OLD TOWN. Although this is not the quickest or most scenic route into Mexico, it is the most convenient and least expensive. Upon arrival at the San Ysidro station on the US-Mexico border, you can hop over to Tijuana, where you'll find festive Mexican food and colorful souvenirs. The Blue Line starts at the Old Town Transit Center, but you can embark at several locations, including near PetCo Park. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes.

OLD TOWN. An exciting and fun way to learn over 400 years of San Diego's history and enjoy some of its most treasured sites, including the San Diego Zoo and beautiful Coronado. Tours leave every 30 minutes beginning at 9am and last approximately two hours. After your tour, be sure to take a leisurely stroll around Old Town for a glimpse of San Diego's humble beginnings. Reservations are required for some tours.

SAN DIEGO HARBOR. Take the ferry to Coronado for a great outing. Hourly departures offer flexibility which may be necessary ­ once you get to the community of Coronado, you might decide to stay longer. Other possibilities include dinner and brunch cruises, sightseeing tours and whale watching trips.

POINT LOMA. From December through March each year, thousands of gray whales instinctively return to the waters off southern California and Baja Mexico. H & M Landing provides memorable three- and five-hour offshore excursions. This is absolutely the best way to view these majestic creatures up close and personal (they've been known to come right up to the boat). H & M is so sure that you'll see the whales, that if for some reason you do not, they'll take you out again free of charge. Besides whales, you'll also see dolphins, seabirds and a host of other marine life. Other options are available ­ fishing trips, multiple day natural science excursions, scuba diving programs and more.