City of san diego california. San Diego, California. Other city statistics

San Diego in California is a large city located in the southeastern United States. This city is the southernmost point in the state of California. San Diego is also considered a popular US tourist destination. In addition, it is one of the oldest cities in the United States of America. It has everything to relax in comfort: the Pacific coast, sights and historical monuments, beautiful landscapes, a well-developed network of restaurants and hotels.

Let's take a closer look at what to see in San Diego, as well as consider the climatic features and nature of this city and its environs.

San Diego: Wikipedia (San Diego)

San Diego is considered the second most populous city in the state of California, second only to Los Angeles. It is also one of the ten largest cities in the United States of America. In this list, San Diego is ranked 9th.

Where is San Diego? The city is located on Pacific coast of the southwestern United States next to the Mexican border. More than 1.3 million people live in San Diego. If we take into account all the suburbs, then the population is about 3 million people. San Diego is ranked 17th in the list of all US cities by population. It is also the oldest city on the entire West Coast of the United States.

The city was founded in 1769 by the inhabitants of Spain, although Europeans have been in this territory before, starting from the 16th century. Officially, San Diego began to belong to America in 1848. Despite the fact that the city is located near the Mexican border, there are relatively few Hispanics living here - 30% of the total population. Most of the residents are white.

Things to Do in San Diego, California

Museums

• Sea World Theme Park. This place is dedicated to the inhabitants of the deep sea. In 1964, a restaurant on the same theme was first opened here. But the restaurant management decided to create an entertainment area for its guests and purchased the inhabitants of the seas and oceans. Literally in the first year, several hundred thousand people visited this park. Currently, there are many entertainment shows with marine animals, including dolphins, fur seals and even whales.
• . This sculpture represents a nurse and a sailor kissing. The author of this unusual monument is the American artist S. Johnson, based on a photograph by A. Eisenstadt, which was taken in New York on the day of the surrender of Japan. This photo for many has become a symbol of the end of World War II. The sculpture is very popular among tourists.
• Cabrillo National Monument. This attraction can be seen on the Point Loma Peninsula. The monument is made in the form of a figure of the Spanish navigator J. R. Cabrillo, who sailed to the shores of Colorado in 1542.
• Old Town San Diego. Old Town is home to the famous San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Park. Here you can see what the first settlements of the colonists looked like. Tourists can grab a bite to eat at one of the many local Mexican restaurants, as well as enjoy folklore performances. Buses with excursions often run here, where guides in historical costumes will tell the story of the Old Town.
• Point Loma. In 1542, a navigator from Spain, H.R., landed on this peninsula. Carbillo. It was in his honor that a monument was erected on the southern cape of the peninsula in 1939. Near the monument is an observation deck, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the San Diego Bay, as well as the entire city. Here is another interesting attraction - a lighthouse, which was built in the middle of the XIX century. Currently, there is a museum inside the lighthouse. A walking trail has been laid on the peninsula especially for tourists.
• Balboa park. San Diego's city park is larger than even New York City's central park. On its territory there are 15 museums, 4 theaters, a zoo and several themed gardens. Most of the buildings here were built in the early 20th century in the Spanish colonial style. Also in the park there are small international cottages, where tourists can get acquainted with the traditions and culture of 30 countries.
• . About 650 species of various animals live on the territory of this zoo. There has been a zoo since 1915, after the formation of an exhibition of exotic animals. Many owners after the end of this exhibition simply left their pets. In order to save the animals, the city administration allocated a small area for the zoo in Balboa Park.
• Botanical Garden in Balboa Park. This garden combines several territories at once: the Japanese garden, the Alcazar garden, the garden of friendship, the children's ethnobotanical garden and many others. A wide variety of plants are collected here, not only from all over North America, but also from other parts of the world. Tourists can admire greenhouses, artificial ponds and picturesque alleys.

Climate and nature of San Diego

• Climatic features

City of San Diego located in the subtropical zone. The weather of the city is fully consistent with the climate of the subtropical zone. It is very hot here during the summer months. Summer is long and dry. The average daily temperature in August is about 32 degrees. Since San Diego has a typical Mediterranean climate, autumn and spring are not clearly defined here. As for winter, it is quite mild and short. The tourist peak falls on the period from early July to late October. At this time, any traveler can enjoy a wonderful beach holiday and get a lot of impressions.

• Nature

The city of San Diego is located between the Cordillera mountains and the Pacific coast. That is why the flora and fauna here is typical of the Mediterranean. Walking along the local beaches, here you can see Amazonian parrots, brown pelicans and Californian condors that take off to the very mountain peaks. Every tourist in San Diego can sunbathe under the scorching sun or lie down in the shade of tall palm trees. This area is distinguished by its long coastline.

That is why many surfers from all over the world come here every year. It is also worth noting that surfing is very popular in the winter season as well.

Attractions San Diego

The sunny city of San Diego is one of the best resorts on the Pacific coast, and some even consider it the best city in the country. It attracts tourists with kilometers of beautiful beaches, sparkling blue ocean, wonderful climate, huge mountains and bright sun. In addition, the resort infrastructure is well developed here, which, of course, is an important component of a comfortable stay. Well, the city center is a mixture of traditional buildings with futuristic Art Nouveau buildings, which gives it a special flavor. In addition, San Diego boasts many fine restaurants, high-end boutiques and grandiose amusement parks.

Climate and weather

The mild Mediterranean climate is one of the main advantages of San Diego. This is not surprising, because here the weather is warm all year round and the bright sun shines. In summer, the average air temperature is about +26°C, and in winter +19°C. Rains happen only in the winter season. The ocean is relatively cool, so the temperature is comfortable for swimming here only in summer ( +20...+22 °C).

Nature

San Diego is located in the very southwest of the country, in the state of California. It lies right at the border with Mexico, very close to the city of Tijuana. To the east of San Diego rise the mountains of San Ysidro, and to the west it borders the Pacific Ocean. The landscape of the city and its environs is very diverse: gentle foothills and mountains, deserts and fertile lands with vineyards.

Attractions

San Diego boasts not only magnificent beaches, but also a variety of attractions that are always popular with residents of the city and its guests.

One of them was an old ship "Star of India", which once made a round-the-world trip, and today is under the care of volunteers. Also noteworthy is the beautiful basilica San Diego di Alcala, which is considered the oldest church California(1769).

The most mysterious building in the city was the Victorian mansion. Montezuma, owned by the famous medium and musician Jesse Sheppard. Many legends and beliefs are associated with this building, but this does not prevent regular musical evenings and festive events from being held here during Christmas. Among other interesting places and buildings, it is worth highlighting the old pier with an open amphitheater, the Science Center, an unusual hotel building "Del Coronado", cemetery Campo Santo, Pueblo de San Diego Historic Center and Old Quarter gaslamp.

In addition, there are many museums in San Diego with a wide variety of topics and directions: the San Diego Museum of Decorative Arts, the Art Gallery Michael Wolf, San Diego Hall of Champions, Museum of Man, Marine Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, Space Museum, Timkin Museum of Art and others.

Nutrition

In San Diego, there are more than two thousand restaurants and eateries of various culinary trends: Mexican, European, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean and others. If we talk about establishments specializing in national cuisine, then it is worth noting that in this state it is a synthesis of American and Mexican menus. Moreover, one of its main features is the abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as the use of various kinds of spices and spices. For example, a salad with avocados and oranges is served here with peanut butter, and fish is served with spicy sauces. The most popular local dishes here are carne asada (fried beef), stuffed sweet peppers, salsa (spicy tomato sauce with chili), guacamole (avocado paste) with corn chips, salad "Caesar", a variety of seafood, as well as Mexican fajitas, tacos and burritos. It should be borne in mind that the portions in local establishments are simply huge, so if you can’t master a significant part of the dinner, you can always ask the waiter to pack it to take it with you. And do not be shy - this is quite a common thing here.

Of course, the city has a great variety of fast food establishments that offer an inexpensive bite to eat hamburger with fries or hot dog with salad.

When it comes to drinks, fruit juices and sodas are the most popular here, as are iced teas and coffees. Well, in city bars, you should pay attention to the great Californian wines, as well as to the numerous cocktails that have become part of the Californian lifestyle.

Accommodation

San Diego is truly one of the largest and most popular resorts in the USA, so there are a wide variety of hotels and inns open here. The best hotels in the city are located in a fashionable area La Jolla, which is considered a real gem of the city.

Well, mid-range hotels, as well as budget hostels and guest houses can be found in any area, for example, Days Inn San Dieg o (from $55), Best Western Seven Seas(from $53), Mission Valley Resort(from $36) and others.

Entertainment and recreation

First of all, San Diego is a city of parks and beaches, and at the moment there are about 190 parks, and beaches occupy almost the entire coastline. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the popular pastime options here are beach holidays and all kinds of water sports. If we talk about the parks of San Diego, then the huge park is considered the most beautiful and most visited. Balboa. Moreover, it is famous not only for its beauty, but also for many museums, an excellent zoo, as well as interesting architectural sights. Hikers should visit the park. Anza Borrego Desert State which is located in the vicinity of the city.

It is a real oasis in the desert and has a wide variety of hiking trails. However, the giant zoo has become the most popular place in San Diego. San Diego Zoo which is considered one of the best in the country. Moreover, it is famous not only for its impressive size and variety of inhabitants, but also for its incredibly beautiful design. Also on its territory there are about 20 theme mini-parks and an excellent cable car. Well, if you want to get acquainted with the inhabitants of the underwater world, you need to visit the amusement park sea ​​world, which is famous for its original entertainment program and many attractions. 30 km from San Diego, in the small town of Carlsbad, there is an amusement park Legoland with many different shows and attractions.

Those who prefer to relax and have fun at night should go to one of the city clubs, of which there are more than a hundred here. Most of them are concentrated in the Gas Lamps Quarter. Well, lovers of cultural recreation in San Diego can go to concerts of the city symphony orchestra, which are held regularly. There are also many museums and several excellent theaters ( The Civic Theatre, Old Globe Theater and etc.).

Every year, San Diego hosts a variety of festivals and celebrations. The main one is the world-famous Comic Book Festival, during which the city turns into a real movie set with Hollywood stars and many people dressed as popular movie characters. However, the most interesting events of this festival are the grandiose parades of comic book characters and the contest of doubles of famous actors.

Purchases

San Diego has a huge number of shopping establishments, so the conditions for shopping here are simply excellent. Huge shopping malls are the most popular among tourists. fashion valley And Las Americas Premium Outlets which are located in the very center of the city. It is there that hundreds of branded boutiques, jewelry stores and shops offering a wide variety of goods, from perfumery to household appliances, are located. It is also recommended to visit the big city market Bazaar del Mundo, in the numerous rows of which you can find literally everything: from groceries to Mexican sombreros. In addition, the city has many shops offering both designer and casual clothing, with prices lower than in Europe or Canada. San Diego is also famous for its large number of art galleries, antique shops and original souvenir shops.

When going shopping, please note that most local shops are open from 09:30 to 18:00, and Sunday is a holiday here. However, large shopping centers are open all week and until late.

Transport

Light rail is the most popular form of public transport in San Diego. San Diego Trolley, which can quickly take you to almost any area of ​​the city. They go quite often, but at certain hours they are crowded. The cost of one trip on such a tram is approximately $1.7.

You can also travel here by city buses. They travel in almost all major directions, although the largest number of stops is concentrated directly in the central part of San Diego.

A pleasant and convenient option for moving around the streets of San Diego is a bicycle. Moreover, the city has several excellent areas with bike paths.

Connection

In San Diego, as in other major US cities, literally on all streets, as well as in public places, there are telephone boxes from which you can call any city. They work from small coins and phone cards, which are sold almost everywhere. In addition, you can call from any large bar or restaurant, but keep in mind that this will come out much more expensive.

Local cellular communication has uniform coverage and high quality. Roaming is available to almost all travelers, although the rates are quite expensive. If desired, it is possible to purchase a SIM card from one of the American mobile operators.

To access the Internet in the city there are a large number of wireless Wi-Fi points, and many of them are free.

Safety

San Diego is one of the most prosperous cities in the United States, and security here is provided by the city police and local authorities. The crime rate here is much lower than in most American cities.

However, even here you can easily become a victim of a pickpocket or a scammer, so you should never forget about elementary precautions.

Business climate

First of all, the business and economic life of San Diego is based on tourism, which here brings simply enormous income. It also regularly hosts a variety of exhibitions and conferences. An important role in the city's economy is played by the production of electronics, software development, the telecommunications sector, as well as financial and business services. Moreover, the main base of the US Pacific Fleet is located in San Diego, and its military port is the busiest in the world. This, of course, led to the creation of shipbuilding, aerospace and defense industries. Well, from the private industry, biotechnology companies have received the most development here.

Real estate

To date, the San Diego real estate market is beginning to quickly strengthen its position, which has been greatly shaken after the recent crisis rollback.

And here again a high demand is brewing for almost any objects. Today, almost all real estate in San Diego has returned to pre-crisis prices. The greatest progress is seen in the residential property sector. Moreover, houses are most in demand not only in the city itself, but also in its environs. It is worth noting that in the future, analysts predict a sharp rise in prices, so now the purchase of any local property can be an excellent investment.

City in California, USA. In 1542, Spanish. an expedition led by Juan Cabrillo discovered the harbor, which he named San Diego (Spanish: San Diego). In 1769, a city was founded in this harbor, which received the name San Diego from it. Geographical names of the world... Geographic Encyclopedia

- (San Diego), a city in the southwestern United States, California, a port on the Pacific Ocean. 1.2 million inhabitants (1994, with suburbs around 2 million inhabitants). Aerospace, radio-electronic, shipbuilding and other branches of engineering. Chemical, ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (San Diego) a city in the southwestern United States, pcs. California, port on the Pacific ca. 1.1 million inhabitants (1990), with suburbs of 2 million inhabitants. Aerospace, radio-electronic, shipbuilding and other branches of mechanical engineering. Chemical, food (including ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Exist., number of synonyms: 2 city (2765) port (361) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

San Diego is a city in California, USA. In 1542, Spanish. an expedition led by Juan Cabrillo discovered the harbor, which he named San Diego (Spanish: San Diego). In 1769, a city was founded in this harbor, which received the name San Diego from it ... Toponymic Dictionary

San Diego- (San Diego) San Diego, an industrial city and US naval port on the Pacific coast south. California; 1110550 inhabitants (1990). Mission San Diego de Alcala (1769) was the first permanent European settlement in California. High up in the city... Countries of the world. Dictionary

- (San Diego) a city on the South Pacific coast of the United States, in the state of California, near the border with Mexico. 745 thousand inhabitants (1974, with suburbs of 1.5 million inhabitants). Major seaport. The center of an important X. district (citrus production). IN… … Great Soviet Encyclopedia

San Diego Padres during the 2006 Major League Baseball season. At the end of the regular season, the team took 1st place in its division, winning 88 matches in 162 games played. In the first round of the playoffs, the team met with the St. Louis Cardinals and ... ... Wikipedia

City of San Diego San Diego Coat of arms ... Wikipedia

Books

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But also all over the world. With a population of "only" 2.5 million, San Diego is very different from its suffocating and dusty "neighbor" Los Angeles, despite the greater geographical proximity between the two.

For millions of Americans, living in San Diego is the dream of their lives because it's one of the few cities in the world where there are still neighborhoods where people live a life so quiet they don't even lock their front doors.

Lifestyle. This is the America we know from the movies. The streets are wide and clean, as if not a single car has yet passed through them. On both sides of the road there are trees and paths for pedestrians and cyclists. The houses are big and very beautiful. Definitely look like new. American laws are very strict here and everyone is required to keep their property in immaculate condition. The meadows are sloping and emerald green. The beauty and impeccable appearance of residential areas are very important here. Nearly all homes have large backyard pools whose azure waters sparkle in the bright California sun. These are the same neighborhoods where a newspaper vendor brings you a newspaper in the morning and a school bus picks up and returns your child in front of your front door. This is the same America where the rich and businessmen earn hundreds of thousands
dollars, and sometimes millions a year, run around in shorts on the street and they don't care if someone looks at them. This is the same America where young people surf on the weekends or play volleyball on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Life in San Diego really is like something out of a movie.

Geographical position. San Diego is located near the border with, at 32 ° northern geographical latitude. To the west of the city is the Pacific Ocean, and to the east there are mountains. In the north, suburbs and small county towns almost tie it in. To the south is the Mexican city of Tijuana. The local border point is considered the busiest in the world. From here, Tijuana is only an arm's length away, but in fact the difference is very large. Two completely different worlds meet here. On the ground between the houses of San Diego and Tijuana, only about 300 meters. The area is very heavily guarded because
there are many attempts to get low-income Mexicans to cross the US border illegally in search of better lives and jobs.

Climate. San Diego is a sunny and warm city. He gets into . It is one of the few places in the world that has a typical Mediterranean climate. The weather in San Diego is very similar to Malaga, for example, with the difference that it is a little cooler in summer and a little milder in winter, but the differences in temperature are still insignificant. Summer is very long and hot, mostly dry, there are no distinct spring and autumn. From summer, the weather turns directly into winter. Winter is very short and mild. Usually, most of the precipitation falls during the winter months. Temperatures in San Diego range from 18-19 degrees in January to 26 degrees
in August. The summer season lasts from March to November, when the beaches are full of residents and guests of the city. In fact, there is no real winter here. From December to February the days are very pleasant, sunny and warm with temperatures around 18-19°C during the day, but very often reaching 24-25°C. From December to March the nights are colder with a prevailing temperature of 9 to 11°C. Even in winter, sometimes people lie on the beaches, sunbathing under the bright California sun. As well as in the Mediterranean Sea, here too the maximum temperatures are in August and September, when the ocean water is heated enough. Although in this part of the year the average daily temperature is around 24-26°C, it is not uncommon for thermometers to show more than 40°C, especially in areas that are more remote from the ocean. Relatively cool ocean currents that pass near
coast of California, greatly influence the local climate. Colder ocean water means a drier climate and less rainfall. This in turn leads to more sunny days per year. Precipitation in San Diego is indeed well below average. Here the climate is rather dry. From November to March, the weather is still slightly wetter. The maximum precipitation is in March when it reaches 40-50 mm. Then there is the greatest number of days with precipitation - about 4-5. The high number of sunny days a year allows San Diego households to get most of their own electricity from their own solar panels, most often installed on their rooftops.

San Diego nature and its surroundings are typically Mediterranean. Dominated
evergreen dry-loving plant species. Palm trees are very common - royal palm, date palm and others. Citrus plants and olives grow ideally in this climate. Coniferous plants also grow well. San Diego has great beaches. Some of them are among the best not only in America, but on the entire continent. Mishan Beach and La Yola are just some of them. The golden sand and sunny weather attract millions of visitors every year. Since there are no waves that break ocean waves, very often when the right winds blow, the conditions become ideal for surfing. Winter is usually more suitable for surfing when there are more days with big waves. In general, the coastline of San Diego is slightly indented, with the exception of a very large peninsula, which is called Coronado. To the east of San Diego, in mountainous areas, nature is semi-desert. Vegetation
very rare and dry. Predominantly certain types of unpretentious shrubs grow. The ground is mostly yellow-brown and sandy. The most common types of animals are snakes, scorpions, lizards and others.

Relief. San Diego is located in a narrow coastal low between the Pacific Ocean and the Cordillera. In general, in the city, the height above sea level is less than 200 meters. San Diego is in a sensitive and delicate place. Here the Pacific plate is pushed under the continental plate and thus the mountainous terrain is formed to the east of the city. For this reason, there is high seismic activity here. Some of the earthquakes are very powerful, but fortunately the buildings here are very stable and difficult to be affected by even more powerful earthquakes.

Economy. San Diego is one of the richest and most developed cities in California, and California, in turn, is the richest state in the United States. Many science-intensive industries are developing here. The development and study of biotechnology is very important for the local economy. Education and health care at an exceptionally high level. In San Diego you will find
one of the best universities in America is the University of California. A special place is occupied by a powerful tourism industry, which is one of the leading sources of income for the city. The year-round warm and sunny climate, beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, the huge popularity of the city from Hollywood films, as well as the countless attractions of San Diego, have turned it into one of the main centers of tourism in the country. Also very important to San Diego's economy are the many military bases in the city.

population. The population of the urban agglomeration of San Diego is much smaller than that of the giant metropolis of Los Angeles. Unlike the huge LA, San Diego has "only" 2.5 million people. As with all other American cities, the local population is also very cosmopolitan and diverse. In most US cities, there is one or another ethnic group that outnumbers the rest. In San Diego, these are residents of Hispanic origin. Here Spanish almost catches up with the importance of English. Many residents of the city are immigrants from Mexico who settled here on the one hand to be closer to their home country, because they have relatives there and have to travel very often. On the other hand, there are very large job opportunities here, especially in the tourism industry and workers from abroad are often needed.

Attractions San Diego

1 Coronado one of the most interesting attractions in San Diego. It is a peninsula
extends from south to north along the coast. This peninsula forms a kind of lagoon between itself and the continent. This lagoon is an ideal natural port as it provides easy access to the ocean and protects moored boats from large ocean waves in bad weather. Coronado is the main tourist area of ​​the city. It has beautiful beaches, lots of greenery, exceptional hotels, an excellent golf course and breathtaking views of the skyscrapers of San Diego. The peninsula itself can be reached by a 3.4 km long bridge called the Coronado Bridge. It rises imposingly 61 meters above the lagoon. The view that opens from the bridge to the city is incredibly beautiful.

2 sea ​​world like a magnet for tourists. Located in the northern part of San Diego, near the coast of Mishan Beach. Here is one of the best places in the world where you can see killer whales performing various complex tricks. There is a yacht port next to Sea World. The whole area is one marine tourist attraction.

3 Balboa Park great place to spend your free time. It stretches for more than two kilometers from north to south. It is an ideal place for walking, sports or picnics. Part of Balboa Park is occupied by the world famous San Diego Zoo. In Balboa, enjoy the cool shade of a huge variety of tropical and subtropical plant species.

4 Zoo in San Diego is located in the northeast of the so-called "down town" (city center). Here, more than 4,000 species of animals live in conditions as close to natural as possible, and special care is required for them. This is a great place to find peace and coolness among the dense greenery of the park in the California summer heat. It should be noted here that this is one of the largest and most attractive zoos in the entire world.

5. Beaches. Among the main attractions of San Diego are its beautiful beaches. Mishan Beach, La Yola, Imperial Beach and others can just stop breathing with their radiance of immensity. The most beautiful beaches in San Diego at sunset. At this time, different people from all over the city come here to enjoy the beautiful view. Some surf, others ride horses or use this moment to practice yoga. Everyone finds their own way to enjoy the most beautiful California sunsets.

6 Old city. History and culture buffs will probably enjoy a visit to the Old Town State Historical Park in San Diego. Here the atmosphere
exceptionally authentic. The buildings look the same as they did when the first settlers arrived in these places. To make the setting more real, actors dressed as the first missionaries to these lands walk the streets in typical American style. The actors even do some typical activities of the time, and if you immerse yourself completely, there's a good chance you'll forget you're in San Diego in the 21st century.

7 Protected areas. San Diego and its environs have many protected areas. The nearest protected area from downtown San Diego is the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, which occupies the southern portions of the lagoon.
between the Coronado Peninsula and the mainland. There is another reserve a little to the south, close to the very border. This is the Tijuana Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. It is located at the mouth of the Tijuana River, where the river crosses Imperial Beach and flows into the Pacific Ocean. To the east in the mountains lies the much larger San Diego National Forest.

The best time for tourism in San Diego. The weather in San Diego is ideal for tourism throughout the year. And yet, if you want good weather to be completely guaranteed, it would be better to visit the city between March and November. The same applies if you want to go to San Diego because of the beautiful
beaches. December, January and February are more suitable for walking, because then it is not so and you can walk more and not get tired of the heat. If you decide to go to San Diego it is best to wear thin summer and spring clothes, no matter what time of year you go. Be sure to bring some warm outerwear, however, because the nights can sometimes get quite chilly even in summer. It is better to put your luggage and open and closed shoes. Sometimes even in January it is pleasant to walk in slippers, and other times, due to dry air, even summer evenings can be quite cool.

You can truly appreciate the beauty of San Diego only from the sea. Take a cruise on the bay (rides start at Port Street, Harbor Drive, at the end of Broadway), along artificial islands Harbor and Shelter past Cape Loma (Point Loma) with access to the Pacific Ocean. Back in the city, you can visit one of the 19th-century ships anchored at the Embarcadero Pier and part of the fleet of the San Diego Maritime Museum, where the most striking exhibit is the Star of India, a three-masted iron-clad barque built in 1863. Or head down to the bustling Seaport Village shopping complex, a chain of shops, restaurants and galleries.

In honor of the discovery of the lands of San Diego, a monument to Cabrillo was erected at Cape Loma (following the signs go southwest on Rue Rosecrans). The statue of Cabrillo, donated by the Portuguese government, faces the spot where the captain landed.

Old city (bounded by Juan, Twigs, Congress and Wallis streets) covers six blocks of restored adobe buildings from the Mexican rule, as well as the brick houses of the first American settlers. You can relax under the palms and eucalyptus trees of the Old Square, Plaza Vieja, once the city center and the bullring. The Gaslamp Quarter, a business center mostly made up of Victorian buildings, is another favorite place to take a stroll. The Victorian style reached its highest brilliance in the buildings of neighboring Cape Coronado, whose luxurious 1888 Coronado Hotel was visited by the most eminent guests - from John F. Kennedy to the heir to the British throne, the Prince of Wales.

The modern city is distinguished by a wonderful layout, it is home to the famous Horton Plaza shopping center and the wonderful Balboa Park. The park, located on the right side of the city center, is equipped with many sports facilities and hosts excellent cultural and entertainment facilities. There is even an Elizabethan theater here, where the Shakespeare festival takes place in the summer. All the way to Balboa Park (free car park) easily accessible from the center by bus number 7. There is a free tram nearby.

But the real gem of Balboa Park is the San Diego Zoo. (2920 Zoo Drive; tel: 619-685-32-00; www.sandiegozoo.com) recognized as one of the best in the world. Undoubtedly, this is the most advanced menagerie, where, as far as possible, a natural habitat has been created for animals within the framework of an artificial park. The Australian fauna is especially well represented. You can ride the Skyfari cable car around the zoo or take a bus tour.

Another wonderful water park is located near Mission Bay (Mission Bay). Go kayaking or sailing on a catamaran and yacht among tiny islands and lagoons. In addition, the Oceanarium "Sea World" is located here. (Sea World; tel: 619-226-390; www.seaworld.com), where you can see a killer whale weighing 3 tons, as well as sea lions, otters and walruses.

Mission Bay, shaped like an amoeba, is surrounded by land on all sides. Ocean Beach and Mission Beach (Mission Beach) are loved by surfers. All beaches are suitable for relaxing and swimming, it's great to fly kites and ride a bike along good trails, numbering several kilometers.

San Diego's three main beaches are an oasis of hedonism. A pile of taut, tanned bodies basks in the sand near the surf. Ocean Beach is located in the southern part of the bay. (Ocean Beach) with a hipster vibe. Head here to fish, play beach volleyball, have a sunset picnic or ride the waves with the surfers. Newport Ave is full of bohemian bars, eateries and shops with beachwear, surf gear and antiques.

In the western part of Mission Bay lie the beaches of Mission Beach. (Mission Beach) and its northern neighbor Pacific Beach (Pacific Beach) linked by Ocean Front Walk Road (Ocean Front Walk) free from car traffic. All year round it is full of skaters, joggers and cyclists. Little amusement park Belnont Park (Belnont Park) on Mission Beach beckons visitors with old wooden slides and a large indoor pool.

Check out Coronado Island (Coronado Island), connected to the mainland by an air bridge in the form of a boomerang. Local attraction - hotel "Coronado" (Hotel del Coronado), famous for its opulent Victorian architecture and a guest book that lists the names of Thomas Edison, Brad Pitt and Marilyn Monroe (it was his exterior that we saw in the classic film "Only Girls in Jazz").

San Diego is also home to several naval bases, and other attractions include Silver Strand Beach National Park and Mount Soledad. In San Diego, everyone will find entertainment to their liking.

If you are lucky and you find yourself in San Diego in December-March, you can witness an unforgettable sight - California gray whales swim along the coast. They are sent to breed in the Gulf of California in Mexico. Two to three hour ocean whale watching trips are very popular at this time of the year. Boats do not fit close to these giants. In order to protect nature, it is forbidden to approach the whales at a distance of less than a hundred meters, nevertheless, it is certainly interesting to see fountains of water and steam even from afar, glossy backs that appear from the water for a second, and waves of powerful tails.

Information

Medical services

Network of pharmacies "Right-Aid" (Rite-Aid pharmacies; 800-748-3243) Call to find out the address of the nearest branch.

Hospital them. Scripps (Scripps Mercy Hospital; 619-294-8111; 4077 Fifs Avenue (5th Ave), hill cross (Hillcrest)) Round the clock emergency medical assistance.

For tourists

Balboa Park Visitor Center (Balboa Park Visitors Center; 619-239-0512; www.balboapark.org; 1549 El Prado; 9:30-16:30) Located in the House of Hospitality (House of Hospitality). Sale of geographical maps of the park and passes to Balboa Park (adult/child $45/24, with zoo admission $77/42), giving the right to visit 14 museums of the park once for seven days. Check which museums are free on Tuesdays.

San Diego Tourist Information Centers (619-236-1212; www.sandiego.org) downtown (corner of West Broadway (W Broadway) and Harbor Drive (Harbor Dr); 9.00-17.00 June-September, until 16.00 October-May); La Jolla (7966 Herschel Ave; 11.00-17.00) The center in Downtown is intended for foreign visitors.

The road there and back

San Diego International Airport (San Diego International Airport; Lindbergh Field; 619-400-2404; www.san.org) located approximately 4.8 km west of Downtown; connoisseurs watch with delight as planes descend to land over Balboa Park.

Greyhound long distance buses (619-515-1100; 120 W Broadway, Downtown) Hourly direct flights to Los Angeles (one way/roundtrip ticket $19/31.2-3 hours).

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains several times a day (800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com) depart from Santa Fe Station (1055 Kettner Blvd, Downtown) to Los Angeles ($36.3 hour) and Santa Barbara ($41, 5.5 hours).

There are booths of all major car rental companies at the airport. In addition, you can place an order by calling the national toll-free number. Eagle Rider (619-546-5066; www.eaglerider.com; 4236 Taylor Street (Taylor St), Old Town (old town); 9.00-17.00) offers motorcycles and scooters for rent.

Movement within the region

Bus number 992 ("Flyer", $2.25) runs between the airport and downtown, at 10-15 minute intervals, stopping at Broadway. Express trains such as the Super Shuttle (800-974-8885; www.supershuttle.com), the fare from the airport to the center is $8-$10. in a taxi - $10-$15.

Metropolitan Transit System buses and trams (MTS; www.sdmts.com) going south to the Mexican border. At the Transit Store office (619-234-1060; Broadway and First Ave; 9:00-17:00 Mon-Fri) you can buy route maps, tickets and travel cards for tourists (day tripper) for $5/9/12/15 for 1/2/3/4 days. Day passes can be purchased on the bus. The cost of a taxi ride according to the meter is $2.20 for the first 160 m and then $2.30 for each subsequent segment.

Neighborhood of San Diego

Safari Park San Diego

Experience the "wild" side of the 1,800-acre free-bounds zoo (760-747-8702; www.sandiegozoo.org; 15500 San Pascual Valley Road (San Pasqual Valley Road), Escondido (Escondido); general admission ticket including tram ride adult/child $40/30, with visit to the zoo $76/56; from 9.00). Giraffes nibble on the grass, lions loiter, and at the bottom of the valley, more or less freely, rhinoceroses run noisily. To capture the atmosphere of a real safari, go to "Journey to Africa" (Journey to Africa) on a tram that will bypass the second largest continent in less than half an hour.

The park is located in Escondido (Escondido), about 56 km north of downtown San Diego. Take Highway 1-15 to the Via Rancho Parkway exit (Via Rancho Pkwy) and then follow the signs. Parking $10.

Legoland

Wonderful fantasy park (760-918-5346; www.california.legoland.com; 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad; adult/child $69/59; from 10.00) with many slides, attractions and shows, it will appeal mainly to elementary school students. Children will be able to unearth dinosaur bones, explore an experimental helicopter and get their first driver's license. Departure from downtown San Diego (the park is approximately 51.2 km away) Freeway 1-5 north to Cannon Rd E exit. Parking $12.