Hotel del Coronado may look familiar if you've ever seen Marilyn Monroe's "Some Like it Hot". This beautiful and lavish hotel on the beach is worth the drive over the Coronado Bridge, and the rest of the island (which is not actually an island, but a peninsula) is worth the trip as well. If you're as dog-obsessed as we are, you may also want to check out the Coronado Dog Beach, where furry friends run abound in the sand and sun.
The San Diego Zoo is as unparalleled in its conservation efforts and research, as it is in its outstanding beauty and fun. The zoo is located in Balboa Park and has enough exhibits to take up an entire day, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.