From its beach cities to its backcountry communities, San Diego County offers endless business, cultural and lifestyle opportunities, including thousands of things to see and do. There’s something for everyone. Enjoy exploring all these incredible San Diego regions!

Downtown San Diego

As the county’s cultural, financial and business center, downtown San Diego buzzes with activity. The Embarcadero invites natives and newcomers to stroll along its beautiful waterfront and explore historic ships and ride ferry boats. The floating Maritime Museum of San Diego awes visitors with its iconic vessels as does the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway to the south. Enjoy views of these attractions, San Diego’s skyline and more on the water with Hornblower Cruises & Events. The dinner cruise and yacht charter company has ticket booths on Harbor Drive. For delicious seafood and beautiful bay views, catch a bite at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, a San Diego landmark. Or try one of the many dining options at Seaport Village or The Headquarters, shopping and dining complexes with lovely bayside views. Also, treat friends to Kansas City Barbeque, an easygoing hangout serving hearty helpings of barbecue and beer in downtown San Diego.

The historic Gaslamp Quarter is the city’s hottest dining and entertainment area for visitors and locals alike. Sizzling steakhouses, eclectic ethnic fare and sultry jazz bars, you’ll find here, including House of Blues and House of Blues Gospel Brunch. Serving breakfast all day is the Broken Yolk Cafe, along with a full lunch menu. Steps away, downtown’s revitalized East Village is anchored by Petco Park, home to San Diego Padres baseball. To the northwest, Little Italy welcomes visitors with a friendly street sign, inviting them to explore the district’s coffee and gift shops and savor authentic Italian cuisine. Just northeast of downtown, the city’s cultural jewel, Balboa Park, attracts visitors from around the world to its world-class museums. Explore every venue from the immersive Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, to arts at San Diego Art Institute and working-artist studios of Spanish Village Art Center. And don’t miss The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park. Then taste classic American cuisine, just west of the park, at Hob Nob Hill.

For arts and entertainment, downtown San Diego puts on a show. The San Diego Symphony is headquartered at Copley Symphony Hall, a renovated movie palace on 7th Avenue. The Lyceum in Horton Plaza, hosts the San Diego Repertory Theatre as well as concerts and art shows. Nightclubs such as the House of Blues feature top musical entertainment.

Visitors desiring guided tours can traverse the city on two wheels with San Diego Segway Tours by Wheel Fun Rentals. Choose an adventure through the Gaslamp District and the historic waterfront on the popular Downtown Gaslamp Waterfront Tour, or glide through beautiful Balboa Park and Little Italy on a Balboa Park Tour. Or get rolling and see the sights on cruiser bikes or carriage-like surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals, with a location at Wyndham San Diego Bayside or San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina hotel, both on Harbor Drive. At the end of the day, choose from San Diego’s many hotel options or for extended stays, check out Stay San Diego, your resource for corporate- and vacation-furnished rentals and home-buying. For a map of downtown San Diego, see page 52.

Central San Diego

An epicenter of dining, shopping and living history, Central San Diego offers much to entertain and enlighten visitors. Old Town, known as the birthplace of California, recreates the setting of California life during the Mexican and early American periods from 1821- 1872. At the San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site, visitors can learn about a journey of Mormon Battalion families who left Iowa in 1846, and completed one of the longest infantry marches in American history to San Diego. Old Town historic sites include the Whaley Museum and Adobe Chapel Museum, mid-19th century landmarks open for tours. Other notto-be-missed Old Town experiences include Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours, open daily (except Tuesdays), and Cygnet Theatre, staging renowned plays and musicals. Just above Old Town, the Junipero Serra Museum in Presidio Park boasts beautiful views from Mexico to La Jolla.

Northeast of Old Town, Mission Valley bustles with restaurants, retail malls, movie theaters and Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers football team. Fans often catch games at Dave & Buster’s, a family-friendly restaurant and video arcade. Families and friends also gather at Hunter Steakhouse, a culinary mainstay serving the “Best Prime Rib in Town.”

At the east end of the valley, the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, one of 21 missions that dot the California coast, serves as a beautiful and enduring symbol of San Diego’s prosperity.

Farther north, join the fans flocking to Chicken Charlie’s FryBQ, where deep-fried fare rules the roost. To the east, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar hosts a major air show each October. For family entertainment, stop in at Nickel City and play arcade games for just nickels. Or bounce around at Sky High Sports, an indoor trampoline park in Miramar offering open jump, dodgeball, AIRobics classes and high-flying birthday parties. For a map of Central San Diego, see page 54.

Coastal San Diego

A visit to San Diego isn’t complete without a trip to the beach, a boat ride or ocean sunset. For sweeping views across the sea and city, drive up to Point Loma and the Cabrillo National Monument. Or hop on a short ferry ride to the quaint seaside city of Coronado, with its landmark, Hotel del Coronado, and gorgeous white beaches. Interested in sportfishing? Check out H&M Landing near Shelter Island. Need a little retail therapy? Visit the treasure trove that is Ocean Beach Antique District, located in the 4800 and 4900 blocks of Newport Avenue in the seaside community of Ocean Beach. For a bite (or beer) from Bavaria, stop in at Kaiserhof Restaurant & Biergarten, an Ocean Beach family-owned restaurant. Northwest of downtown San Diego, Mission Bay has lagoons, parks and recreation from waterskiing to camping and the world-famous SeaWorld. Rent cruisers, surfboards, boogie/body boards and more from Cheap Rentals, a top surf shop at Santa Clara Point, or soar above the Pacific on a San Diego Parasail Adventures excursion with The Adventure Center, located on Mission Bay Drive across from Bonita Cove Park. Revitalized at Mission Beach is the family attraction Belmont Park, with the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster remaining a fixture. Just across from Mission Bay and minutes away from Pacific and Ocean Beaches, San Diego Jet Ski rents everything from Jet Skis to jet boats as well as stand-up paddle boards and beach bikes. Nearby, Lanna Thai Cuisine serves fresh, light and healthy homemade recipes passed through generations. For unforgettable gourmet fare and gorgeous coastal views, stroll along Prospect Street in La Jolla, known as the Jewel of San Diego. Right off Prospect, savor the the beloved bakery and restaurant Girard Gourmet, serving inspired farm-to-table cuisine for 28 years. Also explore La Jolla Cove, one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. Paddle near sea lions and explore caves with La Jolla Kayak. After a scenic drive north, dive into the world of sharks, seahorses and living coral reefs at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. For a map of Coastal San Diego, see page 52.

East County

For mountain hiking, Las-Vegas style gaming, shopping and more, East County’s the place. The foothills and canyons provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. For a small-town delight, stop in La Mesa and stroll through a farmers market. Or pick up gifts at two area shopping malls, Parkway Plaza and Grossmont Center. The latter is home to Casa de Pico, a festive Mexican restaurant serving famous enchiladas, warm handmade tortillas and giant birdbath margaritas. In El Cajon, discover North American artifacts at the Heritage of Americas Museum. Spending time with the kids? Swing over to FUNBelievable Play, an award-winning indoor play and party arena for children in Lakeside. Or take them to Alpine, home of the Lions, Tigers & Bears sanctuary. The nonprofit provides a safe haven for unwanted and abused big cats and other exotic animals like brown and black wild bears. Also enjoy a day trip or weekend in the historic gold-mining town of Julian, offering camping, horseback-riding and famous apple pie. For entertainment, check out East County’s casinos like Viejas and Sycuan with world-class golf, spa services and shopping. For business networking or help with relocation or lodging needs, visit the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, East County’s leading business advocacy association. For a map of East County, see page 53.

North County Inland

Wild animals, wine-tasting, golf and casinos top the attractions in North County’s interior. As do the rolling hills and wide-open spaces to hike and explore diverse beauty. Rancho Bernardo welcomes visitors to play on its golf courses and tour its wineries. In Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park invites guests to see giraffes, lions, tigers and other animals in an expansive setting. For a unique experience, test your target skills at San Diego Firearms Training Center, San Diego’s premiere indoor gun range in Poway. Thirty minutes north and nestled in rolling hills, the city of Temecula sits in a valley with vineyards, a quaint downtown and beautiful resorts. Nearby casinos offer gaming fun, golf and relaxation. More than 40 wineries serve the area, offering wine tastings, tours and world-class dining. For a map of North County Inland, see pages 53.

South County

Just south of downtown lies South Bay, home to Chula Vista and National City, and gateway to Mexico. Fun visitor experiences abound here, like the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Living Coast Discovery Center and Sea- World’s Aquatica Waterpark is also open all summer long, and the outdoor Sleep Train Amphitheatre attracts top-name entertainment. Also in the South Bay is Imperial Beach, home to the Tijuana Estuary, one of the few salt marshes remaining in Southern California. After a day of play and sightseeing, savor some authentic Mexican food in the area’s colorful eateries. For a South County map, see page 52.

North County Coastal

Spend time in North County’s coastal cities viewing exquisite scenery (and beautiful people.) The charming city of Del Mar is bordered by two lagoons with a downtown filled with delightful shops and haute cuisine. Its annual thoroughbred horse-racing and county fair are signature events. To the north, Encinitas boasts world-class surfing and a charming historic downtown. Situated along the Highway 101 corridor, its sidewalks invite newcomers and natives to linger at its outdoor cafes, restaurants, boutiques, clothing and specialty shops. Many of these, like Savory Spice Encinitas and Birkenstock of San Diego, can be found at the charming outdoor Lumberyard Shopping Center. A few blocks north, Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant serves for classic Italian food in a relaxed setting. A North County favorite is also Carlsbad, home to Legoland, a popular state beach, oceanfront boardwalk an eclectic downtown scene. Stroll into Village Faire Restaurants & Shops for a unique gift—Linda’s Gift, Back to Cali and Martin & Co. are favorites—or delicious meal at Coyote Bar & Grill. Village Faire also boasts a fabulous hair salon, HBS Revolution, with a sister salon, Hair Body & Sol in Vista. Also spend a few hours gliding around Ice Town, Carlsbad’s cool new ice sports center near McClellan-Palomar Airport. Regional arts and entertainment venues sharing the spotlight include the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad and Moonlight Stage Productions, staging Broadway plays and musicals for delighted audiences in Vista for 35 years.

Just north is Oceanside, a classic California beach city, with one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast and a Cape-Cod style harbor offering boat rentals and outdoor dining at its marina. Roll and with bikes and surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals. Be sure to visit Oceanside’s downtown, filled with new restaurants and breweries, and a year-round Farmers Market and Sunset Market on Thursdays hosted by MainStreet Oceanside. Also explore historic Mission San Luis Rey, a majestic jewel of early California history and stop by the king of bakeries, the historic San Luis Rey Bakery & Restaurant. After a day of sightseeing, savor hand-cut steaks, prime rib and seafood entrees at Hunter Steakhouse, an Oceanside institution. For overnight accommodations, book a stay at Days Inn or Rodeway Inn. Both are within walking distance of Oceanside’s beaches and the beautiful walk-around harbor. Oceanside also boasts a great dental office, Coast Dental, offering a full array of premier dental care. For a map of North County Coastal, see page 53.