San Diego

An urban cultural park in the heart of San Diego, Balboa Park is home to some of the city’s most iconic institutions. Explore the 15 museums – including the Timken, with its collection of old masters – and wander through the Japanese Friendship Garden. Meet the animals at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, listen to music at the open-air Spreckels Organ Pavilion, and catch a performance at the Old Globe Theater, a replica of Shakespeare’s theater in London.

Get in the water at La Jolla Cove, one of the area’s most picture-perfect beaches – and most popular spots for water sports. Kayak and swim through the warm waters, or snorkel or dive with the colorful marine life in famously clear waters. Venture further afield to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve and explore its seven caves, some of which are rumored to have been hiding places for pirates in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The neighboring beach town of La Jolla just happens to be home to one of the United States’ top regional theaters, so be sure to check the schedule and book tickets to a show in advance. The Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse regularly produces early runs of plays that end up on Broadway.

Still a working Catholic church today, Mission San Diego was the first of the California missions founded by Father Junipero Serra of Spain. Although the mission was established in 1769, much of the current church was rebuilt in 1931 according to original specifications. Explore the lush grounds for a glimpse of California history and a picture of the architecture of early California.

Considered the birthplace of California (and, of course, San Diego), this picturesque neighborhood just north of downtown is filled with historic buildings like a one-room schoolhouse and the Little Adobe Chapel. Living history tours and events are held regularly, the Harney Street Market revives the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s early days, and the sounds of mariachi bands waft across 19th-century verandas.

One of California’s most beautiful and unspoilt stretches of natural coastline, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere while still being within San Diego’s city limits. Trek along the hiking trails – don’t forget to bring a camera – and go in search of the reserve’s famously pristine beaches. For the more adventurous, the park also has an historic gliderport, for hang-gliding and paragliding.