The military's impact on San Diego is legendary. Yet, few people know that the plan for turning the city from a sleepy resort town into a community on the cutting edge of the American defense effort was the result of a vision brought to fruition by a number of events. A local historian will give a presentation on the military's influence in transforming San Diego into a city with the largest Navy and Marine Corps complex in the Unites States. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A.

Transport to San Diego Bay. You will enjoy a two-hour San Diego harbor cruise that leaves from the waterfront near the San Diego cruise ship terminal.

This narrated harbor excursion shows how closely the city is tied to its maritime heritage. The excursion covers Harbor and Shelter Islands, Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, North Island Naval Air Station, the Submarine Base, as well as the Coronado Bridge, and much more.

It's a great way to rest your feet and get some great city views with ships docked beneath San Diego's modern skyline, or watch sea lions lounging on a buoy.

Take warm clothing along on your harbor cruise. It's always colder on the water, and even when the weather is warm, fog comes in quickly and the temperature drops with it.

A stable ethnic business and residential community since the 1920s, Little Italy today represents downtown San Diego's oldest continuous neighborhood business district. At one time, more than 6,000 Italian families lived in Little Italy and toiled to build San Diego into the center of the world tuna industry.

This exploration will enable you to experience the history, cuisine and culture of one of California's most hip and historic neighborhoods.

Enjoy wine tasting and antipasto at an Italian restaurant in the Little Italy district.

Coach returns to the hotel.

Transport to Chicano Park.

Narrated Exploration of Chicano Park.

Steeped in a rich history and vibrant culture, the residents of the barrio take great pride in who they are and what they have accomplished. This pride has manifested itself in a series of murals painted in the center of Chicano Park, reflecting this ethos and serving as a reminder to new inhabitants and visitors alike. The murals are a tribute to the struggles of a people seeking to make this country their home while never forgetting their roots. Transport to Coronado.

The Hotel del Coronado is one of the most recognizable features of San Diego. Its superb waterfront location, irrefutable charm and storied history, makes it a must-see for all visitors to Southern California.

Beginning construction in 1887, the hotel was completed in only 11 months at a cost of $1 million. Labor was provided largely by Chinese immigrants from San Francisco and Oakland. The hotel was built as a premier resort for the wealthy and has quite a famous guest list, including Thomas Edison, L. Frank Baum, Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh and Edward VIII, who met his future wife, Coronado resident Wallis Simpson, during his stay.

The Del, as it is affectionately known, is one of the oldest and largest all-wooden buildings in California and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

Transport to hotel.

Alex and Pam McGeary, a husband and wife team of sustainable vintners from Warner Springs Ranch, will discuss the science of growing the grapes and producing wines in a completely sustainable way. They will bring samples of their Shadow Mountain Winery vintages for tastings.

Transportation to San Diego Zoo.

The world-famous San Diego Zoo, in Balboa Park, is one of the largest, most progressive zoos in the world with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species. It is privately operated by the nonprofit Zoological Society of San Diego on 100 acres of parkland leased from the City of San Diego, and ownership of all animals, equipment and other assets rests with the City of San Diego.

Exhibits are often designed around a particular habitat. The same exhibit features many different animals that can be found side-by-side in the wild, along with their native horticulture. Exhibits range from an African rain forest (featuring gorillas) to the Arctic taiga and tundra in the summertime (featuring polar bears). Some of the largest free-flight aviaries in existence are here. Many exhibits are "natural" with invisible wires and darkened blinds (to view birds), and pools and open-air moats (for large mammals).

Or, you may choose to visit museums in the park on your own.

Torrrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within San Diego city limits and yet remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast! 2000 acres of land are as they were before San Diego was developed with the chaparral plant community, the rare and elegant Torrey pine trees, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. One can imagine what California must have looked like to the early settlers, or to the Spanish explorers, or even to the first California residents here, the Kumeyaay people. There are eight miles of trails, a visitor center, and expert-led nature walks are offered.

Torrey Pines is visited by travelers from all over the world and by local residents who come daily to rest at the stunning overlooks, walk a peaceful trail, or exercise in a clean, beautiful environment. Special care has been taken to preserve this coastal treasure and keep it pristine for generations to come. PLEASE NOTE: Should rain be a factor, the trails may be unavailable for use. Should this be the case, a different activity may be substituted.

Coach provides a brief exploration of the Village of La Jolla and then off to lunch in the area.

Coach returns to the hotel.