San Diego is in southern California and is known for its weather and coastline. Smaller than Los Angeles, it is more laid back and less crowded. Within an hour of the city, there are pine-covered mountains, cactus filled deserts and miles of beaches.
It is the gateway to Mexico with the US-Mexico border at Tijuana being less than 30 miles south.
Like most of California, the city sprawls over a huge area with much of it accessible by car. However, the central area is connected by the famous red trollies and buses. Dining and nightlife is in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest (the center of gay community) or for a younger crowd Pacific Beach.
The population is very diverse, meaning that there is food from every country here and someone who probably speaks your language.
There is plenty to see and do, including the world famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Sea World. The world reknown Tony award winning La Jolla Playhouse stages quality plays for theatre buffs. For the sports enthusiast you have Petco Park. Driving down Interstate 5, one can admire many of the U.S. Navy’s ships.
There’s excellent surfing along the coastline, as well as world class diving at La Jolla. Deep sea fishing trips go in and out, and there is also shore and lake fishing if you happen to get sea sick. Dedicated open space areas are throughout the city and there is hiking in the city’s canyons and hills. With over 600 recorded species, San Diego County is also a famous birding location.