The United States is filled with many beautiful and fun to visit cities situated all over the country, but no area in the country has cities more beautiful and entertaining than California. And the Cali city that tops the list for beauty and fun, is San Diego.
San Diego County is the Southwest corner of the state of California, and has a growing population of more than 3,000,000, making it California’s second-most populous county and the fifth largest in the United States.
San Diego County has more than 70 miles of coastline and a mild Mediterranean type of climate along the coast and a semi-arid and climate inland. Nearly year round the weather includes gentle breezes and unlimited sunshine.
San Diego County has many beautiful coastal cities including La Jolla, Solano Beach, Coronado, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar and Cardiff by the Sea. Each of these small towns is beautiful in their own right with sparkling beaches and a range of amenities to enjoy, for those who come and visit.
Perhaps one of the best things about the beaches in San Diego is that you can actually forgo a hotel and stay right on the beach. There are beach rentals in San Diego at all of the most beautiful beaches throughout the county allowing you perfect access to the water and close proximity to the city’s abundance of attractions.
San Diego, which is California’s second largest city, is loved as a travel destination the world over. Millions visit each year finding it easy to get here by plane, train, ship or automobile. People love to holiday in San Diego for many different reasons. Here are some of the most popular ones:
The History and Culture
Not many people are aware that San Diego is the oldest city in in California and the state’s birthplace. The area became a part of the US in 1848 when The US defeated Mexico in the Mexican American War. Throughout the city there are landmarks and architecture from this period. Balboa Park features many places that show off historic architecture and some that house historical art from 1948 to the early 1900s including: the San Diego Museum of Man, the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Art Institute, and the Natural History Museum. Casa de Estudillo is an Adobe house constructed in 1827 by early settlers, and is considered one of the finest examples of this type of home in the US.
The Gaslamp Quarter Historic District is a historical neighborhood in Downtown San Diego that features buildings erected around 1867. The idea was originally to create a new San Diego city center closer to the water. The neighborhood still displays the classic architecture from the period.
To many people’s surprise, San Diego has a vibrant art and culture scene. There are several nationally recognized museums including: the Museum of Photogenic Arts, Mingei International Museum, the Timken Museum and the San Diego Art Institute. There are also dozens of private galleries in Barrio Logan and North Park that feature artists in the area and from around the world.
The Beaches
With so much coastline and perfect weather from late spring to fall, you can expect that San Diego has popular beaches. A vacation here means that you must spend some time at one or more of the dozen of beaches for water sports, a tan, or just relaxing by the waves. Standout beaches include: Mission Beach offering a boardwalk, restaurants and bars and activities for the family. For surfer’s Black’s Beach is the popular choice. Also try Pacific Beach which is busy throughout the day and evening when the nightlife scene gets hot. And for a romantic getaway choose Coronado Beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado.
The Food
Another great reason to visit San Diego is the food. The city has become a top food destination, with every style of food represented in abundance, and their own particular cuisine called Cali-Baja. There are dozens of great restaurants serving local and imported varieties of seafood, meat, fowl and vegetables throughout the city. Some of the best restaurants to try include Trulucks a fantastic seafood and steak restaurant in La Jolla, and CUCINA Urbana, located just west of the San Diego Zoo on Banker’s Hill that features a California inspired Italian menu comprised of vasi, antipasti, giardino, pizza, pasta, piatti, and dolce.
You can also enjoy authentic local from a diverse group of talented chefs at Jsix and KINDRED. And to savour San Diego’s Cali-Baja style of food at Galaxy Taco, or Puesto. There are also coffee houses and small walk-in bistros offering every type of food and drink at all hours of the day or night.
For the Kids – Animal Attractions
The San Diego Zoo is the most famous zoo in the world and for a great reason. With its two parks, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park it is the largest and most entertaining and offers a variety of animals and attractions unmatched anywhere. Each year families from all over the world visit the zoo attractions and the animals in their near natural habitats. The San Diego Zoo offers more than a day’s worth of adventure that will never be forgotten.
SeaWorld San Diego is the city’s second world famous animal attraction. There are a wide range of wild animals kids can see up close and even interact with making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Bring the cameras and take the type of shots that will make the best memories for the whole family.
The Nightlife
When the sun sets, San Diego’s kinetic nightlife scene comes to life. You can shake it up discos playing live or recorded music, take in a comedy live music or even drag show, sing your heart out at a karaoke bar and even do some line dancing at a honky tonk. Clubs are jumping all around the city but particularly in the Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest and Pacific Beach. The partying is seven nights a week and goes throughout the night.
San Diego is an unforgettable vacation whether you come alone, as a couple for a romantic getaway, or with the family. You can tell hoe desirable the city is by the price of homes here which are among the highest in the US. And because of its proximity to Mexico, you can literally walk across the border and be in another country while here. Come and have a once in a lifetime trip.