Just 60 miles northeast of San Diego, via I-8 and scenic Highway 79 is the historic gold-mining town of Julian, in the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains. Today's gold is found in the beautiful daffodils and crisp golden apples. Come to Julian to walk or ride its trails, visit its shops and art galleries, sample its famous apple pies, or even tour its gold mines. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride (760-765-1471) past its many 1800s buildings; browse through the past in the Pioneer Museum (760-765-0227), originally built as a brewery. Avoid the crowds and enjoy lower rates by visiting midweek. More information…

Julian's most luxurious B&B is the Orchard Hill Country Inn, set on a hill overlooking the town and its fruit orchards. For genuine historic charm, stay at the 1897 Julian Gold Rush Hotel Bed & Breakfast, the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California. Another in-town choice is the Eaglenest Bed & Breakfast, with great views, swimming pool and hot tub. Two friendly retrievers head up the welcoming committee. Tucked under pine and oak trees within walking distance of the town is the Butterfield Bed & Breakfast. The Julian White House Bed & Breakfast is a Southern-plantation-style home built in 1976, with a quiet, convenient location. In addition to a peaceful rural setting, guests at the Wikiup Bed & Breakfast can admire the resident llama herd, and even sign up for a llama trek. More inns…

Julian recommendations thanks to Bobbi Zane of Yellow Brick Road, the nation's only publication for aspiring bed and breakfast innkeepers.

Getting Around:
San Diego is about two hours drive south of Los Angeles, and a half-hour north of Tijuana, Mexico. Public transportation in San Diego is surprisingly easy and pleasant. The convenient San Diego Trolley will take you from Mission San Diego to Tijuana, with stops at major tourist attractions. The Old Town Trolley's stops include Old Town, Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado, the Zoo, and Balboa Park; trolleys roll along every thirty minutes, and you get on or off as you choose. If you prefer sight-sea-ing, San Diego Harbor Excursions will ferry you to Coronado, take you on a harbor excursion, or sign you up for a whale-watching cruise (late December through March). Cycling is an appealing option; check Blazing Saddles, or pick up a bike rental at the ferry landing in Coronado.

Sights & Activities:
Balboa Park has 1200 acres of tropical landscaping with 15 museums showcasing art, history, photography, aviation and more; several theaters, and the San Diego Zoo.
Cabrillo National Monument offers a superb view of San Diego's harbor, skyline, and migrating whales (in season).
Carlsbad is an appealing coastal community north of San Diego. March and April visitors can enjoy the Flower Fields--acres of colorful blooms on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Gaslamp Quarter: This restored downtown area is now home to shops, restaurants, theaters, and galleries.
La Jolla is an chic seaside community, home to the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, Birch Aquarium at Scripps and the La Jolla Playhouse.
Missions: California's oldest city, San Diego was founded in 1769 by Franciscan Father Junipero Serra, who built the Mission San Diego de Alcala (619-281-8449), the first of 21 California missions. Just north of Carlsbad is Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the King of the Missions.
Old Town: Tour the restored buildings from the 1850s; refuel at one of the many local Mexican restaurants.
Sports: Ninety golf courses, 1200 tennis courts, and 50,000 boats can't be wrong.
Theme Parks: Legoland California; San Diego Wild Animal Park; SeaWorld San Diego.
Torrey Pines State Reserve has miles of trails, unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon vital to migrating seabirds.
Wines: Close by are the San Diego County wines; one hour north of the city are the vineyards of Temecula.
More info: San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Accommodations:

Old Town: Just up the hill from Old Town is Heritage Park, home to the Heritage Park Inn, a Queen Anne home. Rooms are elegantly furnished with 19th-century antiques, and rates include a full breakfast, afternoon social hour, and an evening film classic. Ascending the adjacent hillside is the Hacienda Hotel, a 170-room Best Western, with considerable mission-style charm and a great location. Ask for a room with a view--Building Six is probably the best choice.

Gaslamp Quarter: You'll get a taste of this district's colorful history, with a stay at the Horton Grand Hotel, a 134-room complex of three re-created Victorian-era hotels. Guest rooms are not large, but have queen-size beds and gas-log fireplaces. For a great breakfast or lunch, cross the street to Aubergines.

Hillcrest/Mission Hills: You won't find a more welcoming B&B than the affordable Kasa Korbett. A short walk east is Hillcrest, San Diego's gay and lesbian community, with its neighboring nightclubs, restaurants, and shopping. Host Bob Korbett prepares tasty vegetarian breakfasts, and makes his guests feel right at home.

Coronado: Overlooking the water, the Glorietta Bay Inn was built in 1908 as the home of "Sugar Baron" John D. Spreckels. Although the 89 contemporary guest rooms in the surrounding buildings are fine, chose one of the eleven mansion rooms for a special experience. The famous Del Coronado Hotel is just across the street.

Pacific Beach: You won't need a white noise machine to mimic the sound of waves when you stay at the Crystal Pier Hotel Most of its 29 units are built right over the beach and the water. Stock your kitchenette with food and drink and you'll never leave.

La Jolla: The Bed & Breakfast Inn at La Jolla combines 1913 Cubist-style architecture with guest rooms elegantly decorated with antiques, artwork, and lots of flowers. In the center of the village, with dramatic ocean views and beautiful gardens, is the classic La Valencia Hotel. Be sure to stop at the Whaling Bar for a drink. Right next door is the Prospect Park Inn, with the identical water view at more affordable rates.

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