San Diego

San Diego is a city in the U.S. state of California, located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California and bordered by Mexico to its south. With an estimated population of 1,425,976 as of 2019, San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest in California after Los Angeles. The city is known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbor, extensive beaches and parks; it also has a reputation for being one of America’s most livable cities.

The area was originally inhabited by Kumeyaay natives who lived off fishing from Mission Bay and gathering acorns near Balboa Park before Spanish colonization began at nearby Mission San Diego de Alcalá beginning around 1769 which marked what would become modern day Old Town district—the first European settlement on what was then called “Alta” or Upper California along with its presidio (fort) and mission complex that served as agricultural support systems for surrounding settlements created during early exploration trips between 1602–1768 when maps were drawn up showing what are now considered downtown areas such as El Presidio Reál/Barrio Libre district making them official land grants under Spanish law until Mexican independence shifted power under new laws established 1822–1848 before ceding control to US forces 1850s–1860s during American Civil War era when General Kearny declared all land holdings north including Downtown San Diego part of unified territory later becoming Statehood 1870s creating presentday boundaries seen today following various annexations over time since 1880’s creating City Charter 1909 which officially incorporated municipality into County System 1910 followed successive growth spurts throughout 20th century culminating major construction projects 1970’s onwards designed enhance quality life residents businesses visitors alike through diversification services amenities infrastructure development tourism promotion culture identity recognition regional cooperation making region highly desirable tourist destination world renowned attractions include SeaWorld Safari Park Legoland Balboa Wild Animal Park historic Gaslamp Quarter sites like USS Midway Museum Hotel del Coronado Cabrillo National Monument Birch Aquarium Torrey Pines Golf Course Anza Borrego Desert State Park Philip Meyer Memorial Beach Silver Strand Imperial Sand Dunes etc providing something everyone whether vacationing professional sports fan wanting catch Padres game nature enthusiast birdwatching kayaking surfing sailing whale watching visiting local museums theaters wineries craft breweries restaurants coastal piers boardwalks art galleries spas resorts wellness centers shopping malls outlets amusement theme parks nightlife festivities annual events festivals parades holiday celebrations carnivals fairgrounds film screenings concerts symphonies ballets opera performances spoken word poetry slams theatrical productions standup comedy shows live music venues culinary tours farmers markets popups food truck gatherings outdoor movie screenings cultural heritage programs educational library lectures seminars workshops classes activities seasonal outdoor recreation waterparks zoos gardens aquatics ecofriendly green spaces aquatic wildlife sanctuaries planetarium observatories historical monuments landmarks memorial markers spiritual temples mosques churches synagogues performing arts centers convention facilities cruise ship ports military bases airfields airports marinas harbors yacht clubs motorcycling expeditions equestrian trails hiking biking trails campgrounds RV campsites caravans boating lakes rivers canyons deserts mountains national forests wilderness preserves scenic drives road trips etc truly amazing place explore wishlist great addition bucket list kind traveler add together create unforgettable lasting memories lifetime!