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Reservations are essential for these 1927 Cape Cod-style cottages which sit directly on the pier. Many have kitchenettes, and patios with views of Pacific Beach.

With over 300 miles (483 km) of bikeways, San Diego is one of the most cycle-friendly cities around. Ridelink’s map details bike rides around the city and county and is available at tourist offices.

Exceptional Californian and Southwestern food. Wood-fired pizzas and rib-eye steaks are prepared in an open kitchen.

Families love this hotel. All the water activities of Mission Bay are close by, and the hotel operates free shuttles to Sea-World. Tropical landscaping surrounds the grounds, and the swimming pool is a hit with kids. Free parking.

This fine arts gallery specializes in San Diego artists. Exhibitions feature paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, and custom furniture from artists such as Mario Uribe, Gail Roberts, Paul Henry, and Johnny Coleman. The glowing, spiritual landscapes of Nancy Kittredge merit special notice.

Clean and functional, every room comes with a mini-refrigerator and satellite TV. Amenities include a swimming pool, coin-operated laundry, and a free airport shuttle. The trolley runs to the Convention Center.

The wealthiest community among North County’s beach towns, Del Mar is filled with sidewalk cafés, restaurants, and boutiques.

Italian home accessories, estate art, and well-known chains such as Banana Republic, and White House/Black Market cater to the discriminating.

Celebrities and horseracing fans head here.

Cabrillo (see Cabrillo Statue) was the first European to arrive at San Diego Bay. The Spanish believed that Baja and Alta California were part of a larger island, “Isla California,” named after a legendary land in a popular Spanish 15th-century romance. California became part of the Spanish Empire for the next 279 years.