EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Famously known as the original California city, San Diego was Kumeyaay Native people’s homeland before European settlement. San Diego meaning “Saint Didacus” in Spanish, is a city situated in Southern California right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Built on plateaus which contain over 200 Canyons and Hills, San Diego’s terrain is scattered and separated, forming small & natural openings in between hilly topography.  Due to this, it has a low-density population scattered across the city. The San Diego River lies from east to west creating a northern and southern hemisphere dividing the city naturally. 

The city has a moderate, Mediterranean or semi-arid climate all year round, with dry and warm summers and mild winters. San Diego’s topography is as such (includes hills, mountains, canyons, bays, rivers, and ocean) that the climate varies over short distances creating microclimates.

The geographical topography also impacts the plant and animal species living in San Diego, due to the ample natural habitats found. It houses approximately 492 species of birds and more than 50 Salt and freshwater species including black crappie, catfish, bluegill, carp, sunfish, trout, tuna and many more. From its very early years it’s been known as the Tuna Capital of the World,  as the tuna fishing fleet, and canning industries were developed in San Diego. 

The 8th largest city in the US is well-known amongst anglers and tourists for its year-round, moderate climate, along with its deep water harbor, making it perfect for fishing, and spectacular beaches.  It’s amazing tourist attractions include: the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Belmont Amusement Park, SeaWorld and Historic Sites reflecting its rich history of Spanish and Mexican heritage. Housing the largest sport fishing fleet, San Diego stands out amongst anglers & tourists for sport fishing.

Fish Species and Fishing

Due to the dynamic topography of hills, mountains, plateaus, rivers, bays, ocean coast, and lakes, San Diego is a is home to freshwater, saltwater and surf fishing. However, before you get your reel and bait, it’s important that you know that a fishing license is required to fish around San Diego.

Freshwater and Bay Fishing

Many rivers, bays, and lakes situated in San Diego provide anglers with freshwater fishing. They can catch various types of fish found in the waters in and around San Diego such as black crappie, bluefish, bullhead & channel Catfish, bluegill, carp, green & redear sunfish, largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bay, barred sand/striped Bass, rainbow trout, sturgeon, wipers, bat ray, bonefish, bonito, halibut, leopard shark, pacific mackerel, sculpin, shortfin corvina, shovelnose guitarfish and yellowfin croaker.

Fishing Spots

1. Bay Fishing Spots – San Diego Bay, Mission Bay, Glorietta Bay and Chula Vista Bayside Park.
2. Freshwater Fishing Spots – Sweetwater river, San Diego River, San Dieguito River.
3. Lakes - Dixon Lake, Guajome Lake, Lake Cuyamaca (also offers cabins/condos), Lake Henshaw, Lake Jennings, Lake Morena, Santee Lakes.

Ocean and Deep Water Fishing

Anglers can charter boats or rent out sail/motor boats to go out to the deep Pacific Ocean and catch fish such as albacore, blue shark, bigeye, yellowfin/bluefin tuna, bonito, calico bass, California barracuda, dorado, halibut, lingcod, mako shark, marlin, Pacific mackerel, sheepshead, swordfish, thresher shark, vermilion rockfish, white seabass and yellowtail.

Fishing Spots

1. Inshore Saltwater Fishing Spots – Point Loma and La Jolla kelp forests.
2. Deep Sea/ Sportfishing Spots – You can charter boats from Point Loma in San Diego or from Mission Bay to go to the Pacific Ocean.

Surf Fishing

Anglers can fish from the Pacific shoreline, Ocean Beach Pier, and Crystal Pier for catches like bat ray, corbina, halibut, leopard shark, shovelnose guitarfish, spotfin croaker, surf perch and yellowfin croaker.

Fishing Spots

Anglers can use fishing spears and proper gear to fish from the shore.

Amenities

Anglers can charter or rent paddle boats, jet boats, motorboats, houseboats, flatboats, yachts, steamboats, a ferry, kayaks, canoes, and jet skis.

Other water related activities include: surfing, boogie boarding, sunbathing, beach combing, water/jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, paddle boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

Lodging & Food

Lodging

San Diego provides you with ample accommodation options to make you experience the true Southern California. It has it all within your budget and your trip type. From beautiful and luxurious resorts, to stays in motels, to the budget friendly hotel, and everything else in between, such as: bed and breakfasts, camping & RV parks, hostels, vacation rentals, and other accommodations.

Eateries

San Diego has a wide array of dining options. From five-star, world class restaurants, to casual cafés and coffee bars. Don’t forget the great beer seen with perhaps hundreds of tap rooms. Food lovers need to bring their passion for food and a big appetite to experience one of America’s best foodie destinations.

Outside Attractions

San Diego is one of the largest cities in the US, and provides entertainment that fits everyone. Tourists can go on sightseeing tours, visit the San Diego Zoo, Belmont amusement park and historical sites, like Old Town, or simply take a stroll and relax with retail therapy.

Tours & Sightseeing Adventures

From experiencing more than 400 bird species in guided bird watching tours, to watching the gray whales migrating in the Pacific Ocean, to experiencing the rich Spanish and Mexican Heritage that San Diego has to offer, tourists can book tours and indulge themselves in this enchanting experience.

Visit Balboa Park

Balboa Park is an exciting space which includes the famous San Diego Zoo, luscious green gardens, and more than 15 Museums, as well as the world famous Old Globe Theater. It reflects San Diego’s rich heritage via sculptures, fabulous architecture, and traditional, cultural performances.

Visit Belmont Amusement Park

Be it children, the free-spirited, or the young-at-heart, this is a place for everyone to enjoy! One of the must-visit attractions in San Diego, Belmont is packed with adventures from long and scary roller coaster rides to huge Ferris wheels. 

Retail Therapy

There is nothing which a retail therapy can’t cure! Whether you want to window shop, buy souvenirs for friends back home or just shop for yourself, San Diego has large malls, neighborhood stores, and markets to shop from. Enjoy your stay and shop away.