DK Travel : San Diego

Blessed by a sunny climate that never varies ten degrees from moderate and a splendid setting along the Pacific Ocean, San Diegans can well boast they live the California Dream. Although non-stop outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, and world-class attractions keep the city’s spirit young, its heart lies in its Spanish beginnings as the birthplace of California.

Mission Beach

At this popular beach (see Mission Beach), sunburned, sandy bodies vie for space upon the sand, volleyballs and Frisbees fly overhead, and skateboarders and cyclists try to balance drinks and portable CD players as they careen down the boardwalk. If the beach scene gets overwhelming, Belmont Park (see Belmont Park) is just a block away.
Mission Beach

The California beach scene struts in full glory along a narrow strip of land filled with vacation rentals and beachwear shops. Skaters, cyclists, and joggers whiz along the Strand, while surfers, volleyball devotees, and sun worshippers pack the sand. Sometimes the streets become so crowded on the Fourth of July weekend that the police have to shut the area down. A block away, Belmont Park (see Belmont Park) is an old-fashioned fun zone with bumper car rides and a vintage roller coaster (see Mission Beach).
Mission Café

Breakfast is served until 3pm in this funky “ChinoLatino” café.
Mission Hills

One of San Diego’s most charming and romantic neighborhoods is tucked in the hills overlooking Old Town and San Diego Bay. Tree-lined streets run past architectural jewels built in Craftsman, Mission Revival, Italian Renaissance, and Victorian style. Dating from the early 20th-century, homes had to cost at least $3,500, and could not keep any male farm animals. Commercial development was restricted, and only those of Caucasian descent could hold property. Still here is Kate Sessions’ 1910 nursery (see The Mother of Balboa Park).
Mission San Diego de Alcalá

A peaceful enclave among the nondescript strip malls of Mission Valley, the mission’s original spirit still lingers in the church and its lovely gardens. The first of California’s 21 missions was moved to this permanent site only a few years after its founding. Over the years, the structure was reconstructed to suit the needs of the time, transforming it from a simple mission to a fortress with 5- to 7-ft (1.5-to 2-m) thick adobe brick walls. Its famous façade and bell tower have inspired architects to copy the “Mission Style” throughout San Diego (see Mission San Diego de Alcalá).
Mission San Diego de Alcalá

Originally built on Presidio Hill in 1769, this mission moved up the valley a few years later. The first of 21 missions, it was the birthplace of Christianity in California. It was the only mission to be attacked by Indians. In 1847, the US Cavalry occupied the grounds (see Mission San Diego de Alcalá).
Mission San Diego de Alcalá

Father Junípero Serra established this mission in 1769. The first of 21, the mission aimed to Christianize the Native Americans and affirm Spain’s presence in California (see Mission San Diego de Alcalá).
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

Nicknamed the “King of Missions” for its size, wealth, and vast agricultural estates, this mission is the largest adobe structure in California. The Franciscan padres Christianized 3,000 Indians here. After secularization, the mission fell into disrepair and was used for a time as military barracks. Now restored to its former glory, the Franciscan Order administers the mission (see Mission San Luis Rey de Francia).
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

Named after canonized French king Louis IX, this mission was the last to be established in Southern California. Franciscan padres oversaw enormous tracts of land devoted to cattle, sheep, and horses, and a Native American population of 2,800. Relations between the missionaries and the indigenous population were so successful that when Father Peyri was ordered by the Mexican government to return to Spain in 1832, the Native Americans followed him to San Diego Harbor. Today’s restored mission offers displays on life and artifacts of the mission era. Still administered by Franciscan Friars, the mission offers popular retreats.
Mission Trails Regional Park

At one of the country’s largest urban parks, hiking and biking trails wind along rugged hills and valleys. The San Diego River cuts through the middle, and a popular trail leads to the Old Mission Dam. The energetic can hike up Cowles Mountain, San Diego’s highest peak at 1,591 ft (485 m).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80