by Ted Sherman

Created on: March 30, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2009

San Diego, in the southern most coastal area of California, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and visitors can find plenty to see and do while they're there. If they choose to wander a bit from the city by car or tour bus, there are interesting surrounding West Coast communities in the far Southwestern area of the U.S. and the Baja region of Mexico. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras, and they'll be sure to get some great shots throughout their visit.

As the second largest city in California, coastal San Diego boasts sunshine nearly every day of the year, a breathtaking shoreline, more than 70 miles of white sand beaches and some of the greatest city touring in America. The city has a widely-mixed ethnicity of neighborhoods, as well as hundreds of restaurants featuring native dishes from Mexico, Vietnam, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and many more parts of the world.

If there has been Navy in your family history, you may want to visit the retired aircraft carrier, USS Midway, moored permantly as a museum in San Diego harbor. The USS Midway is a living memorial to all those who served in our country's wars from Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and the Middle East. The Midway features displays of many types of vintage aircraft on the massive flight deck surrounded by the San Diego skyline. There are also more aircraft and participatory displays on the hangar deck. Below are the working areas of the great ship, including crews' quarters and engine areas deep below decks.

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most comprehensive in the world, featuring strikingly natural animal habitats. Expert staff members offer daily demonstrations with audience participation, particularly for visiting kids. For those who may want a romantic or friendly family ride together, they can get aboard the monorail or snuggle closely on a Jeep in a jungle setting as they go through the African Safari in the zoo's Wild Animal Park. They'll see animals ranging freely as if in their native habitat. Nearby is SeaWorld, where visitors can meet polar bears, seals, dolphins and sharks close up. Visitors can also go on coastal cruises, to admire the shoreline from the ocean side, and watch the whales as they play in beautiful San Diego bay.

San Diego is the perfect place for honeymooners, backpackers, families, students, veterans and anyone else who appreciates sunny beauty and friendly people.

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