Mission Trails Regional Park is 5,800 acres of varied terrain and trails that will be sure to accommodate a bike rider of any skill level.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, the first of the great California missions, marks the origin of Christianity in the American west. Founded in 1769, this remarkable historical shrine provides an understanding of the roots of Catholicism in this part of the world, and a look at the extraordinary dedication of the Spanish priests who traveled far from their home country.

San Diego's sunny weather and shimmering coastlines aren’t the only perks worth swooning over. At one time, the county’s night skies were so clear that it became a sought-after spot for researchers to build astronomical observatories. While the city lights have changed the skies since then, the county still stands as an excellent place to stargaze. From surprising spots within the city to mountain getaways just outside of town, read on to find the best places for stargazing in and around San Diego.

With its unique identity as a beach town, a border city, a bustling international port and a former frontier burg, San Diego has mixed and matched architectural styles to surprising and sometimes dazzling effect over the decades. While the influence of the region's early Spanish settlement remains prominent, plenty of signature architectural sites here draw on other, more disparate traditions. Here's a look at 7 eye-catching San Diego buildings and districts that architecture-minded visitors will love discovering.