Overview of San Diego

San Diego, famous for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery and pleasant climate, is in the southwestern corner of US. Mexico lies in the immediate south. The Pacific Ocean borders San Diego on the west.

San Diego was traditionally a busy fishing port. The last decade has seen a lot of modernization. Today it is California’s second largest city and the seventh largest city in the United States.

Many people call San Diego the true birthplace of California. The modern history of San Diego started in the eighteenth century as a Spanish mission, which later set up many more units along the Californian coastline. San Diego still holds several memorials of its Spanish past. Like other important American cities, San Diego now has people from all over the world.

The name of San Diego immediately brings to mind miles and miles of sand and surf. Visitors can enjoy many kinds of sports and outdoor activities like fishing, water skiing, sailing and hang-gliding.

Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Mission Bay are some of the most preferred beaches in Central San Diego. Ocean Beach was very popular among hippies in the 1960’s and is worth taking a look if you want to combine some antique-shopping. Pacific Beach is a favorite of surfers. Mission Bay with a large stretch of sand is good for swimming, picnicking and sea-side jogging.

Sea World, an important landmark of San Diego, is located in Mission Bay. Sea World is a centre for many wildlife conservation programs. Here you can watch acts of trained sea animals, go for 3D movies or ride the famous water rollercoaster Journey to Atlantis. 

La Jolla is one of the finest communities of ‘America’s finest city’ as San Diego is often called. It is lined with beautiful homes with a view to the sea, art galleries and expensive shops and eateries.

Other very interesting spots include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter and the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The San Diego Zoo is one of the best zoos in America. It houses many rare animals from across the world.

The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic site with its buildings in Victorian style. The Gaslamp Quarter Fest is an important art event in California. The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park gives samples of the city’s connection with early American and Mexican periods.

These are however just the starting points. There are so many more attractions that you feel spoilt for choice. San Diego is somewhat spread out. Seeing all the important places in one visit may be a little difficult especially if you don’t have a car. Walking is a good way to see areas like Gaslamp Quarter. If you are really pinched for time, it would be a good idea to take a three hour scenic drive. Many local maps give you the route for this drive. Public transport systems are pretty good but take time. The San Diego Trolley is good for covering the Old Town area.

Nature, adventure, art, history, culture- whatever you like, San Diego has something for everyone. Visiting San Diego helps you to a real taste of how life in South California goes.