Best known for its benign climate and fabulous beaches, San Diego is one big outdoor playground. With 70 miles of sandy coastline--plus pretty, sheltered Mission Bay--you can choose from swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, bicycling, skating, and tons of other fun in or near the water. The city is also home to top-notch attractions, including three world-famous animal parks and splendid Balboa Park, a cultural and recreational jewel that's one of the finest urban parks in the country. And of course San Diego also reflects its Spanish-Mexican heritage in every corner--in fact, bustling Tijuana is just across the border, 40 minutes away.

Once dismissed as a slow-growth, politically conservative navy town, San Diego has been expanding steadily during the past 2 decades, and now boasts an almost Los Angeles-like diversity of neighborhoods and residents. Approximately 1.3 million people live here, making it the seventh-largest city in the United States. At this writing, the city's biotech/tourism/telecom-based economy fires on all burners, and San Diego also boasts one of the fastest-rising housing markets in the country; fortunately, a heightened sensitivity to historical preservation means formerly seedy downtown areas and architecturally rich suburbs are being carefully restored. These often charming districts lure yuppies to invest in the future of these neighborhoods, and also help to update the face of San Diego's dining, shopping, and entertainment.

So pack a laid-back attitude along with your sandals and swimsuit, and welcome to California's grown-up beach town.