Chapter 1: Regions and Themes

San Diego is the epitome of a typical Southern California city.  It is located in the California region of the nation and is the most southern city in California.  The City of San Diego is the second largest city in California and the sixth largest in the nation.  According to www.sandiego.gov, the population, as of 2009, is 1,353,993.  San Diego is highly industrious and it's four main industries are manufacturing, defense, tourism, and agriculture.  The economy of San Diego is dependent on these four industries and is a highly urbanized area.  Not only is it an expansive city, but it also is the center of San Diego County which is made up of several cities including Carlsbad, Oceanside, La Mesa, and Coronado just to name a few.  The county of San Diego is the fifth largest in the nation and is also among the richest counties in the country.  Here is map of the complete list of counties in the County of San Diego:  

Regions/Areas of San Diego, California:

• The Airport, Point Loma, and Ocean Beach- Point Loma is a well known Peninsula which is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and is famous for the Cabrillo National Monument within which is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.  The San Diego International Airport is located near Point Loma and is the busiest single-runway commercial service airport in the United States.  Ocean Beach lies on the Pacific Ocean at the estuary of the San Diego River.  It is directly north of Point Loma and is a popular beachfront in the City of San Diego.
• Old Town San Diego- Old Town San Diego area is just north of downtown and is most famous for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.  This area is the original location of San Diego's foundation and was first settled by the Spanish in 1769.  This settlement portrays the Mexican and early American years of 1821-1872 with historic buildings and adobe homes.  In this area you can also find the Wells Fargo History Museum, Old Town Plaza, the Serra Museum, and the Seely Stables Museum. 
• Downtown San Diego/The Gaslamp District- This section of San Diego is a unique blend of old-time flavor with new modern renovations while still preserving it's ethnic neighborhoods such as "Little Italy."  The downtown area has a vast array of restaurants, several retail stores (including Horton Plaza), Petco Stadium, and a vibrant night life.  Nearby is the famous Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo.
• Mission Valley- Mission Valley is located in central San Diego.  This region flourishes due to it's many businesses, an upscale shopping center, and its cornucopia of hotels, especially those lining Hotel Circle.   You can find Mission Bay in the center of Mission Valley which is comprised of two islands, many coves, and inlets.  This area is famous for Seaworld San Diego and Belmont Park, a historic beachfront amusement park.  Hotels dot the beachfront and many tourists flock to this area due to the allure of the authentic beach life and variety of fun activities that if offers.

Old Town San Diego

The Gaslamp District

Mission Bay

Old Point Loma Lighthouse