English Courses in San Diego
Overview
San Diego is located at the southern tip of California, approximately 190 km south of Los Angeles and has a population of nearly 1.3 million. It encompasses 18 incorporated cities and numerous other charming neighborhoods and communities, including downtown’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Hillcrest, Barrio Logan and Chula Vista.
Why study English in San Diego?
San Diego is renowned for its idyllic climate, 70 miles of beaches and world-class attractions for all ages, including the famous San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, SeaWorld, and Legoland California. In San Diego’s East County, the terrain varies from gentle foothills to mile-high mountains and the historic mining town, Julian, down to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, providing visitors with endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, observe wildlife and much more. Wine growers in the region make excellent wines, which are served at some of the most elegant restaurants and resorts. Along the west, the Pacific Ocean coastline allows for year-round outdoor recreation, such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming, and important scientific research takes place at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. To the south, visitors can go to Mexico, especially including Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada.
San Diego’s arts and culture and culinary arts are booming. In Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States, there are 15 museums, numerous art galleries, beautiful gardens, and The Globe Theatre. The city features 92 golf courses and a variety of exciting sports, luxury spas, gaming, annual special events, and multicultural festivals and celebrations. San Diego County promises a truly remarkable experience for everyone.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
In San Diego and La Jolla, Marshall Language Services works with the following schools:
- College of English Language (CEL) San Diego (San Diego and Pacific Beach)
- EC San Diego (La Jolla)
- Kaplan San Diego
Images of San Diego, California
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
Seaport Village
A waterfront shopping and dining area in Downtown on West Harbor Drive, with 54 unique shops and eateries. Visitors can enjoy looking at passing yachts and ships on the picturesque San Diego Bay or catch the the Old Town Trolley Tour, which passes the major attractions in the city.
Old Town
As the place where the first Spanish settlement was created, the 19th century history of San Diego is brought to life in the Old Town’s 40 specialty shops, the adobe properties that house them, the restaurants and historic sites. Nearby is the Whaley House, known as the most haunted house in America and several Mexican restaurants.
Balboa Park
Located in downtown San Diego, it is home to the San Diego Zoo and the city’s cultural hub. The park includes many gardens, the picturesque Spanish Village with 37 art studios and galleries, and the Botanical Building. It also houses the Old Globe Theatre, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, and the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater for children. The museums include the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts, the Hall of Champions Sports Museum, an automotive museum, the Mingei International Museum, the Air and Space Museum, the Model Railroad Museum, the Fleet Science Center and the Museum of Man.
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
One of the largest zoos in the United States, it houses one of the largest collections of 3,500 rare and endangered animals in the world. Visitors can take the Skyfari aerial tram from one end of the park to the other, and enjoy the animal show and educational film in 4D about the wildlife. At the Safari Park in Escondido, some African animals are on view.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines is an oceanfront reserve featuring various types of flora, including the Torrey Pine, America’s rarest pine tree, salt marshes and waterfowl. Popular trails include the Guy Fleming and Razor Point Trails, and the beach trail leading to the Torrey Pines shore for its views of the sandstone cliffs.
Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is popular for its miles-long shoreline, clean sands, peaceful atmosphere and picturesque scenery. The 130-year-old historic Hotel del Coronado is perched just beyond the sand.
USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway is the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Visitors can explore 60 different exhibits and 29 restored aircraft aboard it, including some from World War II, Operation Desert Storm and the Korean War. There is also the world’s oldest active ship, the Star of India, flight simulators, and fo’c’sle knot tying demonstrations.
Cabrillo National Monument
Located at the southernmost tip of Point Loma, the statue depicts Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who, in 1542, was the first European explorer to navigate the Californian coast. The monument offers incredible views of the Pacific, the Point Loma naval base, and the mountains of Tijuana, Mexico. From the monument there is Cabrillo Road with the Point Loma Tide Pools and the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail that ends right above the bay waters.
Gaslamp Quarter
In the heart of San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is filled with Victorian-style buildings housing a variety of shops, art galleries, theatres, restaurants, bars and clubs. It also hosts many city events year-round, such as the annual Mardi Gras Parade, the Rock and Roll Marathon, and the famous San Diego Comic-Con.
La Jolla Shore and Cove
La Jolla Shore, north of San Diego, is an ideal place to relax, surf, see marine life and enjoy the clean ocean water and sand. Adjacent to the beach is the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which houses two artificial reefs. It is possible to go kayaking, snorkeling scuba diving there. La Jolla Cove is an ecologically protected area that is home to vibrant wildlife both in and out of the water; it is easy to spot sea lions near the cove’s bluffs and tide pools. Visitors can enjoy tours of the Cave Store, the Sunny Jim Cave, the Ellen Browning Scripps Park, and the seawall of the Children’s Pool Beach, for even more wildlife viewing.
San Diego Sea World
Visitors can enjoy rollercoaster rides and animal exhibits, like the shark underwater viewing tunnel, the penguin habitat, which features nearly 300 penguins, or the vast Wild Arctic ride and exhibit, offering a chance to see beluga whales and polar bears.
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach form one giant, connected shoreline in San Diego. Visitors can enjoy skating, bicycling and surfing on the beach or visit the many restaurants, surf shops, retail stores, hotels and bars on Mission Boulevard. Belmont Park is a beachfront amusement park featuring arcades and numerous rides. Pacific Beach is the best place for nightlife.
How to Arrive at your Language Course
San Diego International Airport
Located ten minutes from downtown San Diego, the terminals are easy to navigate and offer a variety of restaurants. Visitors can reach the airport by shuttle, Trolley Service, Taxi, Uber, and CityBus.
From outside San Diego, Amtrak Intercity and COASTER commuter trains link communities and travelers from as far away as Los Angeles and Orange Counties to downtown and coastal North County.
More travel information on San Diego International Airport is visibile here.