The eighth largest city in the country, San Diego is one of the premier destinations in both California and the United States as a whole, and its diverse history and tourism opportunities provide an incentive for any eager traveler to make a stop there. The city, which has a robust population of 1,355,896, a 4.2 percent increase in the past five years, sits on 325 square miles, a sprawling land area that has become more developed and diversified in the generations that people have called San Diego home.
Hailed as the birthplace of California, and maintained as one of the state’s leading cities, San Diego celebrates its Spanish and Mexican historical influence and has used this to diversify its population and cultural opportunities. San Diego County as a whole welcomed more than 32 million visitors in 2012, and the city is known for its tourism. Its beaches and cruises invite people to its mild year-round climate to experience a slice of southwestern California life.
Due to its coastal location, San Diego is also home to several military bases, and is home to the world’s largest naval fleet, which consists of 53 ships and more than 35,000 service men and women. Of the remaining civilian population, 64.3 percent are in the civilian workforce, with an average per capita income of $33, 152.
Additionally, San Diego’s healthcare and biotechnology endeavors have made it a leading city for health services, especially as it is home to both the University of California, San Diego and its affiliated and acclaimed medical center. These industries that contribute to the city’s economic success are what make San Diego a great place to visit and call home.