Welcome to San Diego— “America’s Finest City”

SAN DIEGO— The unofficial nickname for the City of San Diego, “America’s Finest City,” defines the city’s popularity amongst boaters, anglers, military personnel and adventurers.

Let’s start from the beginning. San Diego was officially incorporated as a city on March 27, 1850. This followed the United States’ victory in the Mexican-American War in 1848 and the subsequent signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which officially ended the war and ceded much of present-day California, including San Diego, to the U.S. The city’s incorporation was an essential step in its growth and development, leading to its status as one of California’s major cities and a significant center for trade, tourism and military presence on the West Coast.

Spanish explorers named San Diego. The city is named after a saint, James in English, Didacus in Latin, or in Spanish “Diego de Alcalá.” The naming of San Diego can be attributed to the Spanish expedition led by Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. On September 28, 1542, Cabrillo arrived in the San Diego Bay, which he originally named “San Miguel.”

Later, in 1602, another Spanish explorer, Sebastián Vizcaíno, visited the area and renamed it “San Diego” in honor of Saint James, whose feast day in the Roman Catholic calendar was near the time of his visit. Saint James is often associated with Spain and is the patron saint of Spain.

Over time, the name “San Diego” became firmly associated with the area, and as settlements were established and the city was officially incorporated in 1850, it retained this name. The name has persisted throughout the city’s history and is a significant part of its identity and heritage.

In the 19th century, the U.S. government recognized San Diego’s military potential. San Diego’s transformation into a significant military outpost is primarily attributed to its strategic location, along the Pacific Coast of Southern California, close to the U.S.-Mexico border, natural harbor and historic events. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the border made it an ideal location for national defense, naval and maritime activities.

Fort Guijarros was established in 1797 by the Spanish, and after California became part of the U.S., the Army established Fort Stockton in 1850. Fort Stockton was later renamed Fort Rosecrans and became a significant coastal defense fortification.

Over the years, various military installations were established or expanded in and around San Diego, including Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station North Island, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, playing crucial roles in training, deploying and supporting military personnel.

Beyond its contribution to the military, San Diego is considered a fantastic boating location due to several key factors that make it appealing to boaters and maritime enthusiasts. San Diego boasts a natural, deep-water harbor with a large, sheltered bay. It provides a safe and convenient area for boating, docking and anchoring, making it an ideal starting point for boating adventures.

The year-round pleasant Mediterranean-mimicking weather allows for boating activities almost every day of the year, making it an attractive destination for boaters seeking consistent conditions.

The city has various marinas and yacht clubs offering multiple services, including docking, maintenance, repairs, fueling stations and boating amenities. This abundance of infrastructure supports boaters and enhances their overall experience.

San Diego offers diverse boating opportunities, from sailing and cruising to sport fishing and kayaking. Boaters can explore the open ocean, visit nearby islands, sail along the coastline or cruise through the bay – providing various options to suit different preferences.

Additionally, the city resides near popular boating destinations, such as Catalina Island, the Channel Islands, Mexico’s coastline and other Southern California coastal cities, making it a great starting point for extended boating trips.

The city hosts various water-related events and activities annually, attracting boating enthusiasts. Events like sailboat races, boat shows, regattas and water sports competitions add to the vibrant boating community.