Destination: San Diego : Northern San Diego County’s Top Five

Northern San Diego County begins above La Jolla, and stretches to the edge of Orange County, taking in beaches, hills, flower fields, the San Diego Wild Animal Park and several major hotels on the way. Here, alphabetically, are five of the foremost lodgings:

The Inn at Rancho Sante Fe (5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, tel. 800-654-2928 or 619-756-1131, fax 619-759-1604). Subdued, slow atmosphere, popular among corporate retreaters, couples and older travelers, less so among families with children. 85 rooms and suites on 20 acres in a rambling hacienda setting, near golf and horseback riding. Restaurant, three tennis courts, pool, daytime access to a Del Mar beach cottage. Substantially more affordable than other “getaway” properties in the area. Rack rates: $85-$185, more for suites. Weekday corporate rates of $95 often available. AAA members often get 15% off rack rates.

La Costa Resort and Spa (2100 Costa del Mar Road, Carlsbad, tel. 800-854-5000 or 619-438-9111, fax 619-931-7585). Informal, uncontrived California atmosphere (except for the bellmen in argyle knee socks) in a grassy, low-rise complex with 478 rooms and suites. Spa and health club, 36 golf holes, 21 tennis courts, five pools, three restaurants. Daylong programs available for children aged 5-13. Rack rates begin at $225-$260. When occupancy is low, specials as low as $169-$189.

L’Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa (1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, tel. 800-553-1336 or 619-259-1515, fax 619-755-4940). A luxury retreat, but situated in the middle of downtown Del Mar. 120 rooms and suites. Restaurant, pool, extensive spa, four lit tennis courts. Rack rates: $129-$299, more for suites. AAA and AARP members get 10% off rack rates.

Rancho Bernardo Inn (17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, tel. 800-542-6096 or 619-487-1611, fax 619-675-8501). Hacienda style setting, with low-slung, tile-roofed buildings on 265 rolling inland acres with 287 rooms and suites. Two restaurants, two pools. 45 golf holes on site, three more courses nearby. Rack rates: $135-$215 from April 1-Sept. 30, higher in fall-winter. AAA members usually pay $125 midweek.

Rancho Valencia Resort (5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, tel. 800-548-3664 or 619-756-1123, fax 619-756-0165). A member of the international exclusive luxury lodging organization Relais & Chateaux, the resort has 43 suites in 21 casitas spread over 40 lushly landscaped acres. Eighteen tennis courts. Croquet lawn. Restaurant. Two pools. Next to an 18-hole country club golf course. Rack rates begin at $315-$375. Midweek specials begin at $260.

For travelers who want to spend less, there are many more modest lodgings. One spartan but well-priced example: The 45-room Del Mar Motel on the Beach (1702 Coast Blvd., Del Mar , tel. 800-223-8449 or 619-755-1534) is workmanlike and minimalist, but just a few steps from the beach and about a block from shops and restaurants. Rack rates: $60-$120.