| More than 1.2 million people make their homes inside the city limits of San Diego, making it the second largest city in California. The greater metro area has nearly 3 million residents. Thanks to geography, the urban sprawl has been confined to smaller pockets in canyons and on mesas, so much of the city still retains a small-community vibe. |
|
| Any time is the right time to visit San Diego. With an almost perfect climate year round, you are sure to be able to experience all the city has to offer. The annual high temperature averages 70 degrees, the low is 55 degrees and annual rainfall usually does not exceed 10 inches. |
|
| Visit San Diego between December and March and take the opportunity to catch a glimpse of one of the sea's most majestic mammals. As many as 200 whales pass the coast each day on their way to or from Mexico. But don't forget your camera and binoculars; you don't want to miss the chance to share this experience with others. |
|
| Take time to smell the roses and all of the other flowers that San Diego offers. The dry climate is the perfect condition for growing pampas grass, wild daisies and jasmine. In December, red and white poinsettias bloom naturally for the Christmas season. In the spring enjoy the scents drifting from the numerous citrus trees. |
|
| Among San Diego's greatest natural attractions are its beaches. The landscapes of the beaches vary as much as their rules. So, be sure to read the signs that indicate what is and what is not allowed. Undercover officers often patrol the beaches looking for offenders. |
|
| San Diego has everything to offer when it comes to nightlife. You can enjoy a country and western bar or a hip dance club and everything that falls in between. If you know you're going to be partaking in some spirits, plan ahead. California has some of the toughest drunk-driving laws and sobriety checkpoints are a common sight. |
|
| As a visitor to the San Diego area, it's hard not to join in some of the outdoor and sports activities this city has to offer. Scuba diving, golfing, volleyball, wind surfing, fishing and jet skiing are just a few of the many choices in this fun-in-the-sun-city. |
|
| The city's most famous attraction is probably its zoo. In the 100-acre zoo, nearly 4000 animals roam in spaces that closely resemble their own habitats. Be sure to try for a peek at one of the zoo's extremely popular giant pandas, Hua Mei, Bai Yun or Gao Gao. But don't get your hopes up too high they like to sleep in the day and are sometimes not on display. |
|
