Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla
Focusing on work produced since 1950, this museum is known internationally for its permanent collection and thought-provoking exhibitions. The MCASD's collection of contemporary art comprises more than 3,000 works of painting, sculpture, drawings, prints, photography, video, and multimedia works. The holdings include every major art movement of the past half-century, with a strong representation by California artists. You'll see particularly noteworthy examples of minimalism, light and space work, conceptualism, installation, and site-specific art -- the outside sculptures were designed specifically for this site.The museum is perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the views from the galleries are gorgeous. The original building on the site was the residence of the legendary Ellen Browning Scripps, designed by Irving Gill in 1916. It became an art museum in 1941, and the original Gill building facade was uncovered and restored in 1996. More than a dozen exhibitions are presented each year; in summer 2005 watch for "Strange New World/Extraño Nuevo Mundo," an exploration of the flourishing arts scene of Tijuana, the border town that is little appreciated by outsiders (the show will run concurrently at the downtown branch of MCASD). Guided docent tours available daily at 2pm, with a second tour Thursdays at 5:30pm. The bookstore is a great place for cutting-edge gifts, and the cafe is a pleasant stop before or after your visit.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Okay, so it's not high culture as we know it, but this museum is cool and pleasing, and worth 30 to 60 minutes of your time, especially if you have kids in tow. Six permanent, scale-model railroads depict Southern California's transportation history and terrain with an astounding attention to miniature details -- the exhibits occupy a 24,000-square-foot space. Children will enjoy the hands-on Lionel trains, and train buffs of all ages will appreciate the interactive multimedia displays. Allow a half-hour to an hour for your visit.

Four Seasons Resort Aviara Golf Club
Uniquely landscaped to incorporate natural elements compatible with the protected Batiquitos Lagoon nearby, Aviara doesn't infringe on the wetlands bird habitat. The course is 7,007 yards from the championship tees, laid out over rolling hillsides with plenty of bunker and water challenges. Casual duffers may be frustrated here. Greens fees are $195 (including mandatory cart) during the week, and $215 Friday through Sunday; afternoon rates start at 1pm in winter, 3pm in summer. There are practice areas for putting, chipping, sand play, and driving, and the pro shop and clubhouse are fully equipped. Golf packages are available for guests of the Four Seasons.

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown
At the Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown, our spacious suites offer separate living and sleeping areas, a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of space for entertaining, relaxing or meeting with colleagues. Each suite features cable television with free HBO premium channel and pay movies, free high speed Internet access, hairdryer, iron and board, telephones with voicemail and work space. Wireless Internet access is available in meeting space and public areas of the hotel. Start your ...

Ramada Gaslamp
This 10-story hotel stands within the historic Gaslamp Quarter, just two blocks from Horton Plaza, seven blocks from the Convention Center, and a half-mile from Balboa Park.This 10-story hotel still exudes period charm. The lobby, with small seating areas and potted palms, sports circa-1913 crystal chandeliers, vintage elevators, and a marble staircase. Beyond a beveled-glass wall is Brian's ...

Westgate Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, facing the Horton Plaza Shopping Mall, one block from the Gaslamp Quarter, across from the Civic Center and a short walking distance from the Convention Center. The Westgate, San Diego's Leading Hotel of the World member, a unique one-of-a kind Hotel is filled with priceless antiques and appointments one would find in an elegant home and is known for its personalized service and commitment to ...