San Diego North

(FAST FACT: Legoland in Carlsbad opened in 1999 and boasts more than 1.5 million visitors per year.)

The region north of San Diego has some of the most beautiful coastline in California as well as several of its most popular and picturesque towns including La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas and Carlsbad. Upscale dining and accommodations abound, as do countless opportunities for adventure.

Stay

Condé Nast Traveller magazine once designated Hotel Parisi in La Jolla one of the “Top 20 Small Hotels in America.” The 21-room self-proclaimed “Feng Shui” hotel with sweeping ocean views consistently earns its reputation as one of the most stunning hotels in California. www.hotelparisi.com.

Reopening in June 2008 after a $25-million renovation, L’Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa, a AAA four-diamond award winner, promises an unparalleled seaside escape. Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, the completely redecorated and upgraded boutique hotel provides an intimate scenic setting with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Its world-class luxury spa is getting a December revamp too. www.laubergedelmar.com.

While luxe resorts overlooking the ocean abound, few in the area compete with the just-a-tad-inland La Costa Resort and Spa, fresh from a several-year $140 million restoration. Each of its buildings, awash in the pristine Spanish Colonial style, is painted a brilliant white. Rooftops are lined with sun-baked tiles, and balconies are decorated with elegant wrought iron. Bright blue pots frame the pathways, and lush gardens teem with gigantic, orange birds of paradise. Walls double as soothing fountains, and a refreshing ocean mist lingers on the vivid green lawn, resulting in a dreamy, “living in paradise” feel.

Suites include flat-screen TV’s, indulgent tubs and huge, European-style windows that open, allowing the fresh California air to gently waft through the room.

While there, do not miss indulging at Spa at La Costa. Named No. 1 Spa in the West by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2005, the refuge deserves its kudos. Some of its most luxurious treatments include the signature Spanish Herbal Body Rub, Avocado-Cilantro Body Masque, Coastal Stone Massage and Botanical Facial. Lastly, visit the on-site Chopra Center for Wellbeing, founded by spiritual guru Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon, to fully immerse yourself in the healing mind-body-soul experience of this rejuvenating resort. www.lacosta.com.

Opening in November 2007 in Encinitas, Lux Art Institute helps patrons appreciate not only art itself, but the process of its creation with an artist-in-residence program that has resident artists create work while visitors observe. Soon, this art center also expects to be the first LEED-certified museum in the state. www.luxartinstitute.org.

The colorful underwater world of the 6,000-acre La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve is home to fish, seals, crabs and forests of kelp. Sign up for a guided tour or rent snorkel gear at a local dive shop to explore one of the most picturesque spots to snorkel in the state. www.sandiego.gov.

Overlooking scenic San Diego Bay, you’ll find the lushly landscaped Self-Realization Fellowship Temple. Attracting spiritual seekers of all backgrounds, the quiet temple offers services that include readings of the writings by Paramahansa Yogananda, silent meditations, prayer and devotional chanting. www.yogananda-srf.org/temples/sandiego.

Upgrade your Legoland California experience with the exclusive Premium Play Pass for nearly no-wait lines and priority show seating. The ultra-exclusive, personalized V.I.P. tours include all of the above plus a tour guide. www.legoland.com.

For quality shopping, visit Prospect Street in La Jolla, frequently referred to as “the Rodeo Drive of San Diego.” Browse everything from sophisticated boutiques, high-end retail shops and überhip furniture stores to antique emporiums.

Dine

One of the most revered places to eat in La Jolla is George’s Bar, which offers panoramic views of La Jolla Cove. Fresh from a renovation, this upscale favorite featuring high-brow bar food has won numerous titles and awards for notables from its wine selection to its chef. www.georgesatthecove.com.

Fine dining on Prospect Street in La Jolla can be found at Pasquale, a four-star Italian restaurant offering fabulous food in a classy chic atmosphere. Also, watch out for celebrities—they’ve been known to frequent this warm and inviting eatery that becomes a lively hot spot at night. www.pasqualesrestaurant.com.