San Diego – Beyond the Beaches

San Diego is known for its year-round sunny weather, pristine beaches, and vibrant arts scene. This SoCal city has many other attractions, including its beautiful beaches and rich military history. It is worth exploring.

Food is another draw, and the city`s eateries embrace a variety of cuisines from around the world. You can find local favorites at casual lunch spots or fine dining experiences right by the ocean.

Histories

The history of San Diego begins in 1542, when Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo discovered the bay. Cabrillo gave it the name San Miguel, but Sebastian Vizcaino renamed it in 1602.

Diegueno, Luiseno, Cahuilla, and Cupeno peoples were among those who settled the area after Cabrillo sighted it. They ate small game and acorns but were also skilled hunters who collected food and medicine from the ground.

A Spanish Presidio was founded here in 1769, and Father Junipero Serra established the first of the California missions (restored 1931). Old Town San Diego grew up around the mission, and by 1834 it had become a pueblo (town). The Mexican-American war liberated the city from Spanish rule.

Weather

San Diego`s weather is pleasant all year. The climate in San Diego is semi-arid and Mediterranean. Temperatures can reach above 70 degrees during the day, and lower than 60 at night.

The annual average rainfall is about 12 inches. Snow is also rare, although it does occasionally fall in the mountains.

The climate in San Diego varies significantly over short geographical distances, creating different microclimates. This phenomenon is most prominent during the so-called May gray / June gloom period, where a thick layer of “marine layer” clouds keeps the air cool and damp within a few miles of the coast but yields to bright cloudless sunshine between about 5 and 15 miles inland.

Beaches

San Diego has mile after mile of beautiful beaches, ranging from wide public stretches to secluded coves. Some beaches have a spectacular view of San Diego`s skyline, while others offer breathtaking views of its cliffs and picturesque piers.

Many of San Diego`s beaches are free to enjoy and can be reached from within the city limits. However, state beaches like Silver Strand in Coronado and Carlsbad State Beach charge parking fees to park in their lots.

La Jolla Shores is a popular beach for swimming, surf, and sunbathing. Its mile-long, gently curving beach is protected from large waves and boasts lifeguard stations.

Dining

Whether you want to dine at a romantic restaurant overlooking Mission Bay or grab quick eats at a beachside spot, San Diego has a restaurant to satisfy your every craving. The culinary scene in San Diego is flourishing!

Local chefs are proud to support their communities and often donate funds to them. And the cuisine is a mix of traditional and contemporary.

From casual neighborhood sister restaurants like George`s at the Cove and Ironside to a three Michelin-starred eatery, San Diego`s food scene has never been so diverse. And the good news is that this thriving dining scene has finally broken free of its reputation for tacos and burritos- it`s now full of design-centric farm-to-table spots, convivial pizza joints, and even award-winning sushi in a strip mall! And it`s all delicious.

Nightlife

San Diego`s nightlife scene offers many experiences. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking to have a fun night out with your friends or enjoy a romantic dinner.

If you`re looking for a swanky experience, F6ix Nightclub in the Gaslamp Quarter is one of the best places to go. This club offers a modern, stylish atmosphere and features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.

Side Bar is another place worth checking out for a night out. It`s a unique combination of nightclub and ultra-lounge in Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. The venue is a sophisticated, elegant rendezvous that combines subtle distractions such as erotic paintings with custom-designed ambient lighting and unpredictable bottle parades.