Loosely translated to mean “sunny spot,” Solana Beach is a quiet refuge with family friendly beaches and a shopper’s mecca known locally as “The Avenue with Everything.”

The modern history of Coronado began in 1886 with the formation of the Coronado Beach Company, which for many years was the driving force behind the development of the peninsula as a town and resort destination. But for generations before that, the area had been inhabited by the Kumeyaay (Iipay / Tipai), who were the San Diego region's first peoples. They established fishing villages in Coronado and used the area for hunting and gathering. The last of the Kumeyaay inhabitants were forcibly removed from Coronado in the early 1900s.

If you're heading to a San Diego Padres baseball game with the whole family in tow, check out these awesome insider tips.

Quaint and neighborly are words that come to mind for Kensington, a vibrant community northeast of downtown San Diego. While this pocket of the city is mostly known to locals, visitors will find some serious eats, drinks and other charms in the historic neighborhood.