Frommer's Favorite Experiences

Driving over the Bridge to Coronado: The first time or the 50th, there's always an adrenaline rush as you follow this engineering marvel's dramatic curves and catch a glimpse of the panoramic view to either side. Driving west, you can easily pick out the distinctive Hotel del Coronado -- or, as the locals say, the Hotel Del -- in the distance before you reach the "island."

Escaping to Torrey Pines State Reserve: Poised on a majestic cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this state park is set aside for the rarest pine tree in North America. The reserve has short trails that immerse hikers in a delicate and beautiful coastal environment.

Watching the Seals at the Children's Pool: This tiny La Jolla cove was originally named for the toddlers who could safely frolic behind a man-made seawall. These days, seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the sand are the main attraction. The beach had been off-limits to humans since 1997, but following much public debate was reopened to swimmers in 2005. Keep a safe distance -- these are wild animals -- and you'll be rewarded with a unique wildlife experience.

Taking in the City's Best Panorama: Drive out to the tip of Point Loma on a clear day for an unsurpassed 360-degree view that takes in downtown, the harbor, military bases, Coronado, and, in the distance, Tijuana and San Diego's mountainous backcountry.

Renting Bikes, Skates, or Kayaks in Mission Bay: Landscaped shores, calm waters, paved paths, and friendly neighbors make Mission Bay an aquatic playground like no other. Explore on land or water, depending on your energy level.

Strolling through the Gaslamp Quarter: You'll be convinced you've stepped back in time when you walk through this 16 1/2-block area filled with Victorian commercial buildings. The beautifully restored structures, in the heart of downtown, house some of the city's most popular shops, restaurants, and nightspots.

Spending a Day in Balboa Park: Head to the San Diego Zoo and explore the superb city park that surrounds it. The buildings that grew out of Balboa Park's 1915-16 exposition create a Spanish Golden Age fantasia. The park also holds mature gardens, the acclaimed Old Globe Theatre, and 15 of San Diego's best museums.

Listening to Live Music Outdoors at Humphrey's: An intimate, palm-fringed venue on the water at Shelter Island, Humphrey's has name acts from mid-May to October and puts those impersonal summer concert "sheds" found in other cities to shame.

Floating Up, Up, and Away over North County: Sunset hot-air-balloon rides carry passengers over the golf courses and luxury homes north of the city. Do it while you can -- open space for landings is fast disappearing, making ballooning an endangered species here.

Wildflowers and Serenity at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: California's largest state park attracts its most visitors during the spring wildflower season, when a kaleidoscopic carpet of blooms blankets the desert. Others come year-round to hike more than 100 miles of trails.

Frolicking at La Jolla's Beaches: It may be misspelled Spanish for "the jewel," but there is no mistaking the beauty of La Jolla's bluff-lined beaches. Each has a distinct personality: Surfers love Windansea's waves; harbor seals have adopted the Children's Pool; La Jolla Shores is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking; and the Cove is a top snorkeling and scuba diving spot, and the best place to spot the electric-orange California state fish, the garibaldi.

Playing a Round of Golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course (La Jolla): Two 18-hole championship courses overlook the ocean and provide players with plenty of challenge. In January, the Buick Invitational Tournament is held here. The rest of the year, these popular municipal courses are open to everybody.

Spending a Day at San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, or SeaWorld: At the zoo, animals live in naturalistic habitats such as Monkey Trails and Forest Tails (the most elaborate enclosure ever created here), and it's one of only four zoos in the United States where you can see giant pandas. At the Wild Animal Park, most of the 3,500 animals roam freely over an 1,800-acre spread. And SeaWorld, with its water-themed rides, flashy animal shows, and detailed exhibits, is an aquatic wonderland of pirouetting dolphins and 4-ton killer whales with a fetish for drenching visitors.

Crossing the Border: What a difference a line makes. Tijuana waits on the other side of the world's busiest border crossing. Tijuana has a raucous tourist zone, but also plentiful shopping and cultural and culinary delights. Beyond Tijuana, check out beachside Rosarito and Ensenada.