After two trips to San Diego in recent years, I decided that is where I should live the rest of my life. That assumption never changed. The reasons for this include more than just the standard compliments about weather, beaches, and major attractions. Plant life alone is worth stopping to take pictures. Contrary to the claim traffic is terrible in southern California, I can't remember one day when it was nearly as bad in San Diego as in Washington state. Even the little things like color-coded curbs and historic appearance of the Gaslamp Quarter add to the city's appeal, not just what people do there. Hillcrest has some of the most delicious chocolate desserts next to a patio and restaurant that sells smoothies, so I will always think of that area as a great place to get my favorite food and drink instead of "the gay community" everyone calls it.  And whatever you do at Balboa Park, remember it is a park by definition that requires walking slowly with a digital camera. It is not where you just go to one of the museums or the zoo, eat at a restaurant, and go back to your hotel or B&B. You would end up spending all day there without planning to. Downtown is not ugly and boring. If you are looking for a good place to eat seafood and don't mind waiting in line, remember two words: Fish Market. My family requested a table in the room that is literally over the water and it was worth the long wait. Driving on the bridge that connects San Diego to Coronado is awesome too, with water on both sides and a great view of the downtown skyline and boats. The only thing I did not like about being in San Diego was not getting a chance to see and do everything in only five days, so I am definitely going back as soon as possible. One reason I did not have enough time to visit the Santa Fe Depot (transportation building) and Seaport Village (shopping center on Harbor Drive) was I had too much to do at Balboa Park and was exhausted by 6:00 p.m.! In short, look at the little gems there.