Once home to San Diego's flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian-American families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a charming cultural hub that borders downtown and the harbor. Today, San Diego's most dynamic food and drink scene is centered in this bustling neighborhood, home to quaint cafes, alfresco eateries, craft beer stops, urban wineries, and myriad restaurants. Colorful Little Italy is a place where locals dressed in white play bocce ball in Amici Park and Top Chef alums have set up shop next to old-school eateries serving authentic Italian fare.

San Diego is a place with a gorgeous natural environment — and a wealth of stunning arts, culture and design wonders to match. Check out these top 7 culturally connected sights and experiences, from a museum-rich city park to surprising public art to a place where science and design memorably unite.

Embark on an immersive exploration of how Hispanic and Latin culture help shape San Diego, with vibrant, colorful art, traditional cuisine and more.

If you're already a devoted surfer, you'll find a variety of different waves and conditions along San Diego's 70 miles of open ocean coastline to beckon you to paddle out. If you're a beginner, San Diego is an ideal place to learn to hang ten. You can also simply take in San Diego's surf culture at one of the yearly surf competitions and events. There's even one for "surFUR" four-legged shredders to raise funds for the San Diego Humane Society.