San Diego: From Shady Nicknames to Saintly Titles - How Our Fair City Got Its Name
Ah, San Diego. Land of sunshine, beaches, and... wait, what's the story behind that name, anyway? Buckle up, history buffs (and those who just enjoy a good yarn) because we're diving deep (well, kind of shallow, it's the Pacific Ocean after all) into the origin story of our beloved San Diego.
The Not-So-Saintly Start: A Bay Named Miguel (and Maybe a Shady Past?)
Our story begins in 1542, when a Portuguese explorer named Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo (talk about a mouthful!) sailed into San Diego Bay. Now, Cabrillo wasn't exactly known for his originality. The dude named the bay "San Miguel," which is about as exciting as naming your goldfish "Fishy." Some whispers suggest Cabrillo might have had a less-than-stellar reputation (think "rum-runner" more than "explorer"), but that's a story for another time (and a much stronger drink).
Enter San Diego: A Saintly Upgrade (and a Convenient Day on the Calendar)
Fast forward to 1602. Sebastián Vizcaíno, a Spanish explorer with a name even more fun to say than Cabrillo's, rolls into town (or rather, bay). Vizcaíno wasn't a fan of the whole "San Miguel" thing, and luckily for us, he had a better idea. Here's the funny part: Vizcaíno named the bay and surrounding area "San Diego de Alcalá" because it happened to be the feast day of Saint Didacus of Alcalá (confusing, right?). So, our fair city's name basically boils down to a case of good timing and a saint's day on the calendar.
Moral of the story? Never underestimate the power of a good saint and a catchy name.
From Saintly Beginnings to a City of Sunshine
San Diego de Alcalá eventually morphed into the San Diego we know and love today. The city grew around a mission established by Father Junípero Serra, and the rest, as they say, is history.
So, there you have it! The next time you're soaking up the San Diego sun, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of our city's not-so-secret origin story.
Burning Questions about San Diego's Name: FAQ
How to pronounce "San Diego" like a local?
San DI-ego, not San DEE-ego. Trust us, it sounds way cooler the first way.
How to find Saint Didacus of Alcalá?
While you won't find him walking the beaches these days, you can learn more about him online or visit a Catholic church with some historical knowledge.
How to celebrate San Diego's saintly namesake?
Well, technically, Saint Didacus' feast day is November 12th. But we celebrate San Diego every single day with sunshine, good vibes, and maybe a fish taco or two.
How to get to San Diego?
There are many ways! We have a major international airport, beautiful freeways (if you're feeling adventurous), and even a train station (amtrak, anyone?).
How to have an amazing time in San Diego?
Easy! Just come on down and explore! From world-class beaches to delicious food to exciting attractions, San Diego has something for everyone.
