A friend is celebrating his 60th birthday and I want to take him somewhere special for the weekend. Any recommendations for a great place to go that is a short drive from San Diego? Are there any close resorts in Mexico that are especially nice?

"Are there any close resorts in Mexico that are especially nice?"

Not in my opinion.

How about a trip to Catalina?

What type of things are you looking for? A range of activities? Peace and quiet/reading/sunsets? Awesome food? Spa? In short, what will make it a "specail" place from your point of view?

There is nothing SAFE that is a short drive into Mexico (not to mention that there are no great places within a short driving distance). You could fly to Cabo.

We like to either fly down to Cabo from SD for a long weekend or we take the boat out to Avalon/Catalina..
Palm Springs is another great trip..
Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sedona, Scottsdale are great places that only take about an hour to get to via the plane (Southwest) and 4-5* hotel deals are to be had everywhere..
I wouldn't drive into Mexico right now..tip of Baja is ok.

I second Catalina. I've never been but I hear the La Costa Resort and Spa is great, maybe that is too close to San Diego?

Thanks everyone. Palm Springs isn't an option because we'll be going in late June and we think it will be too hot. We just went to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon last year.

For special, I was thinking something quiet and romantic, ideally, on the water but not necessarily. I'll look up Catalina.

I'm not sure what you mean by short drive. One hour? Two?

For one hour away, try the Surf and Sand in Laguna. On the water, but not necessarily very quiet. The Montage is pretty special, as well.

For two + hours away, try the Malibu Beach Inn. www.malibubeachinn.com/

I'm assuming that you know about the "June Gloom" that hangs around the immediate coast. Also, a caveat about Catalina these days. Because of the swine flu scare, it has replaced many Mexican Ports of Call for most cruise lines leaving out of LA/Long Beach/SD. It may change by late June, but if not, it probably won't be as quiet as you like.

You might also check out the specials running on LuxuryLink http://www.luxurylink.com/travel-off...hp?did=82&pg=1 and Travelzoo - www.travelzoo.com to see if anything looks interesting to you.

Ivk - I like the suggestion of Surf and Sand. I think it is pretty special. If budget it no issue - the Montage fits the bill

secret about Avalon during June Gloom is they don't get the marine layer like we do at the coast..
Love the Surf and Sand but can be socked in with fog and lots of $$ to spend if its cold.

Good point Ksucat..no promised for our June Gloom...There is a heavy marine layer out there today - it is sunny by me but I am a good 15 miles inland. I can see the haze from my balcony...