San Diego, California

The friendly skies: Goldilocks would choose San Diego: not too hot, not too cold; not too big or too small. The city's southwest-facing angle on the Pacific Ocean pushes away stifling summer temps and winter freezes, leaving a seemingly endless string of 68-degree sunny days (particularly between November and March) that are just right for resting on the many sumptuous beaches.

On the ground: Coronado Beach stretches all the way to the Mexican border, and the selection of water sports along the coast is just as extensive. You'll find sparse crowds and good body-boarding at the Shores section; Pacific Surf School kicks into high gear when winter waves, which can top 20 feet, roll in; and the instructors of J World San Diego will get your sailing skills in line aboard a 26-foot J/80 keelboat. Check into the Hotel Solamar, located three blocks from the Padres' stadium in the city's Gaslamp Quarter, and your evenings will be just beachy, too: Mod furnishings in the 235 guest rooms are splashed with aqua blue accents, and the rooftop pool and bar keep things wet and wild long after the sun goes down.

Pacific Surf School
Tel: 858 488 2685
Private lesson $85 for 90 minutes.

Hotel Solamar
435 6th Avenue
San Diego, California
Tel: 877 230 0300 (toll-free)
Doubles from $175.

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