Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park in San Diego, California. Placed in reserve in 1835, the park's site is one of the oldest in the United States dedicated to public recreational use. The park hosts various museums, theaters, restaurants, and the San Diego Zoo. *Free!*

The World-Famous San Diego Zoo (and its sister facility, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located 30 minutes inland) is among the largest and most progressive zoological and botanical organizations in the world. $73-83 for a day pass.

La Jolla Cove is a small cove with a beach that is surrounded by cliffs in La Jolla, a community of San Diego, California. Point La Jolla forms the south side of the cove. The area is protected as part of a marine reserve and is popular with snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers. This was one of Katie's favorite spots growing up. *Free!*

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a coastal state park in San Diego, California. The reserve is one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast, covering 2,000 acres. *Free!*

There is free parking located along Coast Highway 101/North Torrey Pines Road, right before the entrance. Parking is $20 in the official lots.

The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively downtown neighborhood, known for its nightlife. Clubs, dive bars and cocktail lounges draw a young crowd, while the Spreckels and Balboa theaters have diverse programs of music, comedy and drama. There's a mix of chain and independent restaurants in the area, with many global options. Horton Plaza Park has grassy lawns, ice cream and coffee vendors, and an interactive fountain. *Free!*

The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is one of the most visited spots in San Diego County. Tour buses regularly bring groups to the site, and bicyclists in colorful garb proudly tackle the mountain climb. The Memorial features 360-degree panoramic views encompassing the Pacific Ocean to the west, the coastal cities to the north, the mountains to the east and Downtown San Diego and beyond to the south. *Free!*

The Hotel del Coronado is a historic, luxury resort in Coronado, California. It's located on the beach across San Diego Bay from San Diego. *Free!* We recommend parking in the nearby neighborhoods and walking to the hotel.

Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego, California. The complex houses more than 70 shops, galleries, and eateries on 90,000 square feet of waterfront property. Parking: Standard Rate $8 per hour (or part thereof). No maximum

SeaWorld San Diego is a theme park in Mission Bay Park in San Diego, California. It is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, public aquarium, and marine animal rehabilitation center. Ticket only: $61.99 for ages 3 and up

Ticket plus all-day dining: $101.99 for ages 3 and up.

Legoland California Resort is a theme park, miniature park, and aquarium in Carlsbad, California, based on the Lego toy brand. Ticket prices: Front gate: $129 per person; Online: Starting at $79 per person