and retired Navy Captain who first came on the San Diego scene in 1999 and made it his permanent home in 2008.
Michael is part of a travel writing team with his wife, Noreen. While they love traveling the world, San Diego remains first and foremost in their hearts.
Though a man of many passions, what Michael enjoys most is discovering and sharing more of his favorite city.
Elaine Masters
An award-winning freelance travel writer, blogger, videographer, and founder of Tripwellgal.com, Elaine Masters covers mindful travel, food, overlooked experiences, and destinations.
Her print and online articles have appeared in numerous outlets and magazines, including Edible San Diego, Matador, Travel Awaits, Roadtrippers, Parks and Travel, and Luxury Travel.
Her stories and videos blend skills from years in multiple careers as a graphic designer, actress, radio drama director, podcast host, and an Indie Excellence audiobook author. She’s thrilled that San Diego has been home for over twenty years.
Hedge Matreyeon
Hedge is a San Diego local and loves to share their top recommendations for the best restaurants and places to go, fun stuff to do in San Diego all year round, and the best secret spots this city has to offer.
Read all their articles here>>
Ben J. Byard
Ben J. Byard is an adventurous soul from the Midwest who, after exploring all the East had to offer, wound up in San Diego with too much free time. His new home may just have become his permanent one, thanks to an overabundance of fun activities and novel sites, which he loves to share with anyone who asks—and many who are just within earshot.
Read all his articles here>>