La Jolla, "The Jewel" of San Diego

Description:

This locally beloved 1,300-seat outdoor venue is set on the water next to bobbing yachts. The annual lineup covers the spectrum of entertainment -- rock, jazz, blues, folk, and comedy. Chris Isaak, Etta James, Lyle Lovett, and San Diego-nurtured Jewel are among the many name acts that have played here. You can often snag a seat in the first seven rows by buying the dinner/concert package ($63 extra); there are also packages with the adjacent hotel that can get you in the first four rows. Concerts are held from mid-May to October only, and most shows go on sale in early April (seats are also available through Ticketmaster). The hotel's indoor lounge, Humphrey's Backstage, also has music nightly.

Description:

A day spent at this spa for men and women is a day well spent indeed. Pamper yourself with the many treatments available here. These include a soak in the thalassotherapy tub, the therapeutic massage, micro-dermabrasion, ayurvedic therapies, botanical facials or salt glows (guaranteed to leave you feeling like a new person). Treatments designed especially for men include the sports hydro bath, executive facial, hot oil scalp treatment and basic pedicure. This is a great place to escape the hectic world outside and treat yourself to a truly tranquil experience.

Description:

Designed as an ersatz Cape Cod community, this choice, 14-acre bayfront outdoor mall provides an idyllic setting that visitors love. Many of the more than 50 shops are of the Southern California cutesy variety, but the atmosphere is pleasant, and there are a few gems. Favorites include the Tile Shop, featuring hand-painted tiles from Mexico and beyond; Best of San Diego, where you can stock up on all your city-themed souvenir needs; and the Upstart Crow bookshop and coffeehouse, with the Crow's Nest children's bookstore inside. Other stores specialize in Scandinavian items, hammocks, travel accessories, and more. There are four sit-down restaurants and a variety of sidewalk eateries, and live music is often scheduled for weekend afternoons; the carousel, with its hand-carved menagerie dating from 1895, is a popular draw with families. You get 2 hours of free parking with purchase ($3 per hour thereafter). Open daily 10am to 9pm; restaurants have extended hours.

Description:

This is a relaxing place to come and sip wine. The wine comes from Northern Italy and you can sample different varieties before ordering. In addition to wine, try the espresso that will keep you awake for hours. If you are in the mood for something a little sweeter, try the frothy Cappuccino. There is a full entree menu offered as well. Half of the bar is outside and half inside. Those who like to order a cigar with their wine can enjoy them in the outdoor half of the patio.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can easily devote at least a whole day to wandering around this huge urban park. Package deals are available for museum entrances, and can include the San Diego Zoo, at the north end of the park, as well.

Description:

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is only one part of this magnificent 1,200-acre city park that was built for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Expo. California's Hispanic roots were celebrated as the city erected breathtakingly ornate Spanish-style buildings, which were eventually permanently restored. So much more than just an urban park, it is home to the zoo, 14 museums, a pipe organ pavilion, botanical gardens, international cultural centers, theaters and performance venues, an antique carousel, off leash dog parks, sports fields, hiking trails, a tennis center, municipal pool, and a miniature-scale train. The December Nights Celebration is held the first weekend of December annually and this popular event is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy pageants, plays, food and music all in the tradition of the Christmas holidays.

Description:

A romantic evening is in store at this homey, yet tastefully decorated small restaurant in an unassuming part of San Diego. Candlelight flickers bathe you with soft light as you sit at your white linen table set with silver and fine crystal. Al fresco dining on the garden patio is also available. Live piano music on weekends lends even more romance to this setting, as do the embers in the fireplace. The cuisine is strictly Italian. Also offered is a full bar, offering over 40 wines by the glass.

Our Local Expert Says:

Sunset Cliffs Park, at the southern end of Sunset Cliffs Drive provides walking trails and a good place for dog exercise

Description:

Sunset Cliffs might be a familiar name to many locals, but the real beaches and cliffs of the area are found by only a select few. Natives can often be seen walking to and from the boardwalk lined streets of Ocean Beach, crossing over cliffs of all shapes and sizes in order to find the perfect beach spot. Lined by some of the area's greatest views, this area in Ocean Beach is spread out for many and showcases some of the real beauty of the area. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the grassy knolls that float atop some of the higher spots, or creep down into the secret beach alcoves where only a sprinkling of natives call home. Ocean Beach's Sunset Cliffs are a place to visit when the weather is fine and you're feeling a bit adventurous.

Our Local Expert Says:

This place is perfect to take a huge group - eat dinner before at the upscale dining room (that acts as the dance floor later in the evening) and enjoy free entry into the club after noshing on some premiere treats and signature cocktails!

Description:

This $6-million, three-level club has become a hot destination in the Gaslamp Quarter since opening in 2005. It has more than 22,000 square feet of space, a fine dining component, a handful of bars and private nooks, and a rooftop deck with cabanas and fire pit. While the cover charge ($20) is definitely contemporary, the decor is chicly mod and retro. The name is a throwback, too -- back in San Diego's Wild West days, this area was known as the Stingaree.