The pulse point of San Diego is its vibrant downtown, a collection of eclectic neighborhoods nestled next to the waterfront. The city center includes the revitalized Gaslamp Quarter—16 blocks of restaurants, boutique shopping and elegant hotels housed in lovingly restored 19th century Victorian architecture; the artsy East Village, site of the new Petco Park; the Harbor District, home to Seaport Village (a quaint shopping venue designed to look like an old fishing town) and the U.S.S. Midway, a decommissioned aircraft carrier that is now open as a museum; and Little Italy, another recently gentrified neighborhood, full of Italian bistros, home furnishing retailers and designers, and stylish boutiques.

A lovely arching bridge to the south of downtown connects to the nostalgic beach community of Coronado (located on a peninsula that is often mistaken for an island). And north of downtown, along the coast, are the popular beach communities of Mission Bay (home of SeaWorld), Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach. Inland you’ll find Mission Valley—named after the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, where the city’s history began.

Must-See Attractions

Although it takes weeks to see all that San Diego has to offer (some natives would argue that it takes years), make a game plan before you arrive to ensure you and your family hit the highlights:

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a true urban oasis, located just north of downtown, and it’s the cultural heart of the city. The park is filled with ornate, rosy-hued Spanish Renaissance architecture; expansive subtropical gardens; more than a dozen museums; and three theatrical venues (including the Old Globe, recognized as one of the finest regional theaters in the country). And anchoring the northeast end of the park is the world famous San Diego Zoo.

The park’s skyline is dominated by the California Tower, an intricate mosaic-covered structure that houses a 100-bell carillon that chimes every 15 minutes. (Be outside at noon, to get the full effect.) Look for the 1910 carousel at the east end of the park—children can grab the brass ring and get a free ride. If you’re interested in checking out the museums (such as the San Diego Museum of Man), consider purchasing a park “Passport” (available in the House of Hospitality, on the main thoroughfare of the park), which will discount admission by as much as 50 percent. Located off Park Blvd., tel. 619-239-0512. www.balboapark.org

Cabrillo National Monument and Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Located at the very tip of the Point Loma peninsula, which juts into the San Diego Bay just north of downtown, the Cabrillo National Monument commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, said to be the first European to set foot on the West Coast. A sculpture of the famous conquistador overlooks the downtown skyline, the graceful Coronado bridge and—on clear days—even the mountains of Mexico.

Also on the monument grounds is the quaint Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which dates to 1854. Guests can view recreated rooms inside that show how the light keeper and his family lived. To reach some of the prettiest tide pools in the city, hike down the nearby cliffs via the steep Bayside Trail—or drive down via an access road (look for the turnoff on the west side of the park entrance). At low tide, you are likely to find anemones, dead man’s fingers, shore crabs and even tiny octopi. Be sure to stay on established pathways (the cliffs are unstable) and wear appropriate shoes, because the tide pools are slippery. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., tel. 619-557-5450. www.nps.gov/cabr

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

This small, whitewashed beauty was the first of 21 Spanish missions built in California. The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was established by Father Junípero Serra in 1769 and has been rebuilt several times after having been destroyed by fires; what is exhibited today is an early 20th century reconstruction built to look like the church did in 1813. The campanario, or bell tower, is nearly 50 feet tall, although only one of the bells is original. Also onsite is the Padre Luis Jayme Mission Museum, which displays artifacts like religious vestments and statuary, as well as bottles and pottery from the mission era. Archaeological excavations are ongoing, and volunteers are welcome to help with the dig on Saturdays (be sure to call ahead). 10818 San Diego Mission Rd., tel. 619-238-7319. www.missionsandiego.com