SAN DIEGO

Known for its pleasant year-round climate, the city of San Diego, the eighth largest in the United States and the second largest in California, has come alive over the last 20 years. More than 1.3 million call this Southern California city home. With 70 miles of coastline, visitors can indulge their outdoor instincts any month of the year, or awaken any of their other senses with museums, nightlife, restaurants, festivals, sports and more. Travelers should visit the 1,100-acre Balboa Park, one of the city highlights.

GETTING THERE

San Diego International Airport (SAN), also referred to as Lindbergh Field, is approximately three miles from downtown. The Metropolitan Transit System bus route 992 delivers visitors downtown for around $2.25; exact change needed. A 10-minute taxi ride is about $15.

GETTING AROUND

The easily navigable city lends itself to driving. Bus service is $2.25 per ride; the trolley is $2.50 a ride and departs every 15 minutes during the day. Day passes are available on both for $5, and multiday passes in increments of two, three and four days are $9–15. Six taxi companies service the city; outside of the Gaslamp Quarter, cabs need to be called in advance.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Coronado
The island just off the coast of San Diego is recognizable for its San Diego-Coronado Bridge and the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Drive over and experience the Coronado beaches, consistently voted the best in the United States. Water activities, including surfing and paddle boarding, are popular.

Gaslamp Quarter
By day, experience the 16-block area’s Victorian-era buildings, modern skyscrapers, theaters, galleries and museums. By night, take in the numerous restaurants, clubs and bars. The quarter is also home to the multilevel outdoor mall, Horton Plaza, and Petco Park, the stadium of the San Diego Padres.

San Diego Zoo
Since 1916, San Diego Zoo has been one of the most popular in the United States. The 100-acre zoo houses 4,000 animals across approximately 800 species. Visitors can acquaint themselves with the grounds on a double-decker guided bus tour.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Winemakers, brew masters, chefs and foodies congregate across the San Diego Bay area to celebrate all things gourmet for five days annually.

San Diego County Fair
The largest county fair in California, more than 1.5 million come out to sample the annual event’s food, rides, exhibits and entertainment.

San Diego Crew Classic
Since 1973, this event, drawing collegiate teams and clubs from around the country, has been known as one of the United States’ great rowing events.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit sandiego.org