If you're finding that you can't quite afford that Hawaiian vacation this year, take heart: there's another destination that will be easier and less expensive.. And if you're already in Southern California, it's just a few hours' drive.

San Diego's Mission Bay, along with Pacific Beach, may not have the 80-degree water, or the hula girls, but there is plenty of water, swaying palm trees and consistent weather that practically guarantees you'll get all the time you need to bake in the sun. It's easy to leave the everyday grind of work behind and settle into a vacation frame of mind.

The comparison with Hawaii is particularly apt at a hotel like the Hilton San Diego Resort, a sprawling campus of both high and low-rise accommodations, many with views of Mission Bay. Location and landscaping are what make this resort special. With its own docks on Mission Bay and a fleet of various water craft available for rent, water activities are never far away. And with the lush gardens, ubiquitous palm trees, mega swimming pool and island music, the resort takes on the feel of a true Hawaiian resort.

The resort also is nearly surrounded by Mission Bay Park, a popular playground for San Diego County residents who flock to the acres and acres of green lawns, waterfront and recreational areas. The Mission Bay area was developed several decades ago from a tidal marsh where the San Diego River drained into the Pacific Ocean. About 25 million cubic yards of sand and silt were dredged to create the land forms in the park, which are almost entirely manmade. The area has restrictions on development that ensure that it will remain available for the public to use.

And use it they do. Whether it's day camping on Fiesta Island, or walking or riding along the many miles of bike paths skirting the bay, or simply picnicking on park property with dramatic views of the bay, San Diego residents and visitors alike have taken a liking to Mission Bay.

We spent considerable time poolside at the Hilton San Diego Resort � remember, this was our "Hawaiian" vacation this year � and when we felt we were being too lazy, we hiked along several of the bay's bike paths. If you're into people-watching -- and most visitors to Mission Bay are -- check out the Bayside Terrace Grille, which overlooks the bay and one of the busiest bike paths. It's a great place for afternoon or early-evening refreshments while watching the sun go down over the bay. We also enjoyed dinner there, where we chose from a creative selection of entrees.

The hotel was changing out many of its room furnishings while we were there and, by now, most guests should notice the tasteful new room designs that are in keeping with the resort's four-diamond rating. Villa diRusso, the resort's spa, also is undergoing major renovation and will be opening again mid-summer 2007. Our room had just been changed out with new furniture, plush pillows and comforters and everything felt brand new. Internet service is included and the hotel offers shuttle service to some nearby shopping areas.

Mission Bay is adjacent to Pacific Beach where, in fact, we once lived. This area is known to San Diego residents as "PB" and is popular with young people who enjoy the shops, restaurants and nightlife. The main attractionk, of course, is the beach and you'll find that it goes all the way from the southern border of Mission Bay to La Jolla on the north. The beach walk is the place in San Diego to watch the young, the beautiful, the odd and the extreme.

One of our favorite bike rides is to take the beach path all the way along Mission Beach, then along Pacific Beach and up the gradual incline into the luxury enclave of La Jolla. Your ride will take you along spectacular bluffs with walking trails down to gorgeous coves and rock formations where you can rest and soak in the views of the Pacific Ocean. Bike rentals are available in Pacific Beach as well as at most hotels including the Hilton.

As you start exploring Mission Bay and nearby Pacific Beach, a note of caution: bring the GPS, or at least a good map of the area. The roads in this part of San Diego are some of the most confusing you'll find, and it's not unlikely you'll end up heading to Mission Valley instead of Pacific Beach, or get sidetracked in some nearby shopping and industrial areas that may take you a little while to escape. It all has to do with the islands, peninsulas, hills and valleys that make the topography in this part of San Diego so interesting.

Mission Bay is an especially good destination if you have kids because you will be next door to SeaWorld, the famous park that attracts many visitors to San Diego. Each night we were at the Hilton, we could step out on our lanai and watch the fireworks emanating from the park. It's just a five-minute drive in your car and then you're spending the day watching whales, dolphins and every sea creature you can imagine.

In fact, Mission Bay is close to several San Diego area attractions. Old Town also is no more than a five-minute drive and it's there that you'll find the flavor of Mexico more than any other place in San Diego. Historic buildings and museums help tell the story of early settlers to the region and some of San Diego's best Mexican restaurants help you get a true taste of the culture. In Old Town you'll find all the requisite tourist shops, which a lot of people love because they can find stuff to take back as reminders of their visit.

About six miles south of Mission Bay is the San Diego waterfront, where you can enjoy such attractions as Seaport Village, with its fascinating shops and excellent selection of restaurants. Along the waterfront, you'll find the occasional street performer along with plenty of other fun sights and activities. After all, it is here that the U.S. military concentrates many of its biggest and newest warships, and you'll also enjoy watching a parade of smaller craft ranging from historic sailing ships to private yachts to sleek racing boats such as the Stars and Stripes, winner of the America's Cup..

One of our favorite attractions is the USS Midway, a floating museum where you'll spend hours learning about aircraft carriers and jet aircraft. Guests are allowed almost free run of the ship and you'll see every nook and cranny as you climb up and down the decks. Adding a special touch to the experience is the personal contact you'll have with the many docents who give their own recollections of what it was like to live on this ship while it was at sea. Nearby is the Maritime Museum, also a treasure trove for anyone interested in things nautical.

The San Diego waterfront isn't Pearl Harbor, and Mission Bay isn't Waikiki � but they'll do quite nicely and will be much easier on a Californian's pocketbook.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Mission Bay is right in the middle of the fun for any San Diego visit,. Go one direction and you are quickly in downtown, go another and you're quickly at Pacific Beach, go still another and you're quickly in La Jolla. SeaWorld's right next door..

WHAT: Mission Bay is a paradise for visitors who love water recreation of all types. Water skiing, jetskis, sailing, powerboats � all are for rent at the Hilton San Diego boat dock.

WHEN: Any time of the year. San Diego is famous for having the best and most consistent weather in the country � and it really does.

WHY: To take in San Diego's many historic and cultural attractions as well as to enjoy the sun and surf.

HOW: For more information on the Hilton San Diego Resort, phone 619-276-4010, or visit www.hilton.com.


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Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, which focuses on California travel, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, featuring Washington travel as well as destinations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia.