Downtown encompasses the historic Gaslamp Quarter, with a lively dining and bar scene, and Little Italy, lined with trattorias. Performing arts venues include the grand Civic Theatre for opera and bands. On the bayfront, there are tall ships at the Maritime Museum and vintage planes on the USS Midway, plus shops at Seaport Village. The Museum of Contemporary Art has 20th-century works.

Places to eat, drink and be merry:

The Taco Stand

Tacos El Gordo

Pokez Mexican Restaurant

TNT Pizza

Digital Gym Cinema

Craft and Commerce

Mona Lisa Italian Foods

Bottlecraft Little Italy

Vino Carta

Pali Wine Co.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

James Coffee

Registry