San Diego
Geography
San Diego is located on the Pacific Coast of California, in the southwestern corner of the continental United States. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Mexico to the south, and the Cahuilla and Kumeyaay native lands to the east and north. The city's terrain varies from miles of sandy beaches and coastal cliffs to rolling hills, canyons, and mesas.
Climate
San Diego has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city is known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbor, extensive beaches, and long association with the U.S. Navy.
History
San Diego's history begins with the native peoples who inhabited the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers. The city was first visited by Europeans in 1542, when Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish Flag, claimed the bay for the Spanish Empire. In 1769, Spanish missionaries under Father Junipero Serra founded Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first of 21 missions that would become the cornerstones of California's colonization by Spain.
Economy
San Diego's economy is largely composed of agriculture, biotechnology/biosciences, computer sciences, electronics manufacturing, defense-related manufacturing, financial and business services, ship repair, ship construction, software development, telecommunications, wireless research, and tourism. The presence of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), with the affiliated UCSD Medical Center, has helped make the area a center of research in biotechnology.
Culture
San Diego is known for its diverse and vibrant culture. The city has a thriving arts scene, with a wealth of galleries, artist studios, museums, and theaters. The city's cultural offerings also include a wide range of music, dance, and film festivals, as well as numerous multicultural events and celebrations.
Education
San Diego is home to several institutions of higher education, including the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), and the University of San Diego (USD). The city's primary and secondary schools are part of the San Diego Unified School District, the second-largest school district in California.
Infrastructure
San Diego's infrastructure includes a network of freeways and highways, the San Diego International Airport, and several marinas and harbors. The city also has a comprehensive public transportation system, which includes buses, light rail (the "Trolley"), and ferries.