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San Diego's consistently clear skies and temperate climate make outdoor activities an option year-round, whether you're surfing off La Jolla's beautiful beaches or strolling through scenic Balboa Park. San Diego is flanked by the Pacific Ocean on the west, Mexico to the south, and the Laguna Mountains to the east offering beautiful views in nearly all directions. As California's second-largest city (and one of the largest cities in the country), San Diego boasts more than 1.3 million residents across its metropolitan and urban areas. The sprawling city, which is a melting pot of diversity, offers all of the cultural culinary benefits you might expect, including great Mexican food.
San Diego's more than 100 neighborhoods contain people from all walks of life. The city is one of the most diverse in the country and is home to a large bicultural population and three major colleges: San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, and The University of California, San Diego. Together, they bring a young, vibrant population to the city. The U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps and national defense spending serve as the economic backbone of the city, but the biotechnology and healthcare industries are quickly growing. Independent studies found San Diego to be one of the country's top cities for job growth through 2025.
San Diego's neighborhoods and city centers are as exciting and unique as the people who live here. The historic Gaslamp Quarter forms downtown, which overlooks the stunning San Diego Bay, and just across the bridge sits quaint and scenic Coronado, known for its beautiful beach, yacht club, golfing and the iconic Hotel del Coronado. To the north of San Diego is La Jolla, home of UCSD and some of the region's finest beaches. Not too far from La Jolla sits the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, offering scenic cliffs, hiking trails, miles of untouched beaches and a historic Pueblo Revival-era lodge. Pacific Beach and Imperial Beach are popular, laid-back neighborhoods, and Point Loma is a sunny seaside community. The historic Old Town district draws residents as well as tourists. While most residents commute by car, the city provides alternative methods of transportation, including a bus system, commuter trains, ferries and trolleys.
San Diego is a paradise for more than beach and water-sport enthusiasts. The city offers an array of museums, a world-famous zoo and a thriving craft beer community anchored by Stone Brewing Co., one of the largest breweries in the country. There is also world-class shopping at award-winning malls, bustling nightlife venues and the nearby Del Mar racetrack. The city hosts multiple large-scale events, including San Diego Comic-Con International, the largest comic book and entertainment convention in the world.
