San Diego is California's second largest city, renowned for its idyllic climate. Bordered by Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains, San Diego County’s 4,200 square miles offer immense options for pleasure.
San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego, LEGOLAND California, the Historic Old Town and the Gaslamp Quarter. For the foodies interested in seafood or a taste of “real” California Mexican food, the opportunity is there in abundance! Shoppers might enjoy a visit to the Saturday morning Artisan Market.
Moving outside San Diego city, East County’s terrain varies from gentle foothills to mile-high mountains and the historic mining town, Julian, down to the 600,000-acre Anza Borrego Desert State Park, offering nature-conscious visitors endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, observe wildlife and much more. In San Diego's North County, the land produces quantities of flowers as well as quality grapes that become excellent wines. Here there are numerous opportunities for wine tasting and tours. Along the west, 70 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline supports outdoor recreation, such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming. For those wanting to explore further, to the south it's a whole different country, Mexico, featuring its own cultural offerings in various towns along the border and coastline, including Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada.
The Great Slow Travel Gathering 2008
A Great Slow Travel Gathering could be held in San Diego City or one of the surrounding counties. A wide variety of venues are available, and the area offers an abundance of accommodations in large resort hotels, smaller less-expensive chain hotels, and B&Bs.
Climate in March/April
In some years, winter rains extend into these months. In others it's reasonably dry. The average high temperature is 66°F in March, 68ºF in April. Spring-blooming trees and flowers are at their best.
Getting There
By Air - San Diego International Airport is 3 miles NW of downtown San Diego. It is served by 20 airlines (including Southwest) with direct flights to and from approximately 80 cities within the USA. There are direct flights to Toronto and Vancouver, Canada.
By Train - San Diego is also well served by Amtrak via Los Angeles.
By Car – San Diego (121 miles south of Los Angeles and 353 miles west of Phoenix) is easily accessible from several major interstate highways including I-5, I-15 and I-18.
Getting Around– San Diego City’s Metropolitan Transit System provides local transportation via buses, trolleys and trains. A car would probably be necessary to reach areas outside of the city.
Dining
San Diego enjoys an abundance of quality produce and dining. Given its ethnic and cultural mix, it is not surprising that San Diego has a wide range of cuisines. The city's long history and close proximity to Mexico has endowed the area with an extensive variety of authentic Mexican restaurants. Regional homemade specialties, border fare and haute cuisine are all readily available. San Diego's warm, dry climate and access to the ocean have also made it a center for fishing and for growing fruits and vegetables.
Many of the most popular restaurants can be found in the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, La Jolla, Hillcrest and Old Town.
Activities
Activities range from a visit to the San Diego Aerospace Museum to a ride on the old wooden roller coaster in addition to the extensive outdoor activities one would expect to find in a temperate coastal location. You can shop in trendy boutiques, at the Saturday market or bargain hunt at the outlet malls.
Slow Travel Talk 
