Page 104 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

SAN DIEGO
COUNTY
Fun in the sun and a whole lot more
B Y M A R I B E T H M E L L I N
TOP CITIES
San Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Del Mar,
Encinitas, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Oceanside,
Escondido, El Cajon, Julian, Borrego Springs
INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY
San Diego International Airport (SAN), also known as
Lindbergh Field, is conveniently located on the edge of
downtown
TOURISM WEBSITES
sandiego.org
lajollabythesea.com
POPULATION
3 million
SAN
DIEGO
COUNTY
Near-perfect weather and an upbeat attitude are San Diego’s
main attributes, but there’s far more to the nation’s eighth-
largest city. Some call it Silicon Valley South, thanks to the
many science and research facilities headquartered here. Others say it’s
the sports capital of the USA. Think about it—where else can you surf
and ski in the same day? San Diego is home to some of the nation’s
loveliest beaches, finest universities and happiest humans, making it
a magnet for visitors who come for vacation and stay for life.
There’s a home for everyone, from metro-hip condos to backcountry
horse ranches. Once nearly deserted at night, downtown San Diego has
evolved into an exciting center city with several neighborhoods and
endless attractions. Its Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy and East Village
are packed with restaurants, clubs and shops. The Embarcadero along
San Diego Bay passes by the Maritime Museum with its iconic Star of
India’s tall sails to the sweeping rooftop of the San Diego Convention
Center (a proposed major expansion is under review). Cruise ships
berth at the foot of Broadway, the main artery into downtown, and pas-
sengers flying to the San Diego International Airport pass over
high-rise business towers as they land at the northern edge of down-
town. Hotels of every description and hip-quotient are scattered
throughout the city’s center, making it one of the most desirable places
to stay while exploring the county.
JUSTASC/SHUTTERSTOCK. OPPOSITE: DANCESTROKES/SHUTTERSTOCK
102 2014 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A