San Diego, the eighth-largest city in the United States and second largest in California, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. San Diego is the birthplace of California and was the first site visited by Europeans. A favorite tourist destination, the city is known for its mild year-round climate.<\/p>\n
San Diego is home to many of Southern California\u2019s top tourist attractions, offering a wide variety of activities from world-renowned attractions to unlimited outdoor recreation, arts\u00a0and culture community events, or just kicking back for some quality rest and relaxation.<\/p>\n
With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, countless parks and gardens, and endless opportunities for pampering at one of the numerous spas and resorts, San Diego is a prime destination.<\/p>\n
For those captivated by nature\u2019s colors, don\u2019t miss the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch<\/a>, located about 30 minutes north of downtown. Every March and April, brightly colored ranunculus flowers explode into a spectacular sea of blossoms. Professional and amateur photographers gather en masse to freeze time on film with stunning close-ups of flowers in full bloom.<\/p>\n Another popular gathering place is Mission Bay Park<\/a>, the largest man-made aquatic park in the country, covers more than 4,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities including paths for walking and jogging, and playgrounds for children.<\/p>\n Calling all you marathon runners. If running is your thing, plan to run to the driving beat at the Rock and Roll Marathon & Half Marathon<\/a> in June. With a different rock band located every mile or so along the course to help runners pick up the pace, this\u00a0popular foot race\u00a0attracts thousands of runners and sideline supporters each year.<\/p>\n If you find yourself celebrating Independence Day in San Diego, you\u2019ll want to see the amazing fireworks display \u2013 discharged simultaneously<\/a>\u00a0<\/b>from barges placed strategically around the city\u2019s Big Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park, Coronado Ferry Landing and Imperial Beach.<\/p>\n