Lodging in a Nutshell by Roy Robertson,
San Diego Correspondent
With the nickname it adopted three
decades ago - “America’s Finest City”
- San Diego, California makes a rather bold and
immodest claim.
Previously perceived as a sleepy,
sunny seaside town, San Diego now ranks as America’s
6th largest city, but can it also be considered
“America’s finest”? For both business
and vacation travelers, you’ll see evidence
to support that proud designation, even before your
plane touches down at San Diego’s Lindbergh
Field.
On final approach into San Diego,
you’ll fly directly over Balboa Park, one
of the nation’s largest urban parks, home
to the world famous San Diego Zoo, and host to up
to 15 million visitors every year. Just beyond the
left wing of the aircraft, you’ll see San
Diego’s ever- expanding downtown skyline,
fronted by a massive bayside convention center,
set along one of the world’s great natural
harbors. On the fringe of an already thriving downtown
area, you'll see a 26-block segment of the harbor
area being developed as a new bayfront ballpark
district, the centerpiece of which will be a sensational
new home to the San Diego Padres, beginning in 2002.
Beyond the many marinas and piers
that line the harbor, look across San Diego Bay,
over the aircraft carriers stationed at North Island
Naval Air Station, and beyond, to the city of Coronado,
and some of the most spectacular beaches, recreational
facilities and accommodations you’ll find
anywhere in the country.
If you’re seated on the other
side of the plane, your first glimpse of San Diego
will include the sky tower that rises above Sea
World Adventure Park, set on the shores of Mission
Bay, one of America’s most active aquatic
playgrounds. Farther north, you look out toward
mile after mile of pristine beaches along the Pacific
Ocean, which San Diego county’s 2.8 million
residents and millions of visitors enjoy year-round
in a perfect climate that averages 70 degrees.
Welcome to San Diego, the birthplace
of California, a diverse and dynamic community that
can truly be considered worthy of the distinction
“America’s Finest City”
