When you visit San Diego for the first time the choice of places to visit and activities to do can be quite overwhelming, especially when you consider that there is such a variety of things happening in San Diego. Deciding where to go and what to do can take a lot of time, which is where we can help. Here are ten of the top highlights of a San Diego visit - things visitors simply must experience to appreciate the San Diego lifestyle.

1. Visiting the Beaches: Throughout the year San Diego's beaches are at the center of the lifestyle enjoyed by surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, beach walkers and many others who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. San Diego has many beaches with varied conditions to choose from. Make sure you visit a few of San Diego's beaches during your visit.

2. Try a Fish Taco: The local cuisine in San Diego has a Mexican flavor. One of the most popular local dishes is the fish taco - deep fried battered fish wrapped in a corn tortilla. It's a taste you will find you have to try again.

3. Visiting Mexico: It's no secret that San Diego is a gateway to Mexico, with Tijuana just over the border, and another metropolis in its own right. Visiting Tijuana or Baja Mexico is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you may have heard. Keep in mind that Mexico has its own laws, and don't forget to bring your passport - then, from San Diego you are just a short distance from enjoying everything that this "South of the Border" paradise has to offer.

4. Old Town San Diego: In contrast to the modern Downtown area, Old Town State Historic Park is a restoration of old San Diego from the early days of Southern California. The Mexican theme dominates the Old Town restaurants, in the menus and the music, none more so than the Old Town Mexican Cafe.

5. San Diego Zoo's Pandas: You must include a visit to the San Diego Zoo in your list of things to do. Not only is it a great Zoo, but it has cute pandas! Your family will expect to see this unique display of everyone's favorite animal. They are at their most active in the morning. Visiting the San Diego Zoo is a memorable family day out.

6. Balboa Park: After you check out the pandas, take a trip to the nearby jewel of the city - Balboa Park. The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter when you visit. If you visit on Tuesdays you may find that most museums have free admission. During your visit, you should try dining at the Prado Restaurant to experience great food in a delightful setting.

7. The Gaslamp District: Downtown San Diego includes the Gaslamp Quarter, the entertainment, shopping and dining heart of the San Diego region. It is a vibrant part of town, with lots of activity and street entertainment to enjoy, especially in the evenings.

8. Go For a Trolley Ride: Take an all day trolley pass and escape from the busy roads as you get around San Diego. The public transport system is not well developed in the region, and cars dominate the city, but the San Diego trolley is a fun way to get around.

9. Play a Round of Golf: San Diego has a great selection of golf courses to go with its great weather. Torrey Pines is a championship course with great ocean views to enjoy.

10. Take a Harbor Cruise: San Diego is a maritime city, built around one of the first West Coast ports and now a major commercial port and naval base. See this fascinating busy harbor from a cruise boat.

There you have 10 top places to visit and things to experience to get a good taste of the San Diego lifestyle during your San Diego vacation.