San Diego Travel Information
San Diego is one of nation's largest cities and arguably, one of its
most pleasant.
In addition to a balmy climate and 70 miles of beaches, this major
metropolitan area boasts a surprisingly low crime rate, a long list of
cultural sights and proximity to snowy mountains, sweeping desert and
the Mexican border. Home to one of the country's best zoos as well as
theme parks, world-caliber shopping centers, top-ranked golf courses
and a thriving arts scene - but with a pace more laid-back than busy
Los Angeles to the north - it's no wonder so many consider this
California's destination of choice.
First visited by Europeans
in the mid-1500s, San Diego also happens to be one of America's older
cities, its heritage visible in grand old Spanish Mansions and the
architecture of Old Town and Gaslamp Quarter. But in addition to
renovated historic buildings, the city also has to its credit a truly
fine cultural complex, Balboa Park, which takes up in its sweep the
San Diego Zoo, carefully cultivated gardens and a very long list of
museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Air
& Space Museum.
Venture out of the city center and the
attractions are similarly varied. Curving gracefully across a stretch
of San Diego Bay find architectural landmark, the Coronado Bridge,
which offers easy access to the long, soft beaches and renowned Hotel
del Coronado of peninsular neighborhood, Coronado. In the general
vicinity are two major wildlife parks, the San Diego Wild Animal Park
and Sea World. Beaches up and down the coast offer access to surfing
hot spots, boardwalks and noteworthy sunsets with towel space to
spare, as well as easy access to art galleries, horse races and
assorted cultural pursuits. Vineyards flourish in Temecula Valley to
the northwest, a popular spot for wine tasting tours, but venture
farther east and you'll shortly discover, depending on your outdoor
needs, that it's a short skip on to ski slopes and surreal
desert.
In short: San Diego very nearly has it all - and what it
doesn't have is within driving distance.
San Diego is
located in southwest California, about 20 miles
from the Mexican border and 120 miles south of Los Angeles.
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