Though Craftsman architecture holds sway in much of Southern California, the Victorians had their say too. To immerse yourself in the Victorian era in San Diego, stay at A Victorian Heritage Park Bed & Breakfast Inn (2470 Heritage Park Row, 800/995-2470, www.heritageparkinn.com, $140–350). This B&B has a dozen amazing guest rooms, each with a unique decorative scheme that complements the classic Queen Anne lines of the mansion itself.

Expect to be pampered with featherbeds, private baths (many with clawfoot or whirlpool tubs), antique canopy and poster beds, and glorious views out the windows. A traditional afternoon tea is served downstairs each day, complete with finger sandwiches.< class="body">Surrounding the inn you’ll find the Victorian Heritage Park of San Diego, a small cluster of immaculately restored 19th-century homes and gardens set in almost eight acres of space, complete with cobble-stoned streets and views of downtown and the ocean to the west.

The Padre Trail Inn (4200 Taylor St., 619/756-7800, www.padretrailinn.com, $165–175) has upscale furniture and brand-name toiletries, so you’ll feel just a little bit pampered in your pleasant room here. Spend a few hours lounging by the side of the pool, or dive right into sightseeing in Old Town. The exterior matches the locale—a Spanish Revival hacienda was the inspiration for the Padre Trail Inn.