San Diego is a beautiful city on the Southern California seacoast known for its ideal climate, miles of beaches, and its location on the Mexican border, right across from Tijuana. It has a rich heritage built around sailing and is home to the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy. It is also well known for its part in the wildlife conservation movement, being home to a Sea World theme park and the 'world-famous' San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. San Diego is an excellent place to escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Los Angeles. As you might expect water sports are popular here. Surfing, sailing, whale-watching, scuba diving, hang-gliding and golfing are always a spectacular way to spend an afternoon. Only a short walk from San Diego Bay, the Convention Center and Petco Park (where the San Diego Padres play), is the Gaslamp Quarter. Filled with various eateries and galleries and busy rooftop lounges, this is the place to go, to dine in, and to stay at while in San Diego. For restaurant suggestions, try Sammy's Wood Fired Pizza right across from the outdoor mall. Thinking about an “authentic Irish Pub,” try the Dublin Square Irish Pub on Fourth Avenue. The Horse Shoe Bar is a replica of Kilkenny's 19th Century Tinyan Bridge House Bar. Made from solid Irish oak, with every detail painstakingly reproduced, right down to the moldings, panels, and hand carvings it’s a beauty to behold. For fun that will help you forget about that hang-over, head to Belmont Park. Recently restored, it is now a vibrant shopping and recreation area in Pacific Beach. The Big Dipper Rollercoaster is always fun and exciting, and one of the oldest wooden coasters in California. Of course shops like Emerald City offer a wide variety of things to buy. But the real show is on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, which is some of the best people watching in the world. No trip to San Diego would be complete without going to see the world famous San Diego Zoo and Sea World. The World-Famous San Diego Zoo is home to many of the worlds most rare and exotic animals and plants, including the only pair of giant pandas in the U.S. Alternatively Sea World is a 150-acre marine life adventure park on Mission Bay. Come see manatees, polar bears, dolphins, and the famous Shamu. Those desiring to learn some history can visit one of many museums, including the Museum of Man, the Natural History Museum and the Maritime Museum. Although San Diego is the eighth largest city in the country, it's stayed true to its laidback surfer vibe mentality. If you're looking for trendy boutique hotels, an exploding culinary scene, and big-city nightlife, with a side of beach bum mixed in, you're in the right place!