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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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Accommodation

Advance Purchase Offer

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Plan your perfect San Diego getaway in advance, and save! When you book and prepay your stay 7 or more days in advance, you’ll take advantage of these special savings today, and have no...

Team Building

Show Your Badge & Save at Murder n' Mayhem

Murder n Mayhem
Valid: Jun 30, 2023 - ongoing

Save 10% on all public Tours & Experiences offered by Murder n' Mayhem. Redeem online at murdernmayhem.com or via phone 619-781-8013 with Discount Code: SHOWME Public and private tours...

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Save on E-Bike Tours in San Diego

Another Side Of San Diego Tours
Valid: Jul 18, 2023 - ongoing

Our eBike tours in San Diego offer an unparalleled experience that combines the convenience of electric-powered bicycles with the breathtaking beauty of America's Finest City. With our tours, you can...

Events to check out

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San Diego Crew Classic

Apr 5 - Apr 7, 2024

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United...

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Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 7, 2024

A San Diego sportfishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern...

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Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego
May 9 - May 12, 2024

The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco,...

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