Year-round sunshine? Check. Miles of sandy coastline? Check. An oceanic playground for boarders, boaters and swimmers? Check. Perched on the southernmost tip of California, the only challenge San Diego poses to visitors, is finding the top spots to splash around it. The best place for water-lovers of all ages to begin the day is about 15 minutes north of downtown San Diego at La Jolla Shores.

San Diego is known for its amazing coastline, sunshine, an average temperature of 72 degrees and little rainfall. Of course, not all of San Diego is warm. Some of the "hottest" spots are the chilliest! What most people do not realize is San Diego is one of the most haunted cities in America. So get ready because today we visit the "old haunts" of San Diego.

The San Diego Wild Animal Park is like no other zoo. Here, large wild animals are free to roam within huge enclosures that replicate the wilds of Africa.

Clustered in these fenced-off acres are water buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, rhino, and several other impressive herds of different species. The animals mingle and romp up hills, through gullies, around waterholes and under trees. A motorized tram tour takes visitors around the perimeters of the enclosures, and for an extra fee, guests can ride on the back of a truck into the world of Africa itself on a Photo Safari.

San Diego is one of the jewels in the crown of California's coast and ranks as its second largest city. Diverse and vibrant, San Diego is rich in history, shares a border with Tijuana, Mexico, is home to University of California San Diego, offers miles of beautiful beaches and a Mediterranean-like climate, and houses 16 military facilities. From the historic Presidio of Old Town to the Waterfront, Little Italy to the Gas Lamp Quarter, the city has been undergoing gentrification since the 80's.

Every visitor to San Diego must make room in their schedule for the amazing, "world-famous" San Diego Zoo. The Zoo covers 100 acres on very hilly terrain in the heart of down-town, transforming an urban jungle into a real rainforest. The Zoo is a privately-funded non-profit organization and is one of the best-kept zoos in the country.

If you want a firsthand experience of San Diego's legendary laidback lifestyle, Mission Beach can't be beat. Cruise down the infamous Mission Boulevard until the road suddenly dead ends at the brink of the bay. Make sure to get there at sunrise to secure a parking spot in the always cramped lots. Don't forget your walking shoes as you begin your day with a brisk stroll down this two-block wide, two-mile strip overflowing with pure white sandcastles and the most desirable real estate on the Southern California coastline.