San Diego is the seat of
Greater San Diego, just north of the United StatesMexico border. It lies between
Tijuana and
Los Angeles, along
Interstate 5 and the
Pacific Ocean.
San Diego Bay is one of the world's premier natural harbors.
The city received its name from the bay, named in 1602 by Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizca in memory of San Diego de Alcal, a 15th-century Franciscan. In 1769 a presidio (fort) and mission were erected, the first Spanish settlement in what would become California.
Today, San Diego is the state's second largest city after Los Angeles. Its superior climate, recreational and historic attractions make San Diego a major tourist destination. Its economy also benefits from fishing and shipbuilding industries as well as nearby military installations, especially the U.S. Navy. The city is home to San Diego State University and the University of California at San Diego.
San Diego is part of the San Diego, California metro area.
