Start your exploration in the East Village, best known for Petco Park, and in the nearby Gaslamp Quarter — an area The New York Times calls “happening … for the culturati and the hip.” Streets lined with historic Gold Rush–era architecture, much of it impeccably preserved, hold destination restaurants, intriguing music clubs, and student hangouts. Life in San Diego is full of inspiration at every corner.

Downtown living is just steps away from the action and it’s all part of the city’s newly revitalized downtown. Known for its loft residences, boutique hotels, and trend-setting restaurants, San Diego architecture often incorporates unique designs, like hidden rooftop gardens and the steel-domed roof of the San Diego Central Libary. Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States, is less than a mile from campus. This iconic landmark is home to more than a dozen museums, the Old Globe Theatre, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.