subject: Im Going Back To California [print this page] If you have ever wanted to tour Southern California's legendary beaches, but want to avoid the traffic, hustle and bustle of the LA area, consider a beach rental or the many romantic travel inns in San Diego. The city named for the 15th-Century Saint Didacus is the gateway to Baja as well as home to an amazing quantity of tourist attractions and areas of historic significance, such as Balboa Park, and world class golf. The surrounding area is also home to scenic and welcoming communities that include Oceanside, La Jolla, Carlsbad and San Clemente, the former home of former president Richard Nixon . The regional climate is comparable to that of the Mediterranean, and even in winter the temperature rarely dips below the 60s.
The first people to live in the San Diego area were the Kumeyaay Indians, whose presence in the state dates back 10,000 years. It was not until 1542 that Juan Cabrillo dropped anchor in what is now Mission Bay and claimed the locale for Spain. However, the original name chosen for the area was San Miguel. It did not develop into San Diego until sixty years later, when another explorer arrived on 12 November 1602 for the feast day of the newly canonized Saint Didacus, or San Diego as he was known in Spanish.
One of the most interesting historic sites in San Diego is Old Town San Diego, which was the first European settlement on the West Coast of the present day U.S. According to the California State Parks Department, it is the most visited such facility in the state, with over a dozen historic buildings that include five original adobe structures dating back 200 years. A few miles away is the Mission San Diego de Alcala, which was founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1769 and where Mass is still held every Sunday. Right next door is the Heritage Park Victorian Village, featuring seven well preserved examples of late 19th Century architecture.
Fans of Mexican cuisine will be delighted to know that the Mexican cuisine in San Diego and its environs is legendary. Speaking of Mexico, visit Oceanside in late October for the largest El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in California. Even though it may sound morbid, it is really the Mexican version of Halloween, and offers a fun-filled weekend with carnival rides, street vendors, traditional mariachi music and more.
Of course, Southern California means surfing. Not only does the aptly named Oceanside feature world class surfing, but it is also home to the California Surf Museum. Spectacular cliff coast scenery and whale watching on Mission Bay are all part of the regional experience you will enjoy from one of the Southern California beach rental accommodations in the San Diego area. To get the most out of your sight-seeing experience, consider chartering a sail-powered yacht for a romantic overnight excursion up the coast and to nearby Catalina Island.
Plan your San Diego vacation thoroughly as we have just scratched the surface of activities to be enjoyed. There is enough to keep you and your family busy for weeks.
