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Shorts and a sweatshirt: that's the perfect outfit during winter in San Diego. Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-to high sixties (F), and evenings get a little more brisk - sometimes dipping into the low fifties (F). The slightly cooler air makes outdoor activities a little more pleasant in most cases, though; while you may not be prepared to dive into crisp ocean waves, you can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest if you're in the right places.

You'll need to book your reservations at least three months in advance if you're heading to San Diego during the winter. The sooner you reserve, the better - you're more likely to get lower rates on everything from airfare to hotel rooms. Remember: everyone wants to escape the cold, and San Diego is a perfect place to do precisely that. The area may be a little crowded, so be prepared.

Aside from the obvious attractions, like Sea World and Legoland (which are also the places that all the tourists are visiting at this time of year), the city of San Diego puts on many winter festivals that provide visitors with a glimpse of local color and an unusual vacation adventure. If you're headed to "America's Finest City" during the winter months, you're in for a real treat!

December in San Diego is famous for the Festival of Lights in Old Town. Local vendors and residents put up endless streams of Holiday lights in creative patterns. Visitors can simply stroll through the area taking pictures of some of the best Holiday decorations in California - and not freeze while they're doing it!

Every Saturday in January, you can visit the Old Town Artisan Market. It's like a constantly rotating art fair with live music, deliciously tempting food stands, and plenty of culture. It's open to the public, but the vendors and artists are only in attendance from 9 o'clock a.m. to 3 o'clock p.m., so a visit to the Artisan Market is a perfect midday activity.

If you're into classic cars, visit the annual La Jolla Motor Car show; every January, in the middle of the month, the city hosts a delightful exhibit in La Jolla Cove. It's the perfect place to see one-of-a-kind antique autos while sipping cocktails on the beach - and it's a must-see for classic car enthusiasts.

February brings the five-day Circus Vargas into town. They put on an amazing show full of wild acrobatics, live animals, and goofy clowns, and kids and adults alike will stare in awe at the remarkable spectacles.

Mardi Gras celebrations have been going on in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego

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