Above San Diego. This is the anchor of the west, a quiet metropolis that has learned to live in an enviornment of beauty without devouring it. In his Introduction, Neil Morgan invites us "to follow the city's meandering evolution from a Spanish pueblo to an insular, transplanted Midwestern town by the sea, to a Navy City, and on to its present rich diversity." Robert Cameron's lush photography shows that San Diego is of world class, and its surroundings are among the most gorgeous anywhere.

Easy-to-read text introduces the sights of San Diego, through a full day of sightseeing.

The early 21st century has not been kind to California's reputation for good government. But the Golden State's governance flaws reflect worrisome national trends with origins in the 1970s and 1980s. Growing voter distrust with government, a demand for services but not taxes to pay for them, a sharp decline in enlightened leadership and effective civic watchdogs, and dysfunctional political institutions have all contributed to the current governance malaise. Until recently, San Diego, California—America's 8th largest city—seemed immune to such systematic governance disorders. This sunny beach town entered the 1990s proclaiming to be "America's Finest City," but in a few short years its reputation went from "Futureville" to "Enron-by-the-Sea." In this eye-opening and telling narrative, Steven P. Erie, Vladimir Kogan, and Scott A. MacKenzie mix policy analysis, political theory, and history to explore and explain the unintended but largely predictable failures of governance in San Diego. Using untapped primary sources—interviews with key decision makers and public documents—and benchmarking San Diego with other leading California cities, Paradise Plundered examines critical dimensions of San Diego's governance failure: a multi-billion dollar pension deficit; a chronic budget deficit; inadequate city services and infrastructure; grandiose planning initiatives divorced from dire fiscal realities; an insulated downtown redevelopment program plagued by poorly-crafted public-private partnerships; and, for the metropolitan region, inadequate airport and port facilities, a severe underinvestment in firefighting capacity despite destructive wildfires, and heightened Mexican border security concerns. Far from a sunny story of paradise and prosperity, this account takes stock of an important but understudied city, its failed civic leadership, and poorly performing institutions, policymaking, and planning. Though the extent of these failures may place San Diego in a league of its own, other cities are experiencing similar challenges and political changes. As such, this tale of civic woe offers valuable lessons for urban scholars, practitioners, and general readers concerned about the future of their own cities.

Internationally acclaimed surf and ocean photographer, Aaron Chang travelled the world for Surfing magazine in search of the Endless Summer. After three decades of capturing waves, beach lifestyle and exotic landscapes around the world, Aaron wanted to show the natural beauty in his own backyard, San Diego, through his eyes. Aaron¿s most recent book project, SAN DIEGO: Through the Lens of Aaron Chang captures the natural beauty of the San Diego beaches and its coastal communities. This 116 page book is in it¿s 4th edition and is a best seller at Aaron¿s two San Diego based galleries, one downtown and the other in Solana Beach: AaronChang.com/galleries From the stunning beauty of Torrey Pines to coastal charm of Encinitas and Solana Beach, Aaron¿s interpretation of San Diego captures its special allure that attracts millions of visitors every year. Aaron has been nominated San Diego¿s `Ambassador of the Arts¿ 3 years running by the San Diego Tourism Authority. ¿My goal is for people to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us on a daily basis, but gets lost in our busy lives,¿ Aaron explains. A stunning sunset in Cardiff, to a winter swell in Del Mar, to the glamorous roof top views of a city in bloom, these images inspire the viewer to take a break. Look around. Life is good right here in our beautiful city, San Diego.

Describes points of interest in each section of the California city, offering information on accommodations, restaurants, tours, gardens, beaches, outdoor activities, and shopping.

For a limited time, receive a free Fodor's Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel e-book with the purchase of this guidebook! Go to fodors.com for details. Ready to experience San Diego? The experts at Fodor’s are here to help. Fodor’s San Diego travel guide is packed with customizable itineraries with top recommendations, detailed maps of San Diego, and exclusive tips from locals. Whether you want to find the perfect beachfront hotel, visit the San Diego Zoo, or spend the day in Coronado, this up-to-date guidebook will help you plan it all out. This new edition has been FULLY-REDESIGNED with a new layout and beautiful images for more intuitive travel planning! Fodor’s San Diego includes: • AN ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE GUIDE that visually captures the top highlights of San Diego. • SPECTACULAR COLOR PHOTOS AND FEATURES throughout, including special features on the San Diego Zoo, Cabrillo National Monument, La Jolla’s Beaches, and Surfing. • INSPIRATIONAL “BEST OF” LISTS that identify the best things to see, do, eat, drink, and more. • ITINERARIES for various trip lengths to help you maximize your time. • MORE THAN 10 DETAILED MAPS to plot your itinerary and navigate confidently. • EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS with options for every taste. • TRIP PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including guides to getting around, saving money and time, beating the crowds; and a calendar of festivals and events. • LOCAL INSIDER ADVICE on where to find under-the-radar gems. • HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL OVERVIEWS that add perspective and enrich your travels. • COVERS: San Diego Zoo, Cabrillo National Monument, LEGOLAND, Carlsbad, Coronado, La Jolla, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Mission Beach, Old Town and more. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. Planning on visiting Los Angeles or the rest of Southern California or Los Angeles? Check out Fodor’s Los Angeles or Fodor’s Southern California.