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San Diego is one of the jewels in the crown of California's coast and ranks as its second largest city. Diverse and vibrant, San Diego is rich in history, shares a border with Tijuana, Mexico, is home to University of California San Diego, offers miles of beautiful beaches and a Mediterranean-like climate, and houses 16 military facilities. From the historic Presidio of Old Town to the Waterfront, Little Italy to the Gas Lamp Quarter, the city has been undergoing gentrification since the 80's.
Just over a sweeping bridge from San Diego, lies Coronado Island, where Balboa's water playground stretches uninterrupted toward the horizon, shimmering like iridescent turquoise taffeta.
Coronado is technically a peninsula with a long, slender causeway parallel to the shore as it reaches ten miles almost to Mexico. The residents like to think of the large piece of land lying just off San Diego as an island because it's accessed by bridge or ferry boat.
Whether you're from San Diego or just visiting, Coronado Island is one part of the city that must be seen. While many choose to head over the magnificent Coronado Bridge by car, an intimate way to experience this small town is by bike. So, grab a few friends or head over by yourself and enjoy the peacefulness of the island. You'll have a day full of people watching and sight "sea"-ing. It'll be a day you won't forget!
In San Diego, we have something called the Sunshine Tax. Think backyard barbecues, surfing, and ragtops year-round. Warm winters - here in the land of Phil Mickelson, Gene Littler, and Billy Casper - also mean golfing galore! And, it's not just for the men anymore.
San Diego is often thought of a beach town where young people and college students get rowdy seven days a week. While this may be partially true, it must be mentioned that San Diego also has a growing sophisticated side. San Diego has blossomed in the last few years as people with refined tastes have voiced their needs for new evening activities. What do people with refined tastes drink? Wine.
San Diego is known for its amazing coastline, sunshine, an average temperature of 72 degrees and little rainfall. Of course, not all of San Diego is warm. Some of the "hottest" spots are the chilliest! What most people do not realize is San Diego is one of the most haunted cities in America. So get ready because today we visit the "old haunts" of San Diego.
The appeal of San Diego has always purportedly been sun-filled days and beaches for miles. While these perks aren't likely to diminish any time soon, lately it's San Diego's nightlife that's shining thanks to the presence of boutique hotels like the Ivy. Both a luxury accommodation and nightclub, 600 F Street is a destination spot itself; in particular, our destination for today.
Tucked behind the freeway between Mission Bay and Balboa Park in the heart of San Diego, sits the lively neighborhood of Old Town. The first settlement in California, Old Town is a place devoted to maintaining an ancient way of life. A place where people in colorful dresses and suits mingle amongst the tank tops and flip flops of the modern world.
The San Diego Wild Animal Park is like no other zoo. Here, large wild animals are free to roam within huge enclosures that replicate the wilds of Africa.
Clustered in these fenced-off acres are water buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, rhino, and several other impressive herds of different species. The animals mingle and romp up hills, through gullies, around waterholes and under trees. A motorized tram tour takes visitors around the perimeters of the enclosures, and for an extra fee, guests can ride on the back of a truck into the world of Africa itself on a Photo Safari.