There is a lot to do in San Diego. And our guests should know everything possible about the gorgeous city they are going to visit this August!
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Here is a list of popular attractions and information sites:
Information
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Population: Metropolitan San Diego: 2,724,400 - city population 1,197,100
Area of City: City of San Diego: 331 sq mi/857 sq km. San Diego County/Metropolitan area: 4,000 sq mi/10,360 sq km.
Weather—Abundant sunshine much of the year, though June can be gloomy. Mild summer, somewhat cooler spring. Occasional Santa Ana winds from the desert can heat things up, especially in early fall. The climate is generally mild along the coast, but inland temperatures can get quite warm. Clear skies 41% of the time, partly cloudy 32%, cloudy skies 27%. Annual rainfall: 10 in/25 cm. Annual snowfall: 0, although nearby mountains get an average of two feet a year.
Average temperatures: Jan 47-63 Fahrenheit/8-17 Celsius; Feb 48-63 F/9-17 C; Mar 50-64 F/10-18 C; Apr 53-66 F/12-19 C; May 56-67 F/13-19 C; Jun 59-69 F/15-21 C; Jul 63-73 F/15-21 C; Aug 64-74 F/18-23 C; Sep 62-73 F/17-23 C; Oct 57-71 F/14-22 C; Nov 52-69 F/11-21 C; Dec 48-65 F/9-18 C.
Sales or Use Tax: Most purchases, 7.75%. Hotel occupancy tax, 10.5%. Crime: Dangerous neighborhoods are concentrated in the southeastern section, where gangs tend to feud and innocent people sometimes get caught in cross fire. If you’re pursuing sublime Mexican food in Barrio Logan near downtown, it’s best to do your exploration in that area during the day. Visitor and downtown areas are well policed and generally safe, but consult your hotel concierge or the front desk for specific places to avoid.
Time/Temperature: Time: 619-853-1212. Weather: 619-289-1212. Time Zone: Pacific; eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.
When to Go: San Diego is pleasant just about year round. Temperatures average 73 F/23 C in summer and 63 F/17 C in winter. San Diego’s heat is moderated by ocean breezes, except during September and October, when easterly Santa-Anna winds off the desert can shoot the temperature into the 90-100 F/32-37 C range. Most rain falls November-March. The average high in August is 77 F/25 C; the average low in January is 46 F/8 C.
Balboa Park
Just north of the city's business district, this outstanding park is a legacy of the Panama-California Exposition of 1915. The 1200-acre civic park contains fine gardens, 13 museums, the famed San Diego Zoo, art galleries, a science center and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion which features outdoor concerts on Sunday afternoons and on Monday evenings during summer months. The Edison Center for the Performing Arts contains three theatres devoted to music and drama. The park is one of the finest urban parks in the West, combining lush landscaping, period buildings, 13 museums and many other family attractions.
Coronado
This curving spit of land is at the outer edge of San Diego Harbor and is a long-time resort and residential community. This is the home of the wonderful Hotel del Coronado, which has attracted the rich and famous since it opened in 1888. Two more recent resort hotels have been added to the scene, which includes streets of boutiques and cafes and a park where Sunday concerts are staged on the bandstand. Other amenities include a golf course, bicycle paths, three public beaches, marinas, camping and RV facilities.
Gaslamp Quarter
This 16-block downtown district preserves the Victorian era with restored buildings containing antique and crafts shops, restaurants, offices and other businesses that take advantage of the authentic atmosphere. A two-hour escorted walking tour departs each Sunday at 11 am from the old William Heath Davis House on Island Street and features a walk down San Diego's main street of the 19th Century. This is a fine part of town to stay in period establishments and to eat in the Victorian style restaurants.
The Embarcadero
San Diego's harbor is a busy place with cruise ships, pleasure craft and ferries linking the downtown and Coronado. The San Diego Maritime Museum features several historic ships that are tied up along the waterfront, including the Star of India (a sailing ship), the steam ferry Berkeley and Medea, a luxury yacht. As you tour Harbor Drive, you'll see seafood markets, shops and restaurants. Seaport Village recreates the harborside as it was 100 years ago with a collection of shops, cafes and restaurants.
La Jolla
This northern suburb on the ocean is the site of the university campus and the Scripps Oceanic Institute which includes the Stephen Birch Aquarium and Museum. Outstanding features of La Jolla include the Mingei International Museum of Folk Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art on Prospect Street, and many upscale fashion, art and craft boutiques (also on Prospect St.). Torrey Pines Golf Course is one of the finest municipal links in the country. La Jolla Shores is a long flat beach, perfect for families and prized by surfers. La Jolla Cove (with its cliffside coastal walkway) and the Torrey Pines State Reserve feature parks, and bicycle and walking trails. There are many cozy B and B inns, along with luxury hotels and mid-range accommodations along the La Jolla coastline.
San Diego Wild Animal Park
Operated by the same Zoological Society which operates the zoo, this 2150-acre nature preserve is located 30 miles north of the downtown area. The park houses more than 3,000 wild animals in realistic and expansive settings. The newest attraction in the park is the Hidden Jungle, a large greenhouse exhibit which recreates a Central American rain forest habitat.
Sea World
Part of the action at Mission Bay (a man-made park, marina, beach and picnic oasis north of downtown via I-5) is Sea World, the marine attraction. A theme park version of the public aquarium, Sea World features a show with performing creatures including Shamu, the killer whale. Rocky Point Preserve, which opened in 1993, is an impressive display of dolphins and sea otters in a natural setting which simulates a wilderness nature reserve.
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