With beaches to the west, deserts to the east, seasonal snow mountains to the north and Mexico to the south, San Diego has many activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy. A city that is as diversified in its culture as in its people. Here you'll see the early influences of Spain and Mexico interspersed with modern-day skyscrapers dotting the downtown skyline. The climate and culture are some of the best-kept secrets of southern California. San Diego not only is an exciting place to visit but is a great place to live. The history of San Diego dates back to the nomadic Indian tribes that once inhabited the area. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese navigator hired by Spain, explored the coast of California and in September 1542, sailed into the harbor of San Diego. He named the port San Miguel since their arrival coincided with the eve of the feast of St. Micheal the Archangel. What he found was an excellent harbor for shipping, a temperate climate and an abundance of fertile soil. The name San Diego came from Sebastion vizcaino who found the harbor and surrounding area to be unnaturally beautiful. He renamed the port San Diego de Acala after a saint from Madrid. At this time the area remained virtually undeveloped and still retained its Indian presence. Not until Father Junipero Serra began his first mission, San Diego de Acala, did the Spanish first begin to take hold of the locality. The original site of the mission is present-day Presidio Park, but with a lack of water and poor soil, the site was later moved five miles east. Father Serra went on to form more missions up the southern California coast, but it must be remembered that he started here. In 1812, California underwent a change when Mexico finally gained its independence from Spain. San Diego was still regarded as an agricultural center rather than an aspiring city such as Los Angeles, located 100 miles to the north. Not until 1850, when the United States finally gained control of California, did both the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles become incorporated. Growth continued to be slow with more people attracted to fledgling-city Los Angeles rather than to San Diego. One of the most influential people who helped build San Diego into what it is today was Alonzo E. Horton. He first arrived in 1867 and bought 1,000 acres, on which now rests present day downtown. He looked toward the future with hopes to create a city on the bay. With the first development of those 1,000 acres, a gradual change shifted from Old Town to the area near the water. Businesses and people gradually moved from the Old Town area to the acreage closer to the Bay. But it was not until a fire destroyed a major building in Old Town that the change became permanent. Today you can see what Alonzo Horton's vision has accomplished; one of America's most beautiful coastal cities serving as the foundation for aspiring towns around the country. San Diego International Airport/Lindbergh Field (SAN) On-site parking is at a premium at San Diego International Airport. For long-term parking, off-site parking is recommended and is provided at a number of locations conveniently close to the airport. Shuttle Service Shuttle and bus service in and near the airport offers access to hotels and locations in and around San Diego. Shuttle vans are operated by off-airport companies near San Diego International Airport. Shuttle service is available on the Transportation Plazas across from Terminals 1 and 2 via the skybridge and curbside the Commuter Terminal. Shuttle vans can be contracted by the Customer Service Representative at the Transportation Plaza. Car Rentals Rental car booths are located near the baggage claim areas in both terminals. Shuttles are accessible at Terminal 1 center traffic aisle and at the traffic island at the far west end of Terminal 2. San Diego International Airport offers shuttle access to car rentals, hotels and other airport locations. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) You can take a connecting flight to or from San Diego, or you can take one of the many methods of ground transportation such as the Cloud 9 LA Porter (877-Cloud 9 LA), a bus service between San Diego and Los Angeles airports. Train Service San Diego offers a wide range of rail transportation like the San Diego Trolley, a light rail system serving the San Diego County Region, The Coaster Commuter Train which runs up and down the coast between Downtown San Diego and Oceanside, Amtrak with trains running to the Los Angeles area and the MetroLink which runs an extensive network north of Oceanside. Sit back and enjoy the ride as these rail systems offer some of the best views of the California coastline. San Diego Trolley
• 24-Hour Hotline: (619) 231-8549 or
• Regional Transit Information: (619) 233-3004 Coast Express Rail
• (800) COASTER Amtrak
• 800-872-7245 Metro Link
• 808-LINK Bus Services Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Several bus operators work together to form the Metropolitan Transit System. San Diego Transit Corporation (SDTC) With 29 fixed routes, seven are express and 22 local. Our routes operate over 635 miles. SDTC covers the cities of San Diego, Chula vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, National City, as well as portions of San Diego County's united corporated area. SDTC routes also connect with other regional operators' routes. For General Information call 1-800-266-6883 or for the InfoExpress line 1-800-266-6883. North County Transit District (NCTD) NCTD Buses carry passengers in the north San Diego County region, which includes the area south to and including Del Mar, east to Escondido, north to the Orange County and Riverside County lines, and includes Camp Pendleton. In addition, NCTD runs special Express Buses for certain sporting and special events in San Diego.
Call 1-800-COMMUTE (1-800-266-6883) for more information. Greyhound Bus Lines
• (800) 231-2222 or (619) 239-8082 The average daytime temperature is 70 degrees and most days are sunny. If you prefer it a bit warmer just move inland
a few miles from our natural air conditioner,
the Pacific Ocean. Either way, and even
in summer, the humidity is generally low. You will find that planning outdoor activities here is a snap because the average annual rainfall is less than 10 inches and most of it falls between December and March. largest collections of sharks in the world.
Balboa Park Located in the heart of San Diego, Balboa Park is situated on more than 1,200 acres. The cultural heartland of the city, Balboa Park boasts lush greenery, old-world architecture and street performers. In addition, it is home to the world famous San Diego Zoo, 13 museums, art galleries, the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center, the Tony Award winning Globe Theater, one of the nation's largest outdoor organ pavilions and the California Tower with a working 100-bell carillon. For more information, call (619) 239-0512. Gaslamp Quarter San Diego's downtown has undergone a resurgence in the last ten years and nowhere is it more evident than in the Gaslamp Quarter district. Located in the heart of the city, the Gaslamp Quarter has become the hub of cultural activities. Encompassing 17 full blocks, the Gaslamp Quarter has a
predominately victorian feel among the skyscrapers surrounding the district. With over 60 fine dining establishments, galleries, clubs and music ranging from jazz to country and western, this locality promises quality time in a quality setting. Old Town State Park Located in San Diego, Old Town State Park marks the site of the first European settlement on the West Coast. Founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1769, San Diego's population and culture were a mixture of Spaniards, Indians and Mexicans. With the shift of the populace to what is now present-day downtown, Old Town is devoted to the preservation of life in early San Diego and is popular with shoppers and tourists. Nestled below Presidio Park, you'll enjoy walking along the streets flavored with an authentic Mexican atmosphere. Bazaar Del Mundo offers boutique shopping and restaurants, located in Old Town. For more information, call (619) 296-3161. Cabrillo National Monument This monument commemorates European explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's arrival on the Californian coast. Located on the tip of Point Loma, the monument provides visitors with a spectacular and complete view of San Diego. Three months out of the year, the site is an observation point for visitors who come to watch whale migration off the coast. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is another attraction. Call (619) 557-5450 for more information. Embarcadero/Harbor Drive This bay-front area downtown features Seaport village, wide sidewalks and a lovely harbor. The Star of India is also docked here. Belmont Park This beachfront amusement park features shops, dining, a swimming pool (The Plunge), an historic wooden roller coaster (The Giant Dipper) and other amusement rides. http://www.belmontpark.com. Seal Beach at La Jolla Cove Located at 850 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla. Here, wild seals congregate without fear of human harassment. People are allowed to mingle freely on this beach as long as they don't bother the seals. This provides an excellent opportunity to take close-up shots of wild seals. Quail Botanical Gardens In Encinitas, offers unique plants from all over the world thrive on these 30 lush acres in north San Diego County. Log on to http://www.qbgardens.com. Birch Aquarium Marine life from around the world displayed in more than 30 aquariums and interactive displays, an education center and a manmade tide pool. Located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. Call (858) 534-FISH. San Diego Zoo Located within the borders of Balboa Park, the 100-acre San Diego Zoo is a major international attraction. With more than 4,000 animals, including 800 species of rare or endangered animals and 6,500 varieties of exotic plants, the zoo is a must see for young and old alike. The zoo has expanded over the years and includes such attractions as Tiger River, Botanical Garden exhibits, Reptile House and a special zoo for children. For more information, call (619) 231-1515. SeaWorld Home of the lovable killer whale Shamu, SeaWorld is both a marine-life park and an amusement park. Located in Mission Bay, SeaWorld features many exhibits ranging from the Penguin Encounter to one of the largest collections of sharks in the world. The summer is also a great time to watch the firework shows. For more information, call (619) 226-3901.
San Diego Wild Animal Park The park, a sister facility to the San Diego Zoo, boasts a natural habitat to wildlife and endangered species from every corner of the planet. The 2,000-acre wildlife preserve features more than 3,000 free-roaming animals that live in enclosures that simulate their natural habitat. These animals can best be observed by taking the guided monorail tour. Legoland California Located in Carlsbad. Legoland offers great amusement rides, astonishingly accurate LEGO(r) brick models, lively music and a chance to let your imagination run free. Call (760) 918-5346 for more details. Knott's Soak City U.S.A. Knott's Soak City U.S.A. is San Diego County's wildest water adventure park!
Thirty-two water-logged acres packed with
22 of the most intense water rides imaginable. Call (619) 661-7373. Qualcomm Stadium Located in Mission valley, it was officially opened in 1967 as San Diego Stadium. It was later renamed after the late sports editor of the San Diego Union Tribune. It is the home of football's San Diego Chargers and San Diego State University Aztecs. This facility is also the host of swap meets, rock concerts and motorcross. Petco Park It is the home of the San Diego Padres, spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget. Call (619) 795-5000 for more information. Cox Arena At Aztec Bowl on the SDSU Campus this 12,000 seat arena is an exciting venue for sporting events, stage shows, concerts, family entertainment, exhibitions and conferences. Guests enjoy a facility with impeccable acoustics and sight lines, making every seat in the house a great seat. Call (619) 594-0234. Coors Amphitheatre Coors Amphitheatre, in Chula vista is the area's first major concert facility designed specifically for music. Coors Amphitheatre is an outdoor performing arts theatre with reserved seating for about 10,000. The
attractively landscaped lawn out side the theatre also provides an additional seating for 10,000 guests for a very memorable event. Call (619) 671-3600 for information. San Diego Convention Center The rejuvenation jewel of the downtown area, this 560,000 square-foot facility overlooks San Diego Bay and is the host to numerous events open to the public. It is the site from everything from Star Trek conventions to international auto shows. Call (619) 525-5000 for information. Del Mar Fairgrounds An arena for thoroughbred horse racing in the summer and the annual Del Mar Fair. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, De Mar. Call (858) 793-5555.
Art and Special Interest Museums Ranging from the eclectic to the sublime, San Diego's array of museums is filled with wonders appealing to just about any taste of art, machinery, sports, classic cars,
scientific discovery, or what have you. Many of the area's most popular museums are clustered in Balboa Park within walking distance of each other, while others are tucked in outlying neighborhoods. Museum of Photographic Arts
Balboa Park
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619)238-7559 This museum preserves and exhibits the entire spectrum of the photographic medium. The collection attempts to trace the entire history of photography: its aesthetic movements and technological advancements. Timken Museum of Art
Balboa Park
1500 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-5548 The Timken Museum of Art houses a collection of European old masters, American art, and Russian icons ranging from 13th-century altarpieces through 18th-century portraits to 19th-century still lifes.
Admission to the Timken Museum of Art is always free. Children's Discovery Museum
200 W. Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-8792 x 100 Ideally situated in an old electronics warehouse, this museum provides thought-provoking activities for families. Ongoing exhibits include an improvisational theater area, art studio and virtual reality basketball.
The Museum is temporarily CLOSED to the public. The final phase of construction is currently underway, opening by early 2008. Museum of Contemporary Art
1001 Kettner Blvd. at Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-1001 or
700 Prospect St. v La Jolla, CA 92122
(858) 454-3541 An internationally known collection of contemporary art in all media is again located at two sites. The La Jolla location reopened in spring of 1996 after extensive renovation. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-1233 Interactive displays round out offerings in the science center, which also includes a planetarium and Omnimax movie theater. San Diego Air & Space Museum
Balboa Park
2001 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-8291 Vintage aircraft, spacecraft and aviation memorabilia illustrate the history of flight and space exploration.
Active military are welcome free of charge to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. San Diego Automotive Museum
Balboa Park
2080 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-AUTO "Horseless carriages" keep good company with other rare vehicles. Museum of San Diego History
Balboa Park
1649 El Prado v San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-6203 This museum contains displays relating to local history from 1850 to the present. San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Balboa Park
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 696-0199 The world's largest operating model railroad exhibit includes four scale model layouts depicting railroads of the Southwest, a toy train gallery and more. San Diego Museum of Art
Balboa Park
1450 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-7931 The largest art museum in San Diego County, this museum contains more than 10,000 art objects. San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-2001 San Diego's only anthropological museum. One of the nation's great collections of artifacts, folk art, and archaeological finds is located here. These treasures help to unfold stories of the past - of hunters creating the first spears and arrows, potters molding fragile ceramic vessels, weavers patterning vibrantly colored textiles, and artisans blending forms and symbols. San Diego Natural History Museum
Balboa Park
1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-3821 The museum features world-renowned collections in botany, entomology, herpetology, marine biology, ornithology, mammalogy and paleontology. Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum
2040 N. Santa Fe Ave.
Vista, CA 92083
(760) 941-1791 Historic gas-, steam- and horse-powered equipment used in farming, lumbering, mining and construction are actually in use on this living history site, complete with a blacksmith shop, sawmill and farmhouse. Coronado Enjoy the charm of Coronado, take a ferry boat from the B Street Pier to the Coronado Ferry Landing or drive over the beautiful Coronado Bay Bridge to the Hotel Del Coronado or down the Silver Strand. Relax at one of the fine resorts, hotels or B & Bs. Dine at your choice of close to 100 restaurants. Take home a souvenir from more than 200 unique shops, boutiques and galleries. Watch the sun set over the Pacific from our award-winning beach. Call the Visitor Center at (619) 437-8788 or visit www.coronadovisitors.com. Downtown San Diego's revitalized central city offers a mix of historic preservation, lively nightlife and fabulous restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter as well as state-of-the-art architecture of the Horton Plaza, a dramatic 6.5 block shopping and entertainment complex in the heart of downtown. At the foot of Fifth Avenue you will find San Diego's Convention Center. If you are an incurable "sidewalk superintendent", downtown is the place for you. You can really feel the dynamics of a growing, ever evolving city, as there is usually some kind of awesome construction in process somewhere. Mission Bay Mission Bay is a 4,600-acre aquatic park dedicated to those who appreciate leisure time near the water. There is an inexhaustible array of activities to include swimming, boating, jet-skiing, power boating, fishing or sailing. The 17 miles of coastline is also popular for walking, swimming, kite flying, bicycling and picnicking. Located within Mission Bay is SeaWorld San Diego, Fiesta Island and Belmont Park. La Jolla The seaside village of La Jolla is very popular among travelers for its spectacular oceanfront setting, first-rate lodgings and fine dining at some of the best restaurants in the region. Del Mar Del Mar means "by the sea." The main attraction of visitors is the beach and sunny weather, the annual San Diego County Fair (formally Del Mar Fair) and the well-known Del Mar Racetrack. Torrey Pines The Torrey Pine is one of North America's rarest pines. Only two native species exist; one in coastal San Diego, and the other on Santa Rosa Island near Santa Barbara. The Torrey Pines State Reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hikers can follow trails through stands of wind-sculpted pines down to the beach. Guided tours are available starting at the visitors center (The Lodge), call (858) 755-2063 for times and other information. Carlsbad Where else would you find a seaside community that is small enough to hold village charm, yet large enough to be a premiere business environment? Carlsbad is a community with near perfect weather and two world-class resorts. It is a city that supports economic development yet sets aside 40 percent of its land for open space. Carlsbad has attracted an international theme park, "LEGOLAND California," and has become the golf capitol of the world. Two freeways, a commuter train, bus service and the busiest single runway airport in the nation serve thecommunity. The community has two first-class public libraries, full-service police and fire services, a park and recreation department and high quality schools. Carlsbad has miles of beaches, a wide variety of housing options and shopping including Plaza Camino Real (a regional mall), North County Plaza, specialty stores, antique stores and a new outlet center. Local attractions in addition to LEGOLAND California include the Carlsbad Village Fair, the largest one-day street fair in the nation (held the first Sunday of May and November). Carlsbad is also home to the famous Flower Fields, La Costa Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Carlsbad Triathlon, Anderson Consulting Golf Championships and Toshiba Tennis Classic. For more information on Carlsbad, please call the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce at (760) 931-8400 or check out our website at www.carlsbad.org. Oceanside Oceanside is situated on three miles of sandy beaches and is an ideal mix of urban and rural environments blessed with an almost perfect, year-round weather. Three major highways, Interstate 5 and Highways 76 and 78, provide easy access to and from Oceanside. The city is also served by Amtrak and Greyhound bus lines. Local commuter and private aircraft use the Oceanside Municipal Airport. Palomar Airport in nearby Carlsbad is a general aviation facility, offering both private and commercial air travel. Oceanside's weather, being much like the rest of San Diego, offers the perfect climate for the outdoor enthusiast. Residents have access to numerous golf courses, parks, tennis courts and biking trails as well as facilities for volleyball, basketball and softball. For those who just want to relax, Oceanside Harbor and Harbor Beach are the ideal spots for an afternoon stroll or picnic. Oceanside Harbor, a man-made facility, is one of the best in southern California and considered to be one of the most beautiful. For shopping, Cape Cod Village plays host to many unique shops and restaurants. Oceanside has a total of 16 elementary schools and three high schools. Health care for the city is provided by Tri-City Hospital located in Oceanside. Several medical, dental and professional health-care complexes also surround the hospital. For more detailed information, call the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce at (760) 722-1534. Two commuter trains, the Coaster that travels between Oceanside and San Diego and the Metro Link, which travels between Oceanside and Los Angeles, also serve Oceanside. Oceanside Visitors Information Center is ideally located at the Coast Highway exit adjacent to the I-5, Highway 76 intersection, situated at the gateway to San Diego County. Volunteers assist travelers, offer assistance with directions, information, hotel reservations and discount tickets for San Diego attractions. Oceanside Harbor is a mecca for sport fishing, whale watching, boating and other water-oriented activities. The marina inside the harbor has slips ranging in length from 25 to 51 feet. Transient moorings and limited RV beach camping are available. Mission San Luis Rey is a national historic landmark and the largest in a chain of Californian missions established by the early Spanish missionaries. This magnificent structure, known as the "King of Missions," shelters a museum, gift shop and conference center. Situated a few steps from the shore Buena Vista Lagoon, the Audubon Nature Center offers a variety of natural history experiences. Walk along a shore trail amid native plants to see views of the lagoon and its bird life. Observe the surfers "catching the waves" as you stroll the longest wooden over-water pier on the Pacific Coast. The Oceanside Pier has a bait and gift shop and you can dine at the restaurant at the end as you watch a Catalina sunset. Other Oceanside attractions include the Oceanside Sea Center, Heritage Park Village and California Surf Museum. San Clemente San Clemente is located at the northwest corner of Camp Pendleton, on Highway 101 between Los Angeles and San Diego. There are numerous shops and unique restaurants as well as a historic pier. San Clemente offers 16 city parks/ball fields, five miles of public beaches, fishing, tennis and golfing. There are three public golf courses: San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, Shorecliffs Golf Course and Talega Golf Club. The city hosts the "San Clemente Ocean Festival" on the third weekend in July. The city's Chamber of Commerce produces the annual "Fiesta Street Festival" and "5k Run/Walk/Stride." The Chamber also hosts the "San Clemente Seafest" on the second Sunday in October and the "Taste of San Clemente" on the first Friday in November. Thousands of visitors attend each year to watch and participate in local events. San Clemente has six elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school as well as numerous adult education centers. The San Clemente Hospital and Medical Center serves the community. For more information, call the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce at (949) 492-1131 or visit www.scchamber.com. San Juan Capistrano Nestled in a coastal valley, San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful historic town that maintains the old flavor of early California. The old mission aptly named the "Jewel of the Missions" is a lovely and educational adventure for a day. Quaint shops and unique restaurants surround the mission to serve you, whatever your heart desires. For additional information, call the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce at (949) 493-4700. Escondido Escondido lies about 18 miles inland, 100 miles south of Los Angeles and 30 mile northeast of San Diego. Escondido is the hub of Inland North San Diego County, which is emerging as a regional economic leader, in the forefront of job development and new industries. Escondido has one of the lowest crime rates of any city its size - a population of 128,000. It features the $81-million Californian Center for the Arts, Escondido. For more information, call (760) 745-2125. San Marcos San Marcos is located in an ideal location in the heart of north San Diego County. It is situated between the state's two largest cities, Los Angeles, 90 miles to the north and San Diego, 30 miles to the south. Bordered on the west by the uncrowded beaches of the Pacific and on the east by the magnificent Laguna Mountains and Anza Borrego Desert, the seven incorporated North County cities comprise one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Climate is a major contributor to the attractive quality of life in San Marcos. Generally characterized by mild winters, plenty of sunshine and little rainfall, the average temperature ranges from a high 77 degrees and a low 47 degrees. Inland, the terrain is made up of rolling hills and deep canyons. Fortunately, San Marcos enjoys being in the direct path of an ocean breeze, making it cooler than neighboring Escondido, located only four miles to the east. San Marcos features a resort climate without a "tourist" atmosphere, offering a host of popular attractions all within close proximity. San Marcos is enviably situated 10 minutes from many clean Pacific beaches, 20 minutes from the famous Del Mar Racetrack, a 35-minute drive from Sea World and Mission Bay, a half-hour tour from San Jacinto Mountains and 90 minutes from the rugged Anza Borrego Desert. Other nearby attractions are the Mission San Luis Rey, Palomar Mountain Observatory with its world-renown Hale Telescope, San Diego Wild Animal Park where many rare species roam free in their natural habitat and the colorful San Diego Zoo. San Marcos has become well known for the variety and quality of its restaurants. Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Mexican are all favorites in addition to fresh seafood, steak and continental cuisine. The historic Restaurant Row is on San Marcos Boulevard. Unlike some resort-type communities, San Marcos doesn't have an "in season" or "off season." Instead, the year-round mild weather and excellent location make it a favorite for those seeking sport-related recreational activities in summer and winter. For more information, call the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce at (760) 744-1270 or www.san-marcos.org. Vista Vista rests seven miles inland from the ocean and is a short 15-minute drive from Oceanside. Located in the heart of Highway 78, midway between Oceanside and Escondido, it benefits from cool breezes in the summer and is far enough away from the water to escape the coastal fog. Keeping up with the rest of the fast-growing North County cities, Vista has a number of retail stores. Vista boasts a reputation of its own; growing from 19,700 residents back in 1965 to its present population of over 80,000 residents. For recreation, Vista has two private golf courses, the WAVE Waterpark, Moonlight Amphitheater and AVO Playhouse along with many historical buildings and museum to visit. The Holiday Parade is always a highlight. Vista is served by Tri-City Hospital in Oceanside and is home to National University, North County campus. Nearby are Mira Costa College in Oceanside and Palomar College in San Marcos, both community colleges. In the Vista Unified School District, there are 14 elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools. Vista has a special Education High School, Vista Home Education and a Charter School. Vista has an industrial park that boasts more than 5,000 high-tech businesses. For more information, call the Vista Chamber of Commerce at (760) 726-1122. Fallbrook Fallbrook is located on the eastern boundary of Camp Pendleton and the Naval Ordnance Station. From Camp Pendleton it is reached via Ammunition Road and is 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Fallbrook is the Avocado Capital of the World. Its rural community of 38,000 encompasses 127 square miles, offers a wide range of housing options, a 540 acre high school campus with excellent academic and extra-curricular programs including the 2000 CIF Division I champion football team, six elementary schools, a junior high and community hospital. The town boasts a healthy retail and service business base supplemented by six shopping centers in Fallbrook and neighboring Bonsall. The Main Street typifies the charm of a small town with many of its shops, galleries and restaurants housed in buildings dating to the late 1800s. The Avocado Festival in April, Hot Summer Nights from May through September and the nighttime Christmas Parade are but three annual highlights. Live theater, symphony performances, museums and a thriving arts colony nestled in acres of groves and flowers make Fallbrook the perfect place to live. For families who go back generations or those who have just arrived, Fallbrook becomes a part of the people who live here. For more details, call the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce at (760) 728-5845 or www.fallbrookca.org. Poway A family-oriented community, Poway "The City in the Country" is conveniently located in the center of San Diego County. Visit Lake Poway for fishing or a picnic in the park. Or take a nature walk at the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, a free guided wildlife/plant walk is also offered. Visit www.poway.com for more information. East County San Diego's East County is rich with historical museums, parks, lakes, mountains and much more. Many communities make up the east county such as El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and Alpine. El Cajon Fifteen minutes east of San Diego, El Cajon means "the box" in Spanish, named as the city is completely surrounded by mountains. One attraction to enjoy is the Cajon Speedway, a paved 3/8 mile oval NASCAR track offering weekly racing events. For more information, visit www.cajonspeedway.com. Another attraction is the San Diego Aerospace Museum's annex at Gillespie Field. The annex provides an important restoration and replica reproduction program for the Museum and has many displays available for viewing. For more information, visit www.aerospacemuseum.org/Gillespie/Gillespie.html. Lakeside One of San Diego County's original western towns. Lakeside is a proud community with a rural atmosphere and a sense of hometown traditions. Located about 25 miles east of downtown San Diego and only minutes from the mountains and deserts. Lakeside is known for its annual Western Days Parade and Lakeside Rodeo. For more information, visit www.lakesideca.com. Temecula Nestled between lush rolling hills with a climate of ocean-swept air, Temecula's natural splendor hosts a rich history, beautiful vineyards, resorts and casinos, recreation, and a choice of entertaining activities. Temecula is a picturesque wine country featuring over 15 award-winning wineries. Take in a round of golf at one of Temecula Valley's seven championship golf courses, go hiking, or spend a day of fishing at the lakes. Soar above the lush green vineyards in an early morning hot air balloon ride and see what makes the Temecula countryside so unique. Stop off at one of our exciting entertainment casinos for shows and sporting events. Be sure to experience the flavors
of dishes created from top chefs at one of the many fine-dining restaurants. Visit www.temecula.org for more information. Los Angeles A couple hours drive north is the metropoliton area of Los Angeles. Enjoy theme parks such as Disneyland, Magic Mountain and Universal Studios. Go see the stars at Hollywood and stroll down The Walk of Fame at Hollywood Blvd. Catalina Island One hour by boat or 15 minutes by helicopter, Catalina Island lies only 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. There are many activities to enjoy such as bicycling, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, kayaking, parasailing, sailing, scuba diving/snorkeling and camping. Or take a stroll down Avalon for shopping or
relax at the beach. Tours of the island are also available. Visit www.catalina.com for more information. Mexico Just 17 miles south of San Diego lies the border to Mexico. For those who love to shop and are somewhat proficient at bartering, Mexico is the place to visit. Tijuana is the Mexican border town and offers an abundance of outdoor shops, Sunday and horse racing. Just south of Tijuana lie the coastal towns of Rosarito and Ensenada, which offer great fishing opportunities, shopping and beautiful beaches. Go to www.visitmexico.com for more information. Military personnel, E-3 and below, must have a command approved special liberty chit and an assigned "buddy." Desert Areas There are many desert areas to the East of San Diego including the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park where you can enjoy hiking, bike riding, 4X4 routes, wildlife viewing and horseback riding. Or simply take a drive around during the Spring time to see the Desert Wild Flowers. These desert perennials often survive by remaining dormant during dry periods of the year, then spring into bloom when water becomes available creating some spectatular views. Visit www.anzaborrego.statepark.org for park information. Or visit www.desertusa.com for other desert information. Hunting and fishing California has a wonderful diversity of hunting opportunities. Everything from Antelope, Deer, Elk, Wild Pig, Chuckar, Dove, Hungarian Partridge, Sage Grouse and Quail. Waterfowl of all descriptions. Most hunting opportunities are established using the zone system with varying dates and bag limits. Special muzzleloader and archery seasons are available for most upland game and big game species. Call the San Diego office of the California Department of Fish and Game Department at (858) 467-4201. San Diego has great fresh water fishing, visit www.sannet.gov/water/recreation/index.shtml for information on the local lakes. There are many sport fishing charters available for salt water fishing off San Diego's coast. Golfing If you like to golf, you're at the right place. San Diego has many golf courses in varying degrees of difficulty. Torry Pines Golf Course (a municipal golf course) is host to the annual Buick Invitational. Camping Great camping experiences are just a short drive away. From the local mountains to the coast, San Diego offers great climate with the best scenic views that any camper would enjoy. Ballooning Ballooning is available and usually starts from the Del Mar area and travels east for a great birds eye view of the area. More ballooning can be found a short drive north to Temecula. Biking Many of San Diego's roadways are shared with bicyclists creating a great environment for the sport. If you prefer the dirt, there are many trails with great views and challenging rides. Beaches In San Diego, the beach is a way of life, a source of pride and joy, a defining influence in people's lives. Others have a more intimate relationship with the sea: surfing and sailing, biking and running, swimming and diving along San Diego's many coastal beaches and bays. San Diego's temperate climate makes the beaches pleasant virtually year-round. Find more information by visiting www.sandiego.org/beaches/index.asp. Surfing San Diego County has miles and miles of great beaches with west by southwest
orientation and the Continental Shelf extends many miles offshore, protecting us from the brunt of localized North Pacific storm surges and distant southern ocean swells. From San Onofre at the north all the way down to Imperial Beach to the south, you'll find beaches that offer a varity of surf conditions and
levels of skill. For more information, visit www.sandiego.org/beaches/index.asp.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Most of the diving in San Diego is off the shores of La Jolla. Boat trips are available to the Point Loma kelp beds, wreck alley and the Los Coronado Islands in Mexico, a shark expedition is also available leaving from both Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. More information and dive conditions can be found at www.caldiveboats.com. Recreational Lakes Waterskiing is normally offered at two lakes in San Diego County: San Vicente and El Capitan, you should check the lake conditions before going to the lake. El Capitan is the only lake in San Diego County that allows the use
of personal watercraft, such as jet skis. One arm of the lake is dedicated to the use of these vessels. You can visit www.sannet.gov for more information. Boating and Water Skiing Mission Bay Park, 4200 acres large, offers a network of waterways, inlets and islets for many different activities such as jet boats, jet skis, waverunners, wakeboarders and waterskiers, sailboats and sailboarders or swimming beaches. Also enjoy the many parks, beaches, islands and coves, restaurants and resorts. Excellent bathroom facilities, parking lots, picnic parks and playgrounds, boat rentals, charters and launch ramps. Roads and running paths access every nook and cranny of the park. Hiking Love to hike? You will find no end the the trails available for hiking in San Diego County. Enjoy trails above the beaches of Torrey Pines or the boardwalk along Mission Beach. If the mountains are more your style, then you can explore the historic trails of the Pacfic Crest Trail. Zigzagging its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. Visit www.pcta.org for details. As with any other sporting activity, you should research the trail conditions before setting out and be aware of any restrictions or hazards. Snow Skiing A short drive north of San Diego County you can find great snow skiing at Bear
Mountain, Snow Summit and Snow Valley, all are in the Big Bear Area. Just a little further you will find Angeles Crest with areas such as Buckhorn,
Mt. High, Mount Baldy and Ski Sunrise. Even further north, from about 9 to 12 hours drive, you can ski some other popular areas like Mammoth Mountain, Bear Valley and Lake Tahoe. Cinco de Mayo The fifth of May is a Mexican holiday which celebrates an important victory over the French at the Battle of Guadalupe in 1862. Because of Mexico's strong influence on and proximity to San Diego, this holiday has grown in importance and is celebrated with much enthusiasm. San Diego County Fair The San Diego County Fair takes place between mid-June and early July at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which is located between Interstate 5 and the ocean in Del Mar at the Via de la Valle exit. Carnival rides and booths, all kinds of food, rodeo events and the judging of everything from farm animals to pies, jams and handicrafts. There is live entertainment at nights featuring some of the top names in the music industry. Over 1,000,000 people attend each year, and there is plenty of parking with shuttle service provided. Horse Racing If you love "the sport of kings" then you will have to return to the Del Mar Fairgrounds "where the turf meets the surf" sometime between late July and early September for the thoroughbred racing season. The country's top horses and jockeys participate and compete for attention, at least on opening day, with the ladies who try to outdo each other with wild and crazy hats. Whale Watching For a truly unique experience, try whale watching. Each year between December and March, the California Grey Whale migrates from its feeding grounds in the northern Pacific to quiet lagoons in Baja California to mate and to calve. Because they stay close to shore in order to bottom feed, those with patience and a sharp eye will first spot their spouts and then their sleek shapes as they pass in review. Point Loma is a good place to try your luck, or anywhere that offers the advantage of some height above the water. As the season approaches you will also see advertisements from excursion boats that offer closer looks at these awesome marvels of the sea.
Benchmark, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy. No portion of the publication may be reproduced without the written consent of an officer of Benchmark Publications, Inc. Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or Navy Region Southwest. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by DoD or Benchmark Publications of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use of patronage, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
|
WELCOME TO SAN DIEGO, AMERICA'S FINEST CITY...
ATTRACTIONS
