Look Smart at a Party! 9 San Diego Facts

San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California after Los Angeles. It is located on the Pacific Ocean at the southernmost end of the west coast of the continental United States.  But you probably already knew that.  But did you know these fun San Diego facts?

NAMING RIGHTS
San Diego was discovered by Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo on Sept. 18, 1542 when he landed at Point Loma Head. The Cabrillo National Monument pays tribute to his discovery.  Surprisingly, it was not Cabrillo who named Sand Diego.  Rather, it was Sebastian Vizcaino who arrived in San Diego some 60 years later, who named the city after one of his ships (and the November 12th feast of San Diego de Alcala).

SPORTS CURSE?
While an amazing place to live, San Diego residents must become accustomed to losing, at least when it comes to sports!  Without a single Super Bowl, World Series or NBA championship in history, a sports fan would have to be a glutton for punishment to call this place home.  Ironic since baseball great Ted “The Thumper” Williams was born here!  We have been close with the Padres and the Chargers, but not quite there.  However, one of these days, we will have a championship team!

MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
It was at San Diego’s Innerchange Coffeehouse and Java Joe's where Utah native Jewel Kilcher – better known as Jewel – became a star.  It was here that her Billboard Hot 100 #2 smash, “You Were Meant for Me” was born.

A STAR IS BORN
Several current sports idols were raised in San Diego.  WWE superstar Rey Mysterio, Jr. calls SD home, and even has the famous 619 finishing move named after his area code.  Skateboarding sensation and businessman extraordinaire Tony Hawk graduated from Jean Farb Middle School.   In 2010 Jimmie Johnson, added a 5th consecutive championship to his NASCAR record streak.  Jimmie started in El Cajon, located in the San Diego East County.

There are plenty of other San Diego babies whose stars are shining bright.  Add your favorites in the comments section below.

UNDER INVESTIGATION
San Diego has its share of TV gumshoes. From “Harry O” to “Simon & Simon” to “Veronica Mars”, San Diego is a haven for crime and drama shows.  The allure of great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and well-known attractions make it the perfect place to bust some fictional criminals.

VROOOOM!
The Keating Hotel, a chic urban hotel located in downtown San Diego, was designed by Italian firm Pininfarina.  These are the same folks who were behind your favorite Ferrari and Maserati models!  The hotel is located in a structure that was build back in 1890!

FUNNY STUFF
Patrick Henry High School is where actress Annette Benning first took drama classes.  She’s used those skills to play a realtor three times in three different movies, a role which is not easy to play!  ;-)   San Diego is also home for funnyman Adam Brody and Mrs. Mariah’s Nick Cannon.

I’M LOVIN’ IT
McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc made his way from Illinois to San Diego to set up home base.  Next time you bit into a Big Mac, whether you’re in Manila or Maine, remember that the seeds of the fast food giant were planted in sunny San Diego!

THE BIG TIME
At 327 miles, San Diego is a monster compared to Boston (48 square miles); it even flexes more muscle than New York City (305 square miles).  While size doesn’t matter, San Diego still knows how to rock your world!

Share your interesting San Diego fun facts below!

This is a series of articles by Sharyn and Victoria Crown, Downtown San Diego condo real estate agents.