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About San Diego, California

California's second largest city

Learn about California's second largest city and the United States' eighth largest. San Diego County encompasses 18 incorporated cities and numerous other charming neighborhoods.

California's second largest city and the United States' eighth largest, San Diego boasts a citywide population of nearly 1.3 million residents and more than 3 million residents countywide. Within its borders of 4,200 sq. miles, San Diego County encompasses 18 incorporated cities and numerous other charming neighborhoods and communities, including downtown's historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Hillcrest, Barrio Logan and Chula Vista just to name a few.

San Diego is renowned for its idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and a dazzling array of world-class family attractions. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do, appealing to guests of all ages from around the world.

In San Diego's East County, the terrain varies from gentle foothills to mile-high mountains and the historic mining town, Julian, down to the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering nature-conscious visitors endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, observe wildlife and much more. In San Diego's North County, the agricultural community produces quantities of flowers and magnificent produce. Wine growers are also making a mark by growing and harvesting quality grapes that become excellent wines, which are served at some of the most elegant restaurants and resorts in the region. Along the west, 70 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline not only supports year-round outdoor recreation, such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming, but also important scientific research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. To the south, it's a whole different country, Mexico, featuring its own cultural offerings in various towns along the border and coastline, including Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada.

San Diego's arts and culture and culinary arts are booming. The hottest, new culinary arts talents prepare award-winning meals throughout the region's 6,400 eating establishments. Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the U.S., is home to 15 museums, numerous art galleries, beautiful gardens, the Tony Award-winning The Globe Theatres and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

San Diego County also features 92 golf courses and a variety of exciting participatory and spectator sports, beachfront resorts and luxury spas, gaming, a dynamic downtown district, annual special events and unique holiday offerings, multicultural festivals and celebrations, colorful neighborhoods and communities, a rich military history and much more.

The most difficult decision to make regarding a vacation to San Diego is determining what to do and see among the region's vast and diverse offerings. San Diego County promises a truly remarkable vacation experience for everyone.

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Restaurants

Show Your Ticket & Save

Bronze Bird - The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 17 - ongoing

Make it a memorable night of culinary and performing arts!  Enjoy 20% off food and non-alcoholic drinks for pre or post show dining at Bronze Bird, located only 1 block to the Balboa...

Restaurants

Michelin Star Chef Tasting Menu

Greystone The Steakhouse
Valid: Apr 18, 2024 - ongoing

Indulge in a Michelin-rated culinary symphony with our $109/person 5-course tasting menu. Begin with Ahi Tuna Tartare, progress to Local Heirloom Tomatoes with strawberry gazpacho, and savor Mafalde...

Camping & RV Parks

Traveling Nurses Special

San Diego RV Resort
Valid: Mar 19, 2024 - ongoing

Rock your scrubs with San Diego RV Resort's Traveling Nurses Special. Enjoy our unbeatable extended stay rates while you rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Guests must provide a valid ID/credentials ...

Events to check out

Event

December Nights

Forever Balboa Park
Dec 6 - Dec 7, 2024

Join us Dec. 6 and 7 in beautiful Balboa Park for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival. The family-friendly December Nights celebration brings visitors and locals together to...

Event

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025

Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.

Event

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Old Globe
Nov 6 - Dec 31, 2024

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs...

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