San Diego Editor Picks

La Valencia's location alone is nothing short of spectacular: nestled cliffside in the upscale La Jolla neighborhood, the hotel's distinctive gold-domed tower is a prime spot for gazing at stunning sea views and coastal mountain vistas. Opened in 1926, La Valencia evokes a timeless sense of class, recalling the days when moneyed elite and Hollywood luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx were among its avid devotees. Modern-day visitors will be just as captivated by La Valencia, however, after walking through the palm-shaded front patio and into the hotel's lobby, where magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Pacific. The 117 rooms are all designed with a sumptuous European flair, though some may find them a bit dated. Standard rooms and suites range in size, but are all spacious, and furnished with queen or king beds, floral headboards, gold chandeliers, fringed curtains, and marble bathrooms. The newer, sun-filled ocean villas are the size of one- or two-bedroom apartments, and are lavishly appointed with beamed ceilings, marble floors, hand-painted Mexican tiles, and fireplaces.

This 1,200-acre park is also the cultural center of San Diego, with The Old Globe Theatre, scenic tours, and fifteen museums; Tuesdays feature rotating free admission at museums.

Coronado Island is a quiet military town with wealthy tourist beaches and resorts; Ocean Beach caters to surfers and Dead Heads; Pacific Beach is a great (albeit crowded) family beach; Mission Beach features barbecue and grassy areas; Black’s Beach combines good surfing, a gay area, and a clothing optional section.

Home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals and more than 700,000 exotic plants, the 100-acre zoo features guided tours, shows, special events for the kiddies, and more.

Jutting out over the ocean, Island Prime serves dangerously good cocktails (try the pomegranate...more

A Gaslamp mainstay, this tribute to singer-songwriter Jim Croce (by his wife, Ingrid) offers the best jazz in town. Make dinner reservation for the best seats.

A whole day can be spent strolling through this neighborhood’s art galleries, high-end clothiers, and hotel shops.

This town is known for its apple pies and cider, but there’s much more. Visit quaint shops and historic sites, hike trails, go wine tasting, or camp out in the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains.