I grew up living the quintessential California dream: beaches at my front door, orange trees and rosemary bushes outside the pantry, and mountains and desert in my backyard. San Diego is my hometown, and although I was probably a little spoiled growing up here, after a few years living in other cities around the country I began to fully appreciate the wonderful outdoor playground of my youth. I'm back home, and proud to be a San Diegan all over again. After all, how many other places can you surf in the ocean, cross-country ski in the mountains, and tiptoe through a display of desert wildflowers -- potentially all in the same day?

The city has been expanding steadily during the past 2 decades, and now boasts an almost Los Angeles-like diversity of neighborhoods and residents. Over 1.3 million people live here, making it the seventh-largest city in the United States (and about 3 million live in San Diego County). At this writing, the city's military/biotech/tourism/telecom-based economy fires on all burners, creating one of the fastest-rising housing markets in the country -- a double-edged sword. Fortunately, a heightened sensitivity to historical preservation means formerly seedy downtown areas and architecturally rich suburbs are being carefully restored. These often charming districts lure incoming yuppies to invest in the future of these neighborhoods, and also help to update the face of San Diego's dining, shopping, and entertainment.

You probably know we've got a benevolent climate and a fabulous coastline. With 70 miles of beachfront -- plus pretty, sheltered Mission Bay -- you can choose from swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, bicycling, skating, and tons of other fun in or near the water. You probably also know San Diego for three stellar animal parks -- ogle the primates at one, kiss a killer whale at another, or head out on safari at the third. Older readers might remember that the city was home to the Pacific fleet during WWII, and San Diego's military link continues today. We spent the 60s and 70s being dismissed as a slow-growth, politically conservative town for surfers and soldiers. Frankly, true as it might have been, I got a little tired of San Diego being defined solely by these elements.

In fact, the public face of San Diego goes well beyond the beach and navy. We've also got splendid Balboa Park, a cultural and recreational jewel and one of the finest urban parks in the country. Whether your taste leans to art, history, sports, aviation or gardens, at least one of the park's 13 museums will be perfect for you. San Diego's dining scene no longer simmers on the back burner. The culinary expertise of top chefs is finding an enthusiastic reception, their creativity spurred on by the agricultural bounty at their doorstep. The outdoors beckons at every corner of the county, from diving with seals through kelp forests to excellent bird-watching year-round, from paragliding off sea cliffs to a splendid natural harbor that is ideal for sailing. And of course San Diego also reflects its Spanish-Mexican heritage in every other corner -- through our food, our architecture, and even our place names, the city borrows liberally from our Spanish-Mexican history and culture. In fact, bustling Tijuana is just across the border, 16 miles south of downtown San Diego.

So pack a laid-back attitude along with your sandals and swimsuit, and welcome to California's grown-up beach town.