Located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border, San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city became part of newly independent Mexico in 1821 and in 1850, became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War and the admission of California to the union.
For hundreds of years, it was home to the native Kumeyaay people who were the first inhabitants in the states of California in the US and Baja California in Mexico.
What is now the West Coast of the United States, was the first site that the European settlers first landed.
The birthplace of California, San Diego’s main economic engines are military, tourism, defense-related activities, international trade, and manufacturing. It is also the center of research in biotechnology, with the presence of the University of California (UCSD) and the affiliated UCSD Medical Center.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo at Diego in California
Opened in 1916, the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is one of the most progressive zoo’s in the world, home to over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species. It is operated by the nonprofit Zoological Society of San Diego and also has the distinction of being the few zoo’s in the world that houses the rare giant panda.
Conceptualized by Harry M. Wegeforth, after hearing a lion roar at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, the San Diego Zoo is a pioneer in building “cageless” exhibits. The first lion area at the San Diego Zoo without enclosing wires opened in 1922 as Dr. Wegeforth was determined to create moated exhibits.
This world famous zoo has made its way into pop culture too, appearing in many movies and documentaries.
Chula Vista Olympic Training Center
Chula Vista Olympic Training Center
With the Olympics just around the corner, why not visit the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center just around downtown San Diego. Get a sneak peek of where and how the Olympic athletes train and get prepared for the biggest sporting event of their lives. Spanning across 150-acres, this complex trains almost 4,000 athletes annually. Among the many different types of sports events practiced here are archery, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, soccer, softball, field hockey, tennis, track and field, and cycling.
You can take the option of the free guided tours or take the time to explore it on your own.
Beaches of San Diego
San Diego Beach
San Diego is famous for its sandy-white beaches, so take a pick from the Torrey Pines State Beach, Black’s Beach, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove, Windansea Beach, Marine Street Beach, North Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, Mission Bay Beaches, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs and Dylan’s Beach to enjoy the sun, sand, water, refreshment stalls and restaurants along the beaches.
This is a great way to unwind during your vacation.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park at San Diego
This 1,200-acre urban cultural park in San Diego is called Balboa Park and got its name after the Spanish maritime explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Built in 1868, the park was temporarily used as the site for the Panama-California Exposition during 1915.
Among its attractions are the eight gardens, 15 museums and a Tony Award-winning theatre.
Consider about buying the Balboa Park Passport which is available at any of the 13 attractions on the park, giving you unlimited access and eliminating the need to purchase tickets at individual attractions.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego
This 1,200-acre urban cultural park in San Diego is called Balboa Park and got its name after the Spanish maritime explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Built in 1868, the park was temporarily used as the site for the Panama-California Exposition during 1915.
Among its attractions are the eight gardens, 15 museums and a Tony Award-winning theatre.
Consider about buying the Balboa Park Passport which is available at any of the 13 attractions on the park, giving you unlimited access and eliminating the need to purchase tickets at individual attractions.