Camp Pendelton

In the spring of 1942, the military announced that it was transferring its largest Marine Corps base in the country to an area just north of San Diego. Named after Major General Joseph H. Pendleton, a strong advocate for setting up a West Coast based military facility. Camp Pendleton is considered the nation's busiest military base, with over 60,000 civilian and military personnel, working daily on the base. Covering 250,000 acres and approximately 200 square miles of terrain, the 17 1/2 miles of shoreline is the largest undeveloped portion of coastal area left in Southern California and considered a National Historic Site.

Oceanside

Today, Oceanside is a thriving community that provides all the conveniences of a modern city without the disadvantages. Oceanside offers a unique combination of outstanding location, well-priced available land, and multiple resources. With the Los Angeles area to the north and the San Diego / Tijuana area to the south, Oceanside enjoys proximity to all major Southern California destinations, while at the same time maintaining its coastal beauty.

Carlsbad

Famous for its beaches, LEGOLAND® Amusement Park, and the spectacular flower fields that bloom each spring, Carlsbad is located 30 miles north of San Diego. Home to the Carlsbad Co. Outlet Mall and a home of the golf industry, Carlsbad has evolved from a beachside community to a city filled with businesses, families, and tourists

La Costa

The La Costa Resort and Spa, located in La Costa hosts the Accenture Match Play Golf Championship and the Acura Tennis Classic. It boasts a world-famous golf course, luxurious spa, and surrounding the spa itself, a growing community with expansive housing developments. Located near Encinitas, La Costa has become a place for locals and visitors alike to visit.

Leucadia/Encinitas/Cardiff

Located between Carlsbad and Encinitas, Leucadia is a quaint beachside community, well-known as being a prime surfing spot. The lifestyle revolves around the beach and the activities associated with it.

Solana Beach

Primarily a family community, Solana Beach consists of approximately 13,000 residents in its four mile, incorporated city. Home of the Cedros Design District, great restaurants, and shops; Solana Beach is called home by many artisans, professionals, and high-tech businesses. The "Belly-Up Tavern" is a great nightlife club that brings in both local and famous talent. Plus parks, such as San Diequito Park, are fun places to hike and bring the family.

Del Mar

Del Mar, home to the Fairgrounds, Race Track, and beautiful beaches, is located along 2.5 miles of coastline. The beach is the perfect place to surf, swim, and even take your dogs (Dog Beach allows dogs to run freely during certain times of the year). Del Mar is a quaint town with the highest percentage of college graduates, and is only 2 square miles ­ truly a location where the "Turf Meets the Surf".

Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines is located between Del Mar and La Jolla and covers five miles of beach; perfect for strolling, surfing, and swimming. Take a look at the tide pools or walk through the Torrey Pines State Reserve; which covers 2,000 acres of land. Home to the rare Torrey Pines tree and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the reserve is also a great place to hike and watch the hand-gliders.

La Jolla

Located 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, La Jolla features gorgeous beaches, upscale restaurants, a modern art museum, galleries, and "Prospect Street" (which is often compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills). Considered one of the most affluent communities in the United States, La Jolla translated in Spanish means, "The Jewel". Home to 8,200 residents, it also features the world famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Stephen Birch Aquarium and Museum, and UCSD. La Jolla offers the beauty of the beach, the economic success of the many biotech and software companies that call La Jolla home, and an upscale community that is associated with the name.

Pacific and Mission Beach

Located between Mission Beach and La Jolla, Pacific Beach is a bustling beachside community filled with over 44,000 residents, mainly students and young professionals. The boardwalk is always busy, filled with runners, bikers, roller bladders, and people watchers. Garnet Avenue has become a popular night spot, with bars, clubs, and restaurants, giving visitors plenty to do. Pacific Beach, or "PB", as referred by locals, features street fairs, such as the annual, "PB Block Party", a "Taste of Pacific Beach Festival", and the weekly, "Farmer's Market".

Ocean Beach

This small community of 25,000 is located a few miles from downtown San Diego; but is composed of surfers, families, and residents whose views of life have a much more casual feel. There is great pride surrounding living in Ocean Beach, or "OB", as the locals call it. "Newport Avenue", is the main attraction of this seaside community, filled with locally owned stores, eateries, and bars. Dog Beach is a popular place to take your pets and the Ocean Beach Pier is a prime place to fish.

Point Loma

First discovered by Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo while sailing for Spain in 1542, Point Loma is an historical part of San Diego. The peninsula is a prime location to watch the 15,000 California gray whales migrating south between the months of December and March. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park surrounds the point's secluded coves, and Point Loma features the Cabrillo National Monument and the Old Loma Lighthouse. The community of 64,000 offers wonderful views of downtown San Diego, Shelter Island, Coronado and Harbor Island.

Downtown

The downtown area has come a long way, from dilapidated buildings to upscale condominiums, restaurants, hotels, and even a new Baseball Stadium. The Convention Center is host to many expositions, the Civic Theater is the city's largest theater, plus there are countless night spots for all to enjoy. Seaport Village is a traveler's favorite, along with Horton Plaza Shopping Center. Downtown is easy to get to, with transportation provided by trains (Santa Fe Depot is located downtown), planes (San Diego's Lindbergh Field Airport), trolleys, buses, and boats (home of the San Diego Cruise Terminal). Many businesses make their home downtown, serving as the financial, legal, and governmental hub for San Diego.