Blessed by a wonderful climate and perfectly placed next to the Pacific, San Diego County beckons locals and tourists to its sunny playgrounds. Downtown San Diego boasts a busy Embarcadero with floating attractions and activities, while Ocean, Mission and Pacific Beaches epitomize the classic, laid-back surfing lifestyle. North County’s coastal cities offer picturesque seaside views and cool shopping destinations while North County’s inland communities are known for charming wineries and vineyards, horseback riding, golfing and casino gaming. East County attracts visitors who like to hike, fish and camp in the wilderness and South Bay, a gateway to Baja California, reflects a colorful Mexican culture. Have fun exploring our neighborhoods!

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 . Enjoy a waterfront stroll and shop for clothing, art and more at the boutiques at the Coronado Ferry Landing Shops & Retaurants . For a unique treat, visit Coronado Taste of Oils on Orange Avenue . The shop carries flavor-infused olive oils and an extensive selection of balsamic vinegar varieties . Need an easy way to see the sights? Zoom around the island with Coronado Golf Cart Rentals . Interested in deep-sea fishing? H&M Landing near Shelter Island will hook you in . Or make a splash as you dash across the bay with San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, located on Harbor Island . Not to be missed is an exploration of Liberty Station, a 361-acre waterfront urban village in Point Loma . The transformed naval base-to-neighborhood is a center for commerce, history and ARTS DISTRICT . Northwest of downtown San Diego, 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 . Farther north, Mission Bay has lagoons, parks and recreation from waterskiing to camping and the worldfamous SeaWorld . Rent cruisers, surfboards, boogie/body boards and more from Cheap Rentals, a top surf shop at Santa Clara Point, or enjoy highflying fun with San Diego Parasail Adventures, located on Quivira Way .

Revitalized at Mission Beach is the family attraction Belmont Park, with the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster remaining a fixture, along with arcade games and more . 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-totable cuisine for 29 years . Or check out classic novels, colorful kids books, new releases and other great reads at Warwick’s, an iconic bookstore . Also explore La Jolla Cove, a spectacular natural setting . Paddle near sea lions and explore caves with La Jolla Kayak or learn about La Jolla’s, history, ecology and biodiversity with HBK Adventure Tours . After a scenic drive north, dive into the world of sharks, seahorses and living coral reefs at Birch Aquarium at Scripps or soar over the Pacific harnessed to a paraglider at Torrey Pines Gliderport . For a map of Coastal San Diego, see page 53 & 56.

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 Museum 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, sultry jazz bars and nightclubs dot the area . 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 shops and savor Italian cuisine .

Just northeast of downtown, the city’s cultural jewel, Balboa Park, attracts visitors from around the globe to its world-class museums and renowned San Diego Zoo . Explore every venue from the immersive Reuben H . Fleet Science Center, to arts at the San Diego Art Institute and workingartist studios of Spanish Village Art Center . Get lost in aviation and space exploration at the San Diego Air & Space Museum . Then race over to the San Diego Automotive Museum and check out vintage cars and motorcycles . Take a leisurely stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden or train your sights on the impressive bustling displays at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum . Behold the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world and enjoy free concerts by the Spreckels Organ Society on Sunday afternoons year-round and on Monday nights in summer . Don’t miss The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, an important look at San Diego military history . Also 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 .

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 54 & 56 .

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 not-to-be-missed Old Town experiences include Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours, open daily, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Museum, where kids can sit on a real-life motorcycle and use the siren, play with handcuffs, and get “locked” in a jail cell . Theater fans may catch a show at Old Town’s Cygnet Theatre, staging renowned plays and musicals . Before or after the performance, savor wine or beer selections at Rose’s Tasting Room in Old Town San Diego’s Fiesta de Reyes plaza; sample local wine, craft beer and a bistro menu at the cozy courtyard wine bar Shawn’s on Congress; or dine at El Charko Grill & Bar, famous for its Mexico City-style tacos .

Northeast of Old Town, Mission Valley bustles with restaurants, retail malls 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 . For top-notch fun, check out Mesa Rim Climbing & Fitness Center, with locations in Mission Valley and Mira Mesa . At the east end of the valley, visit the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala —one of 21 missions that dot the California coast—serving as a beautiful and enduring symbol of San Diego’s prosperity .

To the east, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar hosts a major air show, in 2016 set for late September . For family entertainment, stop in at Nickel City and play arcade games for just nickels . Or bounce around at Rockin’ Jump San Diego, an indoor trampoline park in Miramar offering open jump, an outdoor mini golf course and high-flying birthday parties . Add to the fun with a dazzling dining experience at Shogun Restaurant in San Diego . Master chefs use their samurai-like swordsmanship as they skillfully prepare entrées on a sizzling Teppanyaki grill . For a map of Central San Diego, see page 55 .

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 FUN Believable 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 family-friendly fun in Campo, explore the scenery of San Diego County from a locomotive, courtesy of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, famous for its old-time train rides . Also check out East County’s casinos like Viejas and Sycuan with world-class golf, spa services and shopping . For a map of East County, see page 53 & 55 . 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 Ramona, meet knowledgeable owners and taste handcrafted wines at any of the boutique wineries that comprise the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association . Visit Classic Rotors, a historic helicopter and vintage rotorcraft museum, or go hiking, horseback riding or antique shopping . Every Thursday during summer, check out hot rods, muscle and classic cars as they cruise down Main Street during Ramona American Graffiti Cruise nights . In Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park invites guests to see giraffes, lions, tigers and other animals in an expansive setting . Forty-five minutes north and nestled in rolling hills, the city of Temecula sits in a valley with a quaint downtown, beautiful resorts and gorgeous vineyards . More than 40 wineries serve the area, offering wine tastings, tours and world-class dining . Experience unparalleled scenery, exceptional service and an awardwinning wine selection at Temecula’s Monte De Oro Winery & Vineyards, a first-class wine-tasting destination . Nearby casinos offer gaming fun, golf and relaxation . For a map of North County Inland, see page 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 SeaWorld’s Aquatica San Diego water park 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 at many colorful eateries . For a South County map, see page 56 .

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 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club horse-racing and San Diego 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 all to linger at its outdoor cafes, restaurants, boutiques and specialty shops . Many of these, like Birkenstock of San Diego Stores, 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 carries treasures for any occasion—or delicious meal at Gregorio’s Italian Restaurant . Village Faire also boasts the fabulous Hair Body & Sol Salon and Boutique, and an elegant oasis which specializes in rejuvenating massage, skin care and aesthetic therapies: Skinsational Day Spa•Med Spa . For overnight accommodations, enjoy a leisure or business stay at the beautiful new Holiday Inn Carlsbad, featuring high-end amenities and Stratus Restaurant & Bar, serving flavorful, fresh fare . The hotel is right 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 over 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, San Luis Rey Bakery & Restaurant . After a day of sightseeing, head to Enzo’s BBQ & Ale House, serving BBQ platters, flatbreads and pulled-pork sandwiches . 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 .

Looking for a place to hang your hat while staying in America’s Finest City? With more than 55,000 hotel rooms throughout the region, San Diego County caters to every budget and taste . From charming seaside inns to high-rises, to business and boutique hotels to expansive family-friendly resorts, guests can enjoy any type of stay . Most are within steps of attractions, shopping and casual and fine dining . Find your home away from home in our scenic county .

EXTENDED STAY, Corporate Housing and Vacation Rentals

Stay San Diego • (619) 696-3280 • 4 map on page 56

Imagine waking up in the morning to a beautiful view of San Diego Bay from your balcony and being within walking distance to downtown San Diego’s attractions, restaurants and shops . Stay San Diego has dozens of fully furnished properties for corporate, extended stays and vacation rentals . staysandiego.net

Holiday Inn Carlsbad • (760) 438-2725 • 17 map on page 53

Enjoy a leisure or business stay at Holiday Inn Carlsbad, a brand new, breathtaking, resort-style hotel located in the iconic Bressi Ranch community that leaves nothing to be desired . The hotel’s exquisite banquet facilities and beautifully manicured courtyard create the perfect backdrop for your next meeting, celebration, or event . Relax in a cabana by the pool, practice your game on a private putting green, or grab a drink at Stratus Restaurant & Bar while catching the Big Game . The hotel has everything you need . holidayinncarlsbad .com