San Diego is a major American economic, cultural and tourist center. The city is located on the Pacific coast. San Diego is the southernmost point in California. The Mexican border is twenty minutes away. The city is very popular among tourists from all over the world. There are excellent conditions for summer holidays here: 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 information for tourists about San Diego (California). Attractions, 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 Kumeya tribes the property of the Spanish crown. Almost fifty years later, this harbor was explored by Sebastian Vizcaino. It was he who gave the city its current name.
In 1769, the Franciscans founded the firstEuropean settlement. Today, this year is considered the date of the founding of San Diego.
In the 19th century, the city became an important trading center. Stone and cattle were exported from here to other settlements 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 the Second World War, San Diego becomes the main naval base of the US Armed Forces. After 1945, the population of the city is growing rapidly, and its territory is expanding. Tourism business is beginning to develop in the northern areas of San Diego.
Today the city is the most important tourist and industrial center of the United States. Shipbuilding, aerospace and defense production are developing here.
Where to stay?
San Diego has a well-developed resort infrastructure. Here you can find cheap hostels available to every traveler, as well as five-star hotels with the popular all-inclusive system for the most demanding clients. So, where should a tourist stay in this city?
The most popular hotels in San Diego are as follows:
- La Jolla Shores Hotel. A wonderful hotel located on the first line, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It has spacious comfortable rooms with equipped kitchen, large swimming pool, Jacuzzi and private parking. Great for families.
- The US Grant. The hotel is located in the very center of the city. The interior of the building is made in the colonial style.style. The rooms are comfortable and great 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 during business trips. Located on the Pacific coast.
- The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. The hotel is within walking distance of the Pacific coast. In addition, there is a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Great for families.
Beach vacation
San Diego is located in southern California. The ocean here is very warm, so tourists prefer to relax here. The beach season starts in May and ends with the arrival of autumn. At the beginning of summer, the season of "June haze" begins here. At this time, there is thick fog over the ocean, and it becomes cold on the coast. That is why the most favorable time for a holiday in southern California is considered to be July and August.
San Diego's most famous beaches are Coronado, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla and Torrey Pines State Beach.
Coronado is the most famous beach in the city. The filming of the world-famous film "Only Girls in Jazz" took place here.
Pacific Beach is a favorite vacation spot for locals and tourists. Here you can go surfing, visit a nightclub or sample local cuisine in one of the restaurants on the coast.
Torrey Pines State Beach is a beautiful beach located innorthern part of the city. It borders on the reserve of the same name, therefore it attracts tourists who want not only to swim in the ocean, but also to admire the beauty of the surrounding world.
City 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 here, acquaintance with which will make the rest exciting and varied. So, what are the must-see places in San Diego?
- Historic city center. Here are buildings of different times: buildings from the times of the Spanish government and Mexican heritage.
- Cabrillo National Monument. Historic site in San Diego. It was here that the first Europeans landed to reach California. From here you have a stunning view of Coronado Beach and the city itself.
- Mount Soledad. The hill is located in the northern part of the city. There is an observation deck here, from where a surprisingly beautiful view of the surroundings of San Diego opens up.
- Gas Lamp - the historic district of the city. Today there are many interesting cafes here.
San Diego Museums
- Museum-aircraft carrier "Midway". This place is a must visit for every tourist in San Diego. The museum is dedicated to the past of the US Navy. Here you can read the history of the legendary aircraft carrier Midway.
- Car Museum. Located in city park"Balboa". Here you can view an interesting collection of retro cars.
- Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum. Located in the Torri Nature Reserve.
- Space Museum.
City parks
- San Diego Zoo. About 4000 thousand animals live here. The San Diego Zoo is considered one of the largest in the world. Its territory is about 40 hectares. In addition, this is one of the few zoos on the planet where the giant panda lives. Each tourist has a unique opportunity to see all its territory, because a special Skyfari lift is equipped here.
- Sea World is a theme park-oceanarium. Here you can see the rarest and most interesting inhabitants of the oceans.
- Balboa Park, located in downtown San Diego. Most of the city's museums are located on its territory: anthropological, railway, aviation, space and many others.
Interesting facts about the city
- San Diego is considered one of the best American cities to live in. He is ranked 5 by Money Magazine.
- San Diego is one of the top 3 places in the world with the best year-round weather.
- Every year more than 30 thousand tourists from all over the world visit the city.
- San Diego International Airport is considered the busiest in the US.
