All About San Diego

Where else but San Diego can you swim in the ocean and an hour later be in snow-capped mountains or admiring desert flowers or even listening to mariachis in a foreign country? This totally unique area is one of the largest counties in land area in the US and is home to over two million people. It stretches from the Mexican border up to the suburban malls of Riverside County and the sailboat settings and world business headquarters of international firms in Orange County. To enjoy it all will take many visits through all seasons. So you'd better get started now! Below is a concise overview of the areas that make up San Diego.

LA JOLLA
Ocean breezes, sun and a close-knit group of friendly folk will welcome you when you visit this city 15 minutes north of downtown San Diego. Shop at the city's many boutiques or see a play at the Tony Award-wining La Jolla Playhouse. Dine at award-winning restaurants overlooking the water. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn more about the Pacific Ocean and its undersea dwellers. Drop by the Museum of Contemporary Art to see famous works and an unparalleled view of the ocean. Play golf at the Torrey Pines Public Golf Course, home to a major PGA tournament. Swim in the warm blue waters of La Jolla Cove. Or head to clothing-optional Black's Beach under the Torrey Pines Bluff. Variety and beauty have made La Jolla famous.

CARLSBAD
Carlsbad, with its picturesque downtown central area and spectacular coast line, is on the ocean, about a half hour north of downtown San Diego. Carlsbad contains the only Legoland in the US, a major attraction for young kids. During the spring, you can see blooming flower fields stretching into the distance right off the freeway. Make sure you stop to enjoy the landscape and stroll through nearly 50 acres of flowers. Children will enjoy learning about science, history and art when they explore the Children's Discovery Museum, both educational and fun. The 14-acre Carlsbad State Beach is one of the best places in San Diego to swim, surf, scuba dive and fish. Carlsbad is the epitome of a family beach community.

ALPINE
East of San Diego is the spacious countryside of Alpine. Alpine is the home of the Kumeyaay Indian tribes and is now enjoyed by many others. The slogan "Best Climate in the U.S.A. by Government Report" explains why so many are drawn to this area. Enjoy summer's cool breezes, see snow in winter and tap into a genuine four-season climate just half an hour from tropical downtown San Diego. Popular Viejas Casino and Viejas Outlet Center are in Alpine; stop by and enjoy their free shows every evening. Just minutes west, on the border of El Cajon and Alpine, you'll find the beautiful gardens and soap shops at Summers Past Farms. Alpine is a great escape from the city of San Diego.

LA MESA
La Mesa is a unique town with a touch of country and a touch of the city, an inviting area of warm, welcoming people. Every Friday afternoon, there is a Farmers Market in downtown La Mesa. Also, during the late spring until the end of summer, enjoy the Friday evening car show of hot rods, street rods and classic cars. You'll also find antique stores along with good restaurants in downtown La Mesa. If you enjoy the outdoors, nearby Lake Murray is the place for you. Run, fish, bicycle, or relax at this gorgeous lake. This town, just off Interstate 8, is urban-suburban at its best.

SOUTH BAY/TIJUANA
Sample Mexico's appealing culture just half-an-hour away from downtown San Diego. You'll discover excellent shopping opportunities, delightful restaurants and clubs going all night long. Unlike the U.S., Tijuana allows bullfighting, a very popular sport in Mexico. On the US side of the border, not far from the crossing, you'll find Knott's Soak City, a large water park of slides and water playgrounds. Just next door, enjoy quality music from your favorite artists at Coors Amphitheater. South Bay is also home to the maquiladoras, the joint US/Mexican/Japanese/European manufacturing facilities that have revolutionized the business world.

CORONADO
The giant Coronado Bridge connecting Coronado to downtown San Diego is one of the recognizable symbols of the entire area. It stretches to a quaint yet active island community unlike any other. Beautiful parks, interesting shops and pretty walkways all reflect the influence of the bay and ocean that surround them. Sandy beaches border most of the city. You can just stroll along them or rent beach equipment, beach camp, play your favorite sport, or go jet skiing in the bay. The world famous Hotel del Coronado has been around since 1888 and still dominates the area. Its shops, restaurants, parlors and highly decorated lobby are all highly recognizable from photos and Hollywood movies. Coronado is a great place to stop, relax and be glad you're in Southern California.

INLAND NORTH COUNTY
Inland North County consists of suburban cities like Rancho Bernardo, San Pasqual, Poway, and Escondido. This is a superb area to raise families; it's clean, attractive, growing , yet still affordable.. Rancho Bernardo holds the Wild Animal Park, a fascinating animal safari that is part of the San Diego Zoo family. Visit San Pasqual Battlefield, the site of a Mexican-American battle in 1846. Videos and displays give you the story. Come meet people, animals and learn history in Inland North County.