Spend a weekend in San Diego, Calif.

By Clara Bosonetto

For the AJC

Budget:

Getting there: Depending on traffic, the drive from Los Angeles to San Diego is about 2-3 hours. Frequent one-way sale rates to Los Angeles start at $124 and from $149 during non-sale periods; nonstop AirTran or Delta.

Stay: Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast is located in "One of 10 Great Neighborhoods in America" and just one block from dozens of award-winning restaurants, wine bars, boutiques and vintage bookstores. Guests enjoy all-day beverages, a hearty daily breakfast, complimentary parking and Wi-Fi. Cozy accommodations with private bath start at $129; 3845 Front St., 619-990-2441, www.hillcresthousebandb.com.

Eat: HoDads is a funky, crowded and loud beach joint serving what patrons claim is the best burger on the planet. Block long waits to get in is proof of its popularity. No shirt, no shoes, no problem. Burger baskets with fries from $5.25-$11. Beer and wine available; 5010 Newport Ave., 619-224-4623, www.hodadies.com.

Experience: Located just west of the city, picturesque Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma peninsula makes for an ideal outing. A two-mile Bayside Trail provides for tremendous city and bay views along the last remaining coastal sage scrub habitat in the world. The rocky intertidal area is one of the best protected ecosystems in the state. Rangers are on hand during weekends to help visitors explore the tide pools and to spot whales; $5 per vehicle; www.nps.gov/cabr.

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Moderate:

Getting there: Round-trip rates start at $406 to San Diego with a 21-day advance purchase notice and from $517 with a two-week notice; nonstop Delta.

Stay: The Doubletree Hotel San Diego-Mission Valley offers a $159 per night package bundling accommodations, Wi-Fi and self-parking. This stylish hotel is a trolley ride away from the downtown historic Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town and Tijuana, Mexico. Championship golf and beautiful beaches (Pacific Beach and Sunset Cliffs) are minutes away. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool and whirlpool with mountain views, fitness center, tennis courts, indoor lap pool, sauna and warm, chocolate-chip cookie at check-in; 7450 Hazard Center Dr., 619-297-5466.

Eat: In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Tabule Restaurant & Bar is a new player and already a favored spot for the fresh seafood, ceviches and Italian-fused cuisine. Entrees at this trendy newcomer range from $10-$30, 535 4th Ave., 619-238-0048, www.tabulerestaurantbar.com.

Experience: Hang 10 in San Diego! Instructors guarantee that if you're not standing on your surfboard at the end of one lesson, your next lesson is free. A semi-private session (2-3 persons) includes 30-minute beach instruction, one hour instruction in the water, use of equipment (board, wetsuit, rash guard, leash) during the lesson and for one hour following the lesson; $65, 735 Santa Clara Place, 858-488-2685, www.pacificsurf.org.

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Splurge:

Getting there: Round-trip Business Class rates of $1,106 require a three-day advance purchase notice; nonstop Delta.

Stay: Reserve the "Book the Beach" package (three or more nights) at the AAA 4-Diamond Pacific Terrace Hotel and receive daily continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, use of beach chairs and a bottle of house champagne or sparkling cider room delivered on arrival. Elegant guest rooms with a full ocean view from $265. A wooden staircase leads down to the white sandy beach. Valid for online bookings only; refer to code TRPBEACH; 610 Diamond St., 1-800-344-3370, www.pacificterrace.com.

Eat: Island Prime is a hip and romantic restaurant sitting on stilts over San Diego Bay and overlooking the city skyline and Coronado. Dine early with the setting sun and midweek three-course menu with shared dessert at $40 per person. On weekends, enjoy the four-course Chef's tasting menu $55 ($75 with wine pairings). A la carte items $29-$45; 880 Harbor Island Dr., 619-298-6802, www.cohnrestaurants.com/restaurants/islandprime.

Experience: Tens of thousands of California gray whales come within a few miles of the San Diego coast on their 5,000-mile southern journey from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja. From mid-December through April, sail on a historic replica of the world’s first America’s Cup winner, the 139-foot yacht America, for a unique whale watching experience. A four-hour excursion, including a "no sea sickness guarantee," admission to the San Diego Maritime Museum, soft beverages, snacks, a narration about whale migration habits and a history of the America is $85 adults; $44 ages 12 and under during weekends; $65/$34 weekdays. Guests are welcomed to bring their own lunch and adult beverages for a picnic at sea; 1492 North Harbor Dr., 1-800-644-3454, www.stars-stripes.com.