San Diego Photos -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides

Trolley Along Harbor Drive
Photograph by Kat Woronowicz/Zuma Press
The San Diego Trolley runs along Harbor Drive in the downtown area. Trolleys also travel to Qualcomm Stadium, PETCO Ballpark, and the international border with Mexico.
Casa Del Prado
Photograph by QT Luong/terragalleria.com
Since its reopening in 1971, the Casa del Prado, which was built in 1915, has hosted floral exhibits, concerts, and theatrical performances.
Cigar Store, Racine & Laramie
Photograph by QT Luong/terragalleria.com
An attendant shows cigars at Racine & Laramie, reported to be the first cigar store in San Diego when it opened in 1869.
Gaslamp Quarter
Photograph by QT Luong/terragalleria.com
History and urban cool collide in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, a 16-block area of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
U.S.S. Midway
Photograph by QT Luong/terragalleria.com
The U.S.S. Midway, an aircraft carrier that served in the Navy from World War II until the Gulf War, is now a museum on the Navy Pier. Visitors can tour the ship and its restored planes and helicopters.
Horton Plaza
Photograph by QT Luong/terragalleria.com
Horton Plaza, a shopping mall with an unusual whimsical architecture, jump-started the Gaslamp Quarter renaissance in the 1980s.
Silverman
Photograph by John Gastaldo/San Diego Union Tribune/Zuma Press
Performance artist Dash MacTavish, known as the San Diego Silverman, entertains passersby on the Embarcadero.
PETCO Park
Photograph by K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union Tribune/Zuma Press
Thunderclouds move in as the sun sets during a game at PETCO Park. The home of the San Diego Padres seats 42,445 fans.
Boutique Pearl Hotel
Photograph by Charlie Neuman/San Diego Union Tribune/Zuma Press
Located in historic Point Loma near downtown San Diego, the boutique Pearl Hotel features an outside dining area near the pool.
Escaramuzas Golondrinas
Photograph by Earnie Grafton/San Diego Union Tribune/Zuma Press
The Escaramuzas Golondrinas, a female equestrian group, practice at the Seeley Stables in preparation for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.