San Diego County

County in southwestern California, on the Pacific Ocean and the Mexican border; area 10,909 sq km/4,212 sq mi; population (1990) 2,498,000. San Diego, the capital, dominates the western third of the county. Citrus fruits, market garden crops, and livestock are raised in the centre and north, and there are wineries. Along the coast and in the Peninsular ranges inland, resorts and retirement communities abound.

Other major cities include Coronado, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido, and Oceanside. The Cleveland National Forest occupies much of the centre, and the Anza Borrego Desert State Park much of the east. Camp Pendleton in the northwest is one of many military bases, and there are Indian reservations scattered throughout.