One can relax at legendary retreats like Hotel del Coronado before setting out for top- flight golf at Torrey Pines, and then venture out to find sophisticated art and culture in the boutiques of La Jolla or lose oneself in the downtown dining and nightlife scene tasting your way through the world-renowned craft beer scene.  Other Popular family destinations include PETCO Park, Scripps Aquarium, USS Midway Museum, and cultural attractions that dot the city.   Often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West,” Balboa Park, which spans 1,200 acres, features 18 museums, numerous galleries and performing arts venues as well as the World-Famous San Diego Zoo.   Great weather means San Diego is also an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.  You can enjoy loads of land-based activities or opt for ocean fun with beach and tidepool visits, surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving, sailing, cruises, and much much more.  Whether you want to see ships coming in and out of the bay, or host a picnic surrounded by museums, there is no shortage of places to go and things to do.

San Diego County is the southwestern-most region of Southern California. It encompasses the city of San Diego and its large metropolitan area, which includes many smaller cities and communities.  Although it is an old city, often cited as the birthplace of California, San Diego is also a thoroughly modern city.  San Diego County includes a mixture of urban and rural communities, from coastal beachfront to mountains and desert. The area encompasses 4,300 square miles with 70 miles of beach along the Pacific Ocean.

With its beachside attitude and big city excitement, San Diego residents recognize how fortunate they are to live in an area famous for its sunny weather and impressive beaches. But there is much more to this Southern California area than initially meets the eye.  Lifestyles vary depending on whether you seek a beach, or an urban or suburban environment. San Diego offers world-class dining, professional sports, and entertainment options typical of a large metro area, but the patchwork of distinct neighborhoods fosters strong community ties. Residents gather at festivals and farmers markets, meet friends at beaches and parks, and regularly bump into friends and acquaintances at local bars and restaurants. Regardless, residents do not want for things to do, ranging from outdoor activities to museums to entertainment venues.

The San Diego area is a wonderful place to raise children. North County is desirable for families, thanks to quiet neighborhoods with larger homes, whereas 20-somethings are moving downtown and to communities to the northeast because of the diverse entertainment options centralized in those areas.  The schools are some of the best in California.  There are ample opportunities for activities and day trips all year round.  The weather is almost always right for quality outdoor time, and San Diego has dozens of fun and educational attractions plus some of the best parks in the country.  Since people here spend a lot of time outdoors, their backyards are just as thoughtfully planned as their living rooms.  It’s hard to find a better destination for families. Whether you love engaging with animals or thrill rides, building sandcastles or beach bonfires, there is plenty to entertain the entire family from sunup to sundown.

Rated as the third healthiest in the US, 78% of residents exercise at least once a week, (with yoga being the most coveted workout.)  Health is important to San Diegans, and the temperate weather facilitates an active outdoor lifestyle.  Hiking trails, both coastal and inland, abound.  Cycling, tennis, and golf are also popular forms of exercise.  San Diegans often spend their weekends at the beach.  Boating, beach volleyball and sunbathing are common beach activities.  With its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, great craft beer, and that immutable work-life balance,  it’s no wonder San Diego’s lifestyle and quality of life is unbeatable.