San Diego
Fascination California - between beach, tacos and military history
Categories: San Diego California USA
Year-round sunshine, relaxed surfing ambience and attractive leisure activities for the whole family - San Diego in California is a real dream destination. The second largest city in the US state is located about two hours south of Los Angeles, directly on the Pacific coast and the border with Mexico. The proximity to its southern neighbor is clearly evident in the city's restaurant scene. Nowhere else in the USA are so many authentic Mexican dishes served as in San Diego.
© Mirko / Fotolia
Many of these establishments line up along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, San Diego's long beach promenade. It's great for long walks, biking or inline skating. The beach itself has fine sand and ideal conditions for water sports. Especially for surfers, San Diego is one of the most popular spots in California. Numerous surf schools offer taster courses for interested beginners.
Two amusement parks in San Diego provide family-friendly recreational fun. Belmont Park is a classic park right on the beach, with a wooden roller coaster, a nostalgic merry-go-round and numerous other rides, both for the little ones and adrenaline junkies. With the combination of animals and fast-paced attractions, Sea World convinces.
The theme park includes a large aquarium, shows and interaction with animal inhabitants such as dolphins and a whole range of roller coasters, 3D attractions and other rides, all of which revolve around the theme of water. The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park also revolve around the animal world. Those who prefer to see majestic sea creatures in the wild can do so on special whale watching boat tours.
San Diego is home to the largest naval base in the USA. Several museums illuminate this facet of the city. Especially impressive and a must during a stay in San Diego is the USS Midway Museum. The former aircraft carrier is anchored in the city's harbour. Both the impressive ship itself and some of the aircraft on it can be visited in detail. In the course of guided tours, veterans tell about everyday life on an aircraft carrier.
High into the air is the Air & Space Museum. There, numerous exhibits bear witness to the history of aviation and space travel. The most visited sight in San Diego is the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. The memorial for fallen soldiers is located on top of a mountain, from which a spectacular view over the whole of San Diego and the surrounding region is possible.
© JOSH UTLEY / Fotolia
In the evening, locals and visitors alike cavort in the so-called Gaslamp Quarter, the city's nightlife district. Restaurants, clubs and bars with live music create a relaxed atmosphere that will bring a day's holiday to a worthy conclusion. The variety of possibilities makes San Diego a holiday paradise, whether for longer stays or a stopover on a round trip through California.
