Think San Diego and you’re likely to think of crashing surf, Pacific ocean breeze, and, less pleasantly, mobs of tourists feeding parking meters down by the beach. Just north of the city, though, a few miles inland from Del Mar, is the Rancho Valencia Resort, a quiet retreat in a private canyon near the affluent residential community of Rancho Santa Fe. This place could be Southern California’s best-kept secret—unless you’re a tennis enthusiast, in which case you may well be here for one of the world-renowned clinics, or a private session with one of the coaches. Most guests, though, are here for an escape, a resort an easy drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego which nevertheless offers a measure of discreet seclusion. Accommodations are scattered about the grounds, hacienda-style, with one or two suites to each casita. Suites feature cathedral ceilings, hand-painted tiles, fireplaces, and above all a generous measure of space; one benefit of the inland location is that one avoids the jockeying for the best westward view and the endless stacking of buildings as close to the beach as possible. Instead each suite opens through French doors onto a private patio with outdoor seating and a view all its own. Service is impeccable, the surroundings are luxurious, and the cuisine exceeds all expectations; the Rancho Valencia serves sophisticated California specialties under whitewashed beamed ceilings, around a mission-style courtyard. Almost frighteningly luxurious and restful, especially considering the convenient location—you’ll never miss the ocean, much less the atmosphere of the seaside resorts. How to get there: Rancho Valencia Resort is (24 Miles) a 35 minute drive from San Diego International Airport. Take Interstate 5 north, 15.9 miles. Exit at Del Mar Heights Road, turn right, 0.6 miles. Turn left at El Camino Real, 1.9 miles. Turn right at San Dieguito Road, 2.7 miles. Turn right at Rancho Diegueno Road. Turn left (immediately) at Rancho Valencia Road, 0.5 miles. Turn left at Rancho Valencia Drive, 0.4 miles.