Location, Location, Location
Photo by Grant Senyei, Class of 2019
The UC San Diego training program is blessed not only with superb academic qualifications, but also with a truly stunning location. Situated in Southern California, San Diego is well known for its great weather and beautiful beaches. Sailing, surfing, diving, water-skiing, swimming, tennis, volleyball and biking are quite popular year-round activities.
Mexico is less than an hour's drive to the south and the desert communities of Borrego and Palm Springs are about two hours to the east. For snow enthusiasts, the Big Bear ski resort is only a few hours away by car.
In recent years, San Diego has experienced a great deal of growth resulting in the development of multiple new shopping facilities, restaurants and cultural events. For the newcomer as well as the long-time resident, San Diego offers unlimited choices for leisure time activities. Visit the City of San Diego Official Website to explore the city.
Museums
Ranging from the eclectic to the sublime, San Diego's array of museums is filled with wonders that appeal to just about any taste for art, machinery, sports, classic cars, scientific discovery and more. Many of the area's most popular museums are clustered in Balboa Park within walking distance of each other, while others are tucked in outlying neighborhoods.
Performing Arts
San Diego is well known for its sun, surf and sand, but when the sun goes down, the curtain goes up on stages all over the county. From the California Center for the Arts, Escondido to historic theaters built at the turn of the century, from ballet to traditional folk dance, from symphony performances to dramatic opera and outdoor calliopes, San Diego offers the best in quality performing arts all year round.
Photo by Kevin Yang, Med/Peds Class of 2021
Beaches
San Diego's 70 miles of beaches are like a family of diverse people; each has its own distinct personality. Some are havens for surfers and divers; others are remote getaways; and many are perfect for most any activity.
Photo courtesy of Gary Ma, Class of 2019
Parks
The outdoor fun doesn't just lie at the water's edge. San Diego is also home to several parks and open space preserves including the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (pictured at right), Mission Bay Park, and several county preserves with miles of trails and camping facilities.
San Diego Zoo, Safari Park and Sea World
San Diego is home to several world-renowned wildlife centers. The
San Diego Zoo is located within Balboa Park and is a great place to spend an hour or an entire day observing the various exhibits, including the well-attended panda environment.
The San Diego Zoo's Safari Park, formerly known as the Wild Animal Park, is a unique place where you are the one behind the fence. The animals are free to roam about in large areas in which various coindigenous species live. You can watch giraffe and gazelles follow the rhinos around.
Photo by Jenny Zhou, Class of 2021