by Tamara Rice of The Rice Paper

If there is one city where I have spent the most time–without actually ever living there–it is San Diego, California. The reason, of course, is that it’s my husband’s home town, and every time we visit he is taking me on a tour–whether it’s of the “here’s where Marilyn Monroe stayed” variety or the “here’s where I got my first speeding ticket” variety.

In either case, I’ve noticed over the years that San Diego holds some of California’s most beautiful architecture, second only to–in my humble opinion–San Francisco. So, the next time you are in San Diego, California, make sure you take a long look at these lovely locations:

1. Heritage Park. Built on just slightly less than 8 acres near Old Town San Diego, the historic Victorian-style homes and the Jewish Temple Beth Israel of Heritage Park, are definitely eye candy for tourists, and are totally worth stopping for, even if you never go inside.

Sherman-Gilbert House (built in 1887) of Heritage Park

2. The Presidio. This historic lookout point over Old Town San Diego is a delightful park to explore, even if the original building lies in ruins. Just be sure to bring your camera, because rumor has it, if you look beyond the grounds of Presidio Park on a clear day, you really can see forever.

The Presidio in San Diego (founded in 1769)

3. The Mission. The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala is San Diego’s oldest mission. Built in 1769, it is California’s second oldest mission (though it has had several transformations over its lifetime), and it is still an active parish, after all these years. (Just please don’t kick the pews during mass.)

The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala (founded in 1769)

4. Balboa Park. Prepare to spend a long time exploring the park, even if you never pay to go inside one of the many museums that inhabit it. This shot of the Botanical Building is reason enough to go. (If you go on a Saturday, prepare to see a lot of brides–with a lot of makeup on–getting their pictures taken.)

The Botanical Building (built in 1915) in Balboa Park

5. The Hotel Del Coronado. Technically, it’s on Coronado Island, and not in San Diego, but there’s little difference. If you are in San Diego, you have to go visit what locals refer to as the Hotel Del. Just keep your eyes on the road as you cross the amazing Coronado Bridge, which is an architectural miracle all its own.

Hotel Del Coronado (built in 1888) in San Diego, California

Photos by (respectively) ThomWatson, Juan23, Allan Furgeson, Michael in Flagstaff, and jlantzy (all of Flickr.com)