San Diego

San Diego is the second largest city in California, with over a million people, and the sixth largest in the United States. A relatively young city, it was incorporated in 1850. It is famous for its perfect climate and its natural harbor is a port of call to many giant ocean liners. The largest confluence of military personnel in the country is based in San Diego as it is the main West Coast base of operations for the United States Navy.

The first Spanish settlement in California was a 1769 presidio (military fort) and a mission, which is now preserved as Presidio Hill. The city sprawls from the harbor and encompasses the San Diego Concourse, a convention and performing arts complex, and a 16-block section of Victorian-style buildings now know as the Gaslamp Quarter.

Gaslamp Quarter has been completely restored to its original appearance, except today's shops and restaurants cater to the millions of tourists that arrive each year. A major tourist attraction (also popular with the locals) is the world- renown San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.

Other highlights in the city include the Horton Plaza, a modern shopping mall that is as pleasant to peruse as to shop, and Seaport Village, a conglomeration of shops and cafes on the waterfront steps from the cruise ship harbor.

Historic attractions include Old Town, location of the city's early beginnings, and the 1888 Hotel del Coronado, a stately and old-fashioned elegant hotel with a guest list that includes the most notable of clientele.