What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's San Diego

Even before it became an American city in 1850, San Diego has run on cycles of boom and bust. The city's housing market now finds itself in official freefall bust mode, with home prices dropping more than 20 percent since last year. That puts San Diego in the same boat as hard-hit cities like Las Vegas and Miami. While San Diego's middle class is feeling the squeeze, the rich are getting richer and -- well, you know the drill. According to the World Wealth Report, millionaire households have risen 13 percent here since 2006, and that number is expected to increase by 35 percent in the next five years. So, if you plan on visiting, don't expect a dusty, depressed Hooverville. San Diego hotels, restaurants, clubs, and attractions are showing resiliency, thanks in great part to "staycations," conventions, and the proximity of feeder cities throughout California and Arizona. Bottom line: Shop around for bargains; they're out there.

A tragic incident that made international news was the killing of a swimmer by a great white shark in April. It occurred just north of Fletcher Cove, a popular beach in the North County community of Solana Beach. Don't panic, though -- you are not going to need a bigger boat. Shark attacks are extremely rare in Southern California, with San Diego's last known shark biting taking place in 1994.

Side Trips From San Diego

If the preceding makes it sound as if San Diego has been in turmoil of late, consider the case of our embattled sister city of Tijuana. Since 2001, its estimated business along the main tourist drag of Avenida Revolución has dropped by as much as 80 percent. Tighter border restrictions and a raging war among drug cartels and local and federal officials are the main reasons. A paroxysm of violence has shaken Tijuana in recent months, including a running gun battle through city streets that left 13 dead. It's worth emphasizing that this violence is NOT directed at visitors, and tourism officials are scrambling to lure travelers back. Mexicoach (tel. 619/428-9517; www.mexicoach.com) has inaugurated a guided Tijuana City Tour aboard a double-decker bus that offers on-off privileges at 13 different spots throughout the city. Stops include Tijuana's cultural center, restaurant district, and L.A. Cetto winery.

Despite lagging tourism, this is still described as the world's busiest border, where exasperatingly long waits to return to the U.S. are common for both drivers and pedestrians. Entrepreneurs are now renting scooters (about $10) that allow you to, well, scoot to the front of the line, cross in under five minutes, and drop your ride off on the other side of the border. Just try to not meet the glares of the angry drivers you pass. And once you reach the border crossing, be aware that more stringent regulations are in place for U.S. citizens returning via land (the same which have been in place for those returning by air or sea). You must now have a passport or present two proofs of citizenship (most commonly a driver's license and a birth certificate); those 18 and under must have a birth certificate. Finally, if you do meet with problems south of the border -- petty corruption and shakedowns are known to still occur -- the Mexican government has set up a new online system in English. You can report crimes or submit complaints about city, state, and federal officials, including police officers, at www.consulmexsd.org; click on the link "complaints about your trip to Tijuana." The San Diego Police Department also takes reports of crimes in TJ and forwards them to the proper agency. All in all, the city is still worth a visit -- especially for the great deals you're going to find on everything from fine dining to Viagra. Just keep in mind this is not a Club Med resort -- it's a sprawling metropolis that requires you to keep your big-city wits about you.

The following are a few other recent developments worth noting.

Where to Stay

A new addition to Little Italy is the Porto Vista Hotel & Suites (1835 Columbia St.; tel. 619/544-0164; www.portovistasandiego.com). This moderately priced accommodation features contemporary amenities, is pet friendly, and offers shuttle service to the zoo, SeaWorld, convention center, and the airport. A top-floor restaurant and bar boasts panoramic harbor views.

Where to Dine

Saddle up for some contemporary American cuisine at the East Village eatery Cowboy Star (640 10th Ave.;tel. 619/450-5880; www.thecowboystar.com). Featuring an adjacent butcher shop, the real stars here are the hand-cut steaks, including a 40-ounce porterhouse for two.

What to See and Do

Located in the cultural arts development known as NTC Promenade, the New Americans Museum (2825 Dewey Road; tel. 619/255-8908; www.newamericansmuseum.org), celebrates the country's diversity. Programs include oral history projects, visual and performing arts, and special events and lectures.