However, due to the poor nature of soils in the Old Town area, the mission was eventually relocated about five miles up river in Mission Valley. San Diego was established in 1769 as the first Spanish mission in California, at the present site of Old Town. Didacus (more commonly known as San Diego). Arriving with his flagship "San Diego", Vizcaíno surveyed the harbor and what is now Mission Bay and Point Loma, renaming the area for the Spanish Catholic Saint, St. In November of 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno was sent to map the California coast. The first time Europeans visited the region was in 1542, when Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish Flag, claimed the bay for the Spanish Empire and named the site San Miguel. The area was long inhabited by the native Kumeyaay people (also known as the Diegueño by the later Spanish settlers), who lived off the land and created a proud culture. See the San Diego County article.Ī view of downtown San Diego History In addition, there are many communities and suburbs in the San Diego area that are not actually part of San Diego (such as Coronado). Home to the world's busiest land border crossing, where one can travel between San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. To get a sample of the local life, from university students to shopkeepers and young professionals, this is where you can sample them all in one neighborhood.Ī large region of the city is composed of many suburban neighborhoods stretching far inland to the hills of the north, with few tourist attractions and schools, Cal State San Marcos and the popular Safari Park. There isn't much in the way of tourist attractions out here, but one can find trendy districts with locally-oriented restaurants, shops, and theaters. The downtown area houses many art galleries, restaurants, souvenir and coffee shops.Ī set of neighborhoods in the heights east of Balboa Park. Birch aquariums, the Scripps institute, the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), the La Jolla playhouse, Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego, Torrey Pines golf course, natural reserve and glider port. It is home to Sea World.Īn elegant beach community and the home of some of the most picturesque coastline and lovely beaches around, the exceptional. Two extremely popular beach communities with plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, alongside a man-made inlet known as Mission Bay with its variety of water sports including kayaking, sailing, kite surfing. Its hippie roots show on its beaches, organic food market and reggae clubs. Ocean Beach is a quiet, laid-back beach neighborhood. Located on a scenic peninsula curving around the bay, this area offers gorgeous views of San Diego, and its beautiful coastline. The site of the first Spanish settlement in California, Old Town today is a historic district popular with tourists and locals for sampling the Mexican culture. Or for a quieter experience there are cute cafés and some renown drinking establishments in South Park. Next door is Hillcrest, a happening urban neighborhood. It is home to many amazing museums and the renowned San Diego Zoo. Located in the heart of the city, Balboa Park is the second largest urban park in the world. It also has many tourist attractions amongst its gleaming office and hotel towers. Situated on the bay, downtown is a hub of business and nightlife. This list of districts is by no means an official breakdown of the city, but one that is meant to make sense from the standpoint of a visitor, based on the number of attractions the average visitor will find in each area. San Diego is seamlessly divided into districts comprising each of charming individual neighborhoods. Though a large city, San Diego has a somewhat slower paced atmosphere and, when visiting, some may find it provides a soothing break from the typical hustle-bustle of a city of its size. The city sits just north of the Mexican border, across from Tijuana. It's also known for its ideal climate, bio and communications technologies, long history, nightlife, outdoor culture and ethnic diversity. It's home to 1.3 million citizens and the second-largest city in the state with many universities and good swimming beaches. San Diego is a large and pleasant coastal city right on the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. City of California & Seat of San Diego County