Axios San Diego
June 26, 2026
1 big thing: We took the plunge
If you want to try something truly different, consider heavy breathing classes followed by a 42-degree cold plunge at Breathe Degrees.
The big picture: The studio just opened its second location in Liberty Station and is part of San Diego's booming wellness industry.
How it works: Breathe Degrees offers "breath work sessions" — guided classes with a series of deep belly breaths followed by holding your breath for up to two minutes.
- You can top that off with a plunge into a 42-degree pool, followed by a soak in a 104-degree hot tub.
- And then, of course, you go back into the cold plunge pool.
- You can also sit in the sauna that pushes 200 degrees.
Our thought bubble: We went to check out the phenomenon on Wednesday for the "Unwind Breath 45 + Extended Sound Bath" with Shira Shane, vice president of brand and one of the founding members.
- We found a yoga studio set up with what looked like nap spaces — cozy mats on the ground, pillows, blankets and eye masks.
- What happened next was anything but napping. Shane blasted techno-tribal music and shouted at us like a motivational spin instructor, but for breathing.
- "You're almost at the top of the mountain, keep pushing, breathe in and let it go," she said.
Then we headed to the cold plunge. Claire hates all cold water and was extremely anxious about it.
- Cruelly, Shane wouldn't say how long we had to stay in.
- The first 20 seconds were extremely painful, but then it actually wasn't that bad.
- Before we knew it, three minutes had passed.
Between the lines: Breathe Degrees claims they have the country's largest cold plunge. At 7 by 17 feet, it can fit up to 25 people and is designed to build community and social connection instead of being a solo experience.
What they're saying: "It's not exercise, it's inner-cise," Shane said.
Zoom in: Alternating between the cold plunge and hot tub or sauna is a type of contrast therapy meant to accelerate recovery by reducing soreness and inflammation, boosting mental clarity and speeding up your metabolism.
- Shane also said the breath work releases dopamine, serotonin and other brain chemicals to ease stress and anxiety.
Follow the money: Prices range from $49 for four passes a month to $199 for unlimited access to classes, the cold plunge, hot tub and sauna.
2. 🧑🍳 Who won and lost Michelin stars
San Diego's fine dining scene has a new Michelin-starred restaurant — Lucien in La Jolla — while Oceanside's Valle lost its star.
Why it matters: San Diego hosted California's Michelin Guide ceremony for the first time Wednesday, bringing together the state's top chefs and restaurateurs to see who would win the prestigious food awards.
- Hosting the event gave our food scene some much-deserved credit.
Dig in: Lucien, an intimate fine dining restaurant in La Plaza La Jolla, opened less than a year ago and earned its first Michelin star after being added to the guide in May.
- Chef Elijah Arizmendi's 12-course seasonal tasting menu experience ($360 per person) features California-inspired dishes with ingredients from local farms and fishermen.
- There's also a six-course "Essence" tasting menu on weekdays for $240.
The other side: Valle, a contemporary Mexican restaurant by chef Roberto Alcocer, lost its one-star designation.
🌟 The big picture: San Diego County is home to five Michelin-starred restaurants and 43 with Michelin recognition.
3. 🤩 Real Estate Eye Candy: $30M La Jolla home
Welcome to Real Estate Eye Candy, our new series featuring unique or jaw-dropping local home listings that we can't take our eyes off of.
First up, this La Jolla hillside property with 220-degree panoramic ocean, bay and city views.
If you've got a cool $30 million to spend on your next home, this one is worth checking out.
- And if you don't, well, one can dream.
The specs: Eight beds, 11 baths, 12,509 square feet, built in 2020.
The perks: An infinity-edge pool, full-size sand volleyball court, a home theater, gym with infrared heaters, spa and big, grassy backyard with a built-in firepit made for lounging.
If you have to ask what that mortgage payment would be, you can't afford it.
🗣️ Are you a realtor or just a Zillow junky? What real estate listings have grabbed your attention lately?
- Hit reply or email us. They don't need to be luxury, but could have an insane price tag, distinctive feature or just scream San Diego.
4. The Current: 👯♀️ Baby sea lion twins
5. 🍦Incoming weekend plans
Axios San Diego
