Some consider San Diego a party town. It's not really a town, but actually ranks as the 2nd largest city in California with over a million population. Still, its unique neighborhoods, cultural icons, and annual events make guests and locals feel at home. The best weather in the U.S. doesn't deter people from visiting, either.

While things are brewing in Gaslamp Quarter for the upcoming Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day, both in March, San Diego's Heritage Day Parade and Festival attracts massive crowds to the celebration of diversity and culture in mid-July (Feb. 25-27, 2011).

It's an entire weekend of celebrating with concerts, dances and fundraisers- but the most beloved event of the weekend takes place when the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 26, 2011. Bands, drill teams, dance, color guards, floats, step, automobile car clubs and locals with flash will show their stuff in the annual Heritage Parade. It is one of San Diego's most entertaining and unique events that you're not going to see as a tourist visiting San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld or Legoland.

Heritage Weekend Festival is for the people and by the people of San Diego, and it provides one of the best ways for tourists celebrate San Diego. Location: Willie James Jones and Imperial Avenue, continuing east until it reaches Euclid Avenue. Parade ends at the Main Stage at 286 Euclid Avenue, where parade participants are judged.