California's second
largest city and the United States' seventh largest, San Diego boasts
a citywide population of nearly 1.3 million residents and more than
2.8 million residents countywide. Within its borders of 4,200 sq.
miles, San Diego County encompasses 18 incorporated cities and numerous
other charming neighborhoods and communities, including downtown's
historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar,
Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Hillcrest, Barrio Logan, Chula Vista
and more.
Known for it's
near-idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and dazzling array
of world-class family attractions, including the World-Famous San
Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California,
San Diego offers a wide variety of things to see and do, appealing
to guests from around the world.
In San Diego's
East County, the terrain varies from gentle foothills to mile-high
mountains and the historic mining town, Julian, down to the 600,000-acre
Anza Borrego Desert State Park, offering nature-conscious visitors
endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, observe wildlife and much
more. In San Diego's North County, the land produces quantities of
flowers as well as quality grapes that become excellent wines, which
are served at some of the most elegant restaurants and resorts in
the region.
Along the west,
70 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline not only supports year-round outdoor
recreation, such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming, but also
important scientific research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
To the south, it's a whole different country, Mexico, featuring its
own cultural offerings in various towns along the border and coastline,
including Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada.
San Diego's arts
and culture and culinary arts are making a name for themselves, both
nationally and internationally. Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural
park in the U.S., features 15 museums, numerous art galleries, beautiful
gardens, the Tony Award-winning The Globe Theatres and the World-Famous
San Diego Zoo. The region is also a breeding ground for the hottest,
new talents of culinary arts, who prepare award-winning meals in many
of the region's 6,400 eating establishments.
San Diego County
also features 92 golf courses and a variety of exciting participatory
and spectator sports, beachfront resorts and luxury spas, gaming,
a dynamic downtown district, annual special events and unique holiday
offerings, multicultural festivals and celebrations, colorful neighborhoods
and communities, a rich military history, accessibility for travelers
with disabilities and much more.
The most difficult
decision to make regarding a vacation to San Diego is determining
what to do and see among the region's vast and diverse variety of
offerings. San Diego County offers a vacation experience for everyone.