California’s birthplace and the first spot in the Western United States where Europeans stepped ashore, San Diego is a city with universal appeal. To go with the comfortable climate and laid-back style, San Diego Bay and its natural harbour have a rich military heritage. The colossal aircraft carrier USS Midway speaks to this, and stands as the mother of all museum ships. San Diego’s easy-going culture and miles of beach breaks may awaken the surfer dude in you, while Coronado and La Jolla have two of the best family beaches in the whole country. Set just north of the border, the city has a Mexican influence that spreads to its delectable cuisine, and there’s a deluge of culture at the museums, monuments and theatres of Balboa Park.