You know that a peninsula is worthy of national monument status when even the "new" lighthouse has been safely guiding ships into port for over 125 years. The city's history can be traced back to this very spot, and today the area is dotted with pristine marinas, dockside dining, and miles of walking and hiking paths that beckon locals and tourists alike who are looking for fun on the waterfront.

Enjoying the sights and warm sun of San Diego goes hand-in-hand with shopping. Malls, shopping centers and certified farmers markets here aren't your typical retail experience; they're all about the lively outdoors.

Here are some highlights from different shopping areas throughout San Diego County.

Daring chefs have created dining experiences that blend cross-border influences of San Diego and Baja California into the delicious Cali-Baja scene.