San Diego

Trip preparation

Introduction Situated on the border with Mexico, San Diego is the second largest city in the State of California and is located on the southern coast. It is characterized by its pleasant climate, numerous beaches, bays and its important natural harbor.

Best travel time

San Diego's climate manes you can visit this city at any time of year. Thanks to the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, it enjoys mild temperatures in winter and summers are extremely hot, with an average temperature of 21 º C. In winter the temperature rarely drops below 4 º C and, generally, the days are usually sunny. If you go expecting good weather, it is best to avoid visiting the city in May or June, and that at this time San Diego is often covered with clouds almost always due to a phenomenon that its inhabitants are referred to as "May Green" ( May green) or "June Gloom". Keep in mind that even in the summer the temperatures at night are much lower.

History

The people who originally inhabited this area was the Kumeyaay people. The area was originally named San Miguel when it was discovered in 1542 by the Portuguese. Sebastian Vizcaino, who mapped the area in 1602 gave the city the name San Diego. Then in 1769 he established the first mission in Alta California, and people started to settle in the area. Spain lost possession of California when Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821. The city became a much more important city in the US than it ever was when it was part of Mexico. In recent years the city has become an important center for the biotech industry and telecommunications.

By bus

The best way to get around San Diego is by car through its network of highways (both state and interstate), unless you only want to just see the area covered by the city’s trams. If you do not have a car, you can move around by bus in San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, or SMT (bus system of the city), tram, bicycle (can be rented and there are bike lanes throughout the city ) on a pedal taxi or carriage (for short trips around town) You can also tale a ferry to travel to Shelter Island or Harbor Island.

By plane

The San Diego International Airport or Lindbergh Airport is located a few minutes from downtown. It has three terminals and there is free shuttle service every 10 minutes between them. There is a connection via a shuttle service from the airport to the city center, however train and bus links also exist. There are also several travel agencies have offices near the airport where you can rent cars and private transportation companies offer buses from the airport to San Diego.

Sights

 Balboa Park, a major city park which is a nature reserve in which you find also numerous museums, the San Diego Zoo and extensive green areas.  Gaslamp Quarter, restored Victorian neighborhood in the center of the city. Many businesses such as restaurants, bars, quality shops and other establishments are currently located in these buildings, making it the entertainment area of San Diego.  Wild Animal Park, a kind of wild animal zoo.  Sea World amusement park and aquarium also includes various animal shows.  La Jolla, exclusive seaside community of San Diego where you can explore secluded coves, beaches and cliffs. It also has numerous cafes, restaurants and outlets.  Old Town, the remains of what was the ancient Spanish city.  National Memorial to Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, in honor of the Spanish expedition arrived in California in 1542.  San Diego Maritime Museum.  Mission San Diego de Alcala, the oldest mission throughout California.  Little Italy

Events

Navy Week San Diego, September 17. Film Festival San Diego, September 29. Dixieland Jazz Festival of Thanksgiving, November 24. December Nights, Dec. 1 in Balboa Park. Christmas Parade, Dec. 5 in La Jolla. Buick Invitational golf tournament, 25 January. Mardi Gras Festival, March 8 in Gaslamp Quarter. Annual celebration of the days of American Indian culture, 1 May. Fiesta 5 May, in Old Town. Annual competition of the U.S. Open Sandcastle, July 1. Gay Pride Festival, July 1 Surf Cup San Diego, July 26. Marathon America's Finest City Half Marathon and 5K, 1 August.