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History
California's second largest city and the United States' eighth largest, San Diego boasts a citywide population of nearly 1.3 million residents and more than 3 million residents countywide. San Diego is renowned for its idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and a dazzling array of world-class family attractions. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego and LEGOLAND California.
In San Diego's East County, the terrain varies from gentle foothills to mile-high mountains and the historic mining town, Julian, down to the 600,000-acre Anza Borrego Desert State Park, offering nature-conscious visitors endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, observe wildlife and much more. Along the west, miles of Pacific Ocean coastline not only supports year-round outdoor recreation, such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming, but also important scientific research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
San Diego's arts and culture and culinary arts are booming. The hottest, new culinary arts talents prepare award-winning meals throughout the regions 6,400 eating establishments. Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the U.S., is home to 15 museums, numerous art galleries, beautiful gardens, the Tony Award-winning The Globe Theatres and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
San Diego County also features 92 golf courses and a variety of exciting participatory and spectator sports, beachfront resorts and luxury spas, gaming, a dynamic downtown district, multicultural festivals and celebrations, colorful neighborhoods and communities, a rich military history and much more.
Geography Facts
The city of San Diego lies on deep canyons and hills separating its mesas, creating small pockets of natural parkland scattered throughout the city and giving it a hilly geography. Traditionally San Diegans have built their homes and businesses on the mesas, while leaving the canyons relatively wild. Thus, the canyons give parts of the city a segmented feel, creating gaps between otherwise proximate neighborhoods and contributing to a low-density, car-centered built environment. The San Diego River runs through the middle of San Diego from east to west, creating a river valley which serves to divide the city into northern and southern segments. Several reservoirs and Mission Trails Regional Park also lie between and separate developed areas of the city.
Climate
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The city has mild, mostly dry weather, with an average of 201 days above 70°F and low rainfall (9-13" annually).
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Winter temperatures are mild, with an average high temperature of 66 - 70°F and lows of 50 - 56°F.
The historic Gaslamp Quarter is the city's hottest dining and entertainment area for visitors and locals alike. From suave steakhouses and eclectic ethnic fare, dinner clubs to sultry jazz bars, over 100 restaurants intermingled with dance and drink are all situated within blocks of each other. The best part: all within walking distance of both the Convention Center and the city's best hotels. Visit www.gaslamp.org
Convention Center Restaurant & Concierge Desks
Visit San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Restaurant & Concierge Desks, located in Lobbies B and E at the convention center.
Shopping
Want to shop until you drop? San Diego's retail scene and shopping malls have everything you can imagine. Upscale shopping, trendy boutiques and high-end discount outlets make the region a shopper's paradise and a bargain hunter's dream. Check out www.visitsandiego.com/attendees/shopping.cfm
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