Ensenada, Cabo & La Paz Cruise 7 Nights • San Diego, California • Serenade of the Seas

A cruise from the Port of San Diego is always a great idea, because it means you get to start your vacation in a city that’s filled with as much adventure as the destinations you’ll soon sail to. San Diego is nicknamed “America’s Finest City,” and it sure lives up to the title. With its breezy, sunny climate and laid-back, beach-town spirit, this West Coast gem beckons with unique experiences. Before you set out on your cruise out of the Port of San Diego, head to the world-famous San Diego Zoo for an up-close look at pandas and Komodo dragons. Sip local brews and savor tasty empanadas outdoors at Liberty Public Market. At the San Diego Museum of Man, a climb to the top of the California Tower will yield dazzling views of the sea, city and bay. And of course, make sure you spend some time at the iconic La Jolla Cove, home to sea lions and an underwater park that’s a favorite destination among snorkelers and divers.

Escape to the Mexican Riviera on your cruise to La Paz, Mexico. One of the most popular things to do here is lounging on the city’s gorgeous beaches — and there’s no shortage of options. Spend your day at the secluded Balandra Beach or take to the waters at Playa Pichilingue or Playa El Tecolote. Learn about local history at the Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia or marvel at the beauty of Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz. And if you love animals, visit El Serpentario, the best spot for viewing snakes, turtles and other reptiles.

Explore Baja's quintessential seaside town — check out Iglesia de San Lucas, a Spanish missionary church dating back to 1730. Then, see the majestic, photo-ready rock arches on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Take in views of clear ocean waters and desert-like landscapes on the coastline of the Sea of Cortez, or relax on the sands of Playa Medano before popping in for a margarita at an oceanside watering hole.

Dip your toes into Ensenada's sparkling seas at San Miguel Beach or work up a sweat hiking along the six-mile Canon de Doña Petra trail. Witness the majesty of nature when you watch La Bufadora geyser shoot more than 100 feet into the air or admire (and buy) the colorful work of local artists in the shops on Calle 1.

Before leaving this SoCal mega city, there are a few things you can't miss. Hike one of the many coastal trails like Sunset Cliffs. Marvel at the unique landscapes in Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, with untouched dunes and steep, sandy cliffs. Or head to the San Diego Museum of Man, where you can climb the 125 steps to the top of the California Tower for sweeping 360-degree views of the mountains, the ocean and the city.