one of the popular attractions in San Diego
Located in Southern California, San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States. The mild climate and long stretches of beach make it an ideal destination for visitors. You are probably aware of its rich naval history and that it’s very close to Mexico, but there’s more to San Diego than you might think.
Unusual sights
Aside from the stunning coastline and golden sands, there are a few sights in San Diego that are less well known but no less interesting. San Diego is home to the USA’s largest wooden structure, built in 1888. The Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island is a spectacular piece of elaborate architecture crowned with iconic red turrets. Popular with numerous celebrities and several Presidents, it even has its own ghost! If you visit the UCSD campus, you’ll be treated to the sight of a giant teddy bear statue, sitting 24 feet high. Completed in 2005, the Tim Hawkinson sculpture is an unusual, yet touching piece of art that few people outside the city’s university are even aware exists. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography is the proud possessor of another unique piece of contemporary art. Titled, ‘Okeanos’ and inspired by a wave rising up out of the water, it is affectionately, yet unsurprisingly known by locals as the ‘Turd’.
Beautiful baby
Okay, so you probably already knew there was a zoo, but did you know that just over a decade ago, it made history? On August 21st 1999, giant panda, Bai Yun gave birth to a baby, Hua Mei. This was the first North American born giant panda to live to adulthood and millions of people across the world were able to watch her grow and develop via the panda cam operated from the zoo. Her name literally translates as USA-China, symbolising the collaboration between these two nations to protect this rare species from extinction. Since then she has herself gone on to have several cubs. The zoo has been involved in valuable conservation projects for almost a century.
You can visit another country
San Diego is right on the border and incredibly you can take a day trip to Tijuana in Mexico. For tourists it’s a novel way to spend the day and a great opportunity to enjoy some fabulous Mexican cuisine, including the delicious fish tacos. It’s also an especially popular pastime with students as the drinking age here is only 18, instead of the 21 rule in the United States.
Great scientific advances
San Diego is a thriving scientific hub, specializing in biotech and wireless cellular technology innovations. Many global corporations are headquartered here, demonstrating the city’s prominence at the very forefront of cutting-edge science and research. There are more than 400 biotechnology companies alone in the region.
TV gold
Not only do the Old Globe Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse have a reputation for premiering some of the most popular Broadway shows, but there have also been a surprising number of films and TV shows filmed in San Diego. This may well be due to its stunning scenery and consistent climate, which make it ideal as a location. Most notable of these are Some Like It Hot, Demolition Man, Traffic and even Top Gun.
From the enchanting to the downright unusual, there are a whole host of exciting things to see and do in San Diego. What could you discover?
Come to San Diego and experience some of the magic! Get cheap tickets from Cheap Flights if you’re flying if not drive safely!
image credit goes to Norvy, en.wikipedia
