San Diego Here We Go

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Despite their love of the automobile, Californians love the great outdoors. It''s not hard to see why really. They have vast national parks taking in mountains and deserts and miles and miles of pristine Pacific coastline. To top it all off, the weather is fantastic, particularly in Southern California where the rain is kept at bay for most of the year and sunshine and warm temperatures are dominant.

Although San Diego is just over two hour''s drive from sprawling urban metropolis LA, and is California''s second biggest city, it has a decidedly small town feel about it. It was first established in 1769 by a Spanish missionary and was the first permanent European settlement on the West Coast. However, it didn''t grow in importance until the US Navy relocated its headquarters here after the bombing of Pearl Harbour in World War II.

Today the city continues to thrive. It has a strong Mexican feel, due to its proximity to the border so food and architecture echo this neighbourliness. The city has award-winning restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, more than 70 miles of beaches offering sailing, surfing and swimming and ...
... even a historic ''Gaslamp Quarter''.

Leading the way in modern art with more than 3,000 works produced after 1950 is San Diego''s Museum of Contemporary. It has a strong Latin American lean but Pop Art, conceptual art and Minimalism are also well documented.

San Diego is also famous for its zoo. It was founded in 1916 with just 50 animals; today more than 4,000 animals from 800 different species call it home. It is regarded as one of the most humane zoos in the world, carefully creating each environment and habitat.

More animals play around at SeaWorld. There are shows from killer whales, dolphins and sea lines as well as close ups with penguins and sharks. There are plenty of rides to choose from too including Shipwreck Rapids, Wild Arctic, Skyride and Journey to Atlantis.

This article started by stating that Californians love the outdoors, and this couldn''t be truer than in San Diego. Other than the beaches, where you can do all the usual beach activities, you can hike in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and look out for all kinds of cacti varieties.

Cycling is best done on the cross-country routes in the Mission Trails Regional Park and there is also a large reservoir where you can go wakeboarding or waterskiing.

If you like golf, you''ll love San Diego. It has so many golf courses that you''ll never be able to do them all in just seven days. Many are private so check before you head out, but others offer day access and surprisingly affordable green fees. Bonny Kominek is a freelance travel writer specialising in American travel. They recommend Octopus Travel for San Diego hotels.