San Diego. America's Favorite City.

Get Ready For The Vacation Time Of Your Life.

Mention San Diego and people conjure up images of a perfect vacation paradise. Picturesque Pacific Ocean horizons, cool breezes, white sandy beaches, colorful flora, gorgeous sunsets and endless attractions. Those visions are right on target. That's why San Diego is one of the most popular vacation spots for families from around the world.

Often called "America's Favorite City" and the "only city with perfect weather", San Diego CA is the sixth largest city in the US with a city limit population of about 1.2 million residents. Of course when people discuss vacationing to San Diego, they usually include its sister coastal cities of La Jolla, Coronado, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Oceanside, Mission Beach and other communities nearby. In that case, the population the Greater San Diego area swells to over 3 million people.

Climate here is ideal. That's the main attraction of San Diego, California where the average annual high temperature is a refreshing 70 F degrees. Even in the middle of summer the temperature rarely reaches 80 F degrees. Rainfall averages below 10 inches annually. San Diego is always colorful so take the time to smell the flowers. Bright red bougainvilleas dot the landscape and during December red and white poinsettias bloom naturally during the Christmas season.

San Diego boasts over 70 miles of pristine coastline with spectacular beaches from Coronado north to Carlsbad. The "Strand" is the area's most popular beach and runs adjacent to the communities of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. La Jolla Cove is the most scenic beach with amazing sunsets that fill the ocean horizon. The beaches of Coronado are also very scenic and are loaded with recreational activity. See our San Diego Beaches section.

Attractions and things to do in San Diego are endless. Among the most popular is the San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park and of course Seaworld San Diego at Mission Bay. For the young ones, Legoland in Carlsbad offers up hours of entertainment. Then there's the Belmont Oceanfront Amusemnent Park with its thrill rides. Balboa Park offers up acres and acres of lush gardens and the world's largest collection of museums in one convenient location. Don't pass up visiting the Embarcadero where you can stroll the walkways along the San Diego Bay and tour the many ships including the world famous Star of India and the USS Midway. The views across the harbor are breathtaking.

Come during December to March and you may catch a glimpse of the whales as they pass by on their migration to or from the waters of Mexico. An ideal spot to watch the whale migration is from the Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma. The lush cliffs of Point Loma offers some great hiking with astoundingly beautiful ocean views.

San Diego offers an attraction for every age and for every interest. And there never seems to be an end to the fun including surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving. wind surfing, golfing and even kayaking along the caves of La Jolla. Go sportfishing or take one of the many harbor excursions. Hop the trolley and go to Tijuana Mexico which is just a short 23 mile drive south of San Diego.

If shopping is your thing....San Diego is made for you.. Checkout the Embarcadero’s southern end for some classy boutiques. Seaport Village on the San Diego Bay features charming winding paths where you can watch ships sail across the bay while you explore one-of-a-kind shops looking for that perfect treasure, a unique souvenir or just
the right gift. And you'll love the unique shops at La Jolla Village along Prospect Street. The Gaslamp Quarter offers great shopping and serves up the most popular nightlife area in San Diego.

There is an abundance of lodging and accommodations in San Diego from economy motels to full service hotels and luxury resorts with all of the amenities. When choosing the right hotel in San Diego consider lodging near the attractions of most interest for convenience. Make it your "homebase" and plan your day trips accordingly. There are many bed and breakfast inns throughout the San Diego area that provide more intimate settings for that romantic getaway or choose from among many vacation homes for rent including beachfront rentals.

San Diego is a perfect vacation spot. It's an even better place to live. Many visitors relocate here after experiencing its many pleasures. If the relocation bug hits you be sure to contact one of our participating San Diego real estate agents. They will gladly show you where the best home values can be found.

For more tourist information read our articles and check our list of things to do.