San Diego is the 7th largest city in the US and the 2nd largest in the state of California. It is located in the southwestern part of the state along the Pacific Ocean and shares a border with Mexico. San Diego was incorporated as a city in 1850 following the conclusion of the Mexican-American War.

For much of the 20th century, San Diego was best known for its military installations. The Navy and Marines both have large bases in the area. In the 1980s, the city began to diversify its economy attracting a large number of high technology and biotechnology companies to the area. Tourism is also a very important component of the economy.

San Diego's climate is partially responsible for its nickname as America's Finest City. The region's topography with its many canyons and mesas lends itself to four distinct weather patterns: coastal, inland, mountains, and desert. The city generally enjoys mild, sunny weather throughout the year. Exceptions are during the late spring and early summer when heavy marine layers blanket the city and during periods of Santa Ana winds in the fall when the temperatures can soar. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months and is relatively infrequent.

In major league professional sports, San Diego is represented by the San Diego Padres in the MLB (NL) and by the San Diego Chargers in the NFL.

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