Travel

Forget tough vacation choices. Sun-kissed beaches or majestic mountains? Thriving cityscapes or quaint small towns? San Diego smashes the "or" and hands you the whole buffet.

As America's most biodiverse city, it's where sparkling bays hug rugged coastlines, deserts bloom with wildflowers, and urban energy thrums beside mountain serenity. All within a convenient road trip, ready to be conquered in one epic vacation.

1. Beach Bliss for Every Vibe

Even along its 70 miles of coastline, San Diego delivers diversity. For those seeking elegant accommodations and buzz-worthy restaurants coupled with pristine sandy beaches and to-die-for views, La Jolla is the place to go. Its best-known beach, La Jolla Cove, made the Top 10 in the nation in Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Just south of La Jolla is Pacific Beach, which offers expansive beaches and a lively boardwalk, along with nightlife that will appeal to those who want a plethora of party options along la playa. For a more laid-back, classic beach-town vibe, visitors can head a little farther south to Ocean Beach to enjoy funky bars while surveying souvenir, surf and antique shops.

2. Lakeside Adventures Await

While San Diego’s beaches and bays often get the attention, the region is also a land of lakes, with 20 freshwater lakes and reservoirs. One local favorite is Lake Murray in the centrally located Mission Trails Regional Park. Fishing is at its best December through September when black crappie, bass, bluegill and catfish abound. But for those uninterested in catching their own dinner, there are options to motorboat, rowboat, kayak or pedal boat. Located just 25 minutes northeast from downtown San Diego is the San Vicente Reservoir, the city’s largest. There are places to picnic and barbecue, but the real draw is fishing as the clearwater reservoir is home to crappie, sunfish, channel catfish and Florida strain largemouth bass. It is also a great spot for boating, kayaking, waterskiing and wakeboarding.

3. Mountain Majesty Rises

Craving a rustic escape? San Diego's East County unleashes the power of mountains. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, less than an hour from downtown, boasts over 100 miles of trails, perfect for hiking, horseback riding, or camping under starry skies. Breathe in the crisp air, conquer challenging climbs, and reconnect with nature's grandeur.

4. Desert Delights Unfurl

The San Diego region also offers up the stark and dramatic beauty of the desert for visitors to explore. To the east is the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park. Filled with sweeping landscapes of cacti and other fascinating desert vegetation, the park is also home to roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes and desert iguanas. In springtime, the dry, rugged landscape is transformed by winter rains into a kaleidoscope of colorful wildflowers. If you’re looking for some pampering, the desert community of Borrego Springs hosts several spas.

5. Small-Town Gems Steal Your Heart

San Diego's bustling soul also hides charming escapes. Nestled in the mountains, Julian, a historic gold rush town, oozes small-town charm. Bite into mouthwatering apple pies, browse quaint shops and art galleries, or sip local wines at cozy tasting rooms. For a coastal escape, Encinitas in North County beckons with its laid-back beach town vibes. Chic restaurants line the main street, inviting cafes tempt with aromatic brews, and its beaches rank among the region's most coveted.

6. Urban Excitement Ignites

For the more metropolitan traveler, Downtown San Diego offers a bounty of happenings and cultural riches. The historic Gaslamp Quarter is home to a diverse lineup of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. The neighborhood also boasts spas, art galleries and artisan shops. Nearby Little Italy is perfect for any urban enthusiast. Little Italy’s lively neighborhood feel is fueled by outdoor cafés, international restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, art galleries, unique shops, boutique hotels and the festive Piazza della Famiglia.

7. International Intrigue Beckons

But San Diego's magic transcends borders. A quick trolley ride or drive away lies Baja California, Mexico, adding a fascinating international layer to your trip. Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's Napa Valley, are all within reach. Dive into Tijuana's energetic art scene, duty-free shopping, and delectable cuisine. Rosarito's beaches and resorts beckon, while Ensenada's ocean vistas, fresh seafood, and craft breweries tantalize. And in the Valle de Guadalupe, world-class wineries and farm-to-table dining await, ready to complete your Baja California adventure.

So, ditch the "or" and conquer all seven worlds of San Diego in one unforgettable vacation. From sun-drenched beaches to desert majesty, charming towns to urban thrills, and international intrigue next door, San Diego promises an adventure that will leave you breathless.