Travel&Explore San Diego, CA
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Your Inside Guide to San Diego
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Given San Diego's laid-back disposition, it's hard to imagine the city is California's second largest and ranks seventh in size in the U.S. Perhaps that's because San Diego's population is spread across charming communities with colorful names like Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Chula Vista and more — all lending a small-town feel to what's really a big city with nearly 2 million residents.San Diego certainly started small. Presidio Hill was the site of California's first Spanish mission, built in 1769 in hopes of "Christianizing" the native peoples who lived nearby. Mission San Diego de Alcal served as the jumping off point for settlement of San Diego, beginning with Old Town in the 1800s. Structures these early days still stand as reminders of the city's history — and the changes to come. Today, historic buildings of Old Town house merchants, museums and eateries that draw visitors from around the world.
San Diego experienced no real growth spurt until Pearl Harbor was attacked and the U.S. Pacific Fleet made the city its home. With military bases came new industry, top research centers like Salk and Scripps, commercial and residential development, and a boom in population.
While business may bring people to San Diego, the area's comfortable clime and natural attributes keep them there. The broad beaches along San Diego Bay draw sun lovers, surfers and sailors alike. Outdoor enthusiasts take to the trails by foot and bike at Torrey Pines State Park and Los Penasquitos Canyon. Public parks and golf courses are plentiful.
The trendy Gaslamp Quarter — a bastion of beautiful Victorian architecture — entertains locals and tourists alike. Balboa Park pulls in visitors from around the world eager to see the famed San Diego Zoo, San Diego Museum of Art or any of the other dozen-plus attractions there.
There is no shortage of shopping here. La Jolla serves as the city's Beverly Hills, offering upscale shopping and high-end dining. Around the city, there are neighborhoods known for their unique wares. Antiques? Go to Ocean Beach or Adams Avenue. Vintage? Head to Hillcrest. Hand-crafted? Look in Old Town.
The Latino culture has made its mark on dining, dance and music here, as have the other ethnic groups that now call San Diego home. Together, they create a unique and vibrant city steeped in tradition but totally modern.
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