San Diego, CA

San Diego is a city of about 1.3 million residents, making it the second largest in California. Located just north of Tijuana, Mexico, San Diego is a diverse border town containing a variety of neighborhoods and communities, a long coastline of beaches, and a year-round warm climate that encourages outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Tourism is a major industry in San Diego, and the city is often listed as one of America's favorite vacation stops. With temperatures averaging around 70 degrees year-round and attractions such as SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, the city is a hot spot for visitors from around the country and across the globe looking for a laid-back alternative to bustling Los Angeles.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Manufacturing is the leading industry in San Diego, and with the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps facilities located in San Diego County, the city's counts defense, telecommunications, biotechnology, computers, and tourism among its biggest sectors. International trade also makes up a significant part of the San Diego economy due to its proximity to Mexico and the city's natural harbor, San Diego Bay.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

• Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter: The area known as downtown San Diego was once a no-go area of the city, but thanks to a renewal effort in the 1970s and the restoration of the Gaslamp Quarter, it's now the place to be for shopping, restaurants, Irish pubs, bars, and clubs.
• Mission Beach/Pacific Beach: These two communities are the archetypal laid-back beach towns associated with southern California. Swimming, water sports, and beach activities are available in both towns, and Pacific Beach is also known as a party place for young locals.
• La Jolla:This upscale oceanfront community just north of the city caters to wealthier crowds. University of California-San Diego is based in La Jolla, as well as the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
• Hillcrest-Balboa Park: Located next to the stylish Hillcrest neighborhood, Balboa Park houses the famous San Diego Zoo, several museums, and the historic Old Globe Theatre that was inspired by Shakespeare's theater of the same name in London. Hillcrest, a largely gay neighborhood with trendy shops and dining spots, hosts the San Diego Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade in July.
• Coronado: Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, the Coronado peninsula is the setting for the famous oceanfront resort, the Hotel Del Coronado, which has hosted an endless list of celebrities and every U.S. president since Lyndon Johnson. The area around the hotel has a small-town vibe with Victorian homes and mom 'n' pop shops and cafes.

SPORTS TEAMS

• San Diego's professional football team, the San Diego Chargers, play at Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley. The Chargers are members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference.
• The city's professional baseball team, the San Diego Padres, moved to PETCO Park in downtown San Diego in 2004, after sharing Qualcomm Stadium with the Chargers. A grassy area beyond the outfield known as "Park at the Park" lets fans enjoy the game for only $5 and is a free local park when no games are being played.

EDUCATION

• University of California-San Diego, is a state university, not to be confused with University of San Diego, a private Catholic university. This public university is associated with the University of California-San Diego Medical Center, a leader in health care research
• Founded by Jonas Salk, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla has several Nobel Laureates on staff and is one of the reasons San Diego is well-known for biological research. Several scientists trained here have gone on to win the Nobel Prizes.
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a well-known marine biology institute.

FAMILY FUN

San Diego offers several family-friendly attractions year-round:

• The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park was one of the first zoos to put animals in cageless exhibits resembling their natural habitats. It features animals from all over the world.
• SeaWorld San Diego is home to many dolphins, orcas, and marine animals. Exhibits and shows with these marine mammals are the main feature at the park and have been attracting visitors since Shamu was brought to SeaWorld in the 1960s.
• Old Town: Historic Old Town marks the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California and is filled with original and reconstructed buildings dating back to the 19th century, including the Whaley House, one of the most haunted buildings in the United States. La Plaza del Pasado brings a Mexican atmosphere to Old Town and allows visitors to get a taste of California frontier life in the 1800s.

EVENTS

• The New Year's Day Yacht Regatta is held in the San Diego Bay to kick off a year of fun celebrations and activities in "America's Finest City."
• Each July, the oldest and biggest sand castle contest in the United States is held at the U.S. Open Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition. Lasting an entire weekend, this free event features a street festival and live entertainment.
• San Diego attracts many animal lovers with the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, and SeaWorld, but visitors can see something even more spectacular starting in mid-December when the California gray whale migration begins. Many companies offer boat tours at this time of year, but visits to Point Loma or La Jolla offer great views as well.