San Diego, CA Summary

photo by gusto

Like Los Angeles, California’s most southern city (Tijuana, Mexico, is only a 30-minute drive over the border) is made up of several communities spread out over a large area and connected by freeways.

The greater San Diego metropolitan area includes Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, La Mesa, Coronado, National City, and Chula Vista along its 70 miles of coastline, and the inland Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, and El Cajon. The local population in San Diego alone is approximately 1.2 million and the greater metro area swells to approximately 2.6 million. The second-largest city in the state and the sixth largest in the nation, it covers 4,205 square miles.

San Diego was the first Spanish settlement in California, and was named by the Spanish explorer, Sebastian Vizcaino, in 1602, for the Spanish Franciscan saint, San Diego de Alcala.

Cool summers, warm winters, and a fine natural harbor attract thousands to this city each year.

The area is the West Coast base of operations for the US Navy, and has the largest percentage of military personnel in the nation. More cruise ships frequent this busy commercial port than any other on the West Coast. The sciences contribute to the local economy as well; The Salk Institute and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography are located here.

Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre area downtown overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is home to many popular attractions. The world-famous San Diego Zoo is tucked into the park’s canyons and mesas so that most animals are seen in surroundings that closely mimic their natural environments. The zoo’s panda exhibit is a perennial favorite. Old Town, with buildings that date to the time of the early Spaniards, reflects the rich and colorful history of early California.

The San Diego Civic Light Opera stages big-name musicals at the Starlight Bowl on most summer evenings. Other park attractions include the Museum of Man, the Museum of Photographic Arts, the Timken Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, the Hall of Champions Sports Museum, the Globe Theatre, and two golf courses.

Charles Lindbergh built his famous Spirit of St Louis aircraft in San Diego and a full-size replica is a highlight at the San Diego Aerospace Museum. The 16-block Gaslamp Quarter is a national historic district in the heart of the downtown area. Here restored Victorian buildings, sidewalk cafès, and cobblestone streets give charm and character.

Other popular attractions include the San Diego Wildlife Animal Park and the Mission Bay Aquatic Park/Sea World. Many lodging and dining options are available at all price levels. Parking, especially in the summer months and in Balboa Park, is limited.

The San Diego Trolley and Coaster Commuter lines service the area, but getting around to all of the attractions is easiest by car or, within districts, by bicycle. It is just under a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles via I-5. San Diego International Airport services the area, as do trains and buses.