Beautiful San Diego

San Diego sits on the Pacific Ocean coast in Southern California adjacent to the Mexican border. It is the oldest town in California.

Balboa Park was created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915 – 1916. The park includes historical buildings, many museums, gardens, and green space.

The San Diego Museum of Art is located in Balboa Park. Its collection includes artworks from all over the world. Among the highlights are artworks by Spanish and Italian Old Masters, South Asian paintings, and art from the Americas as well as 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures.

San Diego Air and Space Museum also in the park educates the public about aircraft and space-age technology. The museum has a model of the first hot air balloon launched by the Montgolfier Brothers and a reproduction of the Wright Brothers' gliders. There are exhibits of rare historical aircraft.

The San Diego Zoo is part of the park and is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the US. It is home to a variety of exotic animals among them gorillas, koalas, leopards, rhinos, and sloths. Each animal lives in its natural environment.

The zoo also has a Safari Park where animals roam free in large-enclosed natural settings. Giraffes can graze in a savannah, cheetahs can enjoy the jungle, and elephants can wander in a sheltered valley. Guided tours are available in an open-air truck or cart.

The Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District is the hub for nightlife. You can see restored old 19th and early 20th-century Victorian buildings. There are many shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The district encompasses about 16 blocks from Broadway to San Diego Bay.

Take a walk along the San Diego waterfront on the Embarcadero. Here you'll see one of the US Military's largest ships the decommissioned USS Midway now permanently berthed at Navy Pier. The ship is now the USS Midway Museum with over 60 exhibits and more than 30 restored aircraft.

Seaport Village is a nice place to walk along the waterfront and see the unique shops. There are nice restaurants for refreshments. All along the way are waterfront patios, benches, and picnic tables. Eclectic performers entertain on the outdoor stage. For children, there is a historic carousel with hand-carved wooden horses.

For fun in the sun head for Mission Beach with a boardwalk and seaview cafes.

Dogs can enjoy the Dog Beach.

A highlight of Mission Beach is Belmont Park, an East Coast-style seaside amusement park.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods from 1821 to 1872. Here you'll find a working blacksmith studio and a shop for authentic Mexican crafts. You can explore the art studios, enjoy live mariachi music, and relax on the sunny patios of the restaurants.

Point Loma offers breathtaking views over San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. On clear days you can see all the way to Mexico. You can tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which was built in 1858.

It is also possible to see whales and dolphins playing in the water.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a great place to experience a beautiful Southern California sunset. The park stretches along the coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. During the season you can see the gray whale migration when the whales migrate to Baja California in Mexico.

Take the San Diego Harbor Cruise to see the awesome city skyline. You can also spot seals and sea lions sunning along the rocky shore.

Tours cruise under the Coronado Bridge.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was the first mission in California. The Spanish Franciscan Father of Majorca, Junipero Serra founded the mission stations in 1769. Today the mission is a National Historic Landmark. Among the highlights is the old church with a bell tower and the peaceful gardens.

From December through April Southern California is the best place to spot migrating blue whales, gray whales, humpbacks, and minke whales. You can also spot dolphins, orcas, and seals. You can take a San Diego whale-watching cruise aboard the old sailing schooner that won the 1851 America's Cup.

SeaWorld is a wonderful place to see dolphins and playful otters. There are shark exhibits and killer whale presentations.

SeaWorld is a combination of an aquarium and an amusement park. Besides the marine animals exhibit there are thrilling roller coaster rides.

The Mission Bay Park grounds let children learn about marine animals like walruses, sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, and flamingos.

A new SeaWorld attraction is Sesame Place where younger children can enjoy Sesame Street-themed rides, a wave pool, character shows, and a musical play area.