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Old-fashioned wrought-iron gas lamps lead the way to the hottest scene in town. Rocking nightspots and a dazzling selection of restaurants give life to San Diego’s original Victorian downtown (see Gaslamp Quarter).

With its nautical museums, vintage ships, and superb views across a harbor busy with sailboats, ferries, and battleships, the Embarcadero links the city to its ocean heritage (see Embarcadero).

San Diegans take pride in having one of the finest urban parks in the world. Its famous zoo, fascinating museums, and exquisite gardens offer endless activities (see Balboa Park).

The original location and social center of San Diego until 1872, adobe houses, old wood-frame buildings, and artifacts belonging to its pioneer families have been faithfully restored (see Old Town State Historic Park).

This idyllic community is recognizable throughout the world by the fabulous Hotel del Coronado. Coronado’s white sandy beaches, sidewalk cafés, and oceanfront mansions have enticed visitors for over a century (see Coronado).

In 1542, Juan Cabrillo arrived at Ballast Point, claiming California for Spain. Once a whaling, fishing, and leather processing center, stunning homes and marinas now grace Point Loma’s water-front (see Point Loma).

Father Junípero Serra established this mission in 1769. The first of 21, the mission aimed to Christianize the Native Americans and affirm Spain’s presence in California (see Mission San Diego de Alcalá).

Multi-million-dollar seaside villas, boutiques, and elegant restaurants line the streets of this exclusive community, which is also noted for its prestigious biotech and oceanographic research institute (see La Jolla).