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Welcome to San Diego, California’s second largest city. Where blue
skies keep watch on 70 miles of beaches and a gentle Mediterranean
climate begs for a day of everything and nothing. Bordered by
Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna
Mountains, San Diego County’s 4,200 square miles offer immense options for business and pleasure. And with the Mexican city of Tijuana just minutes from downtown, San Diego is an international experience with all the comforts of a city leading the nation in
biomedical, high-tech and telecommunication industries.

Downtown

With San Diego International Airport only 3 miles northwest of downtown San Diego and the electric Gaslamp Quarter, you can move from jet lagged to jet setting in one quick taxi trip. From suave steakhouses and eclectic ethnic fare, dinner clubs to sultry jazz bars, the over 100 restaurants intermingled with dance and drink are all situated within blocks of each other. The best part: all this is within walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center and hotels. Save some time for shopping because when the sun rises so do the shopping temptations. For fare fit for a spree, comb the specialty boutiques or visit the famous Horton Plaza.

Getting Around
Once you've arrived in Downtown, you can move around easily and inexpensively on buses, trolleys, pedicabs, taxicabs and bicycles. But Downtown is truly a pedestrian environment and many folks are getting to the office, shops, residences, restaurants, and theaters the old fashioned way – walking. Downtown San Diego is the hub of the regional transportation network. Commuters and visitors find their way to the center city by using various modes of transportation including the Coaster, bus, trolley, train, and car. For the driver, there are three major freeways that converge on Downtown and ample parking throughout the area.
Downtown Information Center and Bus Tour The information center offers Downtown maps, literature, a video presentation and free bus tours on the first and third Saturdays of the month. It features a 200 square-foot scale model of the entire Downtown area. The Downtown Information Center is located at 225 Broadway by Horton Square. For more information call (619) 235-2222.
Guided Walking Tour The Gaslamp Historical Foundation offers guided walking tours of the William Heath Davis House and the entire Gaslamp Quarter area. For more information call (619) 233-4692.

San Diego Art + Sol
San Diego is poised to curb any cultural craving. Spend the day at lush 1,200-acre Balboa Park, one of the nation’s largest cultural complexes and home to the largest concentration of museums west of the Mississippi. Browse the spectacular array of fine art, science and natural history, aerospace, photography, model railroads, automobiles and performing arts. Plan a picnic near one of the Park’s many botanical gardens or arboretums. When the urge strikes for a little “Big-Apple” fare, there’s always Tony Award-winning Theater and world-class opera. Dance to the rhythm of blues, jazz, reggae and rock at one of the many clubs, festivals and outdoor concerts. And don’t miss the old-world Mexican architecture that shapes many of the charming neighborhoods and shopping districts.

Attractions
Being home to four theme parks, San Diego is qualified to rinse away daily humdrum. So bring the family and extend your business stay for a great vacation.

See animals from around the globe at the San Diego Zoo. Rub noses with an endangered rhino at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park.

Set adventure (and kids) free at LEGOLAND California, a vibrant interactive experience including kid-powered rides. LEGOLAND California is a 128-acre park geared specifically towards youngsters ages two through 12. With over 50 family rides, "hands-on" attractions and shows, LEGOLAND California provides education, adventure and fun in this first park of its kind in the United States.

Devote a day to counting the teeth on a dolphin at SeaWorld. SeaWorld San Diego is one of the world's premier marine adventure parks with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. More than 80 million visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea here, with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating thrills.
All proof that no vacation is ever long enough.

Seaport Village Located on the bay in Downtown San Diego, Seaport Village contains over 90,000 square feet and 28 buildings featuring four major restaurants, 75 specialty shops and 13 quick eateries. There is also a turn-of-the-century, authentically restored Broadway Flying Horses Carousel by Looff (circa 1890), and four miles of meandering cobblestone pathways bordered by ponds, lakes, fountains and colorful, lush landscaping, and a quarter-mile slate boardwalk along the San Diego Bay.
Firehouse Museum The fire station displays fire-fighting equipment from around the world and features 1903 horse-drawn steam fire engine, an 1841 hand-drawn pumper cart and many other interesting exhibits. It is located at 1572 Columbia Street. For more information please call (619) 232-3473.
San Diego Maritime Museum Historic ships are the main attraction at this museum. The 1863 Star of India, the oldest and largest bark on the West Coast, once transported emigrants from London to New Zealand; The Medea, a 1904 steam yacht; and the Berkeley, a ferry built in 1898. The museum is located on the North Embarcadero at 1306 N. Harbor Drive. Phone: (619) 234-9153
Harbor Excursions View the spectacular San Diego skyline from the water. Visitors can take scenic and educational voyages around San Diego Bay, or enjoy dinner cruises, a ferry to Coronado or a whale watching tour. Rates are very reasonable and the fleet operates seven days-a week year round.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego One museum with two distinct, complementary locations in Downtown San Diego and La Jolla. The MCA is a visual arts institution with an international constituency. It culturally enriches the lives of residents and visitors from around the world with collections, exhibitions, and programs that focus on the art and artists of our time.
Little Italy At one time, more than 6,000 Italian families lived in Little Italy and toiled to build San Diego into the center of the world tuna industry. Today, Little Italy is home to excellent boutique shopping, authentic Italian Cuisine and beautiful new housing developments. You'll find great shopping and dining opportunities along the main commercial corridor, India Street.
Seasonal Festivities and other Downtown San Diego Events From the grand opening of San Diego's own outdoor winter ice rink to Mardi Gras, Fleet Week, parades and other great festivities – simply click on this link to find out about special events happening in Downtown.

Gaslamp Quarter

Home to over 60 restaurants, 20 nightclubs and 50 retail stores, the Gaslamp Quarter offers a variety of cuisine, shops and entertainment to appease any visitor - all within one of San Diego's most historic areas. Cuisine ranges from Italian, Japanese and Persian to Mexican, Greek and American. When it comes to entertainment, whether it’s jazz, rhythm and blues, rock or high-energy dance music you're seeking the Gaslamp has it all. Purveyors of everything from rare books, antique collectibles and vintage clothing to contemporary furniture, cigars and high fashion clothing and accessories can be found within the Quarter.
Movie Theaters
Gaslamp Stadium 15
701 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-0400
United Artists Horton Plaza 14
475 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-8602
Local Events, Theater, Movies

Click here for a Complete guide to movies, news restaurants, events, sports and recreation and more!!!
Gaming
“America’s Finest City” is home to Vegas-style gaming. San Diego’s eight state-of-the-art casinos have everything your gaming heart desires from poker and Pai Gow, to blackjack and nearly as many slot machines as the destination has grains of sand. And beyond the shrill of jackpot sirens you’ll find championship golf courses, deal-laden shopping outlets and award-winning restaurants woven right into these entertainment complexes.

Golf
Polish the clubs and prepare to test your handicap on one of 92 golf courses, many of which boast spectacular views and greens so pristine, your swing may gather some welcomed inspiration. Perhaps you’ll want to come a little early or stay a bit longer when San Diego’s legendary course, Torrey Pines, hosts the 2008 U.S. Open. Mark your calendars for the annual Buick Invitational, also at Torrey Pines. Fore!

Dining
San Diego’s fresh, farmer- grown produce, hailing from 6,000 farms, shapes the way San Diego chefs slice, simmer and sauté. They cook seasonally. That is to say, they use the bounty available to them that day, that hour, that very moment the shutters to the farmer’s stand are swung open. You can savor this impeccable taste dining aboard a yacht, sitting seaside at one of many outdoor cafes and restaurants or sipping wine at sunset. With 6,400 dining establishments, some of which boast mastermind chefs recognized by the famed James Beard House, there is more flavor and more variety here than any spice rack could impersonate. Taste the art of fresh.

Shopping
Attention all shoppers: from sprawling discount outlet centers to quaint upscale boutiques San Diego’s world-class shopping is as varied as its weather is ideal. Expect 72-degree perfection, even in the midst of a “must-have” moment because most shopping venues are outdoors. Start the spree downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter and its neighboring architectural wonder, Horton Plaza. Take your bags to Fashion Valley, Mission Valley or La Jolla for national department stores as well as stores unique to San Diego. The Shops at Las Americas, Carlsbad, and Viejas’ outlet centers offer a needed refrain for wallets. Round out your new collection with a trip to Old Town’s eclectic, Mexican-flavored boutiques and jewelry stores. It’s in the bag.

Relaxation/Resort

Relaxing in a region seemingly founded upon the principles of harmony and well-being is par for the course. But this inherent spirit of balance born on San Diego’s 70 miles of beaches has been carried over in practice to the handful of world-class spas. Put together a post-conference resort rejuvenation package with golf and tennis intermingled with frequent pampering sessions of seaweed wraps and hot baths. Taste the epitome of fine dining as top chefs create masterpieces within walking distance from your beach cabana. Set aside some time to join the yoga and tai chi enthusiasts practicing their disciplines in parks and beaches everywhere, they’re always open to bringing in a new participant. Become a connoisseur in the art of “ahhhhhhh.”

Active San Diego
Check out these numbers: 92 golf courses, 1,200 tennis courts, and 70 miles of beaches. All canopied beneath a climate named “ideal” by meteorologists. And depending on your outdoor terrain of choice, San Diego’s four microclimates, including mountains, deserts, inland valleys and beaches can show you just how great the Great Outdoors gets. Explore rural mountain-scapes or desert trails, run with the tide or swim against it, scuba dive the depths of kelp forests or cycle pine forests. Rather spectate? San Diego’s plethoras of outdoor venues accommodate just about any sporting convention or spectator event. In fact, the Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego was a spectacular success and the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon continues to draw record-breaking crowds. Clearly, “America’s Finest City” is living up to its reputation as “America’s fittest city.”

Mexico/Baja California

For a real taste of Mexico just hop on the San Diego Trolley and cross the international border. Enter a country so rich in culture you can taste it before your lips hit the ring of salt. The dance and deals are alive and well on the streets of Tijuana. Head a little farther south for a few nights’ stay at one of the amazing resorts nestled between rock and cove on a white sand beach. Viva the good life.