On the sunny southern coast of California is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and visitors can find plenty to see and do there. Additionally, if they choose to wander a bit, there’s also Tijuana in the Baja region of Mexico just a few miles away.

As the second largest city in the state, San Diego boasts sunshine nearly every day of the year, breathtaking shorelines, more than 70 miles of white sand beaches and some of the greatest city touring in America. Average January and February weather is 68º days, often soaring into the 70s, and 50º nights. The city has hundreds of indoor and outdoor restaurants featuring native dishes from Mexico, Vietnam, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and other parts of the world.

If Navy is in your family history, visit retired aircraft carrier USS Midway, moored permanently in picturesque San Diego harbor. She’s a living memorial to all who served from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East.

The Midway displays varieties of vintage aircraft on the massive flight deck. Below, there are also more aircraft and hands-on displays on the hangar deck. Deeper down are the work areas, crews' quarters and engines.

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most extensive in the world, featuring many large natural animal habitats. Expert staff members offer daily demonstrations with audience participation.

Get aboard the zoo’s monorail or join a Jeep ride to a jungle setting as they go through the African Safari. There are many varieties, all in the Wild Animal Park, where they range freely as if in native habitat.

Nearby is SeaWorld, where you meet polar bears, seals, dolphins and sharks close up. Visitors can also go on coastal cruises, to admire the shoreline from the ocean side. You may just happen to be there to watch the whales as they play in beautiful San Diego Bay.