San Sebastian Pictures

San Sebastian is a popular place for vacationing Spaniards. During the summer, the expansive La Concha Beach is filled to the brim with local tourists, so make sure to claim your stretch of sand early.  aluxum Getty Images

The path to the top of Monte Urgull can be a steep climb for some, but travelers find the incredible views at the summit worth the trek.  Soyazur Getty Images

If you're visiting San Sebastian in the winter, be careful. Waves are the biggest during this time of year and are known to splash passersby walking along the city's many oceanfront pathways. Dabid argindar Getty Images

You may run into this ultra-modern structure on your way to Zurriola Beach. The award-winning building was made to showcase how natural landscapes and artificial structures can coexist seamlessly in their environment. Plan to stop by at night when the Kursaal is often lit up in multiple colors.  oscaralonso Getty Images

Located in Parte Vieja, Plaza de la Constitutión offers a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood. Come here to rest your legs with a nice glass of local Txakoli wine.  Courtesy of the San Sebastian Tourism & Convention Bureau

Along with Txakoli wine, cider is a local drink visitors should sample while in San Sebastian. What makes drinking cider an experience is the way it's poured. Cider is poured as far away from the glass as possible, making the cider look as if it's a fountain spout pouring into its pool.  Courtesy of the San Sebastian Tourism & Convention Bureau

The Gilda pintxo is probably the most traditional pintxo you can find. Inspired by Rita Hayworth, the pintxo is a skewer of manzanilla olives, guindilla peppers and anchovies and can be found in most pintxos bars. Courtesy of the San Sebastian Tourism & Convention Bureau

Parte Vieja is loved by tourists and locals for its attractive architecture, fun atmosphere and plethora of pintxo bars. Travelers and experts say is the best place to go pintxo bar hopping. ibsky Getty Images

Located at the base of Parte Vieja and just a stone's throw from La Concha Beach, Monte Urgull affords incredible views of San Sebastian, including Playa Zurriola, from the top of its peak. Kaisa M?nnik Getty Images

Zurriola Beach (Playa Zurriola) can be seen from atop Monte Urgull on the other side of the Urumea River in Gros. It is a popular spot for surfing, hosting local, national and international competitions yearly.  OnickzArtworks Getty Images

Pintxos, or Basque tapas, were developed in San Sebastian. Unlike Spanish tapas, which are given to patrons after they order a drink, pintxos are displayed on the bar, allowing diners to pick and choose what they want. Locals like to order one or two pintxos at the bar then hop over to the next establishment during nights out.   Scott R Larsen Getty Images

San Sebastian has earned a reputation as a popular surf spot with the help of Zurriola Beach. The beach hosts numerous competitions and is awash with surfers day and night.  RelaxedPace Getty Images

Also referred to as Peine Del Viento among locals, this outdoor art installation sits near the end of La Concha Promenade. The structures are frequently visited by locals and tourists alike for both the art and its scenic, waterfront location. ARUIZHU Getty Images

Even if you're not much of a beach bum, travelers say a mere stroll along the promenade that lines La Concha Beach is enough to experience the city's most famous shoreline.  Courtesy of the San Sebastian Tourism & Convention Bureau

Arguably San Sebastian's most popular beach, La Concha sits a few blocks west of Parte Vieja and is a gateway to numerous top attractions, including Monte Urgull. PocholoCalapre Getty Images

Ondarreta Beach is often mistaken for being part of La Concha Beach, but it's separate. The shoreline can be found west of La Concha Beach, just blocks from Monte Igueldo. Argijale Getty Images

Santa Clara Island is hard to miss thanks to its location in the middle of La Concha Bay. The island can be reached via ferry during the summer months. The small island has a tiny beach (accessible depending on the tide), scenic trails and a bar. sakari37 Getty Images

Travelers say the best views of San Sebastian can be found atop Monte Igueldo.  Luis Davilla Getty Images