San Diego Pictures

San Diego's world-famous surfing may have inspired the Beach Boys tune "Surfin' USA:" several of the spots mentioned in the iconic song are located in San Diego, including Del Mar, Trestles and Swami's. Claude LeTien Getty Images

Balboa Park is home to numerous gardens and museums, not to mention one of San Diego's biggest attractions, the San Diego Zoo. f11photo Getty Images

Catch an amazing view of the San Diego Bay from Coronado, a quaint beach town with some coveted real estate. Brett Shoaf Courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority

The detailed cliffs and rock formations that permeate the Torrey Pines are one of the most striking geological features of the state reserve.  Lisa Field Courtesy of SanDiego.org

This 16-block neighborhood in downtown San Diego earned its nickname from the numerous gas lamps that were installed here in the late 19th century. John Bahu Courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are great beaches to soak up some rays or test your surfing skills. You'll also find a bustling boardwalk with bars, restaurants and shops. John Bahu Courtesy of SanDiego.org

The San Diego Zoo is not only one of the largest zoos in the USA but also houses one of the largest collections of rare and endangered animals in the world (3,500 to be exact). fortherock Flickr

Petco Park in downtown San Diego is home turf for Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. Petco Park Courtesy of the San Diego Tourism Authority

This monument is dedicated to Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to navigate the Californian coast. russellstreet Flickr

Coronado is considered one of the best beaches in California for its calm waters, wide sands and incredible sunsets.  slobo Getty Images

A beloved spot among locals and travelers alike, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is often considered one of the most beautiful places in San Diego to catch a sunset. Zlatko Unger Flickr

Another reason to plan your San Diego visit in spring? The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. From early March through early May, nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers burst into bloom at this coastal hillside 30 miles north of San Diego. cfbill Getty Images

Comic-Con is San Diego's biggest annual event. The convention draws thousands to the city, including plenty of movie stars who are there to promote movies. Unless you have tickets to the convention, it's best to visit another time as the city becomes congested with convention attendees. Sandiego.org Courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority

In addition to its popular animal shows, SeaWorld has many exhibits that offer the opportunity to interact with the animals it calls home, including dolphins and stingrays. Radius Images Getty Images

The USS Midway is the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. The museum features 60 exhibits and 29 aircraft. ATOMIC Hot Links Flickr

Recognize this image? It's the same sailor and nurse that were caught smooching in Time Square on the August 1945 issue of LIFE magazine. This fun photo op can be found right next to the USS Midway Museum. Kevin Harber Flickr

A great way to see California's breathtaking coastline is a trip along the North County Coaster commuter train. The train leaves from Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego and transports travelers to North County San Diego's picturesque beachside towns.  Courtesy of SanDiego.org

San Diego has some of the best Mexican food in the country. While you should try the tacos, enchiladas and burritos, you cannot leave without sampling carne asada fries. This delicious southern California specialty is a box of fries topped with strips of carne asada and normally comes with cheese, guacamole and black beans, among other toppings. Gerald Angeles Flickr

While on your way to the Cabrillo Monument, drive through the hills of Loma Portal to catch stunning views of downtown and the marina.  ekash Getty Images

Located a short walk away from La Jolla Cove, the Children's Pool is not so much a beach for children as it is a sunbathing spot for seals and sea lions. Eri Morita Getty Images

Old Town is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement on the west coast. Today it houses numerous Mexican eateries and shops as well as historical buildings. It also hoasts cultural events throughout the year.  John Bahu Courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority

Located across La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove is beloved by locals and visitors for its postcard-worthy scenery.  pilgrims49 Getty Images

The Balboa Park lily pond is considered an icon in the park.  Medioimages/Photodisc Getty Images

One of Balboa Park's most popular points of interest is Spanish Village. The village is modeled after a traditional Spanish village and is home to 200 local arists, some which offer art for sale.  Lisa Field SanDiego.org

The Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park is one of the park's most popular points of interest. Here, you are just steps away from the San Diego Museum of Art, the Timken Museum of Art and the famous Botanical Building. f11photo Getty Images

Balboa Park's classic Spanish architecture lit up at night is incredibly romantic. While in San Diego, be sure to visit during the day to take in the attractions, then come back at night for dinner, preferably at the Prado Restaurant.  f11photo Getty Images

From different vantage points in Torrey Pines, travelers see as far as the neighboring community of La Jolla and its beaches.  Lisa Field Courtesy of SanDiego.org

Trails in Torrey Pines State Reserve weave through Torrey Pines, the rarest pine tree in the world.  OttoKruse Getty Images

Most of Torrey Pines State Reserve's trails lead to Torrey Pines Beach.  AutumnSkyPhotography Getty Images

The Hotel del Coronado in Coronado Beach does its best to get into the wintertime spirit with the annual "Skating by the Sea" event. Welcome to Southern California in December. Courtesy of Brett Shoaf Artistic Visuals

The USS Midway Museum is massive. Travelers suggest carving out more than half a day to see all that the ship has to offer.  Michael Wood/Stocktrek Images Getty Images

Stand in the right place on the waterfront and you'll see that the USS Midway blends seamlessly into the San Diego skyline.  welcomia Getty Images

The Cabrillo Monument affords sweeping views of downtown San Diego and the San Diego bay.  Onfokus Getty Images

A top point of interest at the Cabrillo Monument is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been a fixture in Point Loma since 1855. The lighthouse is no longer in operation but remains open to the public for viewing.  tobiasjo Getty Images

Be sure to keep your eyes to the right for sweeping ocean views when driving along the road leading to the Cabrillo Monument.  vikramjam Flickr

Don't just take in the views at the Cabrillo Monument. Make sure you venture down Cabrillo Road on the right to access the park's beach, cliffs and tidepool area.  Brett Shoaf, Artistic Visuals Courtesy of SanDiego.org

Before you visit the Maritime Museum, be sure to check the schedule to see if any of the museum's vessels will sail the bay during your visit.    Courtesy of the Maritime Museum

One of the most popular attractions in SeaWorld is the Shark Encounter, which allows travelers the chance to experience the park's sharks underwater.  SeaWorld San Diego © 2006 by Sea World, Inc.

In addition to housing numerous animals, SeaWorld is home to a few thrill rides. Courtesy of SeaWorld

While strolling along Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, be sure to take in the stunning details of the cliffs – but at a safe distance. There have been multiple accidents due to people getting too close to the edge of the cliffs.  Sam Antonio Photography Getty Images

Pacific Beach is known for being busy and oftentimes rowdy. For a quieter Pacific Beach experience, venture north past Crystal Pier.  DOUGBERRY Getty Images

For sweeping views of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, be sure to take a stroll along Crystal Pier (located in Pacific Beach).  Images by Steve Skinner Photography Getty Images

If you're in Mission and Pacific Beach, take the time to visit Mission Bay. The bay offers a much more peaceful setting than the bustling beaches, and depending on where you are in the area, is only a couple of blocks away.  Ron_Thomas Getty Images

One of San Diego's most popular beaches is La Jolla Shores. The beach features calm waters and beach parks, making it a great option for families.  Jason Finn Getty Images

Walking around the San Diego Zoo all day will tucker you out. To avoid exhaustion, hop on one of the park's tour buses or the aerial tram, which offers bird's eye views of animal exhibits, including the gorillas.  tobiasjo Getty Images

For a unique animal experience, visit the San Diego Safari Park. It's not another zoo, but rather a very large park that offers a variety of African-inspired safari tours.  Lisa Field Courtesy of SanDiego.org

There are a variety of safari tours offered at the San Diego Safari Park. But if you can swing it, consider a caravan tour, which offers travelers to get a lot closer to animals than on standard tours.  Courtesy San Diego Zoo Global

With all its beautiful shorelines, San Diego is the perfect spot to enjoy incredible sunsets. Coronado Beach and Sunset Cliffs in particular are known for having some of the most beautiful in the city. Courtesy of OrangeandPark.com

In addition to seeing impressive aircraft aboard the USS Midway Museum, you'll get excellent views of downtown San Diego and the bay. F8GRAPHER Getty Images