With its unique identity as a beach town, a border city, a bustling international port and a former frontier burg, San Diego has mixed and matched architectural styles to surprising and sometimes dazzling effect over the decades. While the influence of the region's early Spanish settlement remains prominent, plenty of signature architectural sites here draw on other, more disparate traditions. Here's a look at 7 eye-catching San Diego buildings and districts that architecture-minded visitors will love discovering.

Your one-stop guide to the many ways you can enjoy sports & entertainment at Snapdragon Stadium.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, the first of the great California missions, marks the origin of Christianity in the American west. Founded in 1769, this remarkable historical shrine provides an understanding of the roots of Catholicism in this part of the world, and a look at the extraordinary dedication of the Spanish priests who traveled far from their home country.

As the home of San Diego State University football, San Diego Wave soccer, San Diego Legion rugby and much more, the beautiful Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley is San Diego's newest hotspot for great sports and entertainment. And along with the venue's championship lineup of teams and events comes a winning variety of dining and drinking options — all with deep ties to San Diego. From stadium standards to local gourmet favorites, Snapdragon has the bites and beverages to make you stand up and cheer. Here's a roundup of top options.