Daawgon, I guess you haven't visited your parents in some time because the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego goes off from Thursday - Sunday. There is absolutely no shortage of things to do, see and hear. Check it out: www.gaslamp.org . Daawgon, your parents miss you. Most of the nicest beaches in San Diego are, in fact, not in SD proper, but in North County, from La Jolla to Carlsbad. And don't even consider Pacific Beach as it's nothing but a 16 - 24 crowd and they act their age. It where the dregs of SD County go to the beach. At night, it cleans up a bit and can be fun but it's still not a vacation destination in my eyes. The Silver Strand beach in Coronado is as close to isolation as you can get in this populous area. If you want a classy area, Coronado, La Jolla and Del Mar meet the criteria. If you want class plus fun, Carlsbad is the perfect mix. But don't discount downtown. In fact, I live in Carlsbad, and though it has more than two dozen bars/restaurants, and I'll still be getting a hotel room in downtown because it's a hoot and I don't want to drive the 35+ miles home after partying. Harbor/Shelter Islands are removed from everything and, though nice, shouldn't be considered. Old Town is just plain boring and Mission Valley is a mess. Content in Carlsbad Moot