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.

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.

If shopping is on the docket for your visit to San Diego, this dynamic region has many neighborhood retail districts you won't want to miss.

Neighborhood boutiques are great places to find local artisans' clothing designs and accessories, as well as artwork, jewelry and household furnishings. They're also ideal spots to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a gourmet coffee, craft beer or craft cocktail while mixing and mingling with the locals.

Warm weather coupled with beautiful scenery makes San Diego the perfect place for family bike rides.