In One Day

To get an overview of San Diego in just 1 day, you'll have to dart around town a bit. Begin with a taste of its Hispanic heritage, embrace San Diego's dazzling beaches, and end the day in the spirited downtown Gaslamp Quarter.

1. Old Town

Old Town State Historic Park is the most visited state park in California (and it's free). This is San Diego's original downtown, and history comes to colorful life here, especially at Plaza del Pasado, a once-dilapidated 1930s motel converted into shopping and dining arcades, replete with mariachi players strumming the sounds of Mexico around an inner courtyard.

2. Hillcrest

Hillcrest, San Diego's equivalent of L.A.'s West Hollywood or NYC's West Village, is an urban, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Its tolerant attitude fosters a large gay community and a hip, eclectic vibe. Pop into trendy boutiques, secondhand clothing stores, and an array of restaurants and cafes. Check out the '40s-era Art Deco neighborhood sign dangling above University Avenue (at Fifth Ave.).

3. Breaking Bread

Bread & Cie, 350 University Ave. (tel. 619/683-9322), is perfect for a quick shot of java and a fresh scone or muffin, and its lunch fare features hearty Mediterranean sandwiches served on delectable homemade bread, such as a rosemary and cheese baguette or olive focaccia. Relax at one of the bistro tables or take your bite to go and picnic at your next stop, Balboa Park.

4. Balboa Park

Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park, contains clusters of diverse museums and theaters, as well as San Diegans lolling about in the grass on any given pristine 70°F (21°C) sunny day (read: pretty much every day). Wander past the Spanish Golden Age-style buildings lining El Prado (a pedestrian mall), ponder the Botanical Building's sublime lily pond, or explore the meandering park trails.

5. The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge

Drive across the 2-mile-long, curved San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge with the salty wind whistling in your ears. If you've rented a convertible, put the top down now. In a word: invigorating.

6. Hotel del Coronado & Coronado Beach

Nicknamed by locals as the "Hotel Del," this Victorian landmark, with its spiky red turrets and gingerbread trim, is a San Diego gem. Waltz through the elegant lobby (perhaps you'll meet the resident ghost, Kate Morgan), wander across the sprawling white decks facing the Pacific, and take a leisurely walk along Coronado Beach. The beach and the deck are fabulous spots to watch a sunset.

7. The Gaslamp Quarter

Finish the day in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, which always promises a lively late-afternoon and evening street scene. Pick from dozens of restaurants (many housed in restored Victorian commercial buildings), and stick around for live music or dancing after dinner -- if you have the energy.