San Diego City Information

San Diego From its world-famous zoo and aquarium to its bountiful beaches, San Diego's vibrant and exciting lifestyle has plenty to offer visitors and their whole families. It's the kind of city where every day is a beach day, and where everyone is busy having as much fun as possible. A relaxed atmosphere pervades the city, probably one of the reasons that draw more than 30 million visitors a year to San Diego. Given the beautiful weather and outdoor activities abound, San Diego is probably one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in America. Families walk, skate, and bike their way to over 70 miles of beaches or any one of San Diego's numerous attractions.
San Diego's natural beauty is one of the city's greatest attractions. An officially designated 52-mile long Scenic Drive brings visitors through the city and its many neighborhoods. From the Harbor Islands through Old Town and Balboa Park all the way to La Jolla, the Scenic Drive is a great way to see all of the city's beautiful districts and neighborhoods.

Balboa Park itself is the 1,200 acre home to the world-famous Zoo and museums. This park is the cultural center of the city. The Rose Garden has more than 2,000 rosebushes, and the entire park is really one giant botanical garden full of beautiful flowers and trees. The Zoo, one of the best in the world, holds nearly 4,000 animals representing more than 800 species. The animal habitats are designed to replicate each animal's original ecosystem as closely as possible, down to the type of grass used. Birds, gorillas, tigers, bears, hippos and other animals have helped make this one of the most admired zoos in the world. In addition to the zoo, Balboa Park is home to over a dozen museums dedicated to history, science, art, cars, railroads, mankind, and of course, San Diego itself.

Visitors who want to spend as much time as possible near the glittering Pacific Ocean will love the Mission Bay area and its greatest attraction: Sea World. The Mission Bay aquatic park covers 4,600 acres, and includes 27 miles of bay shore beaches and 17 miles of ocean front beaches. Admission to the beaches is free, and swimming, sunning, and windsurfing are the preferred activities. Playgrounds and picnic spots are found throughout the park, but the best place for kids has to be Sea World. Covering over 100 bay-front acres, this park features the world famous killer whale Shamu, as well as hundreds of other water animals, like penguins, fish, and sharks. Sea World is one of the most famous aquatic parks in the world, and kids and adults alike will love it.

San Diego has it all: sunny weather, great beaches, wonderful museums, zoos, and aquariums, and history too. Old Town is the historical heart of San Diego, and a great place to finish up a visit to the city. The Spanish and Mexican heritage of the city is celebrated here, amidst the famous Presidio fortress, the historical park, and the adobe houses with Spanish tile roofs. San Diego has evolved immeasurably since those early days as a Spanish settlement on the Pacific, and that evolution has produced one of the most beautiful and happy cities in the world. Visitors to San Diego are always sorry to leave behind what residents know is heaven on earth.

Population: 1,223,400


Elevation: 40 feet above sea level


Land Area: 324.3 feet


Location: San Diego sits at the southwestern-most point of California, just minutes from the border of Mexico


Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (when it’s 9AM in San Diego, it’s noon in New York City and 11am in Chicago). San Diego observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October
Local Seasons:


While summer may be slightly busier than the other seasons in this most-desired California city, there are not any real “slow seasons”. With perfect weather year round and a host of attractions, adventures to be explored, as well as fine dining; any time of year is perfect for a visit. The afternoon humidity virtually never gets over 67%, making the climate ideal for any type of activity. Summer is the warmest time of the year yet the temperature rarely goes above 80 F in the day and stays comfortably near 60 F at night. And there really isn’t much of difference during the other three seasons. Winters are mild with an average daily temperature near 60 F. Spring and fall bring the averages into the 60’s F, making both day and night good times to see the sites and enjoy the variety of entertainment available. Whether for business or leisure, San Diego is waiting with warm sun and festive nights.


How to Get There:


By Car


San Diego is easily reached via Interstate Highway 5 from the north (Los Angeles), Interstate 15 from the northwest (San Bernardino), and Interstate 8 from the east (Yuma). The Mexican border is just south of the city.


By Air


San Diego International Airport

619-400-2400

The airport is located just minutes from the center of the city as well as close to virtually all of the major attractions. It is served by many of the national and internationally known airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.


Ground Transportation:


All of the major rental car companies, as well as taxis and limousine service are available at the airport.


By Train


Amtrak

1050 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

900-USA-RAIL


Greyhound

120 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101

619-239-3266


How to Get Around:


Like most southern California cities, the best way to get around is by car; either personal or rental. Rental cars are readily available at both the airport as well as throughout the city.


There is also Trolley service as well as local bus service in and around the city. The trolley route is the 16 miles between the Mexican border and the Santa Fe Depot in town.

619-234-1060

Call for schedule and additional information


National Holidays:


New Year’s Day, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January

President’ Day, the third Monday in February

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve, December 31