San Diego or Palm Springs?

San Diego because it's one of my favorite cities on the planet

Why is it your favorite? I know a lot of folks say that, but I am trying to figure out the vibe so I know if it's right for me...

Love the beach, relaxed atmosphere, lots of outdoor activity, tons of nearby places with more of a "small town" feel, happy people, perfect weather...

Thank you both!

I was definitely leaning toward San Diego, so this helps.

Where to stay? I will look at the Gas Lamp area.

Palm Springs.  Blech.   Boring.   Flat.  OK desert scenery out of town, but unless you play golf or tennis.

San Diego is gorgeous, especially in winter months when the crowds leave.  I am so much more a coast person than a desert person.  I am actually partial to the La Jolla area rather than downtown, but that's about 1/2 hour north

PB, La Jolla, Mission Bay, Del Mar... be near the beach, not the city!

Pacific Beach.  Can be a little too much of the college crowd.  Gaslamp has more of a "sophisticated" vibe.  La Jolla and La Jolla Shores is a nice area, right on the scenic bike route and the area where I do plenty of long runs.  The other option would be Del Mar or Torrey Pines area. 

Thanks all!  We are definitely going with the San Diego area and will get a car.  We have to check out the various sleeping options. 

I llived in Pacific Beach for many years and it was the best experience of my life.  There is a Best Western right on the beach there, or you can rent a cottage right on the pier over the waves of the ocean.

There are beach cruisers, surf boards, and more for rent all over the place.  There is every type of food, bar, and store within walking distance, but a car is nice as you will want to go over to La Jolla, (the Beverly Hlls of San Diego).  Tide pools, beaches, scuba diving, snorkling, and shopping all over the place.  If you like the horses, Del Mar race track is just up the coast.

PB can be very crowded in the summer, but in the winter, it is a quiet sleepy town, where I used to ride down the middle of the street with my surfboard under one arm

You will fall in love with San Diego, it is the best location in the world. (IMHO)

I guess I have to chip in on this one since I grew up in SD, and have a home in PS (I'm here every weekend).

There's tons to do in SD from the zoo to Sea World to a zillion other things. Food, entertainment, whatever.

I love PS for other reasons. PS exists because the weather is better when the rest of SoCal is wet or cold. Modern PS gives a nod to early resort roots and the Hollywood community,  and has a great vibe. The locals are very friendly, something you don't get in SD. PS is a vacation town, SD is a city - a nice city, but a city.

If you want mellow and relaxed, go to Palm Springs. If you want lots to do with an active buzz, go to SD.

Aside from all the good reasons already listed, San Diego is German for "a whale's vagina."

I've been to both areas several times and have family in the the Palm Springs area.  There is a lot to do in both areas.  The Cochella Valley area (Palm Springs) has some great hiking in the mountains including a tram that takes you to the top.  There is also Joshua Tree State park, tons of awesome golf, casinos, & the Living Desert Zoo.  In addition, La Quinta and other cities in the area are VERY bicycle friendly with a dedicated lane almost everywhere. 

San Diego is a much different vibe as a much bigger metropolitan area compared to Palm Springs.  Depending when you go, the baseball stadium (Petco Park) is very cool right downtown.  I would venture over to Coronado and check out the restaurants over there.  A little bit South is Torrey Pines park & golf course.  In addition, the San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park are must see's if you are in the city. 

So, why not Florida?  In the winter, you get some great weather, you can swim in the ocean (can't do that in the pacific in the winter) and you would spend less than you'll spend in SD.

That said, I also agree with SD being one of the coolest (or is it classiest) cities in the country.

How about one from way out in left field?  Charleston, SC.  My absolute favorite city.

To answer the subject line directly though, San Diego.