San Diego is California’s second largest city by resident count, falling only after Los Angeles. For such a populous, developed place, its soul has always been more beach town than big city. While it’s still a very much a beach-y, laid back destination, in the past decade or so, the urban aspects of San Diego’s identity have hatched and taken root, giving the city a more distinctive sense of place. Craft beer, Cali-Baja cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods top the to-do list now along with the classic surf and sun staples (and theme parks, if that’s your thing).