San Diego

San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums, and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public.

San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate, deep-water harbor, extensive beaches, long association with the U.S. Navy, and recent emergence as a healthcare and biotechnology development center. Historically, it was the first site visited by Europeans on what is now the West Coast of the United States. When Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claimed the area for Spain in 1542, he described it as a lush, green valley. The area has since developed into a major U.S. city with rich cultural and historical significance.

San Diego is a melting pot of cultures, with a significant Latino population alongside communities of Asian, African American, and European descent, contributing to a diverse cultural landscape.

• San Diego produces more avocados than any other place in the country.
• It is home to the original SeaWorld park, opened in 1964.
• The city hosts the annual Comic-Con International, attracting thousands of fans of comic books and pop culture.
• San Diego's Coronado Beach is often ranked among the top beaches in the United States.
• The city's name comes from San Diego de Alcalá, a Spanish Franciscan saint.
• Balboa Park is larger than New York's Central Park.
• San Diego has one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the United States.
• The first person to drive across the Coronado Bridge when it opened in 1969 was Ronald Reagan.
• The San Diego Zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits.
• San Diego is considered the birthplace of California, as it was the first site visited by Europeans on the West Coast.

• Visit Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park.
• Explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
• Take a harbor cruise for stunning city views.
• Don't miss the San Diego Zoo, one of the most famous zoos in the world.
• Enjoy the beaches, but be aware of the water temperatures and surf conditions.
• Consider a day trip to Coronado Island.
• If visiting in summer, book accommodations well in advance.
• Use public transportation or bike rentals to explore the city efficiently.
• Attend one of the many festivals and events held throughout the year.
• Try the local cuisine, especially seafood and Mexican-inspired dishes.

• Visit attractions with no entry fee, like Balboa Park's gardens and some museums on free days.
• Use public transportation instead of renting a car.
• Eat at local taco stands and food trucks for affordable, authentic meals.
• Stay in accommodations outside of the downtown area for better deals.
• Look for city pass deals that offer discounts on multiple attractions.

• Emergency services: 911
• San Diego Police Department Non-Emergency: +1 619-531-2000
• San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Non-Emergency: +1 619-533-4300
• UC San Diego Health – La Jolla Emergency Room: +1 858-657-7600
• Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego: +1 619-294-8111

San Diego enjoys mild, sunny weather year-round with average temperatures ranging from 57°F (14°C) in the winter to 72°F (22°C) in the summer.

March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.