San Diego Tourism: A Breath of Fresh Air

If the sprawling urban chaos of Los Angeles is too much for you, you may appreciate the calmer, more subtler atmosphere of San Diego, California. Even though it is the second largest city in California, it feels like a world away from L.A. The word is spreading about the beauty of the city, and San Diego tourism continues to be a growing industry.

San Diego was founded as the site of the first mission in California, later becoming a major trading port when the Santa Fe Railroad reached the city in the 1880s. Because of its history as a Spanish colony, colonial architecture is present, as are neo-Gothic and Moorish styles. Natural surrounding are also beautiful, with kilometers if gorgeous beaches that you can enjoy throughout much of the year, as well as mountains, desert, forests, and state park. The subtropical climate is mostly mild and sunny throughout the year.

One of the focal points of the city is Balboa Park, home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo which boasts over 4000 animals. Sea World is also a major attraction, drawing crowds eager to enjoy themselves while learning about marine life.

Perhaps comparabe to Venice Beach is the Mission Beach Boardwalk, which is something like a seaside carnival on the beach. Featuring roller coasters, bike rental shops, roller bladers, and street vendors, Mission Beach attracts even people with no interest in dipping into the water. But of course San Diego is a fantastic place for surfing if you decide to rent a surf board here and battle the waves.

Pacific Beach is another lovely beach that functions as a hub of nightlife in the city. Garnet street is lined with cafes and bars full of people out for a night of fun and partying. Nearby is the Gaslamp Quarter, whose lovely Victorian architecture gives the area a historic atmosphere.