San Diego Cruise Guide

The epitome of southern California, San Diego has even portrayed its cross-country rival, Florida, in movie and TV productions. Best-known for its glorious location on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego County actually stretches dozens of miles east and north, offering desert and mountain panoramas. Nestled at the southwestern tip of the United States, San Diego is so close to Mexico that a trolley runs from the downtown across the border. This introduces a special helping of Hispanic customs, culture and food. The city enjoys year-round sun and temperate weather, luring beachgoers, surfers, retirees and, of course, cruise passengers.

Onboard the ship, you spent time looking at the ocean; here's your chance to plunge in. There are dozens of public beaches along the coast, and you can even take surfing lessons here. Other water-sports equipment is for hire too. Or, to just play beachcomber, head to La Jolla (pronounced Luh HOY-uh) Cove and get close to the small marine life in the tidal pools. For vigorous action on dry land, head for the hills for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding. You can even book a flight on a hot air balloon. The city boasts one of the world's foremost zoos, the San Diego Zoo, acclaimed for the breadth of its menagerie as well as handsome grounds. San Diego is large enough to support more than 20 live theatre venues, opera, ballet and a symphony orchestra.

Highlights
• SeaWorld: Rides, shows and up-close encounters with marine animals.
• Coronado Island: With its landmark Hotel Del Coronado and Silver Strand State Beach.
• Mission Bay: Where coffee houses and casual boutiques speak of California's beach lifestyle.
• Pacific Beach and Mission Beach: For sunbathing and swimming.
• Gaslamp Quarter: Music clubs nestle among 19th-century houses.

San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau
1040 1/3 West Broadway (at Harbor Drive), San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Tel: +1 619 236 1212.
Website: www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

The visitor information bureau is just steps from the cruise ship piers.

The Gaslamp area offers Horton Plaza, less than a mile from the cruise port. About 6.5km (4 miles) away is the city's classiest mall, Fashion Valley; top retailers here are Nordstrom's, Neiman Marcus, Gucci - even a Burberry. For gifts and souvenirs, try Seaport Village and Old Town. Mexican souvenirs are also abundant.

As in much of southern California, fresh seafood and Mexican food, including enchiladas and fajitas, are abundant. Grilled fish tacos are readily available.

San Diego has a moderate climate year round; the slightly rainy season is November to April.

San Diego.

2.5km (1.5 miles).

10 minutes.

California

GMT - 8.

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents.

English.

California, west coast of USA.

1.27 million.

The USA has been a Federal Republic since 1789.

Protestantism and Catholicism are dominant, with significant Jewish and Buddhist minorities.

Americans are renowned for their openness, and no location is more informal than California. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. As a rule, dress is casual except in more high-end restaurants, hotels and clubs. Smoking is outlawed in many public places such as restaurants, theatres and on public transportation. Ask permission before lighting up.

Tipping: Widely practised, as service charges are not usually included in the bill and waiters depend heavily on tips (usually 15-20%) for their income.