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130 2 0 1 7 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A B Y M A R I B E T H M E L L I N C alifornia has no shortage of beach towns, but San Diego is its only "beach city," where the state's second-largest population enjoys 70 miles of scenic coastline and 70-degree temperatures. Outdoor fun and family-oriented attractions are the main lures, but San Diego takes the "city" part seriously, too. Artistic and intellectual pursuits enjoy deep support here. Writers, artists, musicians and scientists find inspiration while surfing at La Jolla Shores or jogging in Mission Bay Park. The Tony-winning Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse send plays to Broadway frequently. Scientific landmarks including the Salk Institute and Scripps Institute of Oceanography are magnets for some of the world's brightest minds. Downtown's diversions alone could easily fill a week. New, exciting restau- rants, clubs and shops pop up in trendy neighborhoods, creating a constant buzz. The Embarcadero tracing San Diego Bay's edge offers access to the USS Midway aircraft carrier; the Maritime Museum with its landmark Star of India and new San Salvador, a replica of Spanish explorers' ships; the expansive Water- front Park; and the San Diego Convention Center. Cruise ships berth at the foot of Broadway and passengers into San Diego International Airport fly over high-rise towers to land just north of downtown. Hotels of every description and hip-quotient are scattered throughout the city's core, making it a desirable place to stay. A Bridge to Coronado The swooping San Diego-Coronado Bridge connects downtown to Coronado, a genteel city with an active Navy base and one of the world's loveliest beaches. Its "island" actually is a peninsula tethered to the mainland by the Silver Strand, a narrow strip of road and sand running past Navy installations and pristine WELCOMIA/SHUTTERSTOCK . OPPOSITE: LEMERGE/SHUTTERSTOCK SAN DIEGO COUNTY TOP CITIES San Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon, Julian, Borrego Springs 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 coronadovisitorcenter.com delmarmainstreet.com visitcarlsbad.com visitoceanside.com eastcountychamber.org POPULATION 3 million SAN DIEGO COUNTY Beauty, intelligence and excitement come together in the quintessential beach city