For sun, sand, surf and all the delightful pleasures urban America has to offer, it just gets no better than San Diego. With less sprawl and congestion than Los Angeles, the city is a compact and easy escape with a ton of appeal. Whether for a romantic long weekend with your significant other, Spring Break fling with the gang or family vacation, San Diego can be the answer to your travel prayers.

Here are some notable ways to discover the scenic city of 1.2 million people.

La Jolla

A beautiful, affluent seaside resort community on the city limits of San Diego proper, La Jolla is a wonderful place to stay or visit. The tight-knit coastline area of the Pacific is home to some 40,000 people, with a reputation for exclusivity that dates back close to a century. But never mind all that. As a visitor, come to La Jolla for the exquisite scenery, Village, Windansea Beach, Black’s Beach, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove and Geisel Library.

Mission Beach

How can you top the San Diego ‘hood of Mission Beach for pristine location? The community lives on a sandbar between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. Very cool. As a place to stroll, chill out, dine, drink and make new friends in San Diego, Mission Beach rules.

Balboa Park

A U.S. National Historic Landmark District, Balboa Park is a source of pride for San Diego residents. A cultural park replete with beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and attractions like the San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Museum of Man, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and Natural History Museum, Balboa is the champ. Did we mention the park has actual gardens and trees as well? Take a day or two to explore the park is the overall message here.

Old Town

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the long form name of the heritage quarter of the city. A U.S. Historic District as well, Old Town preserves but mostly recreates the look and feel of what San Diego was like in the early to late 19th century. While forced authenticity is hard to stomach for some, at least there are attractions like Casa de Estudillo, Whaley House and five original adobe structures to enjoy.

San Diego Zoo

Probably the best zoo in the world, San Diego Zoo is another fine attraction in Balboa Park. The zoo deserves a spot on our list however, for doing what it does so well, for so long. The facility’s legacy of conservation and preservation is unequaled in the world. Plus they have some awesome animal exhibits too, quite naturally. If you’re going to list the best zoos in the world, San Diego’s has to be right at the top. Our personal fave? The Chacoan peccary.

Downtown

Home to the superb open-air PETCO Park – home of the San Diego Padres – Columbia waterfront district, Maritime Museum and Seaport Village, Downtown San Diego is well worth a whirl. The best way to get around? San Diego Trolley.

Gaslamp Quarter

For festivals like Mardi Gras, the massive Street Scene Music Festival and Taste of Gaslamp, Downtown San Diego’s historic quarter gets our vote as must-see. Check out the great Victorian Era architecture of this notable ‘hood on the National Register of Historic Places. All in all, a fine example of urban renewal.

Coronado

About five miles from San Diego proper, Coronado Island was a prominent vacation resort back in the early 20th century and still thrives on tourist dollars today. With a world class beach, U.S. National Historic Landmark in the Hotel del Coronado and scores of great annual festivals, “The Rock” is the place to be.

Check out superb hotel deals in San Diego.

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