San Diego is known for its stunning beaches, excellent year-round weather, delicious food, and its laid-back vibe. However, there is a lot more to this city than what meets the eye. So whether you’re already local or you’re considering moving to San Diego, here are 22 facts about San Diego you may not know.
1. The rare Torrey Pine only grows in two places, one of which is San Diego
They are the rarest type of pine tree in the United States that can only be found in two places in the world: San Diego and Santa Rosa Island. These magical and critically endangered trees are a sight to behold and can be found at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in the northern coastal area of San Diego County. The Torrey pine tree is the official tree of the city of San Diego.
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2. Ronald Reagan was the first person to cross the Coronado Bridge
The San Diego-Coronado Bridge is an iconic landmark that was built in August 1969. The first person to drive across the bridge was then-California Governor Ronald Reagan.
3. The original California burrito was created in San Diego
San Diegans love California burritos, as do so many others across the world. These delicious and massive burritos are filled with carne asada and french fries and often also include guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and other ingredients. The history of the California burrito is a little vague, but most people believe it was invented in the 1980s at Roberto’s Taco Shop. Regardless of who invented it, it’s widely accepted that the California burrito originated in San Diego.
4. San Diego is home to more small farms than any other U.S. city
San Diego’s 7,000 farms take advantage of the area’s diverse microclimates to grow a variety of crops. These include strawberries along the coast, apples in the mountains, and date palms in the desert. In fact, San Diego is the nation’s top producer of avocados and ranks third in honey production, fifth in lemons, ninth in strawberries, and tenth in the number of egg-laying hens.
5. One of the most popular comic conventions is hosted every July in San Diego
The first San Diego Comic-Con International was held in 1970 and brought in just over 100 attendees. Now, the popular convention brings in over 100,000 enthusiasts from all over the country.
6. San Diego is considered the birthplace of California
It’s seen as the birthplace because it’s the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. Founded in 1769, Old Town San Diego to this day has many museums and historic buildings that preserve its original roots.
7. San Diego takes pride in its booming avocado industry
In fact, San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States. California grows 90% of domestic avocados, 60% of this is produced in San Diego. So if you’re eating avocado toast or freshly-made guacamole that uses California-grown avocados, there’s a good chance they came from sunny San Diego.
8. Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) called La Jolla home
While many famous people reside in San Diego, one of the most famous children’s authors did as well. Geisel Library at the University of California, San Diego is named in his honor and holds a collection of original drawings and manuscripts.
9. San Diego is home to some of the largest and most visited zoos in the country
Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre park home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals, while the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre wildlife park that offers its visitors various safari tours and other activities.
10. Be sure the holiday cheer ends on February 2nd, or you could be fined
As odd as it may sound, residents that keep Christmas lights on their homes or apartments in San Diego past February 2nd can be subject to a fine.
11. San Diego is home to one of the country’s most unique houses
San Diego is home to one of the most one-of-a-kind houses you’ll find, dubbed the “Mushroom House.” It’s located just south of Blacks Beach, accessible by hiking down through Scripps Coastal Reserve. The Mushroom House was built as a guest house nearly 300 feet below the main house on La Jolla Cliffs. The owner built a vertical tramway which used a rail car to go back and forth between the two houses. – Social Cycle
12. San Diego is a craft brewing hotbed
With more than 150 craft brewery locations, San Diego is known as The Capital of Craft™, a moniker that was trademarked in 2015. San Diego County has more craft brewery locations than any other county in the United States. San Diego Brewers Guild, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, was founded in 1997 with 15 breweries and it continues to passionately promote local small businesses and entrepreneurs of craft beer. America’s Finest City is home to Great American Beer Festival (the Oscars of beer) Gold Medal-winning breweries BNS Brewing & Distilling, North Park Beer Company, and Rouleur Brewing Company. – San Diego Brewers Guild
13. San Diego’s Balboa Park features Spanish architecture
San Diego is one of the most historic places in California. Balboa Park was the site of the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, which marked the opening of the Panama Canal. This is the reason for all of the Spanish colonial architecture in the park, now home to several world-class museums. – I Walk San Diego
14. San Diego State University was originally called San Diego Normal School
San Diego State University was founded in 1897 as the San Diego Normal School, a training school for elementary school teachers. The school became San Diego State Teachers College in 1923, and San Diego State College in 1935. The university was finally granted its current name, San Diego State University, in 1972. The University’s Aztec mascot, formerly called “Monty Montezuma,” was chosen in a student vote in the 1920s, and the university has been associated with Aztec culture and symbols ever since. – Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours
15. San Diego is a premier whale-watching destination
San Diego is one of the best places for whale watching. There are over 19 species of whales in the region which can be found throughout the entire year. San Diego has one of the highest rates of endangered Blue Whale sightings of anywhere in the world. The coast of California has been designated as a “blue corridor” by the World Wildlife Fund because it is a critical habitat for endangered species of whales and dolphins. – Adventure Whale Watching San Diego Tours
16. San Diego is home to a national park
Cabrillo National Monument is a beautiful park that offers one of the best views of San Diego’s coastline. You can spend the day learning about the history of the region, take a hike on the cliffs or discover sea life in the tide pools. From December to March, you may even get lucky and see the whales migrate at this popular destination. – Aly & Co.
17. If you love sailing, San Diego is the perfect place to live
San Diego is famous for sailing due to its ideal weather and location. The city is surrounded by water on three sides, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and Mission Bay and San Diego Bay to the north and east. This provides ample opportunities for sailors to explore the coastline and enjoy the mild temperatures and steady winds. Additionally, San Diego is home to several sailing clubs and events, such as the America’s Cup and the San Diego Yacht Club, which attract sailors from all over the world. The sailing community in San Diego is also very active and welcoming, making it a great place for both experienced and novice sailors to learn, practice and enjoy the sport. – Sail San Diego
18. You can find a wide variety of marine life in San Diego
Did you know there are over 640 species of marine invertebrates (animals without backbones) in San Diego? This includes animals such as sea urchins, sea stars, and octopus. Snorkeling and tide pooling are great ways to find lots of amazing marine life along the San Diego coast. – SnorkelMatt
19. California’s first Spanish mission was based in present-day San Diego
San Diego was the first site of California’s first Spanish mission, Mission San Diego de Alcalá, founded in 1769. The mission and the surrounding area played a key role in the early history of California and the settlement of the region by Spanish colonists. – Five Star Tours
20. There are multiple mountain ranges near San Diego
During the winter, you can head out to one of our local beaches to surf, then head east about 60 miles, into the Cuyamaca, Laguna, or Palomar Mountains. But don’t forget your sled, because if there’s been a winter storm, you can spend the afternoon sledding. – Love Michelle Photography
21. The city of San Diego almost went by a different name
San Diego Bay, also known as San Miguel Bay, is a calm water harbor for ships. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named it Puerto de San Miguel in 1542. Sebastian Vizcaino renamed it San Diego de Alcalá de Henares in 1602 despite Spanish Crown instructions. Cabrillo and Vizcaino were impressed by the bay’s beauty, which can still be seen today at the Cabrillo National Monument. – San Diego Baja Tours
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22. San Diego is home to numerous college campuses
Something an outsider may not immediately realize about San Diego is that it is also a big college town. There are more than 15 universities in San Diego including the prestigious University of California, San Diego, the athletic powerhouse San Diego State and also the famous Catholic school the University of San Diego. The vast college scene certainly contributes to the vibrant nature of San Diego. – California Glory
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Mekaila is a Marketing Program Manager at Redfin and has spent the last 5+ years covering topics like interior design, real estate trends, and buying/selling resources. She lives in the Greater Seattle area and enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with family/friends. She dreams of a modern and warm home with lots of natural light, sunset views, and a backyard perfect for hosting.
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