San Diego often seems to play the second fiddle to Los Angeles when it comes to coastal Southern California cities, but San Diego makes up for its smaller size with beautiful beaches and laid-back charm that sets it apart from its rasher cousin to the north. Besides the endless coastline and pristine beaches in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Del Mar, San Diego offers a vibrant culture and nightlife as well. If chilling out on the water without getting wet sounds like your ideas of a good time, then a harbor cruises / cruised might do, but watch out for the Navy's warships that call San Diego their home port. Hit the trendy food scene, which takes from its southern neighbor. Go in for some homemade tortillas and margaritas at Old Town, a historically preserved village that was once a mainstay for Mexican settlers. Explore the history and culture of beautiful Balboa Park, where you can tour numerous well-regarded museums, catch live music shows in the stunning Organ Pavilion, or meander through internationally-themed villages. With a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs, and authentic speakeasies, the re-born Gaslamp Quarter offers travelers a hipper place to go at night.