San Diego Historical Society Museum
A good place to start if you are a newcomer to San Diego, the recently remodeled museum offers permanent and changing exhibits on topics related to the history of the region, from pioneer outposts in the 1800s to the present day. Many of the museum's photographs depict Balboa Park and the growth of the city. Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes here. Docent tours are available; call tel. 619/232-6203, ext. 117, for information and reservations. Books about San Diego's history are available in the gift shop, and the research library downstairs is open Thursday through Saturday.

Coronado Municipal Golf Course
This is really more for people who are vacationing in Coronado and just can't bear to leave the "island." It is an 18-hole, par-72 course overlooking Glorietta Bay, and there's a coffee shop, pro shop, and driving range. It's tough to get a tee time here, so 2-day prior reservations are strongly recommended; call after 7am.

Cabrillo National Monument
Breathtaking views mingle with the early history of San Diego, which began when Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo arrived in 1542. His statue dominates the tip of Point Loma, 422 feet above sea level, which is also a vantage point for watching migrating Pacific gray whales en route from the Arctic Ocean to Baja California December through March. A self-guided tour of the restored lighthouse (1855) illuminates what life was like here more than a century ago (fog and low clouds made the lighthouse ineffective so another was built close to the water in 1891). National Park Service rangers lead walks at the monument, and there are tide pools to explore at the base of the peninsula. On the other side of the point is the Bayside Trail, a 3.2-mile round-trip down to a lookout over the bay. Free 30-minute videos and slide shows on Cabrillo, tide pools, and the whales are shown on the hour daily from 10am to 4pm. Note the view from the visitor center to the left (north); the blocky structure on the water is the navy's nuclear submarine base. The drive from downtown takes about a half-hour.

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 ...

Holiday Inn SAN DIEGO-DOWNTOWN
The Ideal Choice Of Downtown San Diego Hotels® Overlooking a tranquil bay and majestic skyline, the Holiday Inn San Diego Downtown Hotel puts you in the center of the action at America's Finest City. Take a leisurely stroll from our downtown San Diego hotel to Seaport Village - an alluring mall of specialty shops with a picturesque waterfront setting. Explore the Gaslamp District for lively entertainment and el--fresco dining. Looking for a perfect way to wrap up your business ...

Town and Country Resort San Diego
The Town and Country Resort Hotel is located in the heart of San Diego in Mission Valley. Our convenient, central location provides easy access to all of the city's sites, business districts and attractions. We are located 6 miles from San Diego Lindbergh Field and only ten minutes from Old Town, the Zoo, Balboa Park, Sea World and beautiful bays and beaches. Additional amenities include: Business Center, Car Rental, Concierge, Room Service, Beauty and Barber Shops.On property, pamper yourself ...