If you've rented a car, you'll probably want to explore several areas during your stay in San Diego. In no particular order, the following are some of Sam and David's favorite places all over town.

The Hillcrest Cinemas - A cozy 4-screen movie theater that shows only independent films in the heart of Hillcrest. Parking available underneath the courtyard in front of the theater. Excellent restaurants Bombay (for Indian, nice outside tables) and Pizza Nova ( a can't-miss casual, inexpensive place for pizza, pasta and salads). Be sure to stop by and visit our friends at The Candy Depot in front of the cinemas, the BEST bin-candy store EVER, which thoughtfully provides bags for "movie candy." Fifth Avenue between Washington and University.

Hillcrest Village - One of the best strolling neighborhoods in San Diego. From downtown you can take Fifth all the way up and be in the center of Hillcrest in less than five minutes. Most of the action can be found on University Avenue between First and Sixth Avenues (you'll pass under the famous illuminated "Hillcrest" sign) and on Fourth and Fifth Avenues between Robinson and Washington. In this compact area of just a few blocks, you'll find at least five second-hand bookstores, several vintage clothing shops, and restaurants ranging from Afghan to Thai to American Diner. Fun to walk and people-watch. Check out novelty stores Babette Schwartz and Cathedral on University between Fifth and Fourth for interesting gifties and fabulous candles and soaps, and make a point of stopping at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on the corner of University and Fifth for the best Ice Blended Mocha anywhere!

Montana's American Grill - We love this restaurant! They have wonderful salads, pastas and burgers, and incredibly yummy specialty martinis. We go here pretty much every weekend. Reservations welcomed but probably not necessary. The place has an intimate atmosphere, very dim and chic, but you don't need a tie. Located on University Avenue, south of Hillcrest near Richmond Street.

Hillcrest Farmer's Market - Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a great spot for organic veggies, fresh fruit, gorgeous flowers, crafts, jewelry, music and people-watching. Located in the DMV parking lot between Cleveland and Normal Streets, left from University and right from Washington. A great spot for experiencing local San Diego culture! Free parking in the DMV lot and all surrounding streets. About 10 blocks from the center of Hillcrest.

Anatomy Day Spa - Want a manicure, facial or massage in a luxurious atmosphere with big pillows, soft music, ambient lighting and lots of yummy-smelling Aveda products? Check out this small but well-appointed spa and you'll feel like you just came back from vacation when you leave! Sam loves to get her nails done here because they buff them to a high shine and treat her like a queen (even if it's a bit of a splurge.) Call first for an appointment. (619) 296-6224 or www.anatomydayspa.com. Located south of Hillcrest at 1205 University Ave. (very close to Montana's).

Fashion Valley - A really nice outdoor mall, it is also the largest in San Diego County. All the major department stores and boutiques, an 18-theatre stadium cinema and several restaurants. On Friars Road, exit west from the 163 Freeway, a five minute drive from downtown or Hillcrest on the 163 North.

Balboa Park and The Prado - Balboa Park is one of the jewels of San Diego, a gorgeous promenade of Spanish architecture, flower gardens, fountains and many museums, including Aerospace, Natural History and The San Diego Museum of Art (where Sam worked at the Monet exhibit in 1998!) Located next door to the San Diego Zoo and minutes from downtown, it's a beautiful place to take a walk, have a picnic or look at paintings and other exhibits. The Prado is the first "real" restaurant to open in the Park, and they've outdone themselves! The decor is an eclectic mix of blown glass and other tchotchkes, and the outdoor patio overlooks the canyon. The service is excellent, the margaritas huge, and the appetizers (mostly Mexican and seafood) big enough for a meal. Take a walk through the park and stop in to The Prado for Happy Hour - this is the place David and I take out-of-town visitors for a taste of San Diego in more ways than one!

Qualcomm Stadium - It's big and built for football, but it means Sam can always get a seat for a game with her beloved Padres. Warm San Diego nights are perfect for baseball!

Twiggs - This comfy coffeehouse is a shabby-chic neighborhood hangout, and the owners bake the goodies themselves. Great coffee, not a chain, and always an old armchair waiting just for you. When Sam lived in University Heights, she walked here almost daily to meet friends, grade or read. A real "locals" place, but everyone loves it. Take some time to explore the antique shops that line both sides of Park Boulevard between Madison and Adams Avenues. Twiggs is located at the corner of Park Boulevard and Madison Ave. in University Heights, right under the University Heights sign. (Park Boulevard intersects University Avenue several blocks south of Hillcrest-go left). Open seven days until 11 p.m.

Brockton Villa restaurant in La Jolla Cove - This casual, Cal Cuisine restaurant overlooks La Jolla Cove, which is one of the most beautiful spots anywhere, and resembles a big old house. It has great food, especially breakfast (try the cheese "steamers," scrambled eggs made with an espresso machine!), and amazingly is Low to Moderate in pricing, considering the premium on the fabulous view of waves breaking on the rocks just a few feet away! Before or after you eat, take the path along the cove south to the Children's Pool, now inhabited solely by dozens of Californian sea lions, and commune with sea birds and squirrels as you watch the incredibly blue waves. If you keep walking, you'll eventually reach The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - you'll be facing the back side, which has a really nice garden.

UCSD - Sam graduated in September, but this campus will always remain her first San Diego home! The Geisel Library (named after Dr. Seuss!) has a panoramic view of most of San Diego from the top floor. About 10 years ago, the university commissioned a number of well-known artists to create permanent outdoor installations all over campus. These include the talking Poetry Tree near Library Walk, the Sun God sculpture on the Muir campus, television-watching Buddhas in front of the Communications building, and the massive Paradise Lost-influenced Snake Path leading up a steep hill to the library, among others. A walking "tour" of this diverse exhibition is quite enjoyable.

Torrey Pines State Reserve - If you love hiking, this is a must-visit for your stay in San Diego! Located off the Pacific Coast Highway just south of Del Mar (from downtown, take I-5 North to Del Mar Heights exit, go west, then left on the Coast Highway; it's then less than a mile to Torrey Pines entrance on your right) this state park features about 10 different beach and cliff trails, many with sweeping ocean views, at various levels of difficulty. Walk quietly and you'll catch an amazing variety of lizards, birds and other animals on your path. There are a number of platform "lookouts" for soaking in the beauty of coastal San Diego - this is one of the places San Diegans go to remind themselves how lucky they are to live here! $5.00 admission per car to Torrey Pines State Park, ample parking and bathroom facilities at the top (which is where most of the trailheads are.) Beach access. Closes at sundown.

Local beaches: Ones we like can be found on Coronado (take the Coronado Bridge exit from the I-5 South) and then left on 74/Orange Ave towards the end) and La Jolla Shores, in downtown La Jolla off of La Jolla Shores drive (take I-5 to La Jolla Village Drive exit, head west, L on La Jolla Shores Drive.) I like both of these because parking isn't too hard and they're very big, making it easier to find a spot to yourself.

Other areas to explore:
Major attractions: The San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park and Sea World.