San Diego, California: attractions and photos

San Diego is a major American economic, cultural and tourist center. The city is located on the Pacific coast. San Diego is the southernmost point of the state of California. Twenty minutes drive from it is the border of Mexico. The city is very popular among tourists from all over the world. There are excellent conditions for summer holidays: clean beaches, developed resort infrastructure, various hotels (from five-star to cheap hostels), a lot of amusement parks and interesting places. This publication contains all the information necessary for tourists about San Diego (California). Sights, history, popular beaches and hotels - all this will be covered in this article.

From the history of the city

The first European entered the lands of San Diego only in the middle of the sixteenth century. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo proclaimed the territories belonging to the Kumeya tribes, the property of the Spanish crown. After nearly fifty years, this harbor was explored by Sebastian Vizcaino. It was he who gave the city its present name.

In 1769, the first European settlement was founded by these Franciscans. Today this year is considered the date of education of San Diego.

In the XIX century the city became an important trade center. From here, stone and cattle were taken to other places in America and Mexico.

In 1846, San Diego joined the United States. After this event, the city turns into the largest California industrial center.

During the Second World War, San Diego became the main naval base of the US Armed Forces. After 1945, the population of the city is growing rapidly, and its territory is expanding. In the northern areas of San Diego begins to develop a tourism business.

Today the city is the most important tourist and industrial center of the USA. Shipbuilding, aerospace and defense production are developing here.

Where to stay?

In San Diego is widely developed resort infrastructure. Here you can find cheap hostels available to every traveler, and five-star hotels with a popular all inclusive system for the most demanding customers. So, where to stay for a tourist in this city?

The most popular hotels in San Diego are as follows:

• La Jolla Shores Hotel. Beautiful hotel, located on the first line, on the Pacific coast. It offers spacious, comfortable rooms with an equipped kitchen, a large swimming pool, a jacuzzi and private parking. Perfectly suitable for family holidays.
• The US Grant. The hotel is located in the heart of the city. The interior of the building is made in a colonial style. The rooms are comfortable and perfectly suited for families.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton. The hotel has clean and comfortable rooms. All tourists have the opportunity to use the pool or jacuzzi.
• Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The hotel is ideal for relaxing during business trips. It is located on the shore of the Pacific Ocean.
• The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. The hotel is located a short walk from the Pacific coast. In addition, there is a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Perfectly suitable for family holidays.

Beach holidays

San Diego is located in the south of the state of California. The ocean here is very warm, so tourists prefer to rest here. The beach season begins in May and ends with the advent of autumn. At the beginning of summer, the "June Mist" season begins here. At this time over the ocean there is a thick fog, and on the coast it becomes cold. That is why the most favorable time for rest in the south of California is July and August.

The most famous beaches of San Diego are Coronado, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Hoya and Torrey Pines State Beach.

Coronado is the most famous beach in the city. Here, the world famous film "In Jazz Only Girls" was shot.

Pacific Beach - a favorite place for recreation of local residents and tourists. Here you can surf, visit a nightclub or sample local cuisine in one of the restaurants on the coast.

Torrey Pines State Beach is a beautiful beach located in the northern part of the city. It borders on the reserve with the same name, that's why it attracts tourists who want not only to swim in the ocean, but also to admire the beauty of the surrounding world.

The city's attractions

Many tourists claim that the most unusual and interesting country for recreation and travel is America. San Diego is no exception. There are many attractions, familiarity with which will make the rest fascinating and diverse. So, which places should you see in San Diego?

• The historical center of the city. Here there are different buildings: the buildings of the Spanish government and the Mexican heritage.
• The National Monument of Cabrillo. Historic Monument in San Diego. It was here that the first Europeans landed, reaching California. From here you can enjoy stunning views of Coronado Beach and the city itself.
• Mount Soledad. The hill is located in the northern part of the city. There is a viewing platform, from where a surprisingly beautiful view of the neighborhood of San Diego opens.
• The Gas Lamp is the historic district of the city. Today there are a lot of interesting cafes.

Museums of San Diego

• Aircraft carrier museum "Midway". This place should be visited by every tourist in San Diego. The museum is dedicated to the past of the US Navy. Here you can see the history of the legendary aircraft carrier Midway.
• Museum of cars. It is located in the city park "Balboa". Here you can see an interesting collection of retro cars.
• The Steven Birch Aquarium Museum. Located in the reserve "Torrey".
• The Space Museum.

City parks

• Zoo of San Diego. About 4000 thousand animals live here. The San Diego Zoo is considered to be one of the largest in the world. Its territory is about 40 hectares. In addition, it is one of the few zoos on the planet where a giant panda lives. Each tourist has a unique opportunity to inspect all of its territory, because there is a special lift "Skyfar".
• Sea World - theme park-aquarium. Here you can see the most rare and interesting inhabitants of the waters of the World Ocean.
• Balboa Park, located in the center of San Diego. On its territory is the majority of city museums: anthropological, railway, aviation, space and many others.

Interesting facts about the city

• San Diego is considered one of the best American cities to stay. He takes the 5th place in the ranking of Money Magazine.
• San Diego is among the top 3 places in the world with the best year-round weather.
• Annually the city is visited by more than 30 thousand tourists from all over the world.
• San Diego International Airport is considered the busiest in the United States.