San Diego Travel Guide

"Wave at planes" landing at the airport from this "penthouse" atop Bankers Hill while you "splurge" on "decadent" New American cuisine that's "ever-changing" but always "done with style"; "doting" servers make you "feel like royalty", and though dinner may cause a "pain in the wallet", penny-pinchers deem weekday lunches "semi-affordable" – if anything, it's "worth a drink" "on the patio for sunset."

"Those Cohns!" – the "restaurant empire" can "always" be counted on to deliver "quality", and this Gaslamp fish house is no exception, as evidenced in its "consistently" "scrumptious seafood", most notably "awesome oysters", "yummy lobster bisque" and "delicious crab cakes" (with "divine martinis" to wash them down); "cozy high-backed booths", "dark wood" and "charming", "respectful" servers make it "feel like an old supper club" – albeit an often "noisy" one, so for a "toned-down din", "eat outdoors."

"You simply can't go wrong" with any "hunk of mouthwatering beef" you order at this Golden Triangle "steakhouse extraordinaire", be it an "outstanding bone-in rib-eye", a "spectacular filet mignon" or an "off-the-charts New York strip", all of which come with "luscious sides" ("unlike at others" of this ilk); in a manner befitting the "refined, wood-paneled" "gentleman's club–like" environs, the "superb" servers remain "unruffled" even when the "rather large" tabs (especially from the "overpriced wine list") draw protests; N.B. the Gaslamp locale debuted post-Survey.

This "upscale chain" in the Gaslamp offers "just what you want in a steakhouse": "dark wood, white linens, the scent of money" and, of course, "tasty, juicy" beef with "clever side dishes"; indeed, everything from "reliably smooth service" to the "tremendous list" of "100 wines by the glass" is "a cut above", keeping it permanently "on the 'refer to friends' list"; P.S. the Golden Triangle outpost is equally "excellent."

This "upscale chain" in the Gaslamp offers "just what you want in a steakhouse": "dark wood, white linens, the scent of money" and, of course, "tasty, juicy" beef with "clever side dishes"; indeed, everything from "reliably smooth service" to the "tremendous list" of "100 wines by the glass" is "a cut above", keeping it permanently "on the 'refer to friends' list"; P.S. the Golden Triangle outpost is equally "excellent."

"Foodies, no matter how jaded", are "unfailingly impressed" by this "casual spot in Little Italy", a "vacation for the taste buds" via "culinary genius" Deborah Scott's "innovative", even "wild" "Pacific Northwest–focused" cuisine, boasting "an unusual Southwestern flair" that gives it "a kick of heat"; after "describing the food so beautifully", the "attentive" servers ferry "enormous" servings through the "eclectic" room (painted fish, a totem pole), which "tends to be a bit loud, so eat outside if you can."

"You'll be in splurge heaven" at these branches of the "ultimate steakhouse" chain, "a cut above" for "generous portions" of "sizzling", "buttery" beef "prepared exactly" to your specifications, "solid seafood" and "scrumptious sides" "served family-style"; the "polished" staff "will not rush you", and as "bonuses", the patio Downtown "overlooks the bay", while Del Mar's windows "offer gorgeous views at sunset."

As "amazing" "as any place on the planet", this "pearl in a trashcan" conjures not only the "absolute best Japanese" in Pacific Beach but the No. 1 Food in San Diego courtesy of "genius" chef Yukito Ota and his "expert panel of sushi doctors" who assemble "silky" "treats" "so fresh, they almost evaporate on your tongue" ("sit at the bar" and let them "guide you"); its "oddball" setting in a strip mall is "lame", and you "need to book way too far in advance", so just "ignore everything but the taste" and "you'll have an experience you'll never forget."

It's "hard to find" in a "random" Golden Triangle "industrial zone", but this "tiny" "dream restaurant" is "well worth the hunt" for "imaginatively prepared", "beautifully presented" French fare; the "staggering" selection from the vin "warehouse" below is available upstairs at "minimal markups", the corkage fees are "nominal" and the "phenomenal", "informed" servers "recommend delicious pairings", all of which makes it "a must" for "wine dummies" and "oenophiles" alike.

"You could spend a week and still not see everything" in this "remarkable" Downtown "oasis" that some say is "comparable to the Smithsonian in DC", with at least 15 "wonderful" museums (including ones devoted to aerospace and automobiles as well as the nation's largest multi-sport institution, the Hall of Champions) as well as the "world-famous" San Diego Zoo; what's more, "gorgeous palm trees", hiking and biking trails, "free concerts" at the "outdoor organ" and street musicians turn this urban "gem" into "one of the great city parks."

"Absolutely magnificent" rave reviewers who've taken in the "panoramic views" of San Diego harbor and the ocean from this "always windy" Point Loma park where, in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo came ashore with the first European expedition to land on the West Coast; a "modern, informative visitor center" and "knowledgeable rangers" are on hand to help you learn about the area's history, but you can also take a self-guided tour.

"From its mariachi bands, haunted houses and candle-making demos" to its "kitschy shopping" venues, this "lively" urban state park re-creates life during the Mexican and early American periods (1821–1872); so "tour the schoolhouse" and other original adobe buildings, then stop for a "hot handmade tortilla" at one of the restaurants; despite its merits, some dismiss it as "commercial and touristy", adding there's "better traditional food found elsewhere."

"Always fun and pleasant to play", this "nicely kept, old-style course" is "friendly for golf with your spouse" thanks to a "short", "easy" layout topped with "a beautiful finishing hole" (perhaps "one of the best par 5s in the state"); nestled in "lovely" San Diego, the "fabulous resort" has "undergone an impressive face-lift", so be sure to "grab a bite at the 19th hole" – although "sipping a cool one on the patio while totaling your score is even better."

Demonstrating that "science can be fun", this "first-rate discovery center" in Balboa Park appeals to "inquisitive minds" of every age with "interactive" exhibits, planetarium shows and an IMAX theater screening "fantastic" movies; it may "not be as extensive" as similar facilities in other cities, but all in all, it's an "excellent" "learning adventure."

A "must-see for aviation enthusiasts", this Balboa Park museum boasts "great vintage" planes, an "excellent aircraft carrier exhibit" and more, with displays that mix technical information and "fun" (check out one of the cool motion simulators); plus, there are "dedicated" staff and volunteers to guide you, including former flyboys with "a wealth of historical knowledge"; P.S. you "can see almost everything in one visit" and still have time for other attractions.

Balboa Park is home to one of the "world's most amazing zoos", where the "natural settings" reflect "a profound concern for the welfare" of the "huge variety" of inhabitants while affording visitors "close views of elusive cats, playful otters" and much much more; it gets "really hot" in summer and there's lots of walking "up and down hills", so "pack water", consider the "informative" bus tour and be sure to refuel at Albert's next to the Gorilla Tropics.

"Plan to get wet" courtesy of the "always-popular Shamu", who's "still flipping" at this "outstanding" aquarium that's owned by the Anheuser-Busch "beer barons" and set on "lovely grounds" in Mission Valley; enjoy "exciting rides", "interactive" feeding areas and "delightful exhibits" of "beautiful marine animals" before dining next to the celebrity orca's tank; N.B. admission is pricey, so plan ahead and purchase an all-inclusive CityPass.

Plane, yes, but never plain – reserve ahead for this exclusive Little Italy lounge under the Lindbergh Field flight path that incorporates the 747s buzzing above into its vibe; in the mildly mood-lit white interior, bartenders wear pilot uniforms and waitresses are clothed as flight attendants; outside on the patio, hold your thoughts every couple minutes during Southwest's latest roaring arrival.

A non-trafficked part of Downtown suddenly went urbane with the arrival of this chic hotel hot spot; at night, the lobby goes lounge with pillows and candles and fancy cocktails, but if it's not too chilly, bring your beach pail to the rooftop and dig your toes in the swank, heated sand with the beautiful people by the fire pit beyond the strict velvet rope.

Don't come short on change to this chichi star in the Gaslamp Quarter; featuring black-and-white photos and stainless-steel furniture, it's minimalist in design and maximalist in pricing, but your big coin gets you fine Eclectic eats plus sips from a globally representative wine list with over 50 grapes by the glass and a menu of specialty martinis poured at the front, L-shaped bar.

Karen Krasne's mocha-mousse-macadamia mother ship stays docked in Banker's Hill, but she's expanded the sweet fleet to an enormous Little Italy port where the dessert-loving crew loads up on gorgeous cakes, artisanal teas and coffee, along with some savory stuff; but this isn't a dry boat – champagne cocktails, wine and interesting beers round out the offerings in the warehouse space where baked goods, jams, books and housewares are on display and for sale.

With a population of over 1,500 on Friday nights, this gargantuan club deserves its own zip code; Deco's owner Mike Viscuso's two-story, five-dance-floor monster in a 1920s bank building has no sign out front, but you'll know it from the gaggle of East Village guys and gals waiting to get in; get your groove on to '70s, '80s, '90s, hip-hop or house music, or check out live bands busting it out in the actual old vault.

This sexy lounge in the Gaslamp Quarter comes complete with bottle service, a marble bar, a DJ booth shaped like a baby grand, and a roomy dance floor where live jazz rules the week and house and hip-hop take over on the weekend; if the scene's too deep for you here, ascend to owner Greg Strangman's other club, Thin, above.