SAN DIEGO
California dreamers, endless coastline & sunshine
Start in one of California’s sunniest destinations, not just in terms of the weather, but also in attitude. In the heart of the city, shop in Horton Plaza, or catch a baseball game at Petco Park. See the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo.
Next, explore one of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Little Italy, North Park, South Park, East Village—pedestrian-friendly enclaves that are the epicenter of San Diego’s burgeoning culinary movement, progressive art scene, and craft beer boom.
Start your own sampling in North Park, the neighborhood bordering Balboa Park’s northeast side. Wing it at local favorite Carnitas’ Snack Shop (the menu changes daily depending on fresh produce and other ingredients available that day) and then work off lunch by heading down to San Diego’s sparkling Mission Bay to rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks.
Finish with dining in downtown’s Little Italy area (home to chef Richard Blais’ eateries Juniper & Ivy and fried-chicken-fueled Crack Shack) and dancing after dark in the lively Gaslamp Quarter. Splurge on a night at one of California’s iconic lodgings, the Hotel del Coronado, on idyllic Coronado Island, connected to the city by an arcing bridge that makes you feel like you’re a million miles away.
Drive along San Diego’s coastline north—with a visit to beautiful La Jolla (elegant shopping and sidewalk cafés abound)—then pick up the beginning of Highway One in Dana Point, which leads through Orange County to Huntington Beach.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Endless summer, surfers paradise
Plan at least a day to hang out and get the surf vibe in this classic beach town, where the main drag heads straight to the beach. Southern California’s beach culture thrives along this city’s curving shoreline, where you can bicycle down an oceanfront path, play volleyball, and, of course, surf. Surfing definitely sets the tone in Huntington Beach, and even if you never grab a board, there’s shopping at leading surf retailers and great viewing of some of the local dudes riding the waves alongside the landmark Huntington Pier.
From the pier, it’s a short walk to the outdoor mall Pacific City, or Main Street’s stylish boutiques and restaurants, many with sidewalk tables or decks that let you bask in Huntington Beach’s fresh ocean breezes and sun-soaked afternoons. You can get a taste of the Surf City life with stays at Huntington Beach’s luxurious oceanfront resorts, such as Waterfront Beach Resort, the super-family-friendly Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, and Paséa Hotel & Spa.
Or discover more natural sides of town by trying horseback riding in 354-acre Huntington Central Park, or bird watching and exploring trails in Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a restored wetlands and one of Southern California’s most vital coastal habitats.
Next, follow the coast north to California’s largest metropolitan area, Los Angeles, with big city museums, dining, entertainment, and other attractions.