From the serene, picturesque sunsets of La Jolla to the cliff-top, U.S. Open-approved environs of Torrey Pines, the area offers something for any level of escapism.

And for the urban thrillseeker, few American downtowns offer a broader range of attractions than the famous Gaslamp Quarter. For nightlife, there’s the tri-leveled Bitter End, Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar and the friendly neighborhood atmosphere at the Gaslamp Tavern.

And for the gourmand, San Diego is second to none. We prefer the aptly named Buon Appetito, in Little Italy, where creatively delicious pasta dishes follow absolutely the best house dressing of any house around. In the Gaslamp, don’t miss Trattoria La Strada for authentic Tuscan fare. La Jolla’s quaint La Dolce Vita offers ambience and cuisine that will make you swear you’ve taken the wrong flight and ended up in the Old Country.

There are the usual tourist destinations—all of them well worth checking out—like the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the possibly haunted Hotel Del Coronado and a stroll around historic Old Town. But San Diego, regardless of the pace of your vacation, is all about the scenery.

The stunning skyline somehow looks both urban and classy, and the way the sun settles into the Pacific is so beautiful with its hues of orange and purple and gray against the ragged rocks of the Pacific, you’ll wish it would stay afloat just a few minutes longer.

Crystal Coast Magazine recommends
Lodging: Hotel Del Coronado
This historic Victorian resort property has accommodated 10 presidents, not to mention Marilyn Monroe. Its iconic red wedding-cake roof is unforgettable.

Dining: Buon Appetito
Tucked away in the heart of the city’s Little Italy district, this trattoria takes pride in its strong ties to San Diego’s art scene. The food, coupled with an impressive international wine list, is equally masterful.

Daytime fun: Boundless
From the famous zoo to the expansive beaches to endless shopping, if you can’t find something unique to fill your days here, you’re just not trying.

Nightlife: There’s something for everyone in the Gaslamp, and most of it is within walking distance. But there’s nothing like a good view, and nothing beats the Top of the Hyatt bar. From 40 stories above the city, you can see Coronado, the dark horizon of the Pacific and the lights of Tijuana. It’s not often you can have a martini in one country while looking into another.