Balboa Park Golf Course: Located just minutes from downtown, this 6,281-yard layout designed by Billy Bell Sr. features plenty of short, tight holes on which distance is often a liability.

Crossings at Carlsbad: Located less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean, the 6,835-yard layout winds through a natural habitat that is home to numerous plants and diverse animal life.

Torrey Pines Golf Course: While the South course, the host of the 2008 U.S. Open, gets all the attention, don't ignore the North, which has shorter but more interesting holes.

Where to Stay

Grand del Mar: With a renowned spa and Tom Fazio golf course, this new resort north of the city offers a welcome getaway from the bustle of Southern California. Hotel del Coronado: A San Diego icon for more than a century, this majestic hotel with the distinctive red roof sits beachfront on Coronado Island, which is just across the bay from downtown.

US Grant Hotel: Opened by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. and named for his father, the 19th President, this hotel celebrates its centennial this year. For 100 years, this historic property has been a mainstay in the Gaslamp Quarter, now one of San Diego's main attractions.

Where to Eat

A.R. Valentien: Named for the artist who painted California landscapes, the signature dining experience at the Lodge at Torrey Pines emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients with a French flair.

Bertrand at Mister A's: Located on the 12th floor, the views of the city are nearly as good as the cuisine, featuring steak and seafood -- complemented by the eatery's signature truffle fries.

California Modern: The finest of three distinct experiences at La Jolla's George's on the Cove overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this restaurant features and ever-changing menu of innovative cuisine that celebrates the spirit of California.