Las Vegas to San Diego road trip: 17 stops worth the detour

Chef Mickey Ninomiya's Kearny Mesa spot blending Japanese and Thai influences into inventive, precisely plated dishes with a devoted following. Order: Chef tasting.

Convoy District omakase-style sushi bar that earned a New York Times rave, serving pristine nigiri flights at an approachable price for the genre. Order: Omakase nigiri.

Convoy District favorite for double-fried Korean chicken that stays juicy inside and shatteringly crisp outside, in soy-garlic and gochujang glazes. Order: Soy garlic chicken.

A dramatic Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves design in the hills of Poway, with waterfalls, oaks, and big elevation. One of San Diego's best daily-fees.

A Rees Jones course in the Black Mountain foothills of Henderson, home to Butch Harmon's school and once a PGA Tour qualifier site. Canyon-and-mesa golf.

Barrio Logan taqueria with vibrant Chicano art and a walk-up window serving traditional street tacos and a loaded breakfast taco. Order: Carne asada tacos.

A Tom Fazio canyon course at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, tucked into the Los Penasquitos preserve north of San Diego. Lush, secluded, and immaculate.

at Cabrillo National Monument, high over the entrance to San Diego Bay

Wrestling-themed Mission Hills taco shop known for oversized California and Surfin Cali burritos stuffed with steak, shrimp, fries and secret sauce. Order: Surfin Cali burrito.

A municipal course on the cliffs above the Pacific that has twice hosted the US Open, most famously Tiger's 2008 win. Anyone can play where champions have, ocean glittering off to the right.

Fast-casual Hillcrest counter piling smoked-fish tacos and creamy shrimp tacos high with cabbage, onion and cilantro for a couple dollars each. Order: Smoked fish taco.

clear, protected water with sea lions, leopard sharks, and reef snorkeling

a long sandy beach under red bluffs and rare Torrey pine reserve views

A lush Arnold Palmer course at the Park Hyatt Aviara, threading wetlands and flowers near the coast and home to an LPGA major. North County's resort showpiece.

A 27-hole Gary Player design in the rugged canyons east of San Diego, with dramatic elevation and quiet surroundings. A scenic, well-priced round.