San Diego Neighborhoods

As the sun sets in San Diego, the streets come alive in the Gaslamp Quarter, where fine art galleries, unique boutiques and sidewalk cafes are illuminated by old fashioned gas lamps, creating a mood of excitement and romance. With 70 restaurants, 20 nightclubs and 40 shops, this 16 block urban neighborhood is a centerpiece for big-city events, from food and music festivals to Mardi Gras.

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Home to 85 cultural institutions, including 15 museums, performing arts venues, art galleries, lush botanical gardens and the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park spans 1,200 acres and is honorably referred to as the "Smithsonian of the West." Located close to downtown, this park is a delightful place to visit.

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Once home to Desi Arnaz and Dr. Seuss, La Jolla is a charming village district where old money meets the nouveau rich. Although La Jolla is best known for its high-end shopping, Torrey Pines golf course and boutique hotels, its beaches are perhaps its greatest asset. From 300-foot sea cliffs at Blacks Beach to the fascinating sea caves at Windansea Beach, La Jolla is the seat of San Diego's most rewarding coastline.

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Serving as a business and entertainment center for San Diego, Mission Valley contains a large number of shopping districts and commercial centers. Mission Valley is home to Qualcomm Stadium and the Fashion Valley Mall, which is a beautiful outdoor shopping center with more than 200 stores & restaurants, six department stores and several exclusive retailers.

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Abounding with hidden coves, enchanting lagoons and beautiful parks, Mission Bay boasts 27 miles of shoreline, 19 of which are sandy beaches. With more than 4,000 acres of bay, bike paths and parks, the bay's annual attendance is estimated at 15 million. While young, active visitors engage in water sports and beach activities, families capitalize on the calm, protected waters of Mission Bay, which even has lifeguards throughout the spring and summer.