San Diego Weekend Getaway

San Diego is one of California's oldest and most historic cities. The first European to land on Californian soil, Juan Cabrillo, first put ashore here in 1542. Mission San Diego, the first mission in California, was built two centuries later. Many traces of California history remain, and today's visitors can explore San Diego's history.

You can plan your San Diego history weekend getaway in a jiffy using the resources below.

Will You Like It?

• Take a look at our pictures of Old Town, The Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Mission and Cabrillo National Monument.
• If you like California history, you'll like San Diego. This is where the European history of California began. You may also be interested to know that Wyatt Earp once lived here, and ran several "businesses" in the Gaslamp.

San Diego weather is great almost any time, but contrary to what the song claims, it does sometimes rain in Southern California, especially in winter.

Getting There

Driving? San Diego is about 130 miles from Los Angeles and 330 miles from Las Vegas. If you don't have one, buy a map.

Flying? San Diego's aiport is called Lindbergh Field (SAN). Check airfares.

Where to Stay

Hotel Circle is close to Old Town and downtown has the Gaslamp Quarter, but any of our recommended hotels and campgrounds will do.

Learn how to find a good place to stay, fast.

5 Great Things to Do

• San Diego's Spanish Missions: Not just one, but three!

• Old Town State Historic Park: San Diego's first settlement includes the setting for Helen Hunt Jackson's romantic novel Ramona. Rangers give regular walking tours here.

• Point Loma (Cabrillo National Monument): The spot where the first explorers landed also affords beautiful San Diego views and has two historic lighthouses.

• Maritime Museum: The Star of India here is the world's oldest working ship.

• Gaslamp Quarter: Turn-of-the-century business district. Guided walking tours leave from the William Heath Davis House at 410 Island Avenue, or borrow their self-guided audio tour.

Best Brunch

A weekend getaway is a great time to enjoy a leisurely brunch. SignOnSanDiego lists a selection of great places to enjoy "a most civilized tribute to gluttony."

Don't miss

The history of Spanish California starts in San Diego, home of the state's first Spanish mission. Visit the Junipero Serra Museum and the San Diego Presidio, just above Old Town to see where it all began.

Tips

• We know it's popular, but we think many of the Gaslamp Quarter restaurants are too expensive, and it's almost impossible to find parking in the area at night. Go in the day for the walking tour instead.

• Pack comfortable casual clothing and good walking shoes and your camera. Most restaurants in San Diego accept casual dress, so unless you have a very special evening planned, leave your dress clothes at home. Evenings near the ocean can be quite cool even in summer; bring a sweater or jacket.