Haven't seen the word "cities" showing up in the glossy advertisements? That's because they're only talking about the city of San Diego. As Insiders know, San Diego is more than one location or destination.

We're inviting you to create a relationship with all of the enticing locales that form greater San Diego. It's filled to the brim with America's best places to visit and live. To be more exact, the region stretches from Orange County to our international border with Mexico. On one side, you'll find the Pacific and on the other the mountains, and the glorious desert beyond.

Think of San Diego as a welcoming hug; it's that comfortable here. Like many first-time visitors, you might even be a bit surprised by the diversity. Our region may challenge every preconceived idea you have about California. This isn't Los Angeles or Orange County with that rush-around attitude and never-ending sprawl.

Life here in San Diego is a bit slower -- "cherished" -- some say. We seem to take recreational time more seriously than other areas do. But don't mistake the gentler pace for commonness. We have boatloads of cultural activities to satisfy even the most discriminating tastes. And our easygoing spirit doesn't keep us from being ambitious. San Diego strives for -- and achieves -- worldwide recognition. It's a mix that works

On any given day, you'll have a smorgasbord of possibilities only San Diego can offer. At daybreak start on a beach walk with a stop at a surfer hangout for the best breakfast burritos in town. Your biggest problem? Which beach and which outdoor restaurant. Want to have lunch featuring succulent burgers (veggie or traditional) at a cowboy eatery, where country music brings out the best of the sunshine and sage? Again, you'll have to make a choice. How about topping that off with a mountaintop dinner under the stars? Maybe you'd rather do it on a boat touring the bay. It's all here and more.

San Diego is the second largest city in California, and yet tourism is still a basic of our economy. There's no "high season" because this is a year-round resort. Are you aware that San Diego combines 101 official neighborhoods, 18 incorporated cities and habitats for every taste? We're talking hometowns with diverse and on-the-go community spirits, towns that are cosmopolitan yet cozy. San Diegans know their neighbors and are darn proud of it.

Unlike other regions of the country, here in San Diego you'll never feel like an outsider. Although the number of those born in San Diego is growing, most of us selected San Diego as the place to live, go to school and to raise a family because we like it here. Sometimes our tie to San Diego starts with a day visit or a long holiday and then becomes a reason for returning again and again. That's how the San Diego connection becomes fused; it's like joining a big, adopted family.