Issue link: http://globelitetravelmarketing.uberflip.com/i/149733
SAN DIEGO COUNTY Sunny, sassy and fun for everyone INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY San Diego International Airport (SAN), also known as Lindbergh Field, is conveniently located on the edge of downtown TOURISM WEBSITES sandiego.org lajollabythesea.com POPULATION 3 million SAN DIEGO COUNTY 110 2013 travel guid e to c al i fo r n ia by maribeth mellin and an upbeat attitude are San Diego's main attributes, but there's far more to the nation's eighth-largest city. Some call it Silicon Valley South, thanks to the many science and research facilities headquartered here. Others say it's the sports capital of the U.S.A. Think about it—where else can you surf and ski in the same day? San Diego is home to some of the nation's loveliest beaches, finest universities and happiest humans, making it a magnet for visitors who come for vacation and stay for life. There's a home for everyone, from metro-hip condos to backcountry horse ranches. Once nearly deserted at night, downtown San Diego has evolved into an exciting center city with several neighborhoods and endless attractions. Its Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy and East Village are packed with restaurants, clubs and shops. The Embarcadero along San Diego Bay passes by the Maritime Museum with its iconic Star of India's tall sails to the sweeping rooftop of the San Diego Convention Center (a proposed major expansion is under discussion). Cruise ships berth at the foot of Broadway, the main artery into downtown, and passengers flying to the San Diego International Airport pass over high-rise business towers as they land at the northern edge of downtown. Hotels of every description and hip-quotient are scattered throughout the city's center, making it one of the most desirable places to stay while exploring the county. NEAR-PERFECT WEATHER A Bridge to Coronado The arcing San Diego-Coronado Bridge connects downtown to Coronado. Often referred to as an island, the genteel city with an active Navy base actually sits on a peninsula attached to the mainland by the Silver Strand, a narrow strip of road and sand running past quiet lagoons and pristine beaches to the southern part of the county. Ferries cross the bay between downtown and Coronado as well, giving travelers a chance to enjoy down- KRIS SCHMIDT; OPPOSITE, JOSE GIL; GEORGE BURBA; BOB REYNOLDS TOP CITIES San Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon, Julian, Borrego Springs