Have you ever imagined Heaven in your dreams? Chances are Hawaii, Tahiti, or an island in the South Seas came to mind. Well, there is no need to travel far to make your dreams come true. From the sleepy northern seaside village of Encinitas to the vibrant vibe of downtown San Diego, you can enjoy the continent’s most beautiful metropolis for much less than the plane ride to Hawaii alone, and do it without having to deal with the traffic for a second. A limousine service will take care of all your transportation needs.

Let’s start with Encinitas. Named for its ancient oak trees, the city is actually a small conglomerate of four separate towns. The northern part is divided into two sections separated by a low-level natural ridge. There is the old coastal Encinitas and, on the other side of the mountain range, the newer and more cosmopolitan city of Encinitas. The coastal part is lively but relaxed, as people enjoy the warm breeze and swimming in the ocean. The inner part houses the shopping center and the suburban boutiques where you can buy whatever you choose. Today, the city of Encinitas is known throughout the world for its annual Poinsettia Festival, which takes place every November. The flowers are grown and shipped all over the world from Encinitas, so this would be a must stop for any visitor and Christmas flower admirer.

A few miles to the south are the small towns of Leucadia and Cardiff by the Sea. They are seaside towns with easy lifestyles and full enjoyment of their access to the sea.

Moving further south, you’ll find Del Mar; named for its location right on the water. Stroll down Solana Beach Avenue for cute boutiques and small-town flavor before arriving at Del Mar Beach, where you can watch the waves crash all day. No need to worry about congestion as you are off the beaten path to the big city below. It is a very wealthy northern suburb of San Diego and its main draw to the city, aside from its beachside location, is its race track. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Race Track was opened in 1937 by none other than Bing Crosby for a race involving the famous thoroughbred Seabiscuit and has been home to the rich and famous ever since. It is part of the California Horse Racing Circuit and is well worth a visit for an evening of entertainment, as the stadium, Del Mar Fairgrounds, is built right on the beach.

Next, you have the crown jewel of the region: La Jolla. Birthplace of Gregory Peck and current home of presidential candidate Mitt Romney, it sits on a sloping hillside overlooking the famous marine sanctuary and abuts the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the number one marine laboratory in the world. The beach is pristine with surfers and sunbathers enjoying the warm water and perfect waves. Torrey Pines State Beach is long, lovely, and sits below the Torrey Pines golf course, which is the first stop on the PGA tour. Both Tiger Woods and Phil Michelson have won multiple times there.

Within the city of La Jolla itself, you’ll find the famous La Jolla Playhouse, as well as some of the best restaurants in the country. If you’re coming to San Diego, this is definitely a stop you can’t miss.

Continuing our journey south, we arrive at Pacific Beach. As colorful as the more famous Venice Beach in West Los Angeles without the traffic headache, the cast of characters you find in Pacific Beach is varied. A bohemian lifestyle fills the air and local establishments complete the experience. Adjacent to Pacific Beach is Mission Beach, Mission Bay Park and Aquatic Park, where you can rent anything from jet skis and catamarans to sailboats for very cheap prices. The bay is beautiful and overlooks the San Diego Harbor so you can enjoy your day in the sun with ease.

Finally, we arrived in downtown San Diego. From its cosmopolitan downtown and nightlife to Horton Plaza Mall, you’ll find plenty to do for a weekend of fun. The Gaslamp Quarter is a great choice for a romantic evening as it evokes a turn of the century period and the convention center hosts multiple events throughout the year including the world famous ComiCon. Beyond downtown, you have the Coronado Bridge to the world famous Hotel Coronado, where the famous movie “Some Like It Hot” with Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe was filmed. It also has a fantastic interior that resembles a cruise ship, making it a must-see for your weekend as well. Outside of downtown, it has it all, including beautiful Balboa Park with its Romanesque statues, great restaurants, amazing museums, arboretums, the world famous San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park in North County.