City and Destination Information

The following information is from the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://sandiego.org

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.

Getting To and Around

The fastest and most interesting way to get around in San Diego is by using the Trolley System. No only can you purchase individual and day passes, you can also purchse multipal day passes and even passes that will alow you to use the Coaster and Amtrak with discounts. Alson with the regular prices, there are discounts for seniors and disabled, as well as free rides for kids 5 and under.

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Things to See and Do

Adobe Chapel
The model for Ramona’s Marriage Place in Helen Hunt Jackson’s famous novel, the Adobe Chapel was originally built in 1850. In addition to being a museum, this historic chapel it is also used as a venue for weddings, lectures, musical performances, and plays. 3963 Conde Street, San Diego, CA 92110. (619) 297-7511 http://whaleyhouse.org/chapel.htm

Balboa Park Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
Located in the historic Old Naval Hospital Chapel, the museum preserves and honors the memories of men and women of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and Wartime Merchant Marine. The collection contains artifacts, documents, photographs, memorabilia, and artwork from the Civil War to the present; changing exhibitions highlight San Diego Veterans' experiences and contributions throughout history. 2115 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-2300 www.veteranmuseum.org

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Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego's National Park commemorates Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's 1542-1543 West Coast exploration, Point Loma's 19th c. lighthouses and San Diego's WWII coast defenses, and protects sensitive tide pools and coastal sage scrub habitat. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, CA 92106. (619) 557-5450/TTY, (619) 222-8211. www.nps.gov/cabr