San Diego is a large American economic, cultural and tourist center. The city is located on the Pacific coast. San Diego is the southernmost point of the state of California. A twenty-minute drive from it is the border of Mexico. The city is especially popular among tourists from all over the world. There are excellent conditions for summer holidays: clean beaches, developed resort infrastructure, a variety of hotels (from five-star to cheap hostels), many amusement parks and interesting places. This publication contains all the necessary tourist information about San Diego (California). Sights, history, popular beaches and hotels - all this will be covered in this article.
From the history of the city
The first European entered the land of San Diego only in the middle of the sixteenth century. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo proclaimed the territories belonging to the Kumei tribes, the property of the Spanish crown. After almost fifty years, this harbor was explored by Sebastian Viskaino. It was he who gave the city its current name.
In 1769, the first European settlement was founded by these Franciscans. Today, this year is considered the date of the formation of San Diego.
In the XIX century, the city became an important shopping center. From here, stone and cattle were taken to other places in America and Mexico.
In 1846, San Diego became part of the United States. After this event, the city turns into the largest California industrial center.
During World War II, San Diego became the main naval base of the US Armed Forces. After 1945, the population of the city is growing rapidly, and its territory is expanding. In the northern regions of San Diego, a tourism business begins to develop.
Today, the city is the most important tourist and industrial center of the United States. Shipbuilding, aerospace and defense industries are developing here.
Where to stay?
San Diego has a well-developed resort infrastructure. Here you can find cheap hostels available to every traveler, and five-star hotels with the popular all-inclusive system for the most demanding customers. So where to stay a tourist in this city?
The most popular San Diego hotels are as follows:
- La Jolla Shores Hotel. Beautiful hotel, located on the first line, on the Pacific coast. It features spacious comfortable rooms with an equipped kitchen, a large pool, a jacuzzi and a private parking. Great for family vacations.
- The US Grant. The hotel is located in the heart of the city. The interior of the building is made in the colonial style. The rooms are comfortable and perfect for families.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton. The hotel has clean and comfortable rooms. All tourists have the opportunity to use the pool or jacuzzi.
- Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The hotel is ideal for relaxing on business trips. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
- The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. The hotel is a short walk from the Pacific coast. There is also a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Great for family vacations.
Beach vacation
San Diego is located in southern California. The ocean here is very warm, so tourists prefer to relax here. The beach season begins in May and ends with the arrival of autumn. In early summer, the season of the “June haze" begins here. At this time, a thick fog stands over the ocean, and on the coast it becomes cold. That is why the most favorable time for a vacation in southern California is considered July and August.
The most famous beaches of San Diego are Coronado, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Hoya and Torrey Pines State Beach.
Coronado is the most famous beach in the city. Here were filming the world famous film "Only Jazz in Jazz."
Pacific Beach is a favorite vacation spot for locals and tourists. Here you can go surfing, visit a nightclub or sample local cuisine at one of the restaurants on the coast.
Torrey Pines State Beach is a beautiful beach located in the northern part of the city. It borders with the reserve of the same name, therefore, attracts tourists who want to not only swim in the ocean, but also enjoy the beauty of the world.
The city's attractions
Many tourists claim that the most unusual and interesting country for recreation and travel is America. San Diego is no exception. There are many attractions, acquaintance with which will make the vacation fascinating and varied. So, what places you should definitely see in San Diego?
- The historic city center. Different buildings are located here: buildings from the time of the Spanish government and the Mexican heritage.
- Cabrillo National Monument. Historic Monument in San Diego. It was here that the first Europeans landed in California. It offers stunning views of Coronado Beach and the city itself.
- Mount Soledad. The hill is located in the northern part of the city. It has a viewing platform that offers amazingly beautiful views of the surroundings of San Diego.
- Gas Lamp - the historical district of the city. Today, there are many interesting cafes.
Museums in San Diego
- Museum Aircraft Carrier Midway. Every tourist in San Diego should visit this place. The museum is dedicated to the past of the US Navy. Here you can find the history of the legendary aircraft carrier Midway.
- Museum of cars. Located in the city park "Balboa". Here you can view an interesting collection of retro cars.
- Steven Birch Aquarium Museum. Located in the Torri Nature Reserve.
- Space museum.
City parks
- San Diego Zoo About 4000 thousand animals live here. San Diego Zoo is considered one of the largest in the world. Its territory is about 40 hectares. In addition, it is one of the few zoos on the planet where a giant panda lives. Each tourist has a unique opportunity to explore its entire territory, because the special Skyfari ski lift is equipped here.
- Sea World - Theme Park Aquarium. Here you can see the rarest and most interesting inhabitants of the waters of the oceans.
- Balboa Park, located in downtown San Diego. On its territory there are most city museums: anthropological, railway, aviation, space and many others.
Interesting facts about the city
- San Diego is considered one of the best American cities to stay. He takes 5th place in the ranking of Money Magazine.
- San Diego is among the top 3 places in the world with the best year-round weather.
- More than 30 thousand tourists from all over the world visit the city annually.
- San Diego International Airport is considered the busiest in the United States.