PHOTO: The San Diego Zoo boasts more than 4,000 animals. (Courtesy of California Travel & Tourism Commission)

San Diego, winner of numerous awards and the site of “Anchorman” (“I’m Ron Burgundy?”), has become a prime tourism destination throughout the years, whether travelers are visiting for business or leisure.

There truly is something for everyone, whether you’re an animal lover, enjoy the beach, want to dine at exquisite restaurants, love to shop or you're a maritime historian (Naval Base San Diego is the largest U.S. Navy base on the West Coast).

The Southern California destination boasts more than 1.3 million people across 372 square miles. On top of that, it’s about a 30-minute drive from the Mexican border, and about a two-hour drive south from Los Angeles.

So, what should you see, visit, experience, eat and buy in the eighth-largest city in the United States?

Read on.

SEE – California’s second-largest city boasts 70 miles of coastline, a thriving downtown, quaint neighborhoods and historic districts, all spread out throughout several unique regions. Head to Coronado for a small-town feel, highlighted by picturesque beaches and waters for surfing and sailing. Stop by Downtown San Diego to be a part of history at the Gaslamp Quarter, stroll the Embarcadero, hop aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier at Seaport Village or go on a cruise.

For a touch of Las Vegas, go to East County, where Indian casinos reign. You can also explore the outdoors at the largest state park in California, the 600,000-acre Anza Borrego State Park. Palomar Observatory offers spectacular views of the surrounding environment.

Hillcrest features a large LGBT community, complete with quaint, locally inspired restaurants and pubs, boutiques and salons. La Jolla is a top tourist destination in San Diego, boasting some of the most beautiful cliffside views of the ocean, as well as a variety of water activities. Stroll along the boardwalk of Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach (say “OB” and “PB” to sound like a local) for the true San Diego beach life.

And don’t forget Mission Valley (ideally located and boasting several top-notch hotels and resorts) and Old Town, the site of the first Spanish settlement on the West Coast that includes a variety of historical spots and attractions.

VISIT - The San Diego Zoo is world-famous for a reason… or several reasons. According to SanDiego.org, it boasts more than 4,000 animals across 800 different species. The 100-acre spread, founded in 1916, also includes a variety of themed areas, including Panda Canyon, Lost Forest, Elephant Odyssey, Africa Rocks, the Australian Outback, Urban Jungle, and Northern Frontier.

Beyond that, it offers several tours, including Backstage Pass, Inside Look and Discovery Tour. Add education programs, summer camps and sleepovers for kids and catered events for family and business gatherings, and you have yourself a must-see attraction.

EXPERIENCE – If you are a fan of cruises, San Diego is a prime destination for you. San Diego’s waterfront, labeled the Big Bay, hosts a variety of excursions to Hawaii, the Panama Canal, the Mexican Riviera and more. Check out the Big Bay’s Cruise Ship Schedule for more information. There are also birdwatching tours along the coastline, through the mountains, across the desert and throughout the inland foothills, canyons and lakes, as well as whale watching trips and guided tours (hop on the Old Town Trolley).

EAT – Buona Forchetta, an Italian pizzeria located at 3001 Beech St. in South Park, is currently ranked as the No. 1 restaurant in San Diego on TripAdvisor. For lovers of Thai food, check out Supannee House of Thai at 2907 Shelter Island Dr. in Point Loma.

For a breakfast and brunch hotspot, check out The Mission at 1250 J St. in Downtown San Diego. Phil’s BBQ is a great barbecue spot at 3750 Sports Arena Blvd. Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crab in La Jolla is expensive, but well worth it.

And I would be amiss not to point out some of San Diego’s delicious Mexican food, including Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, The Mission at 2801 University Ave. in North Park, Puesto Mexican Street Food in La Jolla and La Playa Taco Shop at 3973 Mission Blvd. near alongside Sail Bay.

BUY – San Diego has plenty of shopping malls, outlet centers and neighborhood shopping communities. Fashion Valley Mall boasts a variety of upscale and hip retailers, including Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus, San Diego's only Bloomingdale's, Tiffany, Burberry, Hermes, H&M, Jimmy Choo, Hugo Boss, Gucci, Ruehl, Apple, Microsoft and Sony.

Check out the Otay Ranch Town Center for a regional, lifestyle-oriented mall that still features top retailers like Macy's, Apple, Ann Taylor and REI. Other centers you should shop at include Westfield Horton Plaza, Westfield Plaza Bonita, Westfield University Town Center and Grossmont Center. And, of course, you have Old Town for a flavor of Spanish history.

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