should i visit san diego

Is San Diego Worth Visiting? 43 Pros and Cons to Consider

San Diego, with its sunny weather, beaches, and vibrant city scene, is a popular destination for travelers looking to explore the west coast of the United States. However, with so many attractions and activities to choose from across California, it can be challenging to decide whether San Diego is worth the visit. In this blog, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of visiting San Diego to help you make an informed decision .

From its beautiful parks and museums to its crowded beaches and high cost of living, we’ll examine both the positive and negative aspects of this famous Californian city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a thrilling urban adventure, our guide will help you decide if San Diego is the right destination for you.

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Is San Diego Worth Visiting?

In short, yes, San Diego is definitely worth visiting . With its year-round excellent weather , miles of sandy beaches, and abundance of attractions, San Diego has something for everyone. While San Diego may be on the pricier side compared to other cities, its many amenities and attractions make it well worth the cost.

Who Is San Diego Good for?

San Diego is an excellent destination for a wide range of travelers. Just about everyone can find something to love about San Diego, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, families, international tourists, and groups alike.

Nature lovers can explore the city’s many parks and gardens, while history buffs can visit museums and historic sites like the USS Midway Museum or the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Families will love the world-famous San Diego Zoo and the LEGOLAND California Park, while foodies can indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities, including surfing, kayaking, and hiking. And for those who enjoy excellent bars, live entertainment, or events, there is plenty of exciting nightlife .

Why is San Diego NOT Worth Visiting?

It is difficult to argue that San Diego is not worth visiting, as it offers a plethora of attractions and activities for tourists to enjoy. However, some people may find the city to be too touristy, crowded, and expensive, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Additionally, some visitors may not be interested in beach-oriented activities and may prefer a more urban or rural setting. Traffic can also be a challenge in the city, and parking can be costly and hard to find.

Lastly, the city has experienced issues with homelessness and crime in certain areas , which may be a concern for some visitors. While San Diego may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s still a beautiful and culturally rich city that many travelers enjoy.

Things to Consider When Visiting San Diego for the First Time

Whether or not you will want to visit certain parts of California is very subjective to your interests and travel style. Let’s dive into the specifics of some positive and negative qualities to help you decide if San Diego is worth visiting and adding to your California trip itinerary!

PROs to Visiting San Diego:

1. Beaches: The city has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including La Jolla Cove, Coronado Island Beach , and Mission Beach. For less crowded, more relaxed beaches keep heading further into north county San Diego.

2. Weather: San Diego has perfect weather almost year-round, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. In the summer, temperatures average about 66°F to 77°F and in the winter about 50°F to 66°F.

3. History: The city has a rich history and cultural heritage, with many museums, landmarks, and festivals to explore, such as in Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter.

4. Attractions: The city is home to several world-renowned attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld . For younger kids, Sesame Place San Diego is worth looking into.

✔️ San Diego Zoo tickets & info ✔️ SeaWorld tickets & info ✔️ Sesame Place tickets & info

5. Diversity: San Diego has a diverse community, which makes it an excellent destination for cultural exploration and diversity appreciation.

6. Art: The city has a strong art scene, with several galleries and public art installations to explore.

7. Military History: The city is home to several military bases, making it a great destination for military history buffs. You can visit sites such as the USS Midway or the San Diego Air & Space Museum .

⭐️ More information + tickets for USS Midway Museum ⭐️

8. Youthful Energy: The city is home to several major universities, which adds to its youthful and intellectual vibrancy.

9. Nightlife: The city has a fantastic nightlife scene, with a range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues to explore.

❗️ Save some $$ and meet a fun group at this San Diego Club Crawl – Nightlife Party Tour

Food: The food scene in San Diego is thriving, with a wide range of restaurants and breweries to try, such as Stone Brewing. Brunch in particular is excellent in San Diego at restaurants such as Morning Glory. And of course, due to its proximity to Mexico, the Mexican food here is top-notch.

10. LGBTQ-Friendly: San Diego has a strong LGBTQ community and is home to several LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods, such as Hillcrest.

11. Golf Courses: The city has several excellent golf courses, such as Torrey Pines and at La Costa Resort and Spa.

12. Theme Parks: The city has several theme parks, such as LEGOLAND and the San Diego Safari Park , which make it a great destination for families.

✔️ LEGOLAND tickets & info ✔️ San Diego Safari Park tickets & info

13. Markets and Festivals: San Diego has several outdoor markets and festivals throughout the year, such as the Little Italy Mercato , CRSSD, and the San Diego County Fair.

14. Outdoor Activities: San Diego has a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, surfing , and kayaking.

Did you know San Diego has some of the best surf spots in California? Make sure to take a lesson for the full SoCal experience! Or if you’re familiar with surfing, rent a board and enjoy the waves.

👉🏽 Learn more here

15. Accessibility: The city is close to several other popular destinations, such as Los Angeles and Tijuana, making it a great hub for exploring Southern California and Northern Mexico.

Interested in taking a quick trip down to Mexico? ✔️ Check out this walking day tour to Tijuana ✔️ Find out if Rosarito Beach is Safe to Visit

16. Parks: San Diego is home to several beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Japanese Friendship Garden and the San Diego Botanic Garden.

17. Craft Beer: The city is known for its excellent craft beer scene, with many local breweries to explore.

⭐️ San Diego Brewery Tour – Visit 3 local breweries! ⭐️

18. Spas: San Diego is home to several excellent spas and wellness centers, making it a great destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

19. Historic Neighborhoods: The city has several historic neighborhoods, such as Old Town San Diego, Point Loma, and the Gaslamp Quarter, which add to its cultural richness.

20. Good Vibes: San Diego has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, which makes it a great destination for relaxation and stress relief.

21. Architecture: The city is home to several beautiful and unique architectural styles, such as the California Bungalow, Craftsman, and Spanish Colonial Revival.

22. Unique Natural Attractions: San Diego is home to several beautiful and unique hidden gems, such as the Sunny Jim Cave and the Potato Chip Rock, that offer visitors a chance to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

23. Shopping: San Diego has several world-class shopping destinations, such as the Fashion Valley Mall and the Westfield UTC Mall.

24. Wildlife: San Diego is a great destination for animal lovers, with several wildlife reserves and animal sanctuaries to explore, such as the Birch Aquarium . Not to mention the many cruises where visitors can see marine life such as dolphins, sea lions, and whales.

👉🏽 THIS is the top-rated San Diego Whale Watching cruise

25. Performing Arts: The city has several beautiful and historic theaters and performance venues, such as the Old Globe Theater and the Spreckels Theatre.

26. Sports: San Diego is a great destination for sports lovers, with several major sports teams, such as the San Diego Padres.

❗️ Find out how you can go Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park HERE

27. Missions and Churches: The city has several beautiful and historic churches and religious sites, such as Mission San Diego de Alcala and the Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church.

28. Waterfront Paths and Parks: The city has several beautiful waterfront parks and promenades, such as the Embarcadero and the Waterfront Park.

CONs to Visiting San Diego:

29. Crowds: San Diego (especially in the popular areas) can be crowded, particularly during peak travel seasons, making it difficult to fully enjoy the attractions.

30. Cost: The cost of everything from accommodation to food and parking can be high, which may not fit into everyone’s budget. However, it’s pretty on par with the cost of other big cities in California, everything that draws tourists or is along the coast will be costly here.

31. Traffic: Traffic can be a major challenge, particularly during rush hour and peak travel times. Parking can be difficult as well and costly, especially in the downtown lots.

32. Safety: While San Diego is generally a very safe area, some parts of the city (tends to be southeast of San Diego’s city center) can be unsafe due to crime and homelessness, which may make visitors feel uncomfortable or uneasy.

33. Costly Attractions: Some of the popular attractions, such as SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, can be expensive, particularly for families.

34. Sprawling Cityscape: The city is quite spread out and consists of many different neighborhoods, making it difficult to get around without a car or ride-sharing services.

35. Weather: While the weather is most often sunny and mild or warm, it can sometimes be unpredictable, with occasional bouts of rain or cooler temperatures, particularly during the winter months .

36. Touristy: The city can be too touristy for some visitors, particularly those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

37. Nightlife: The nightlife scene may not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for a more vibrant and diverse nightlife. There are a handful of excellent bars, breweries, and nightclubs, but you will certainly find bigger and better nightlife in other cities like Los Angeles.

38. Not Enough of a Big City: The city lacks a cohesive downtown area, which may be disappointing for those looking for a more urban feel.

39. Military Presence: San Diego is a major military area, which may not appeal to everyone or might be a trigger for some visitors.

40. Hot Temperatures: San Diego may not be the best destination for those who prefer cold weather or winter sports, though there are still areas within driving distance to access the snow.

41. Crowds: The city can be very busy during major events, such as Comic-Con, which may make it difficult to navigate and enjoy the city.

42. Too Much of a Big City: The city can be overwhelming for those who are not used to the pace of a large city, particularly those coming from smaller towns or rural areas.

43. Busy Beaches: The beaches can be busy and may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer a more secluded or natural setting.

FAQs to Determine if San Diego Is Worth It

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Is San Diego Safe?

San Diego is generally considered a safe city . While like any other city, there are some areas that have higher crime rates than others, the overall crime rate in San Diego is lower than the national average. The city also has a strong police presence and numerous community programs aimed at crime prevention . However, it is always important to remain aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

What Areas Should I Avoid in San Diego?

There are a few areas that visitors may want to avoid or exercise caution when visiting , particularly at night. One of these areas is East Village, which has a higher crime rate than some of the other neighborhoods in the city. However, during the day, even East Village is generally safe and is near many popular attractions.

Is San Diego a Walkable City?

San Diego is a relatively walkable city, particularly in some of its more densely populated neighborhoods like Downtown, Little Italy, and North Park. These areas are home to many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options that are within easy walking distance.

However, San Diego is also a large city with many suburban areas that may not be as walkable, so it’s important to do some research and plan ahead if you want to explore the city on foot. Additionally, the city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trolleys , which can make it easier to get around if walking isn’t an option.

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Where Are the Best Places to Stay in San Diego?

San Diego has a variety of great neighborhoods to stay in, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. Some of the best areas to stay in San Diego include Downtown , which is the city’s central business district and home to many of its top attractions, including the Gaslamp Quarter and the USS Midway Museum.

La Jolla , located on the coast, is another popular neighborhood known for its beautiful beaches, upscale shops, and restaurants. Coronado Island, just across the bay from downtown, is a picturesque community with a small-town feel and the iconic Hotel Del Coronado .

Other great neighborhoods to consider include North Park , a trendy area with an artsy vibe and great nightlife, and Hillcrest , which is known for its LGBTQ-friendly establishments including diverse dining options and a lively atmosphere.

Best Hotels to Stay In

San Diego offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. For travelers looking for luxury, some of the best places to stay include The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla , which boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a world-class golf course, the historic Hotel Del Coronado located on the beautiful Coronado Island, or The US Grant , a luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown San Diego.

Mid-range travelers may want to consider staying at the Kimpton Solamar Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, which offers a boutique hotel experience with stylish accommodations and a rooftop pool, or the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown , which offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location near popular attractions.

For budget travelers, options include the ITH Hostels Downtown San Diego , which offers dorm-style and private rooms at an affordable rate, or the Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle , which provides basic amenities and a convenient location at an affordable price.

Is San Diego Cheap or Expensive?

San Diego is generally considered to be an expensive city , particularly when compared to other cities in the United States. The cost of living in San Diego is higher than the national average, with housing being one of the biggest expenses. However, there are still ways to experience San Diego on a budget that makes it worth visiting.

For example, there are many free or low-cost activities , such as hiking in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or visiting Balboa Park’s free museums and attractions. Additionally, there are a variety of budget-friendly accommodations , including hostels, motels, and Airbnbs, as well as plenty of affordable dining options.

So while San Diego may not be the cheapest destination, it is still possible to enjoy all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank.

Is San Diego a Beautiful Place?

Yes, San Diego is widely regarded as a beautiful place , with its stunning beaches, coastal cliffs, and year-round mild climate. The city’s natural beauty is complemented by its vibrant cultural scene, world-class attractions, and charming neighborhoods.

What’s So Great About San Diego?

San Diego is a fantastic destination for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back vibe. The city is home to a diverse array of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions, as well as world-renowned museums, outdoor activities, and award-winning dining and craft beer scenes.

San Diego also serves as a gateway to some of Southern California’s top destinations , including Disneyland, Los Angeles, and Joshua Tree National Park.

Why Do Tourists Go to San Diego?

Tourists find San Diego worth visiting for a variety of reasons , including its excellent beaches and surf, mild weather, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is also home to many world-class attractions , including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and SeaWorld, as well as a thriving culinary and craft beer scene.

What Is the Most Popular City/Area in San Diego?

As the largest city in San Diego County, San Diego has many popular areas and neighborhoods. However, one of the most iconic and popular neighborhoods in San Diego is undoubtedly La Jolla .

Located on the coast, La Jolla is known for its marine life spotting and snorkeling as well as upscale shops and restaurants.

Other popular areas in San Diego include Downtown , with its bustling Gaslamp Quarter , and Coronado Island , known for its historic Hotel Del Coronado and of course, beautiful beaches.

Why Is La Jolla So Popular?

La Jolla is a popular destination for a variety of reasons. One of the main draws is its stunning coastline, which features some of the most picturesque beaches and cliffs in California. La Jolla Cove in particular is known for its fantastic snorkeling, and you will likely spot quite a few seals and sea lions.

The area is also known for its upscale shops (such as along Girard Avenue ), restaurants, and galleries, making it a popular destination for shopping and dining.

Additionally, La Jolla is home to numerous research institutions , including the University of California San Diego and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, which attract a diverse group of scholars, researchers, and students to the area.

How Many Days Should You Spend in San Diego?

The ideal length of a trip to San Diego depends on individual preferences and interests. However, most visitors find it’s typically worth the visit to spend three to five days exploring the city and its surrounding areas.

This allows enough time to visit top attractions as well as experience the city’s beaches, dining scene, and cultural offerings. Additionally, with its proximity to Baja California and northern Mexico, it often serves as a gateway for adventures into Mexico.

What Is the Best Month to Go to San Diego?

The best time to visit San Diego is generally from March through May (when you can see the epic flower blooms) or from September through November when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. During these months, temperatures are typically in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit (15-25 Celsius), making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

Summer months, from June to August, tend to be the hottest and most crowded , with temperatures often reaching the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (27-32 degrees Celsius). While the crowds are larger and more hectic during summer, it’s also the time when many of San Diego’s seasonal attractions are open, such as the San Diego County Fair and outdoor concerts.

Winter months, from December to February, tend to be cooler and might be rainy, but also offer fewer crowds and lower hotel rates. Plus, there are plenty of holiday activities that travelers may enjoy.

What Is the Cheapest Month to Visit San Diego?

The cheapest month to visit San Diego is typically January. This is because it’s the coldest and rainiest month, which can make it less appealing for visitors.

However, if you don’t mind cooler temperatures and some rain, January can be a great time to save money on travel and accommodations. Additionally, February and December can also offer lower prices on accommodations, but it’s important to keep in mind that prices may be higher during the holiday season.

Overall, traveling during the off-season or shoulder season can often result in lower prices, but it’s important to weigh the savings against potential weather and other factors that may affect your trip to decide if San Diego is worth visiting at this time of year.

Is San Diego or Los Angeles Better to Visit?

Whether San Diego or Los Angeles is better to visit largely depends on personal preferences and interests. San Diego is known for its laid-back beach culture , world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo, and fantastic food and craft beer scenes. It’s also more compact and easier to navigate than sprawling Los Angeles.

On the other hand, Los Angeles is known for its Hollywood glamour , diverse neighborhoods, and iconic attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios. It’s a larger city with more to see and do, but it can also be more challenging to get around due to traffic and distance.

Ultimately, both cities offer unique experiences, attractions, great food, and beaches, and visitors can choose based on their interests and priorities.

>>> Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting? 43 Pros and Cons to Consider

Is It Cheaper to Stay in San Diego or LA?

Generally speaking, it is cheaper to stay in San Diego than in Los Angeles. However, neither city is considered cheap and prices do not vary THAT drastically.

While both cities have a wide range of accommodations available at different price points, San Diego typically offers more affordable options. This is partly because San Diego is a smaller city and has a lower cost of living overall, which can translate to lower hotel rates.

Additionally, Los Angeles is a major tourist destination with many high-end hotels and luxury accommodations, which can drive up prices. However, it’s important to note that prices can vary widely depending on the specific location , time of year, and level of amenities you’re looking for, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices and do your research before booking your stay.

Is San Diego Cleaner Than Los Angeles?

Generally, San Diego is considered to be cleaner than Los Angeles . San Diego is known for its well-kept beaches, parks, and open spaces, and the city takes pride in keeping them clean and well-maintained. Los Angeles is also a much bigger city which makes it harder to keep clean.

San Diego has also implemented programs to reduce litter and pollution, such as its Clean SD initiative , which aims to reduce litter and encourage sustainable practices. While Los Angeles has also made efforts to improve its cleanliness in recent years, it still faces challenges with litter, pollution, and homelessness in many areas.

Ultimately, both cities have their own unique charms and attractions, and visitors can choose based on their interests and priorities.

How Far Apart Are LA and San Diego?

LA and San Diego are located about 120 miles (193 kilometers) apart, with driving time between the two cities taking roughly two to three hours depending on traffic. There are several transportation options available between the two cities, including flying, driving, taking a train or bus, or even taking a private shuttle service.

While it’s possible to make a day trip from one city to the other, many visitors choose to spend a few days exploring each destination in depth.

If you’re thinking about renting a car in California (which is highly recommended) make sure to check out DiscoverCars . They compare prices across leading car rental companies to find you the best deals and lowest prices.

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SO, Is San Diego Worth Visiting?

In conclusion, San Diego is definitely worth visiting for a variety of reasons . From its stunning beaches and world-class attractions to its laid-back vibe and fantastic food and drink scenes, San Diego has something to offer every type of traveler.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history , soaking up the sun on the beach, or indulging in some delicious seafood and craft beer, San Diego has it all. With its mild climate and welcoming atmosphere, San Diego is a destination that visitors can enjoy year-round . So if you’re looking for a fun and memorable vacation, San Diego is definitely worth considering.

Related Posts: 11 Best Places to Stay in San Diego for a Bachelorette Party San Diego’s Dog Society: Revew + Info! Is San Francisco Worth Visiting?

☀️ California FAQs ☀️

✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to California? 1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible 2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal

❗ Is Travel Insurance Required in the U.S.? No, it’s not. However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing . It covers some medical as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care. >>> CLICK HERE FOR INFO

☔️  When Is the Best Time to Visit California? Summer (June-August) – is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. Some parts of the state get “June Gloom” where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day. Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).

🏠 Where Should You Stay in California? Hotels, vacation rentals, and house-sitting are all available for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are: • Booking.com • Vrbo • Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)

🌴 Where Can You Find Tours? I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.

🚘 Should You Rent a Car in California? I very highly recommend  renting a car  in California so you don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! California is fantastic for road trips – there is SO much to see up and down the coast. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option. >>> Best car rental rates and deals

Janelle Axton is a travel consultant and owner of Make the Trip Matter, a service dedicated to helping people create a lifestyle around frequent travel and extended time abroad. She grew up in California and spent time living abroad in Ireland in addition to traveling to over 25 countries.

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PRESENTED BY SAN DIEGO TOURISM

The essential guide to visiting San Diego

Here’s all the info you need to explore the southern California city’s sunny beaches, eclectic museums, and charming historic neighborhoods.

Why you should visit San Diego

Seventy miles of sun-kissed coastline . The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Pop-culture fest Comic-Con . California’s first Catholic mission .

Best time to visit San Diego

Spring:   In March and April, golden yarrows, mariposa lilies, and California poppies burst forth in Mission Trails Regional Park . Pink and white blooms star in March’s Cherry Blossom Festival in the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum .

Summer: Temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit make summer an ideal time to walk, surf, or sunbathe on local beaches like Torrey Pines   and La Jolla Shores . Iconic seasonal events include Comic-Con International downtown and the S an Diego Pride Parade , which brings up to 300,000 revelers to Hillcrest.

Autumn:   Experience one of the country’s largest Day of the Dead processions (plus live music and food vendors) in Barrio Logan . Snorkel amid the (harmless) leopard sharks in La Jolla in September, the best time to spot the timid creatures.

Winter:   From December to March, around 20,000 gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California, passing through the deep waters off the San Diego coast. Take a whale-watching cruise from Mission Bay, keeping an eye out for dolphin mega pods. February is Museum Month , with half-price admission to over 40 city showplaces, including the Whaley House Museum in Old Town, the USS Midway Museum in downtown, and the Women’s Museum of California   in Balboa Park.

Lay of the land

Coastal neighborhoods:   Traveling south, stop at Gliderport for the hang-gliding school in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve . (Tip: Tandem rides offer amazing ocean views.) Avoid tourist-clogged Mission Beach and head instead to the coastal village of La Jolla , set amid pine trees, craggy cliffs, and sparkling tide pools. Visit the recently revamped Museum of Contemporary Art , then catch a Broadway musical at La Jolla Playhouse , founded by actor Gregory Peck in 1945.

Urban neighborhoods:   Historic Gaslamp Quarter , with its Victorian-style flickering streetlights, is the city’s nightlife hub. Dance to hip-hop and electronica at Bloom or soak up the views of the bay from Altitude Sky Lounge . Nearby, Little Italy   comprises 48 square blocks of outdoor restaurants, patio cafés, and wineries. Stop for a slice at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto (established in 1950) then head five minutes north to the famed Ballast Point Brewery , which has more than 25 beers on tap.

Inland neighborhoods:   Historic neighborhoods east of downtown include Old Town , the first European settlement in California, where you can drop by the 19th-century adobe Casa de Estudillo . In nearby Mission Valley, explore California’s first church: the serene, whitewashed Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá . Hillcrest holds gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as The Center —the heart of San Diego’s LGTBQ+ community since 1971.

Getting around San Diego

By bus:   MTS operates bus routes throughout the city. Plan your trip and buy tickets at the MTS website or on the PRONTO app. Greyhound   and   Flixbus   offer regular daily services to San Diego from all major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

By car:   With about 1,800 charging stations across the city, San Diego is one of the most EV-friendly destinations in the U.S. No matter what you drive, parking can be a challenge, so check Parkopedia for nearby lots and parking structures, and use ride-shares when possible.

By train:   Amtrak   connects San Diego with many U.S. cities. Pacific Surfliner runs north and south along the coast from Oakland to the Downtown San Diego Amtrak Station, with stops at San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.

By trolley:   The bright-red, eco-friendly San Diego trolley crisscrosses through the city, connecting neighborhoods such as downtown, Old Town, and Mission Valley.

Know before you go

Languages: English is the official language, but many people speak Spanish as well.

Wildlife awareness:   Stingrays are ubiquitous in the summer months; remember to shuffle your feet through the sand when entering the ocean to warn them you are coming.

LGBTQ+:   San Diego has the 7th highest LGBTQ+ population in the U.S. In a 2023 report by financial news website 24/7 Wall St., California was ranked the most queer-friendly state in the country. Just north of Balboa Park,   Hillcrest is home to Rich’s , a celebrated gay club, and Hillcrest Brewing Company , which claims to be the world’s first gay brewery.

How to visit San Diego sustainably

Outdoors: San Diego was recently ranked the Greenest City in America . Cycling lanes are abundant; use the regional bike map to navigate. San Diego Natural History Museum offers a new native plant nature trail and a canyoneer-led hiking program with guided walks through desert, beach, or mountain wilderness.  

Shopping:   In hip   North Park , browse along Main Street for locally made gifts, jewelry, and vintage clothing. For secondhand surfboards, try Bird’s Surf Shed   near Mission Bay.

Dining:   Visit restaurants under the Farm to Fork   banner. Members are committed to ethically sourced food and support local farmers and fishermen. Look for the summer 2024 opening of Michelin star chef Drew Deckman’s Watershed . The North Park restaurant will donate 1 percent of monthly revenue to sustainable farming projects.

What to read and watch

The House of Broken Angels , by Luis Alberto Urrea. This Mexican-American family saga explores issues surrounding immigration, identity, and loss in San Diego and across the border.

Mister Magic , by Kiersten White. The San Diegan horror writer serves up a creepy tale of 1990s child television stars who reunite to solve a cold case.

Veronica Mars , directed by Rob Thomas. San Diego stood in for the fictional Neptune, California, in this beachy noir TV series (and movie) starring Kristen Bell as a hardboiled, soft-hearted teenage sleuth.

For more local literature, visit the San Diego Festival of Books in August.

( For more tips on what to do in San Diego, see our Explorer’s Guide .)

Related Topics

• CITY GUIDES
• TRANSPORTATION

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11 Reasons Why You Should Visit San Diego

San Diego, California’s second largest city, is accessible via plane, train, and automobile. With the Pacific Ocean to the West and Mexico to the South, it’s a diverse mixture of culture and cuisine, with gorgeous weather year-round. Here are 11 reasons to check out San Diego on your next vacation.

The weather.

San Diego’s weather is lovely all year long . In winter months, lows average in the high 40s and low 50s, with highs in the mid-60s. Summers are warm, but not crushingly hot like other, more inland parts of California. Lows are in the mid- to high 60s, and highs are in the mid-70s. There are few rainy days, with an average of 263 sunny or only partly-cloudy days each year. Snow is exceedingly rare, and hasn’t happened since 1967 .

The Beaches

The History

San Diego is considered the birthplace of California, as Old Town San Diego is where the first Spanish settlement was established in 1769 (though Native Americans had already been living here long before that date). Later, Father Junipero Serra built the first of 21 Californian missions in San Diego. Many historic buildings have been preserved in Old Town San Diego, and you can still tour missions in the area today. Another key piece of history can be found in Balboa Park, where several buildings were erected for the Panama California Exposition in 1915.

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San Diego’s culinary scene has really been picking up in the last couple years, with many restaurants taking advantage of the city’s fresh produce and unpretentious nature. Enjoy authentic cuisine from small, independently owned eateries, or innovative dishes from a diverse host of talented chefs at restaurants including Jsix, Galaxy Taco, KINDRED, and Juniper & Ivy. Or, dig into Cali-Baja , San Diego’s regional cuisine that blends Californian and Mexican Baja Med styles.

The Nightlife

San Diego has a bustling nightlife scene, particularly in the Gaslamp Quarter Pacific Beach and Hillcrest. Whether you’re hoping to go dancing, sing karaoke, or take in a show, you’ll find something that fits your agenda. Find comedy clubs, drag shows, honky tonks, live music, DJs and more, every night of the week.

Animal Adventures

Not only can guests stop by the San Diego Zoo, but there’s also the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and SeaWorld San Diego. Each offers educational opportunities and the chance to see majestic animals with your own eyes. For a more-hands on experience visit Sky Falconry, where you can learn to interact with trained hawks, vultures, and falcons.

Stunning coastal views can be found in several public parks and beaches, including Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Black’s Beach and Sunset Cliffs. If you like your views without the hikes, try George’s at the Cove in La Jolla, where a meal or cocktail on the Ocean Terrace comes with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean.

San Diego may get a lot of attention for surf and sand, but their art scene is nothing to dismiss. Museums include the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Photogenic Arts, Mingei International Museum, the Timken Museum and the San Diego Art Institute. Yet that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface, as independent galleries abound, especially in neighborhoods like North Park and Barrio Logan. Barrio Logan is also home to the largest collection of Chicano art murals around in Chicano Park.

The Neighborhoods

San Diego neighborhoods are unique, offering a variety of experiences in one city. Visit Old Town for some California history or the Gaslamp Quarter for a thriving nightlife scene. Hillcrest is LGBTQ-friendly and fun, with plenty of cool shops and boutiques to peruse. Try Little Italy for fantastic Italian cuisine, or Barrio Logan for authentic Mexican fare. When you want to hit the beach, try Pacific Beach for lots of bars and restaurants, or La Jolla if you want a quieter, but no less scenic, experience.

Proximity to Mexico

There are few American cities where you can just walk across the border into another country, but San Diego is one of them. Though you will need to plan ahead and allow time to get back and forth across the border, you can easily break up a trip to San Diego with a night in Tijuana.

The Adult Beverages

When it comes to drinks, San Diego is a prime city for beer lovers, with over 125 breweries in the county. Yet there are also hotspots that appeal to those who prefer to imbibe sans hops. For cocktails, try You & Yours Distilling, speakeasy Noble Experiment or rooftop bar Fairweather. Whiskey lovers can veer towards Aero Club, a classic dive in operation since the mid-century, featuring hundreds of whiskeys to try.

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Ultimate Travel Guide to San Diego: A Local’s Guide on What to Do, Where to Stay + More

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: March 10, 2024

San Diego is as amazing as it sounds. With seventy-degree weather year-round on average and very little rain, a visit to San Diego should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Southern California boasts numerous fantastic beach towns in greater San Diego. This guide helps tailor your visit to fit your travel style perfectly.

This blog covers San Diego neighborhoods, featuring top attractions, dining spots, and accommodation details. For a concise guide on favorite beaches, hikes, and climbs, visit our ‘Outdoor Adventure Guide to San Diego.

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What’s So Great About San Diego?

I’ve tried to escape San Diego.

I’ve complained about the traffic, the cost of living, and the rat race, but after four years of trying to escape this city for something smaller and with more sharp jagged mountains, I’ve learned to understand why this is America’s Finest City.

I was born and raised in San Diego.  Graduated from SDSU, ran a business in Coronado for 20 years, and delivered all 5 of my babies here. The city has changed a lot over those 43 years, but in many ways, it’s stayed true to its roots.  

I realized I’ve written detailed blogs about various places, but I haven’t tapped into my extensive knowledge about San Diego. With four decades of personal experience, I aim to help you uncover why so many are drawn to America’s Finest City.

San Diego: Surf culture meets Hispanic influence at the southwestern US border. Beyond waves and burritos, discover its diverse allure.

San Diego’s food scene boasts Kombucha and Kava bars, dog-friendly breweries, and cafes selling flowers and succulents, catering to diverse tastes.

Most importantly, don’t just think that all our beaches are the same.

Want to find some sand dollars? Head to Silver Strand at low tide. Want a sandy shore for young kids to play? Head to La Jolla shores. Want to surf a chillwave? Head to Tourmaline. Want to watch the best sunsets? Head to the pier at OB.

When to Visit San Diego

Any time of year is fantastic, but January stands out. Locals might find it chilly with temperatures in the mid-sixties on the coast and rarely any rain.

One of my other favorite times to be in San Diego is November and December, but it does get crowded during the holidays.

San Diego’s ocean stoke: Spring winds challenge surf, aim for sunrise; summer’s mellow waves are perfect for learning.

Shuffle feet in shallow waters at San Diego beaches to avoid stingrays. Seek lifeguard help if stung for hot water treatment.

Getting Around San Diego

San Diego traffic is notorious; avoid beach-to-city drives during peak hours by considering alternate transportation like the train.

More than likely you’re going to want to rent a car when you visit San Diego.

Public transportation via the bus system and trolley isn’t recommended for regular use, except for occasional trips like reaching a Padre Game. Sticking to beach towns such as Pacific or Mission Beach allows for car-free exploration, relying on Uber/Lyft and trendy electric scooters prevalent in these areas.

Use the search box below to find cheap car rentals in San Diego:

San Diego Go Card

In San Diego, numerous free activities like beaches, parks, and hikes abound, but for paid attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and others, consider the San Diego GO Card for access to nearly 50 sites.

I’ve highlighted many of the GO Card attractions in colored boxes like this one.

San Diego’s Central Neighborhoods

Downtown: gaslamp district + little italy.

Stay in Downtown San Diego for easy access to restaurants, bars, a vibrant farmers market, Petco Park, Seaport Village, and the USS Midway aircraft museum. Don’t miss the ferry to Coronado Island!

If you are looking for some exercise, walk or run along Harbor Drive .

You can even ride the train from Downtown up the coast to Oceanside and not have to deal with San Diego traffic.

If you love adrenaline like I do, then my suggestion would be to get on the water. There are many cool ways to do that here but I think the one that appeals to me most personally is the San Diego Speed Boat Adventures . These 13 foot, 2 passenger boats are super safe and easy to drive, but what I like most is that it’s a self guided tour, which means I can go as fast or slow as I want. The San Diego Speed Boat Adventures is part of the San Diego GO Card.

If you do get out on the water, head out towards the tip of Point Loma. Besides getting views of all the tourist attractions I’ve just mentioned- Navy Ships, Midway, Coronado Bridge, Star of India, and the Seaport Village, there’s a good chance of seeing seal lions and dolphins on your way out and I think the views of Cabrillo National Park from the water are epic. You might even see some whales or surfers in the water out at the point.

A more mellow way to enjoy the San Diego Harbor is on a Hornblower Cruise, which is also part of the San Diego GO Card .

There are so many choices for food in the Gaslamp District and Little Italy. If you are uber health-conscious or vegan, you’ll want to check out Cafe Gratitude. It can be a bit pricey but they have delicious and unique vegan meals.

Now, if you don’t have dietary restrictions and you want a delicious, affordable meal, head to Filippis in Little Italy (there are 13 other locations spread out in San Diego too).

For coffee, check out James Coffee Co . This dog-friendly, totally hipster coffee shop has great coffee and a chill vibe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Coffee Co. (@jamescoffeeco) on Oct 8, 2019 at 8:12am PDT

Ironically, I think the Princess Pub (yep, it’s an English Pub) has the absolute best fish tacos so if you’re in the mood for that you might want to check it out however, the other food is pretty average.

Little Italy is also famous for its numerous wine restaurants and bars .

This San Diego neighborhood is the place to go for Mexican heritage, historical sites, colorful shops, and eclectic restaurants. Two fun, popular (and crowded) events here each year are Cinco de Mayo and the Day of the Dead festival.

My favorite part of Old Town is the Fiesta del Reyes section of Old Town. It’s home to one of our favorite chocolate shops, Nibble , which not only sells the best chocolate but also has amazing coffee drinks.

You can also sign up here for a tequila, Tacos, and Culinary Tour of Old Town.

You have to make time for Point Loma’s Sunset Cliffs , an obviously great spot to watch the sunset, but I think equally wonderful at sunrise. One of my favorite things to do in Point Loma is go for a run along Sunset Cliffs.

I love surfing here when the swell is big. Tide plays a big factor though for both surfing and exploration so make sure you are aware of if the tide is coming up or down. Note though that this is not a good place for kids to play since the tide can rise quite fast.

A better option for tide pooling would be Cabrillo National Monument or if you don’t want to pay the entrance fee there, La Jolla Cove also has great tide pooling. Check here for the tide schedule.

Point Loma has an abundance of options at Liberty Station .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Liberty Station (@libertystation) on Dec 18, 2019 at 5:40pm PST

Besides the Liberty Public Market , which is a huge European Market like Torvehallerne in Copenhagen , there’s the popular brewery, Stone Brewing Co , 50’s themed Corvette Diner , Trader Joe’s , and great cafes.

North + South Park

This is where you’ll want to head to if you want to see the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. It’s also a great place to check out San Diego’s hipster restaurants, cafes, and breweries.

If you love animals, you can’t miss the San Diego Zoo . Growing up and getting to go here so often might have made me a little jaded about how amazing our zoo is. In the summer, the nighttime attractions are extra fun for kids and grown-ups alike.

If you can visit The Zoo during the school year on a non-holiday, you will love getting up close encounters with the animals. Remember they are more active in the morning and evening when the temperature is cooler so try to plan your trip accordingly.

The San Diego Zoo is big and will require a full day to take it in. You might want to consider paying for the bus tour if you don’t feel up for a day of intense hiking because there are a lot of hills here.

If you choose to visit the San Diego Zoo, it might be worth getting the San Diego GO Card.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by balboapark (@balboapark) on Aug 20, 2019 at 3:34pm PDT

Balboa Park is very pretty and a great spot for photos and enjoying a picnic. The museums are great but can be crowded on the weekends and in peak summer so if this is high on your priority list, get here right when it opens. Parking can also be challenging during those peak times.

The museums can be quite expensive when paid for individually but are part of the San Diego GO Card .

You have so many great food choices in North Park off University Avenue and El Cajon Blvd.

My favorite is Tiger! Tiger! for craft beer and pork sandwiches, although there are a lot of other great specialties on their menu. For thin-crust pizza and beer go to URBN North Park .

There’s also City Tacos for Mexican food, Poki One N Half , Street Side Thai Kitchen , and the famous Chicken Pie Shop .

For breakfast, check out the Mission North Park or Breakfast Republic .

For coffee, my absolute favorite is Dark Horse Coffee Roasters . If you love chocolate, make sure to try their mocha. And if succulents and flowers are your thing, you have to check out Communal Coffee . There’s Figaro Dessert Cafe nearby, which I haven’t tried but looks delicious.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by C O M M U N A L C O F F E E (@communalcoffee) on Nov 26, 2019 at 6:00am PST

When it comes to breweries I love Mike Hess , Modern Times , and Thorn St Brewing . You’ll have to try them all and decide which your favorite is.

In South Park, all the locals I talk to agree that hands down the best place to eat is Buona Forchetta . It’s the place to go for upscale Italian food and their wine list is incredible!

I’m usually drawn to breweries so my recommendation is Station Tavern if you’re craving beer and burgers or Hamilton’s Tavern for beer and brats.

Last, for live music and nightlife, check out a show at The Observatory .  See upcoming events here.

Where to Stay near Downtown + Central San Diego

If you’re looking to be as close as possible to the nightlife and restaurants, you’ll want to stay as close to the Gaslamp District as possible.

• For budget options, try HI Downtown Hostel Good Nite Inn , or ITH Adventure Hostel
• For mid-range try the Pacific Inn and the Hampton Inn Downtown
• For luxury accommodation stay at Sonder – The William Penn or Staypineapple in Gaslamp.

If you are traveling with kids, you’ll probably prefer staying near one of the Beach Neighborhoods listed below instead.

San Diego’s Central Beach Neighborhoods

All three of these beach neighborhoods–Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach–are my recommended places to stay on your first visit to San Diego .  From all three of these neighborhoods, you can walk, bike, or rent a scooter to get around.

It’s really not that important to see all three so I suggest you pick one and immerse yourself in its unique beauty.  There are public restrooms at all of these beaches, plenty of food options, and are still close to all the attractions listed in the above section.

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is my fav . If you want an authentic San Diego surf town vibe, this is where it’s at. I mean, you can go up to La Jolla and Encinitas (and I do love Cardiff), but they are missing that down-to-earth SoCal vibe that you’ll get here.

PB may be known as the party town of San Diego but for the majority of the day, it isn’t true. I spend most days in PB when I’m in San Diego and don’t let the few PB crazies make you nervous. They’re harmless and if you want to avoid them, stay away from Starbucks by Grand Ave, which shouldn’t be a problem since PB has so many great coffee shops.

When I just want the best quality coffee, I go to Birdrock Coffee on Garnet (although there are other locations). If you want to sit down for coffee and some food (best scones here) then go to Brick and Bell on Cass St.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (@birdrockcoffeeroasters) on Jan 14, 2020 at 8:05am PST

Millennials might like Better Buzz which has 3 different locations within Pacific Beach. The vibe is cool but I won’t go there because it’s overly trendy, and corporate (we prefer to support local small business), and I think the coffee is mediocre. But if you like spending $10 for good avocado toast, go for it.

Hit up the Trader Joe’s in PB right when you arrive; grab avocados, sun-dried tomatoes, and sourdough for a week’s worth of savings!

I love surfing by Crystal Pie r or in front of Law Street and when the waves get too heavy, I go a bit further north to a great beginner-friendly break, Tourmaline .

Even if you don’t surf you’ll love walking the stretch of beach or boardwalk from Tourmaline to the pier. If you keep walking south you’ll end up in Mission Beach and can easily rent a scooter or Uber to bring you back.

There are so many great places to eat in PB that I can’t narrow it down to the top few, but I will say, the better restaurants are not on the beach. For the best meals, you need to check out restaurants a few blocks away from Mission Blvd.

Mission Beach

Between PB and OB is Mission Beach, which is lined with restaurants, surf shops, bike rentals, and bars. I rarely go here so I can’t fully vouch for it. Mission Beach combines the classically touristy California boardwalk with a beachfront amusement park, Belmont Park.

Belmont Park is also part of the Go Card and gives you unlimited rides on the rollercoaster, access to laser tag, sky ropes, mini-golf, and two turns on the zip line.

If you surf, check out the south jetty, but all along the beach is good for newbies on a fuller tide (stick to a 3-foot tide or bigger). There’s also the wave pool here by Belmont Park.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is adjacent to Mission Beach and Pacific Beach and also where you’ll find SeaWorld. This is where I live half the year and growing up this was my favorite place in San Diego to go.

Weekends get crowded but during the week the vibe is super chill.

Enjoy morning runs, picnics, and kids’ play at campgrounds. Rent bikes for Bay and Fiesta Island tours. End with bonfires, Sea World fireworks at Mission Bay, Fiesta Island, or Ski Beach (my fave).

Note that the gate to Fiesta Island is locked each night at 10 pm. Many vans and RVs stay parked overnight even though it’s technically not allowed but occasionally police roll through and ticket everyone. It’s up to you if you want to roll the dice.

If you want a nice bike ride or long run, park at De Anza Cove on Mission Bay and follow the sidewalks all along Mission Bay. You can even get to OB, MB, and PB on the bike routes.

Sea World, also on the Go Card , is in Mission Bay and if you visit in the summer, you may want to look into signing your kids up for a week-long Sea World camp while you and your spouse get some adult time to explore America’s Finest City.

Ocean Beach

While you will see a lot of people living out of their cars here and there is no shortage of dreadlocks and guitars strumming, OB is the safe, fun, and fairly affordable area to stay in. 

One of my favorite things to do in OB is watch the sunset from Wonderland Bar. If you are traveling with a dog, Dog Beach in OB is where it’s at.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wonderland Ocean Pub (@wonderlandoceanbeach) on Dec 30, 2019 at 3:00pm PST

I love surfing here! Here are some tips if you come here to shred:

• The jetty, on the north side by Dog Beach, is a fast right and you must respect the locals.
• If you’re a newbie, stick to the waves directly in front of dog beach.
• Intermediate surfers will like Avalanche, the jetty in the center of the beach, or surfing the Pier.

Where to Stay near Central San Diego Beaches

If you are looking for a centrally located and affordable hotel to stay at in San Diego, check out these:

• Best budget: California Dreams Hostel + ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel
• Best mid range (beachfront): Pacific Terrace Hotel and Surfer Beach Hotel in PB + Ocean Villa Inn in Ocean Beach + Campland On the Bay campground on Mission Bay
• Best luxury: Tower 23 Hotel at the PB pier + Blue Sea Beach Hotel on the Mission Beach Boardwalk

San Diego’s North County Beach Neighborhoods

If you want less grunge and a more upscale beach scene, then La Jolla, Del Mar, or Encinitas are where you want to be.

If you like shopping, fancier restaurants, and gorgeous views, stay in La Jolla. There are two parts to La Jolla and they aren’t really easy to walk from one to the other. 

La Jolla Cove is where the seals are on the beach and is within walking distance of all the great restaurants and shopping. 

La Jolla Shores: Perfect for families and beginner surfers. Enjoy ample amenities, and gentle waves, but arrive early for parking.

Within walking distance, there are great places to eat and do a little shopping.  You’ll also find places to rent surfboards and sign up for surf lessons or kayaking tours.

If you have the GoCard , you can rent a surfboard for free at Bike and Kayak in La Jolla.

Another nice spot to check out is Windansea .  It’s not the best beach for kids, but it’s a gorgeous beach to chill at and to take pictures at sunset.  We love surfing here but it is not a beginner’s wave.

Between La Jolla and Del Mar is Torrey Pines . This is a beautiful place to hike and bike riding up Torrey Pines Road is a popular thing to do in San Diego. The views from Torrey Pine’s Gliderport are amazing and if you feel adventurous, you can do some hang gliding over the coast from here.

Del Mar is a great place to spend a few hours shopping and eating.  There are also really good surf breaks all along the Del Mar coast but they are not great for beginners.

If you want a family-friendly beach, it’s probably easier to pay to park at Seaside State Beach which is just north of Del Mar. It’s $10 for the day but then you don’t have to worry about fighting parking and there are bathrooms. The only bad thing is there aren’t a lot of food options within easy walking distance.

Solana Beach, Cardiff + Encinitas

Cardiff (or Encinitas) is runner-up for my favorite place in San Diego. You have everything here from surf shops and yoga studios to some of San Diego’s best gastropubs, açaí bowls, and coffee shops.

Solana Beach’s Cedros Design District boasts unique shops, Belly Up Tavern, and local favorites like Lofty Coffee. Highway 101 offers surf shops and diverse dining options, including Pizza Port.

Carlsbad + Oceanside

For a first trip focusing on San Diego highlights, consider staying in Encinitas or further south to avoid heavy traffic. Carlsbad and Oceanside offer great alternatives if skipping downtown, PB, the Zoo, or Balboa Park.

If you have kids under 10 years old, Legoland could be what brings you to Carlsbad. It’s also on the Go Card .

Where to Stay near North San Diego Beaches

• Best budget: Coronado Inn (or camp on the Silver Strand) + Sand Castle Inn
• Best midrange and most scenic: The Loews Coronado Bay Resort + Hotel Marisol Coronado
• Best luxury: Pier South Resort + Glorietta Bay Inn

San Diego’s South County Beach Neighborhoods

Coronado’s appeal for first-time San Diego visitors varies: skip for adventure, embrace beach luxury, dining, and boutique shopping.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The San Diego Union-Tribune (@sandiegouniontribune) on Jan 2, 2020 at 1:37pm PST

The Hotel Del Coronado is beautiful and I think running the beach in front of the hotel at low tide is one of my favorite parts of Coronado.

There’s a narrated trolley tour that you can take and if you are a history buff, you’ll probably love this.

Consider heading south to Silver Strand State Beach for a great spot to explore with kids or enjoy nature. At low tide, it’s perfect for walking or running, and I’ve found countless sand dollars along this stretch during my two years here.

For top-notch beer and burgers, head to Leroy’s Kitchen and Lounge. Enjoy a classic dinner breakfast at Clayton’s Coffee Shop. For protein-packed meals, try Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Q. Satisfy your sweet tooth with French pastries from Tartine’s French Bakery.

Imperial Beach

Discover Imperial Beach’s culinary scene with must-visit spots: Coronado Brewing Company for great beer and SEA 180 for stunning ocean views and delicious food.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SEA180° Coastal Tavern (@sea180coastaltavern) on Aug 22, 2019 at 3:49pm PDT

There’s also Big Kahuna’s for cheap Hawaiian cuisine, Philippi’s Italian restaurant, Aroma Thai, and The Brigantine for seafood.

I love IB but I would still recommend the Central San Diego Beaches of Imperial Beach.  The biggest reason that I’d choose further north as opposed to Imperial Beach is if you plan on getting in the ocean due to how polluted the water is.

I know Wildcoast is working hard to fix this but I think it’s important to know that the pollution from the Tijuana River does cause beach closures in South Bay often , especially after any rainfall. If you aren’t planning on going in th water, then you’re good. 

Where to Stay near South San Diego Beaches

For an authentic Imperial Beach stay, Pier South Resort offers beachfront rooms, stunning sunset views, a pool, spa, and exceptional dining at Sea 180. Hotel Del Coronado, iconic but pricey, offers a taste of 50’s luxury if desired.

Other recommendations in Coronado and IB include:

North County Inland

North County Inland consists of the neighborhoods of Poway, Escondido, Ramona, and Julian. Some of the residential areas near here include Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, and Rancho Santa Fe. 

There are three main draws to this area.

My favorite is to hike Iron Mountain , but it can get crowded on the weekends so keep this in mind. My favorite way to hike this is starting in the dark about 1 hour before sunrise and then watching the sunrise from the top.

Another popular hike is to Potato Chip Rock . Again, it can be super crowded but if you’re dying to hike it’s a good option.

The third is to visit the Wild Animal Park, which is also part of the San Diego GO Card .

There are a few other cool things to do out here that are in our Hiking Adventures Near San Diego blog.

South Bay Inland

Explore Victor’s former South Bay neighborhood – Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, and Eastlake. Exercise caution, avoiding night walks and road rage for safety.

With that being said, I wouldn’t recommend any tourist stay in South Bay. 

Gentrification revitalized many areas, like Chula Vista with its craft breweries. However, staying there means being distant from my recommended activities. Eastlake offers pleasant Airbnb options amidst its suburban landscape. Yet, it’s packed with strip malls and fast-food joints, leading to traffic jams.

On the other hand, I would recommend Imperial Beach , especially staying at Sea 180.

Two things I do love in the South Bay though are Aquatica, the water park, and the concert venue currently called North Island Credit Union (it seems to change ownership every year).

This is a fun concert venue that we often take our kids to. I like that the seats in the grass are affordable and that even from here you can see the stage pretty well. Plus, the sunsets right before the concerts get going are quite amazing. If you want to save a lot of money, get there early to tailgate since the food and alcohol inside is pricey. Check here for a list of upcoming concerts.

Aquatica (formerly known as Knott’s Soak City) is also on the GO Card.

East County Inland

I purchased a 2003 Ford F350 Diesel truck and found my place in East County. While summers sizzle into the 90s or low 100s from July to October, the rest of the year is delightful. La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, and Lakeside make East County an excellent base for exploration. Opt for La Mesa’s central location or consider the unique floating cabins at Santee Lakes Campground for camping. BNS Brewery and Distillery, a haven for country music lovers, offers live music, drinks, and outdoor games, and often hosts food trucks, making it a perfect spot for families.

Camp Smart: If camping at Santee Lakes, book in advance and consider the floating cabins for a unique experience.

One of the hidden gems in East County is Mission Trails . It has some pleasant hikes and a few challenging ones like Cowles Mountain, which can be insanely crowded (kinda a theme for hiking in San Diego). I think the best thing to do at Mission Trails is rock climb . If you don’t have gear or know how to climb, ask my friend Caleb at Stoneman Climbing about guiding you here for the day.

If you go further east, past East County, you’ll find the neighborhoods of Alpine, Pine Valley, Ramona, and Julian.  These areas offer some great hikes, mountain biking, camping, and cool historic main streets with a fun hick vibe. 

If you go a little further east than this, you’ll go over the mountains and drop into the desert of Ocotillo.  If you visit from November through April, I’d highly recommend spending a night or two out here.  Check out this blog for our favorite hikes and camping in Ocotillo and Ramona .

What About Tijuana

I used to go to TJ with Victor to party before we could drink legally in the States. Victor’s family loves the amazing and cheap food and drinks there! Here’s a list of some of the places our friend who lives in Tijuana recommends:

More Fun Things To Do In San Diego

Other fun things to do In San Diego include:

• Take a San Diego highlights tour of historical landmarks
• Or sign up for a walking tour
• Sign up for a scavenger hunt (we did this once in downtown and had a blast)
• Tour San Diego by sea on the Seal Tour
• If you’re here on the one day it rains out of the year, do an Escape Room

>>>Click here to sign up for any of these fun tours and events<<<

San Diego Summary

San Diego’s near-perfect year-round weather makes it a perfect vacation destination. Get a San Diego Go Card and check out all the rad tourist spots or go for the budget vacay and enjoy BBQs, bonfires, and walks on the bay and beach. Either way, San Diego will be one trip you’ll never forget!

Follow the Adventure

After living in the San Diego rat race for so long, we said forget this and bought a 30-foot motorhome to live out of.

Half the year we live in San Diego while the other half we are out exploring the world. Follow along on our adventures on Instagram and message us if you’re in the SD area and want to meet up!

Related Blogs:

• 10 Fun Itineraries West Coast Road Trips
• Guide to Surfing the California Coast
• Weekend Hiking Trip from San Diego
• Outdoor Adventure Guide to San Diego
• Best Coffee Shops In San Diego

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The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in San Diego Itinerary

Last Updated on November 29, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

With so many things to do (and almost guaranteed great weather to do it in!), planning the perfect 2, 3 or 4 days in San Diego itinerary can seem a bit overwhelming.

San Diego is one of the most wonderful cities in the entirety of the United States. With countless things to do, perennially beautiful weather, and a laid-back lifestyle that is instantly infectious, San Diego is one of the most the best places to visit in California .

This itinerary will ensure that you get the most out of your trip to this dynamic coastal city whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation — the only problem is that it’s sure to make you long to return!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in San Diego?

If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your trip to San Diego, you’re likely wondering how many days you should spend in this Southern California city. San Diego is kind of the ultimate tourist destination, especially when compared to Los Angeles , with a seemingly endless array of things to do, so really no matter how long you’re able to spend here, you can ensure that you will always be occupied.

However, there is such a problem as spending too little time in San Diego! The city is massive and full of great activities and if you try to cram too much into too short a time period, you’re likely to burn out and exhaust yourself — not a recipe for a good holiday!

If you only have, say, 2 days in San Diego, then make sure to pace yourself and prioritise what you’d like to see. The 2-day itinerary in this article covers some of the highlights of central San Diego but omits any beach time, so if that’s what has drawn you to the city, then make sure to prioritise what you’d like to do.

Spending 3 days in San Diego or more is ideal as it will allow you to cover a lot of ground, see some sites, but also enjoy some time on the beach — and San Diego has a number of amazing beaches that you don’t want to miss!

If you have time for a 4-day itinerary, then you’re really in luck. This is the ideal amount of time to spend in the city as it allows you to really explore but also gives you a bit of time to relax if that’s what you’re after.

You honestly can’t go wrong if you want to spend more than 4 days because there is just so much to do in the city and the surrounding area. If you have more than four days, you can venture further afield, spend more time on the beach, or even take the time to visit cool places like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

Getting To & Around San Diego

San Diego is home to its own international airport and, though small, it serves numerous airlines and has countless direct connections to many US cities, making San Diego an easy destination to reach from the majority of major cities in the United States.

If you’re coming internationally, it’s likely that you will end up flying into Los Angeles . San Diego is about a 2 to 3-hour drive from LA and there are lots of interesting places to visit along the way . The two cities are also well-connected by train in about three hours.

Once in San Diego, it’s easiest to get around the city if you have your own car, but it isn’t entirely necessary, especially if you only plan on spending time in the downtown area.

This area is easy enough to get around on foot and the extensive San Diego Trolley System can take you, inexpensively, to most places a bit further afield. Especially if you’re following the 2-day itinerary in this article, you may not need a car to be able to enjoy it to its fullest.

If you’re keen to venture outside of the downtown area, even to the beaches, then having a car in San Diego is going to prove the most convenient way to get around.

If you’re planning on renting a car before heading to San Diego, we suggest using Rentalcars.com to find great prices. The platform aggregates deals across many major car rental companies and saves you time and money when it comes to hiring a car.

2, 3 or 4 Days in San Diego Itinerary

If you only have two days, spend them exploring some of the highlights of the city. Day 1 concentrates on the sites in Downtown San Diego where day two brings you to Balboa Park, which is chock-full of some of the best of San Diego attractions.

If you’re planning on visiting many of San Diego’s fantastic attractions, consider investing in a San Diego Go City Pass . These city cards can offer up to 50% savings on many attractions across the city and can be an incredible value for money if you visit even just a handful of places.

Day 1 – Explore Downtown

Spend your first day in San Diego exploring the dynamic downtown area. There is so much to see and do in Downtown San Diego that you’re sure to be entertained and having fun all day long.

San Diego Maritime Museum

Start your day along the harbour at the San Diego Maritime Museum. Historically, San Diego has been a very important port and you can learn all about its seafaring history at this super cool museum.

Situated on San Diego Bay, the maritime museum is home to a number of different ships that you can tour and learn about how they worked and functioned back in the day. Visiting this museum is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in San Diego.

The most famous of the ships at the museum is the Star of India , an iron-hulled ship built in 1863 that sailed from Britain to India and New Zealand before being acquired by the US to haul salmon from Alaska to California. This ship is fascinating and really worth exploring.

Also in the collection include the Californian , a beautiful tall ship and the HMS Surprise , which is known for its movie appearances in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Master and Commander .

USS Midway Museum

Another museum on San Diego Bay is the USS Midway Museum and this is another great way to learn more about San Diego as an important Naval base.

Often lauded as one of the top museums in the entirety of San Diego (and there are a LOT of museums in the city!), this museum is actually based on a former aircraft carrier that you can tour and learn more about how an aircraft carrier functions.

In this museum, you can tour the ship itself and see everything behind the scenes, but you can also check out the aeroplanes and even try your hand at a flight simulator!

Both the Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum are excellent places to visit for both kids and adults alike because they’re interactive and educational.

Little Italy

From the Midway Museum, you can easily reach cool and trendy Little Italy on foot, and this is a great area to grab a bite to eat for lunch! Traditionally home to a number of Italian immigrants to San Diego, this area is now one of the most trendy neighbourhoods in the entire city.

Packed with both traditional Italian shops and delis, there are also ultra-hip restaurants, cool boutiques, awesome gastropubs and so much more.

Little Italy is definitely a neighbourhood worth exploring for a little bit as it is incredibly pedestrian-friendly and packed with cool things to see, do and eat! If you’re interested in exploring the culinary history of this cool area, check out this Little Italy food tour!

Seaport Village

Looping back toward the bayside area of downtown, it’s time now to head to Seaport Village.

This is an outdoor shopping centre that is situated directly on the water and it is packed full of restaurants and cool shops. This is the perfect place to pick up some fun souvenirs from your trip to San Diego!

Though there are certainly lots of shops in Seaport Village that shill mass-manufactured tourist souvenirs, there are plenty of local shops where you can pick up unique things as gifts or as mementoes from your trip to this lovely Southern California city.

Gaslamp Quarter

And finally, it’s time to head into one of the most iconic and well-known areas of San Diego’s downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter.

Comprising about sixteen city blocks, this area is known for being home to historic, Victorian-era buildings and the eponymous gaslamps, this district is known to be the foremost nightlife area of San Diego.

There is a lot of history in this picturesque and walkable district, especially considering it fell into complete disarray in the mid-20th century and became synonymous as San Diego’s red-light district.

Starting in the ’80s and ’90s, the district saw some new investments and a resurgence and is now a thriving and safe area of downtown San Diego and home to many iconic landmarks, including the massive Petco Park — home of the San Diego Padres!

The Gaslamp Quarter is ripe for exploring and, if you’re not travelling with kids, it’s also one of the best places to go for a night out in the city. If you’re interested in the culinary scene of this neighbourhood along with learning a bit about its not-so-savoury past, consider going on this food tour of the Gaslamp .

Day 2 – Visit the Attractions of Balboa Park

On your second day in San Diego, it’s time to head to Balboa Park. Home to beautiful gardens, seventeen museums and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, you can easily spend days in Balboa Park and still not see it all.

San Diego Zoo

If you’re an animal lover or travelling with kids, no visit to San Diego is complete without heading to the incredible San Diego Zoo. As the most visited zoo in the entirety of the United States and considered by many to be one of the best zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is a place that you could easily devote an entire day to.

Famous for being one of the few zoos in the US that have successfully bred Giant Pandas (the two pandas that used to call the zoo home, however, have now been repatriated to their ancestral home in China), the San Diego Zoo is home to 650 species and more than 3,500 animals.

With exhibits spanning the entire globe, the zoo has the most koalas outside of Australia, and everything else from monkeys to elephants to polar bears.

So, if you are an animal lover, you absolutely can’t miss the San Diego Zoo.

Visit the Museums

Balboa Park is also famous for its many museums housed within the area and if you and your family aren’t keen to visit the zoo, then make sure not to miss one or two of the many museums located within the park.

My personal favourite museums include the Air & Space Museum, the Museum of Man, the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum, however, there are countless others that encompass everything from science to art and you’re sure to find a museum that suits your own interests.

If you want to visit the zoo and the museums in Balboa Park, this is where the San Diego Go City Pass can come in handy and end up paying for itself, as many of these attractions are included in it.

Explore the Gardens

Balboa Park is also home to some incredibly beautiful botanical gardens and if you’re looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, spending time exploring these gardens is the perfect antidote!

Some of the most beautiful gardens include the Japanese Friendship Garde, the Australian Garden, the Alcazar Garden, the Desert Cactus Garden and the beautiful Botanical Building. Take the time to wander (you can even do a walking tour of the area!) and enjoy the plant life and beautiful landscaping of these gardens — you won’t be sorry!

Day 3 – Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches

If you’re spending three days, it’s time to hit the beach! There are countless beaches in San Diego that all have different things to offer travellers.

Depending on your travel style, pick one beach area to spend the whole day in or take the day to explore the little towns and nature surrounding San Diego’s three main beach areas! For those who aren’t too interested in the beach, you can also use this time to explore Old Town San Diego.

Pacific Beach

The northernmost beach on day three, Pacific Beach is a beautiful, wide expanse of sand and is one of San Diego’s most beautiful beaches. Located just south of La Jolla and a bit north of Mission Bay, Pacific Beach is about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown San Diego, depending on the traffic.

The beach at PB is arguably the main attraction here and it is one of the most beautiful in the city. However, the town around it also has some nice attractions and maintains a classic, Southern California vibe.

There are lots of cool shops, restaurants and cafes that are worth popping into and, of course, you can’t go wrong with splashing around in the Pacific while here.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is arguably San Diego’s most popular beach area and it really isn’t hard to understand why. The expansive Mission Beach is wide and beautiful, with calm enough waters that make it the perfect place to try your hand at surfing. There is also a great boardwalk area that is lined with various restaurants a surf shops.

Another major attraction of Mission Bay is Belmont Park, a classic seaside amusement park complete with a picturesque wooden roller coaster, countless other rides, arcades and more — the perfect place to entertain both young and old alike!

There are also some great restaurants in MB and the main attractions are very family-friendly, making this beach a great option for those with young kids as everyone is sure to be entertained here!

Ocean Beach

If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe on the seaside, then you can’t go wrong with Ocean Beach. A beach suburb located about fifteen minutes from Downtown San Diego, you would be forgiven if you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 1970s when wandering through this cool area.

This is one of the least touristy of beaches included on this itinerary and it is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a more local, mellow vibe rather than bustline Mission Bay or upscale Pacific Beach.

OB is famous amongst surfers and has some great surf spots and it is also home to some great, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, as well.

All in all, Ocean Beach is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for mellow, hippie vibes.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Located in Ocean Beach just a bit south of the beach itself is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a perfect place to head if you want to, well, watch the sunset.

These dramatic cliffs jut into the Pacific Ocean and provide absolutely stunning views. It is also a very popular area for more experienced surfers as there are large waves at the base of the cliffs.

There are also countless walking trails where you can meander along the cliff edges trying to seek out the perfect view, or you could opt to climb down the steps to the beach area and search for sea creatures in the many tide pools. If you’re fortunate enough, you may see some of San Diego’s many sea lions frolicking in the waves!

Cabrillo National Monument

A bit further afield along Point Loma from Sunset Cliffs lies the Cabrillo National Monument. Boasting many walking trails, tide pooling opportunities, and the potential for excellent views of the entirety of San Diego’s downtown area all the way to the Coronado Bridge.

Here you can also visit the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse and, at low tide, climb down to the sea and hunt for cool sea creatures in the tide pools. This is the perfect place to visit in the city of San Diego if you want to get a bit off the beaten tourist trail and experience some of the best views of the city.

Day 4 – Explore the surrounding area

If you have a full 4 days, there are numerous different options that you could follow. All of these options lie quite a bit further afield from downtown San Diego and each option should have an entire day devoted to it.

Coronado Island

The first way you could spend day four of your San Diego itinerary is to visit the lovely Coronado Island. Located across San Diego Bay and accessible via the iconic Coronado Bridge, this island is home to a charming downtown area, historic architecture, and the famous Hotel Del Coronado.

As the second-largest wooden structure in the United States, this Victorian-Era beach resort is absolutely beautiful and worth exploring even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Coronado Beach is also, arguably, one of San Diego’s nicest — a vast expanse of sand with fairly calm waters, making it perfect for families. Coronado is also the perfect place to rent a bicycle and pedal along the seaside promenade and enjoy the lovely beachy vibes. You can also get great views of the San Diego skyline from Coronado Island, as well.

Those who want to do more than wander around the hotel or lounge on the beach may like this walking tour of historic Coronado . Or, if you just want to enjoy the beach from a distance, you can take a 2-hour cruise that goes past Coronado.

If you want to be a bit more active and explore one of San Diego’s most beautiful suburbs, then head a bit further north to explore the beautiful La Jolla area. Known for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, great restaurants and expensive real estate, La Jolla is an elite neighbourhood but also absolutely gorgeous.

On any given day, you can see people paragliding from the iconic cliffs or kayaking in the waters below. This is the perfect place to explore San Diego from the water’s edge and to check out the sea caves and wildlife that live there.

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding through La Jolla Cove are popular activities in the area and you can choose to do a two-hour guided kayaking tour to explore the sea caves or take a surfing lesson.

La Jolla is also home to the well-regarded Scripps Aquarium, where you can check out endemic sea life while staying nice and dry! Nearby, you can also visit Torrey Pines State Reserve, which has a number of great hikes and gorgeous views if you still want to be a bit active.

Day Trip to Baja California

If you’re looking for a complete change of scenery, then consider going on a day trip south of the border to lovely Baja California, Mexico! It is incredibly easy and fun to head to Mexico for a day and you have the opportunity to sample some of the best gastronomy in the world! For example, this full-day tour of Baja California packs a lot if you’re short on time!

Tijuana makes for an incredibly easy day trip as you can reach the border crossing at San Ysidro easily from the San Diego Trolley system and walk across the border in just about ten minutes — just make sure to bring your passport! Alternatively, you can take this intro to Mexico organised tour!

If you’re interested in heading further afield, you can easily hop on a bus to Ensenada , a lovely seaside city about an hour south of Tijuana. Ensenada is famed for being the birthplace of the fish taco and the fresh seafood in the city is second to none.

And finally, if you’re a wine fan, then you may be interested in touring the vineyards in the Valle de Guadalupe, located just inland from Ensenada. This area grows some fantastic wine and you can opt to go on a guided tour or drive yourself there — just make sure that your rental car allows you to cross the border!

Where to Stay in San Diego

Urban Boutique Hotel – Situated in cool and trendy Little Italy in the heart of downtown San Diego, this boutique hotel is a great place to base yourself in this Southern California city. Located within easy walking distance of many major attractions, they have numerous rooms available to suit all kinds of travellers. 

Hotel Del Coronado – One of the most iconic hotels in the country and not just San Diego, if you’re looking for a luxury stay in San Diego, you can’t go wrong with the Hotel Del. This hotel is not only absolutely beautiful and historic, it is situated on the lovely Coronado Beach, as numerous fantastic restaurants on site and also boasts countless other amenities that are sure to make your stay a great one.

Private Rental – Another popular option in San Diego is a private rental. There are countless properties available such as this charming studio in Pacific Beach that is super close to the beach.

California Dreams Hostel   – If you’re travelling to San Diego solo or on a tight budget, this hostel is an excellent choice for you. It is located in Pacific Beach close to numerous attractions in San Diego. They have both dorm and private rooms available and great common areas perfect for meeting other travellers.  

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other hotels in San Diego!

Planning the perfect San Diego itinerary isn’t always an easy task with so many things to do in the city. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend in San Diego or have longer to devote to the city, you’re sure to fall in love. Follow these tips to ensure you have an excellent trip to San Diego!

Are you planning to visit San Diego? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Monterey vs Carmel: Where Should You Stay?

The Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip Itinerary

The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

HI Maggie, Great info provided in your blog. I plan to travel in Feb 12-17 to San Diego for Business trip and with few days available with me, I would like to spend time exploring San Diego and Maybe do a quick trip to LA. I may have 12th Feb late afternoon & Feb 13th half day & 17th Full day & 18th Half day Any suggestions. Kindly share, will be helpful.

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One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

Ultimate Guide to 24 Hours in San Diego

June 26, 2023 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

How to Spend One Day in San Diego + Extra Things to Do if You Have More Time

San Diego attracts visitors from all over the world for its beauty, warm weather, world-class beaches and attractions, dynamic craft beer scene, and terrific restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend the day…or longer than 24 hours!

San Diego has a particularly special place in my heart.

I moved to San Diego right after college and stayed there for over a decade. A job opportunity for my husband moved us up to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago, but San Diego is still my adopted hometown and where I feel most like “me”.

Luckily, we still have wonderful friends who live down there that always open a spare room to us so I visit every chance I get. This also means I’m in a unique spot to put together a San Diego visitor guide with both a local and visitor perspective.

Read on to find out how I recommend you spend the perfect day in San Diego. I’ve also included some recommendations under the “modified itinerary section” below that will help you out if you have extra time in San Diego or want to get off the beaten path a bit more.

More San Diego Trip Inspiration: 15 Best Day Trips from San Diego

When to Visit San Diego

San Diego is known for being the land of sunshine and perfect weather all year ‘round, but as locals will tell you, this isn’t exactly true.

If you love sunshine while being on the coast, you might want to stay away from San Diego during the months of May and June. During those months, the city is prone to “May Gray” and “June Gloom” when the marine layer stretches a cloud of gray over the skies for most of the day.

Keep in mind that even in the summer months, the nights can get a bit chilly by the coast so bring long sleeves to cover up with after the sun goes down.

Book Your Trip Like a Pro!

• Find the most interesting and fun tours with Viator
• Book the best hotels via Booking.com , Expedia , or Agoda
• Find amazing vacation rentals via VRBO
• Compare reviews on TripAdvisor .
• Choose the cheapest and most comfortable hostels on Hostelworld
• Rent cars effortlessly and for low prices on RentalCars
• Find the cheapest flights with CheapOair  
• Choose the most appropriate travel insurance for your trip with VisitorsCoverage
• Bring along a top-rated guidebook
• Find your perfect walking/hiking shoes
• Get a comfortable and convertible daypack

San Diego Top 10 Things to Do

Here’s a quick list of my top 10 things to do in San Diego.

I’ll go into these in more detail below.

• Mission Beach / Belmont Park
• Coronado Island
• Beer Tasting at Local Breweries
• Eat Fish Tacos

La Jolla Cove

• San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
• Balboa Park
• San Diego Zoo
• Best Beaches

Before we get into all those top things to do and see during one day in San Diego, let’s cover some logistics of visiting America’s Finest City.

Accommodation in San Diego

Wondering where to sleep in San Diego? Here are some of my top picks. I’ve either stayed at all these places or have been inside to visit the lounges or restaurants.

San Diego Luxury Hotels

Hotel Del Coronado – With white sides and striking red roofs, the Hotel Del Coronado stands out from the shoreline. Luxurious rooms amidst a historic ambiance. Location: 1500 Orange Avenue Phone: 619-435-6611 Cost: From $279 per night

• Click here for prices and pictures of Hotel Del Coronado.

The US Grant – A palatial hotel built in 1910 with a beautiful lobby that retains the charm from that era. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter. Location: 326 Broadway Phone: 619-232-3121 Cost: From $314 per night

• Click here for prices and pictures of the US Grant.

San Diego Mid-Range Hotels

Tower 23 – A contemporary lifestyle hotel located right next to the boardwalk of PB. Stylish rooms with ocean views. Location: 723 Felspar Street Phone: 858-270-2323

• Click here for prices and pictures of Tower 23.

Hotel Indigo – An upscale city hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter with modern amenities and is pet-friendly. Location: 509 9 th Avenue Phone: 619-727-4000

• Click here for prices and pictures of Hotel Indigo.

Paradise Point – Gorgeous landscaped grounds make up this well-appointed resort located on Mission Bay. Location: 1404 Vacation Road Phone: 858-274-4630

• Click here for prices and pictures of Paradise Point.

La Valencia Hotel – A can’t-miss-it pink hotel nicknamed “the Pink Lady of La Jolla” overlooking the La Jolla Cove with an oasis of a pool area and sumptuous rooms. Location: 1132 Prospect Street Phone: 858-454-0771

• Click here for prices and pictures of La Valencia Hotel.

San Diego Budget Accommodations

Old Town Inn – A comfortable and affordable hotel within walking distance to Old Town and right across the street from a bus and trolley station, making it ideal for someone visiting San Diego without a car. Location: 4444 Pacific Highway Phone: 800-643-3025

• Click here for prices and pictures of Old Town Inn.

Hotel Circle – This cluster of hotels in Mission Valley offers some of the best values for accommodation in San Diego at well-known hotel brands, such as Comfort Inn, Travelodge, Best Western, and more. Many restaurants and shopping opportunities are nearby. Check out www.hotelcircle.net for a list of hotels and rates. Location: Mission Valley off of the 8 Freeway

Getting to San Diego

The San Diego airport was completely renovated a few years ago and is a good introduction to the laidback lifestyle of San Diego. The San Diego Airport is located right near the harbor and is just a 5-10 minute drive from downtown.

Catching a train into the city center from a distant city in California is easy with Amtrak, which has a stop right in downtown San Diego.

It’s Southern California, land of the massive freeways, so of course San Diego is easily accessible by car. Just connect with the 5 or 15 Freeway from wherever you’re coming from, head south, and you’ll find your way into San Diego. (Just keep an eye open for the “last exit before Mexico” signs, you don’t want to spend your one day in San Diego in customs).

San Diego is an itinerary stop for several cruise ships and the harbor of San Diego is conveniently located within easy walking distance to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, and the Santa Fe Depot from which you can easily hop on public transportation to another part of San Diego.

Getting Around San Diego

The Coaster

The Coaster connects downtown San Diego to the coastal cities of North County San Diego. You can head all the way up to the Coaster’s northern most stop in Oceanside (which is also an Amtrak station) or use it to simply get between downtown and Old Town. The Coaster stops cover three zones and includes the following stops from south to north: San Diego – Santa Fe Depot (downtown), San Diego – Old Town, Sorrento Valley, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad Poinsettia, Carlsbad Village, and Oceanside. Buy tickets at the station before boarding and keep it handy – attendants will come through and check that you have one once onboard.

Also, for those flying into San Diego and staying outside the city center, there is a bus, MTS bus 992, from the airport, which connects with the Santa Fe Depot station.

The Trolley

For getting around the city of San Diego, the trolley is a great option as it extends from Old Town through eastern San Diego (such as to the popular Fashion Valley mall) and down to the San Diego Convention Center. The Trolley is basically an above ground metro system, but has the charm of looking like an old-fashioned trolley from the outside.

There is even a trolley San Diego tour! Don’t miss a wonderful chance to explore San Diego by trolley. Click here to book this fun tour.

Taxis are easy to find in most areas of San Diego, though you may have to wait for one if looking for a cab right when the bars close (at 2 a.m.) in one of San Diego’s prime nightlife districts (such as PB, OB, Gaslamp Quarter, or North Park). Taxis are always metered and ask before getting in if they take credit cards or are cash only. There are also plenty of Uber drivers working in the city.

San Diego’s bus system, part of the Metropolitan Transit System, connects the majority of San Diego that the trains don’t reach. Visit Click here for bus routes and timetables.

San Diego is predominately a driving city.

To get to most of the beaches and other popular sites, you’ll need a rental car, unless you want to take a taxi or bus. Check prices and availability here .

In summer, keep in mind that heavy traffic starts earlier in the afternoon with people coming back from the beach or ditching work early to get to the beach. The 5 Freeway is backed up a large majority of the time.

If you run into traffic, consider taking the scenic Coast Highway – it’s not always faster due to stoplights, but at least you have views of the Pacific while you wait out traffic. Though if short on time in San Diego, try to avoid having to be on freeways for a long period of time during rush hour.

One Day in San Diego Itinerary: How to Have the Perfect 24 Hours

Now for my recommended itinerary for how to spend one day in San Diego, which is set up to give you a taste of the cultural and modern influences of San Diego and what makes the city a popular destination.

A modified itinerary section is included after it for those who may have particular traveling interests with recommendations on how to switch up the day to include them.

Coronado: San Diego’s Beautiful “Island”

One of the most noticeable landmarks of San Diego is the Coronado Bay Bridge, and over that bridge is the “island” city of Coronado, which is home to (debatably) San Diego’s nicest beach and most famous hotel.

When you arrive in Coronado you’ll see signs for the naval base and the Hotel Del Coronado; follow the latter.

The Hotel Del Coronado with its red roofs, which has catered to Hollywood royalty over the years and even has some ghost stories, may be too expensive for most people to stay in, but it warmly welcomes visitors into its grand lobby and bars and restaurants. Sit out on the patio of one of the Hotel Del’s bars and enjoy a cup of coffee or mimosa while taking in the view of the nearly white, pristine sand.

The beach across from the Hotel Del is one of the widest in San Diego County and also the most uncluttered. The wealthy residents of Coronado must like their beach perfect, because I can barely even find a piece of seaweed on its combed sands.

Coronado Quick Tips :

Location: Just west of downtown San Diego across the Coronado Bay Bridge (Highway 75). Hotel Del Address: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado Parking: The Hotel Del Coronado has valet parking, which can get quite expensive. There is also usually free street parking that can be found on Ocean Boulevard. Short on Time Tips: Start out your day in Coronado early in the morning to get there before the crowds and enjoy views of the gorgeous beaches and the hotel public areas without so many people milling about. Grab a mimosa or coffee and simply enjoy the morning view. Don’t spend more than 90 minutes or so exploring Coronado. There’s much more on the mainland of San Diego to see.

Tour Tip: Explore gorgeous Coronado and learn about its history with this small-group tour that’s under 3 hours.

Old Town San Diego

After getting an early morning view of the beach, soak up the history of San Diego. For that, Old Town is where you want to be. At first glance, Old Town appears to be filled with Mexican restaurants and kitschy souvenir shops. However, amidst the array of tourist-oriented shops, there are some interesting artifacts and historical buildings that can be found, most of which are free though some require a small fee to tour.

Casa de Estudillo

Built in 1825 for a Spanish aristocrat, the Casa de Estudillo became a safe haven for women and children during the American Occupation of 1846. In 1887, a new owner stripped the house of much of its windows, tiles, and other features to sell. In 1910, architect Hazel W. Waterman oversaw its reconstruction to bring it back to its former glory, and today it stands as an excellent example of early Spanish architecture in California. Address: 4000 Mason Street

Mason Street School

Was San Diego’s first one room schoolhouse. Children will enjoy sitting at the desks and seeing various school objects from the 1800s. Address: 3966 Mason Street

McCoy House

Originally built in 1869, the McCoy House was home to San Diego’s first sheriff, James McCoy. Reconstructed in 2000, the McCoy House shows the type of house that wealthier settlers of California built. Address: 4002 Wallace Street

Old Adobe Chapel

This building dates back to the 1830s and the chapel served as the first parochial church in the first parish of California following the secularization of the missions in 1832. Address: 2476 San Diego Avenue

Whaley House

The Whaley House is the oldest brick structure in San Diego, however, these days Whaley House’s main claim to fame derives from the rumors that it is haunted. Tour the house and hear about the supernatural occurrences that have been documented at Whaley House. Address: 2482 San Diego Avenue

Heritage Park

Head to Heritage Park, located right next to Old Town, to see Victorian homes and San Diego’s first synagogue. The park also has an idyllic grassy area. Address: 2454 Heritage Park Row

Mid-Day San Diego Lunch Break: Fish Tacos!

Before leaving Old Town, grab lunch – some of the best Mexican food in all of San Diego is found in Old Town. Order a fish taco if you’ve never had one – it’s a San Diego delicacy. Here are two of Old Town’s most popular Mexican restaurants, both of which I’ve eaten at multiple times and have always enjoyed the food:

Café Coyote – An award-winning Mexican restaurant that has been serving up traditional Mexican dishes for over 20 years. Has an excellent patio for those wishing to eat outdoors. Address: 2461 San Diego Avenue Phone: 619-291-0715

Old Town Mexican Café Restaurant – This popular Mexican restaurant has been around for over 30 years and has also won its fair share of awards and has a large dining room with tasty Mexican food favorites and is the home of the original handmade tortilla makers in Old Town. Address: 2489 San Diego Avenue Phone: 619-297-4330

Tour Tip: Combine Old Town and tacos on the San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour. Book early, this one tends to sell out!

Mission Beach & Belmont Park: San Diego’s Most Fun Beach

Fun for the whole family can be found at Belmont Park in Mission Beach.

Belmont Park is an amusement park which has been open since 1925. With an old-school wooden roller coaster and other rides plus fair-inspired games and food located right next to the beach, Belmont Park is reminiscent of a bygone era of carnivals and ocean breezes.

Head to the Wave House, a bar and restaurant which features a sand floor and wave simulators where you can watch novices and experts do tricks on surfboards (or fall). You can even try it yourself if you dare.

Or you can rent a surfboard and go try it in the real waves of the Pacific Ocean located right behind Belmont Park. Mission Beach is the type of San Diego beach people go to when they want a scene that looks straight out of the opening sequence from Baywatch.

Short on Time Tip: If short on time and you really want to see a wide range of San Diego, don’t spend more than an hour or two at the beach. If you want more time, well, you’re certainly not the only one as San Diego’s beaches are a major draw for the city – see the modified itinerary section for a list of San Diego’s most popular beaches.

Belmont Park Quick Facts

Location: 3146 Mission Boulevard Cost: It is free to enter Belmont Park, but rides require you to purchase tickets. Phone: 858-488-1549 Parking: A free parking lot is available next to Belmont Park. There is also street parking nearby and parking located along Mission Bay Drive by Mission Bay Park.

Don’t Forget to Pack These Items!

Quick break from the itinerary (the gorgeous, can’t-miss La Jolla Cove is up next!) to call out a few things you should pack for your one day in San Diego. You probably know to bring a swimsuit and good walking shoes, but here are some other items you won’t want to forget.

• Or a cozy blanket poncho like this one for cool nights. The coastal breezes tend to drop the temperature quite suddenly after the sun goes down in San Diego, even in the summer.
• Love this brand.
• You’ll be glad you have one if you want to swim in the ocean for a long period of time, particularly if it’s not July or August.
• There’s not much shade on San Diego beaches — this beach umbrella that also looks kind of like a half tent is really cool!

La Jolla Cove on the North Tip of San Diego

La Jolla is the northernmost neighborhood of San Diego and is located right along the coast.

The beach area just west of La Jolla’s downtown village area is the La Jolla Cove and is one of the most stunning pieces of coastline in all of Southern California.

The La Jolla Cove curves around a bay that is home to leopard sharks, seals, spiny lobster, and many types of fish. If you’re going to snorkel or scuba dive during your time in San Diego, this is the place to do it (see itinerary modifications).

Small patches of sand with large rocks cover most of the coastline of the La Jolla Cove. These rocks are fun for children and adults alike to explore when the tide is out as you can find crabs, octopuses, and mussels caught in the small tide pools that form among the rocks.

Framing the rocks is a walking path, which is also bordered by a large grassy area for much of it; perfect for a picnic on a sunny day or letting the kids run around and get some energy out.

Head south along the walking path and you’ll come to Children’s Beach – named for being shallow and ideal for children…until marine animals took it over. Now children (and adults!) delight in seeing sea lions and seals play in the water and sunbathe on the sand and nearby rocks.

Visitors can also visit a sea cave via land at the Cave Store. This store is located at the north end of the cove and has information and souvenirs about La Jolla and is built around an entrance to a long staircase leading down through the rock to Sunny Jim Cave, which visitors can head down into for a small fee.

Tour Tip: Explore and learn more about La Jolla on this guided tour .

La Jolla Cove Quick Facts

Location: West of Prospect Street in La Jolla. Parking: The closest parking is available on Coast Boulevard which connects with Prospect Street, or you can take Girard Avenue down to it. If parking is full, there is plenty of street parking in La Jolla village along Girard Avenue and Herschel Avenue and their side streets, though some are only one to two hour parking spots (which will be marked by a street sign). There are also pay lots located throughout La Jolla.

Short on Time Tip: If you do one circle loop on Coast Boulevard and around La Jolla Village and can’t find a parking spot, just opt for a pay lot to save time. There is an affordable lot on Coast Boulevard across from the Cave Store. There is also a parking garage right off of Prospect Street by Herschel Avenue and if you buy anything in the shops of the building the parking garage is adjacent to, some or all of your parking can be comped.

San Diego Breweries

San Diego is one of the premier regions for microbreweries, and San Diego breweries are constantly winning awards for their diverse and tasty beer.

After catching the sunset (or before depending on the time of year), head to a brewery to try a flight of local beer before going to dinner. Here are some of the top breweries located within the city of San Diego (the county of San Diego as a whole has many, many more).

Tour Tip: Don’t worry about driving. Instead, take a brewery guided tour that takes you brewery hopping in a fun open-air vehicle.

Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits – Brewery tours are offered daily at at this popular San Diego brewery. There is also a tasting bar which has 27 beers on tap and serves up tasters or pints. As the two original owners (it was sold to Constellation Brands for $1 billion in 2015) love fishing along with beer, you’ll find beers by the name of Longfin Lager and Black Marlin on tap – both of which are great choices for a drink. Ballast Point also makes one of my absolute favorite beers: the Grapefruit Sculpin. Location: 10051 Old Grove Road Phone: 858-695-2739 AleSmith Brewing Company – With their award-winning, hand-forged ales, AleSmith Brewing Company has developed a devout following of fans. Try the Belgian-style Grand Cru or the malty, dark Speedway Stout in the tasting room. Location: 9366 Cabot Drive Phone: 858-549-9888

Green Flash – Featuring a tasting room and beer garden, the acclaimed brewery, Green Flash, is an excellent place to grab a pint. The tasting room serves up their pilsners, porters, and pale ales in a fun setting. The brewery also offers tours for $5 per person; they fill up quickly so call to book in advance. Location: 6550 Mira Mesa Boulevard Phone: 858-622-0085

Pizza Port – This local brewery chain has several locations in San Diego County. If staying right in San Diego, head to the one in Ocean Beach (OB), a laidback beach community located north of Mission Beach. Grab a pitcher of the popular Shark Bite Red Ale and take a seat on one of the long benches. The big tables and bench seating setup also makes this a nice brewery to bring kids to. Plus, the pizza’s awesomely good. Location: 1956 Bacon Street Phone: 619-224-4700

For True Diehard Beer Lovers: Stone Brewing Company – Hands down in my opinion, the most impressive brewery (and some argue, the brewery with the best beer) is Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido, a city located in the northeast region of San Diego County. It’s a drive, though, from San Diego. If you time your drive when there’s no traffic, it takes about 30 minutes to get there from San Diego. Upon arriving at Stone Brewing, you’ll be met with a gorgeous beer garden that consists of walking trails, koi ponds, and trees and other greenery. The inside is also impressive with views of the steel brewing barrels, which you can arrange a tour to see up close during your time there. Take advantage of their many beers on tap, of which the Stone Pale Ale (my favorite!), Stone IPA, and Arrogant Bastard Ale are popular local favorites. The brewery also has a full restaurant with many organic and farm to table menu options. For dessert, try the “beer float” variation of a root beer float. Location: 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido Phone: 760-294-7866

Also, though I don’t think it’s quite as unique of a space, Stone also has a restaurant with a large outdoor bar area in the Liberty Station center, which is located within San Diego city limits.

Itinerary Modifications (or What to Do if You Have Extra Days in San Diego)

Is there something else you want to see or do in San Diego? Here are some other great options based off of common traveling interests, with recommendations on what to switch out from the previous recommended itinerary.

San Diego Beach Bum Itinerary Modification

Want to nix some of the sites and just be a beach bum during your day in San Diego? No one will blame you. The beaches of San Diego are ideal for lounging around on all day and playing in the waves.

Keep in mind that the water is too cold for most people outside the months of July through September so you may want to rent a wetsuit if planning on frolicking in the ocean.

Here is my list of San Diego’s best beaches:

Coronado Beach

As I mentioned earlier, this beach is pristine, posh, and perfectly positioned for gorgeous views of both land and sea.

Pacific Beach

Party central for beach-goers with beachside bars, music usually being blared, and beach games being played on the sand. Also, great waves for boogie boarding. The coast lining the northern part of PB is great for surfing, and is zoned to keep out swimmers and boogie boarders, making it a favorite spot of local surfers.

Mission Beach

With its location next to Belmont Park, this is a fun beach for families, and has a great boardwalk in front of the beach.

Windansea Beach

A cragged piece of beach with outstretches of rock breaking up soft, clean sand in southern La Jolla.

Small pockets of sand surrounded by tall pieces of rock give a different type of beach ambiance than most of San Diego’s long, wide open beaches.

La Jolla Shores

A wide stretch of beach in northern La Jolla with many water sports available for rent.

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Depending on how long you want to stay at the beach, skip the morning spent in Coronado and instead start your day in Old Town. Then bypass Belmont Park (unless the beach you’re heading to is Mission Beach) and spend your late morning and afternoon at the beach. Grab a pint of local beer at one of the many bars in San Diego that carries them instead of visiting one of the breweries, and then head to La Jolla for the sunset.

Hiking Enthusiasts Itinerary Modification

If you enjoy hiking, here is the place you won’t want to miss doing so in San Diego.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Framed by the ocean to the west and heavily wooded, a hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve feels like you’re a world away and not just a couple miles from a big city.

With ocean views from nearly every part of the trail system winding through a mesa, you can hike up and down the steep side of the park, getting in a good workout and possibly seeing wildlife along the way. There is no place on the reserve to buy drinks or food so bring plenty of water and a snack to keep your energy level up on your hike.

Location: 126000 North Torrey Pines Road Phone: 858-755-2063 Hours: Daily, 7:15 a.m. – Sunset. The Sunset time will be posted upon entering the park (varies between 5 p.m. in winter to 8 p.m. in summer depending on the time of year). Cost: There is a vehicle charge for Torrey Pines State Reserve and parking lots are located at the base of the reserve and at the top of the mesa. (Opt for the lot on the top as it’s faster access to the best trails.)

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Skip Belmont Park and Mission Beach and instead get your excitement and beach views from your hike.

Golf Course Itinerary Modification

Love to golf? Here are two memorable places to do so in San Diego.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

If you’re a golf addict who gets thrills out of playing at the best courses, you may not want to pass up your chance to play at a top one located right in La Jolla. The Torrey Pines golf course has been used for many high profile golf tournaments, including the PGA Tour and U.S. Open, and the best players in the world have hit balls on the greens of Torrey Pines. Plus, the golf course has gorgeous views of the San Diego coastline.

You have two course options when golfing at Torrey Pines – the North Course and the South Course, the latter of which is considered to be more challenging and is where the epic 2008 U.S. Open was played. Location: 11480 North Torrey Pines Road Phone: 877-581-7171 Tee Times: A reservation is a must – walk-ons are very hard to come by at Torrey Pines.

Coronado Golf Course

If you love to golf, but aren’t sure Torrey Pines is the right fit for you due to the cost or course difficulty, a cheaper and less challenging golfing option is the Coronado Golf Course. The holes are less planned out and elaborate than Torrey Pines, but it still has great San Diego views. Location: 2000 Visalia Row Phone: 619-435-3121

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Skip spending your morning at the beaches of Coronado and instead head to the golf course of Coronado or of Torrey Pines. Head to Old Town afterwards, and know that golfing may mean you have less time at the beach in the afternoon.

Scuba/Snorkeling Itinerary Modification

With an assortment of fish, shellfish, and reef sharks, plus a kelp forest, the La Jolla Cove is a prime place to scuba dive or snorkel, either on your own or with a guide. Plus, since it’s a beach dive, it’s usually fairly affordable to dive in the Cove since a boat isn’t needed to get to the dive spot.

Scuba San Diego – This outfit offers scuba diving in the La Jolla Cove with an expert guide. The dive includes equipment. They also offer a snorkel excursion at 10 a.m. every day that includes equipment and a guide. Phone: 619-260-1880

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Since scuba diving is typically best in the morning, bypass Coronado. If you really want to see Coronado, head there instead of Belmont Park and Mission Beach in the afternoon.

Kayaking Itinerary Modification

San Diego has many spots for kayaking, but two of the best ones are at La Jolla Shores and Mission Bay. There are a number of companies who offer kayak tours and rentals, but here are a couple options I’ve used:

La Jolla Shores Kayaking

Kayaking here is great for nature and animal lovers. You’re bound to see sea lions and seals, and they may even swim right underneath your kayak. There are also caves that can be kayaked into with a guide, an excursion that costs extra but is worth it. A good outfitter option:

La Jolla Kayak : Offers both kayaking tours starting from $39, and kayak rentals starting from $30. Location: 2199 Avenida de la Playa Phone: 858-459-1114

Mission Bay Kayaking

See stunning views of San Diego and wildlife from the calm, relaxing waters of Mission Bay. A great place for beginners to try kayaking. A good outfitter option:

Aqua Adventures: Located right on Mission Bay with an adjacent dock and ample parking, Aqua Adventures ensures you’ll get in and out fast with more time in the water. Which is ideal for someone who is short on time in San Diego. Kayak rentals start from $16.50 for up to 1 ½ hours. Location: 1548 Quivira Way Phone: 619-523-9577

More Kayak Tours: Staying more inland? Easily book a kayak exploring tour here (no experience required!)

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Shorten your time at the beach and get your fun in the sun via kayaking instead. If kayaking at Mission Bay, you’ll still have time to head to Mission Beach for a little while, and if kayaking in La Jolla, head to La Jolla Shores or Windansea Beach after.

Zoo Lovers Itinerary Modification

You can’t go to San Diego without at least considering going to the San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Zoo consistently makes the top 10 lists for zoos around the world and is a greenery-filled masterpiece of a zoo.

The animals’ enclosures are made to be as close to their natural habitat as possible and as the zoo is so big, there are many, many different types of animals to see.

The scale of the zoo is also why this is a modified itinerary recommendation; it’s very possible to spend the whole day at the zoo and if you only have one day in San Diego that may not be how you want to spend your time.

—> Get your 1-day pass ticket to San Diego Zoo here .

Location: 2920 Zoo Drive Phone: 619-231-1515

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: For those who want to make visiting the San Diego Zoo a priority, get there as early in the day as possible and then plan on leaving mid-afternoon to check out La Jolla Cove or another beach before sunset.

Boaters Itinerary Modification

If you love sailing or marina life, head to Shelter Island, San Diego’s most nautical neighborhood. I wrote up a comprehensive guide to Shelter Island San Diego here .

Read More: Hidden Gems in San Diego You Don’t Want to Miss

Museum Mavens Itinerary Modification

USS Midway Museum : A unique museum experience in San Diego is the USS Midway. You’ll get the chance to walk around a former naval ship that’s now permanently docked in San Diego harbor. Learn about how these types of ships operate and more about the military past of the USS Midway while walking around it. If you love history, it’s easily one of the neatest things to do during your day in San Diego.

Tour Tip: This is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego, so if you’re short on time, I highly recommend getting this skip-the-line ticket for the USS Midway Museum.

Location: 910 N Harbor Dr. Phone: 619-544-9600

Balboa Park – This large park is home to San Diego’s best museums. Marvel at physics in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, find out more about San Diego’s history at the San Diego History Center, and learn about San Diego’s art scene at the San Diego Art Institute. Or visit one of the over a dozen other museums onsite in Balboa Park. Location: 1549 El Prado (Balboa Park Visitors Center) Phone: 619-239-0512 (Balboa Park Visitors Center) Admission and Hours: Prices and hours vary depending on the museum; visit www.balboapark.org for a breakdown of museums.

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Get your San Diego history fill here instead of Old Town, if you still want time at the beach. If you can live without lounging on the beach for a couple of hours during your time in San Diego, head to Balboa Park or the USS Midway after Old Town instead of Mission Beach.

Shopaholics Itinerary Modification

Want to do some retail therapy while in San Diego? Here are the best places to go shopping in San Diego.

Read More: Best Girls Getaway Spots in San Diego

Fashion Valley

A huge shopping mall located in Mission Valley with favorites such as J.Crew and designer meccas like Louis Vuitton. Address: 7007 Friars Road

The area next to La Jolla Cove is full of boutiques with high-end clothing, plus some unique furniture and art stores. Address: The area east of Prospect Street

Seaport Village

A quaint little area on the harbor that features an array of souvenir shops, clothing stores, and restaurants. Address: 849 W Harbor Drive

Westfield Horton Plaza

A large shopping mall located in downtown San Diego with outdoor walkways and is also adjacent to an ice skating rink. Address: 324 Horton Plaza

Short on Time Tip – What to Switch Out: Head to the shops instead of the brewery. Many of the shopping areas are located adjacent to restaurants and bars that serve local breweries if you still want to try one on tap before leaving San Diego.

Good Eats in San Diego

Access to amazing cuisine is one of the things I miss most about living in San Diego. Here are some of my favorite places to eat at when I’m in San Diego.

Always Popular San Diego Favorites

Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a double cheek kiss at this Italian run eatery in PB serving up some of the best Italian food in San Diego. It’s hard to pick only one, but this just may be my favorite restaurant in San Diego. Location: 1932 Balboa Avenue Phone: 858-272-2702

Indigo Grill

Inventive cuisine that mixes in a variety of tastes and seasonings in a lively, trendy setting. Location: 1536 India Street Phone: 619-234-6802

Alexander’s on 30 th

A nearly all-white interior gives a romantic vibe to this restaurant in North Park and the upscale twist on comfort foods offers a great dining experience. Location: 3391 30 th Street Phone: 619-281-2539

Urban Solace

Gourmet American comfort food such as macaroni and cheese and pot pie is served alongside entrees like duck and pork cheeks at this foodie haven located in North Park. Location: 3823 30 th Street Phone: 619-295-6464

OB Noodle House

A funky restaurant in OB serving up delicious Asian food – try the pho. Location: 2218 Cable Street Phone: 619-450-6868

Paying homage to the best seafood and farm ingredients, downtown Searsucker is located in a warehouse-style building and is led by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey. Searsucker also has a location in the small coastal city of Del Mar, just north of San Diego. Location: 611 5 th Avenue Phone: 619-233-7327

Island Prime / C Level

Located on stilts over the San Diego Bay, the restaurant of Island Prime and its adjacent C-Level lounge serve up delicious seafood and steaks with great views of San Diego and Coronado. Location: 880 Harbor Island Drive Phone: 619-298-6802

Cucina Urbana

Italian food is taken to new levels at Cucina Urbana, a Banker’s Hill restaurant that manages to be hip and traditional all at the same time. Location: 505 Laurel Street Phone: 619-239-2222  

Best Breakfast/Brunch  Spots in San Diego

The Mad Beet 

Two words: Acai Bowl. Location:  933 Garnet Ave Phone:  858-529-5129

I haven’t eaten here yet, but I hear this is the cool new place for brunch in San Diego. Location: 967 Garnet Ave Phone: 858-230-6567

World Famous

Excellent views of the ocean and good breakfast eats, especially the eggs Benedict. Location: 711 Pacific Beach Dr Phone:  858-272-3100

Fine Dining Eats in San Diego

George’s at the Cove

Some of the best fine dining in San Diego can be found in George’s at the Cove California Modern dining room, plus one of the best ocean front patios at their Ocean Terrace bistro with a view of La Jolla’s cove. Location: 1250 Prospect Street Phone: 858-454-4244

Bertrand at Mr. A’s

A top-floor restaurant in a high-rise building with an excellent view of the San Diego skyline – and most importantly, stellar modern American food. (Still somehow haven’t eaten here, but I have only heard good things!) Location: 2550 5 th Avenue Phone: 619-239-1379

Marine Room

This La Jolla restaurant is known as much for its proximity to the ocean (in high tide, ocean waves hit the dining room windows — book your reservation well in advance for these dates) as its gourmet cuisine. Location: 2000 Spindrift Drive Phone: 858-459-7222

Cheap Eats in San Diego (But Delicious!)

Rocky’s Crown Pub

Always a contender and often the winner in ongoing debates of the best burger joint in San Diego. (It’s my favorite which is why it’s on the list over the other fave: Hodad’s 😉 Rocky’s only serves burgers and fries, plus beer and wine, and is cash only. Location: 3786 Ingraham Street Phone: 858-273-9140

South Beach Bar & Grille

A small dive bar located in OB with some of the best fish tacos in San Diego. Get there early or expect to be waiting for a table for a while. Location: 5059 Newport Avenue #104 Phone: 619-226-4577

Pizzeria Bruno Napoletano

Traditional Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza, located in North Park. Also serves up beer and wine. Location: 4207 Park Boulevard Phone: 619-260-1311

A taco shop located in University Heights serving up some of the best fast Mexican food around (no small feat in San Diego). If you’ve never tried Carne Asada fries, get them here. Location: 4642 Park Boulevard Phone: 619-692-1652

Offers affordable and delicious hand-crafted sushi and other Japanese cuisine favorites in three different San Diego locations with hip décor, including one located downtown. Location / Phone: 228 W. Washington Street / 619-231-9597; 135 Broadway / 619-233-3072; 7986 Armour Street / 858-292-5515

Short on Time Tip: Make a reservation at these restaurants if possible to avoid having to wait for (or missing out on) a table.  

San Diego Nightlife

Now that I’m a frazzled mom, I’m glad I took advantage of the San Diego night scene back when I still had the energy to go out drinking and dancing until two in the morning. Here are some classics, plus a few new ones I had to get input about from my friends who are still “cool”. 😉

Pacific Beach (PB)

Pacific Beach, known as PB by locals, is party central with a laidback, beach vibe. Bars stretch alongside either side of busy Garnet Street and along Mission Boulevard by the coast. Any night of the week – and pretty much any time of day – you’ll find coeds and the young at heart dancing the night away or enjoying drinks on patios. So grab your flipflops and enjoy the beach party life. Here are some favorite bars of mine in PB:

BeachWood – A beach vibe with a retractable roof and ocean views. Also has outdoor seating during the day on the roof-top terrace. Address: 4190 Mission Boulevard

Tower 23 – An outdoor patio right on the boardwalk and stylish décor makes this a sophisticated place to grab a few drinks in PB, with great ocean views. Address: 723 Felspar Street

Turquoise Bar – Located in quieter North PB, Turquoise Bar has a Spanish flair and serves up tapas with Sangria and other drinks. Often has live music. Address: 873 Turquoise Street

Johnny V’s – A more upscale dance club with a garden-style area that feels like an outdoor courtyard and a large central bar. Address: 945 Garnet Avenue

Bub’s Dive Bar – A popular laidback bar that has baskets of peanuts on tables and peanut shells covering the ground. Along with its fun and lively setting, Bubs also attracts a loyal patronage by having some of the best bar food in PB – try the Archie wings or tater tot nachos. My husband and I spent a ton of time here when we first started dating so it will always hold a special place in my nightlife memories! Address: 1030 Garnet Avenue

Gaslamp Quarter

In the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, keep the flip-flops packed and bring out your best downtown shoes. The Gaslamp Quarter covers 16 ½ blocks and is the epicenter of downtown San Diego’s shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Gaslamp Quarter gets its name from the faux gas lamps erected in the area during a revamp to give it a more Victorian feel in the 1970s, a much-needed facelift after nearly a century of serving as a seedy brothel zone. Today, it’s hard to believe that the Gaslamp Quarter wasn’t always as classy and trendy as it is now. This vibe also makes it an excellent place to spend your evening and late night hours, with many clubs and bars that are prime for socializing and dancing, and even some singing.

Maloney’s Tavern – A basement club with a pub feel and pool tables. Address: 777 5 th Avenue

Shouthouse – A dueling piano bar with good food and drinks and a raucous, fun atmosphere. Address: 655 4 th Avenue

House of Blues – Music lovers should check which bands are playing here the night you’re in San Diego. The hip venue gets some great bands. Address: 1055 5 th Avenue

Whiskey Girl – Dance the night away once the sun goes down in a large room that is more laidback than some of the other downtown dance clubs, with a Karaoke downstairs in the lounge. Address: 702 5 th Avenue

Vin de Syrah – A posh, garden-inspired wine bar that turns into a dance club in the late night hours. Oh, and be careful with the door. You’ll understand once you get there. Address: 901 5 th Avenue

Basic – This place serves up some of the best pizza in town during the day and evening; later it turns into a popular dance club. Address: 410 4 th Avenue

Noble Experiment – A prohibition-style speakeasy with excellent drinks in a lounge setting with skull-covered walls. Reservations needed. Address: 777 G Street

Top of the Hyatt – The name tells it all. This bar is located at the top of the Hyatt hotel and offers 360˚ panoramic views in a sumptuous setting. I spent a fun Fourth of July here once – it’s a very cool place from which to watch the fireworks. Address: 1 Market Place

North Park / South Park / University Heights

Those who like hitting the latest up and coming hot spots will love North Park and its neighboring communities of South Park and University Heights. Attracting students, urban professionals, hipsters, and beach bums alike, the mix of restaurants and bars is eclectic, fun, and hip, and often with a focus on local businesses and agriculture.

Small Bar – This “small” bar in University Heights packs a big punch with urban decor and is popular for their excellent mules. Try the Small Bar Elephant Mule. Location: 4628 Park Boulevard

Hamilton’s Tavern – This dive bar in South Park has one of the most extensive craft beer menus on tap in San Diego. Location: 1521 30 th Street

Tiger! Tiger! – Great local beer and grub in a hipster setting in North Park with communal tables and dark wood accents. Location: 3025 El Cajon Boulevard

Mosaic Wine Bar – A stylish bar in North Park with an excellent and eclectic wine list from around the world. Location: 3422 30 th Street

Splash Wine Lounge – A unique wine bar in North Park that has self-serve wine bottles arrayed around the bar offering 1 oz. servings of wine. You can try a few tastings before selecting a glass to sip on for the night or just keep tasting new ones! Location: 3043 University Avenue

Have a Fun Day in Gorgeous San Diego!

So there you have it! My ultimate guide to San Diego. Did I miss your favorite thing to see, do, or eat in San Diego? Let me know in the comments below. 🙂

Read More: Continuing your California vacation? Check out our guides on San Francisco and Santa Barbara . Plus, read about the 1 0 best small cities in California , the most romantic destinations in California , and the best girl getaways in California !

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I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

December 21, 2017 at

Oh you so should! There are so many great things for kids to do while there. This post was just for things to do in the city limits, but there are even more in North County San Diego like the Safari Park and Legoland.

Me too! 🙂 Could use some sunshine right now.

There is so much to do there. It’s one of the things I love about San Diego. Glad you got some ideas for your next trip there from the post!

Fall is a great time to go! The weather and water are still warm, but the summer crowds are gone. 🙂

Hope you have a wonderful time!

December 18, 2017 at

Love your modification options – it’s a great post! I’ve been to San Diego once too and loved it! Really enjoyed walking through Old Town and Balboa Park. The lobster tacos at the pier (don’t remember the name) were extremely delicious too!!

Super! Saving this post, as going to Cali in January 🙂

December 17, 2017 at

wow this is so comprehensive! I love San Diego… but I haven’t been in a long time. I love Cornado Beach and the food. And the weather (although I didnt realize that about May and June) I think I have only been in the fall and winter!

I love flying down to San Diego from Central California. It’s such a great city to explore. I’ve only done a fraction of the things on the list so I’m excited to try out your suggestions next time I make a trip.

Great post! I love hiking in Torrey Pines when I visit! I wish I could be in San Diego right now!

This is such a fantastic guide! We visited San Diego with our eldest son when he was 18-months old, and we absolutely loved it! This post really makes me want to go back again now he said a bit older and our youngest son is about that same age – there’s definitely stuff we missed!

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The 18 Best Things to Do in San Diego, From Art Museum Visits to Scenic Hikes

By Archana Ram and Marie Tutko

Some may scoff at its nickname—"America's Finest City"—but when it comes to things to do, San Diego offers more than just temperate weather year-round. Yes, as befitting any city in Southern California, there are pristine beaches; but there's also a vibrant arts scene; food and music that embrace the diversity of cultures here; and a rich military history that lend San Diego its distinct charm. As for that temperate weather—well, it means it's easy to get outside and enjoy some of the country's best hiking, biking, and surfing spots. Whatever has brought you to town, be sure to stop by the places on this list, a roster of the best things to do in San Diego.

Read our complete San Diego travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Arrow

A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego , this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. ( See our  favorite San Diego area hikes, here. ) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass ), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind the visitors center is currently closed and guided hikes aren't offered at the moment.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego — Museum Review Arrow

This local institution devoted to showcasing modern art is perched right across from the Pacific Ocean in the tony coastal community of La Jolla just outside San Diego , and recently reopened its doors after an extensive $105 million overhaul. This is the flagship location for the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (there is a second location downtown), and the building was originally designed by architect Irving Gill as a home for philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps–it was later converted into a museum in 1941. Today, MCASD has more than 4,000 pieces from renowned and emerging artists in its collection. If you’re pressed for time, be sure to check out what’s on display in the special exhibition gallery, as well as the paintings by Andy Warhol.

San Diego Zoo Arrow

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo spans 100 acres and houses more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Plan to spend at least a half-day at the zoo to get the full experience, which includes shows and animal presentations. During the summer, Nighttime Zoo event series allows visitors to stay later into the evening. There are plenty of restaurants throughout the park where parents can recuperate with a much-needed afternoon beer.

Torrey Pines Golf Course Arrow

The iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course is known for its two 18-hole championship courses that sit on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. From the scenery and challenging greens to the prestige factor, this course is a bucket-list destination for avid golfers—Tiger Woods has clinched career-defining wins here, and the word is former President Obama has teed off here, too. Every January, it hosts the Farmers Insurance Open, one of the top events in the PGA Tour, and the U.S. Open was held here in 2021. There's diverse terrain, ocean views, and hang gliders usually floating around holes 12 and 13 on the south course.

Steph Koyfman

Kaitlyn McInnis

Andrea Cheng

Pam LeBlanc

Belmont Park Arrow

Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars. For lower-octane pursuits, there's also an arcade and carousel.

Balboa Park Arrow

Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego , filled with world-class museums, restaurants, and beautiful greenery. The lush, 1,200-acre urban oasis is also home to nearly 30 museums and cultural centers, plus the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are more than a dozen attractions in the park, each with its own events and special exhibitions.

La Jolla Cove Arrow

Luxuriate in SoCal splendor in the upscale seaside village of La Jolla Cove, a quick 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego . Wind through Prospect Street to browse shops like the iconic Warwick’s, the nation's oldest family-run bookstore, or dine with an ocean view at high-end restaurants like seafood-centric George’s at the Cove. Walk along seaside Coast Boulevard for primo photo ops of the cliffs, stopping at the Children’s Pool to watch sunbathing seals camped on the rocks. Head to Peter Lik fine art gallery for awe-inspiring landscape photography . And, if you need to, recharge your battery at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, a grassy area ideal for picnics and watching the sunset. Fun fact: It's the most-photographed place in San Diego.

Little Italy Arrow

This quaint neighborhood is the place to go for charming Italian restaurants and bakeries, wine bars, and boutique shopping. The main thoroughfare along India Street is home to trusty favorite Italian spots like Barbusa, Buon Appetito, and Civico 1845, but the neighborhood has made room for several non-Italian restaurants in recent years, such as Ironside Fish & Oyster , Juniper & Ivy , and Queenstown Public House. There's also a popular farmers market on Saturdays. The nightlife scene in Little Italy draws people in their thirties and forties.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá Arrow

There are 21 missions dotting the California coast, and San Diego lays claim to the first. Established in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcalá is the physical representation of Christianity's birth on the West Coast. Even today, you can worship here—it's an active parish with Mass held daily—but even if you aren't a practicing Catholic, the mission is still a sight to behold, with white stucco walls, Spanish roof tiles, and grand archways. It stands on a hill overlooking Old Town with gorgeous views.

Petco Park Arrow

Petco Park is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Diego , but the appeal doesn't stop at baseball. The stadium was named the best MLB ballpark to watch a game at by USA Today in 2022, and is among the few in the nation with a water view–it's a stone's throw from San Diego Bay. Hop heads will love the stellar local craft beer options: there are more than 40 different varieties poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium. And with more than 50 dining options, Petco Park's culinary appeal stretches far beyond hot dogs. Many local restaurants run operations in the stadium, including Carnitas’ Snack Shack, Hodad’s, and Grand Ole BBQ. Some notable eateries that opened here in the past year include famed soup dumpling purveyor Din Tai Fung, Sambazon (acai bowls), Jack in the Box (the company was founded in San Diego) and San Diego’s Finest Hot Chicken.

Sunset Cliffs Arrow

Set atop jagged, postcard-worthy sea cliffs, San Diego 's aptly named Sunset Cliffs neighborhood rewards visitors with panoramic ocean views. Hands down San Diego's most popular spot at dusk, Sunset Cliffs attracts a crowd nightly for its serene, picture-perfect views. Part of the neighborhood overlaps with Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a 68-acre reserve known for its sea caves, rock arch formations, and extremely steep bluffs. Follow a path along the cliffs for a scenic walk, while making note of the sprawling homes nearby. Head up the hill to the nearby Little Lion Café for a healthy, Cali-bistro fare to-go or dine on their small patio. Or grab classic French dessert with a Cuban twist—like passion fruit caramels and a mango cheesecake—at Chef Vivian Hernandez-Jackson's excellent neighborhood patisserie Azucar and head to the water for a sweet sunset.

Del Mar Racetrack Arrow

The Del Mar Racetrack is a spectacle for high rollers and casual gamblers alike, with lightening-fast horse races that'll get your heart pumping. The track is open Thursday through Sunday, holding about eight to 12 races daily. There are 30 minutes between races to place your bets or refill your drink. In general, it's mostly adults here, but during the track's non-racing hours, the venue holds special events like food truck festivals and concerts that can bring a more diverse age range. General admission tickets are $8.

USS Midway Museum Arrow

This 971-foot-long floating museum is the best way to learn about and honor San Diego 's significant naval community. The decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. Visitors can get a taste of navy life by visiting the plane-packed flight deck, sprawling hangar bay, mess hall, and berthing. The museum hosts about 400 active-duty military events annually—including reenlistment, retirement, and change-of-command ceremonies—which are all open for the public to observe.

Cabrillo National Monument Arrow

This nature preserve and historic site at the edge of the Point Loma peninsula is one of the most picturesque spots in San Diego . It’s about 20 minutes from downtown, with the scenic ocean views starting from the moment you drive in. Once you park at the visitor center, you’re treated to panoramic views of San Diego Bay, downtown, Coronado, and the naval station on North Island. On clear afternoons, you can see all the way to Tijuana, Mexico. The park spans 140-plus acres, and there’s plenty of outdoor activities here from hiking trails to exploring tide pools, or just enjoying the views from one of the many overlooks. Cabrillo National Monument is a landmark where several milestones in San Diego’s modern history converge.

The Whaley House Museum Arrow

The Whaley House Museum has been called one of the most haunted houses in the United States. The two-story Greek Revival-style home was built by businessman Thomas Whaley in 1857, and the Whaleys experienced several tragedies after moving into the home, including the deaths of two of their children. The property was already rumored to be haunted before the home was built since the grounds were once an execution yard, and paranormal activity is said to occur in the house to this day. A guided evening tour is the way to go here. Being in the home after sundown adds to the spine-tingling effect, and the guides–who are dressed in Victorian-era clothing–are enthusiastic storytellers. The details they share about the neighborhood’s history, the Whaley family, and the tragedies that happened on the property makes it all engaging and brings the house to life.

Barrio Logan Arrow

One of California's 14 Cultural Districts, this historic, artsy neighborhood is rooted in Mexican and Chicano cultures. The most obvious proof is Chicano Park, the neighborhood's collection of more than 80 outdoor murals painted onto the concrete girders of the Coronado Bridge. The larger-than-life portraits depict iconic cultural figures, like revolutionary Emiliano Zapata and Aztec goddesses. Many of the hip, modern businesses that have landed are still rooted in the community's culture. There's Por Vida for coffee, Border X Brewing for Mexican-inspired craft beers like a horchata brew, Salud! for street tacos that garners long (long) lines, and Simón Limón, which sells beauty and home goods. And for old-school flavor and some of the best Mexican food in San Diego , don't miss a meal at Las Cuatro Milpas , but get there early—they usually sell out by lunchtime.

Coronado Arrow

The dreamy city of Coronado is an island (technically, a peninsula) stronghold of hotels, resorts, and beach-front restaurants. Make the short, two-mile journey over one of San Diego ’s most recognizable structures, Coronado Bridge, or take the ferry to get there. The main business district, which hugs Orange Avenue, is filled with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly hangouts like MooTime Creamery, so it's a popular spot for families. And, of course, the famous Hotel Del Coronado continues to be a draw.

Cedros Avenue Design District Arrow

Take a stroll down the palm tree-lined Cedros Avenue Design District in sunny Solana Beach to shop at eclectic local independent boutiques, galleries, and home goods stores. With more than 85 shops jam-packed into a petite two-and-a-half blocks, this condensed district can be easily traversed within an afternoon. But you might want to spend more time: there's plenty of local art to catch at the galleries, along with great stores for clothing, and a fantastic farmers market on Sundays.

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San Diego   Travel Guide

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32 Fun Things to Do in San Diego

Perched on the scenic Southern California coastline, San Diego's diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone – whether you're on a family vacation, a girls' getaway or traveling solo. Head to Balboa Park for world-class museums,

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Balboa Park Balboa Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Leave your car in one of the parking lots and take the free Balboa Park Tram that runs every 10 to 15 minutes to get around. Save money with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which offers discounts at park museums. – Sharael Kolberg

Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo , this 1,200-acre park is the city's cultural hub. Located in downtown San Diego (about 1 ½ miles north of the city center), Balboa Park is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic. Wander around the park's many gardens while admiring the intricate Spanish-Renaissance architecture that permeates the grounds (the best examples are the California Building and the reconstructed House of Hospitality). The Botanical Building is a great starting point in Balboa Park. The building is one of the most photographed places in Balboa Park and is one of the largest lath structures in the world. But don't just look at it. The famous botanical building features more than 2,100 permanent plants, including striking collections of tropical plants and orchids. Balboa Park also features a cactus garden, a rose garden, a Japanese-style garden as well as a palm tree canyon, among many others.

USS Midway Museum USS Midway Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: Feel what it's like to be a jet pilot in air-to-air combat in the thrilling flight simulator (for $10 per person; reservations required). Then head to the Flight Deck to see the aircraft up close. – Sharael Kolberg

San Diego is a big military town. You'll likely see bases scattered about while exploring the city, especially around parts of San Diego Bay. The USS Midway is one of these affiliated sites that offers an insider's look into what is normally closed off to the public. The USS Midway is the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century, having played host to more than 200,000 sailors over the course of its 47 years of service. This historical relic offers patrons the opportunity to explore approximately 60 different exhibits and more than 30 restored aircraft, including some that have flown in World War II, Operation Desert Storm and the Korean War. During the self-guided audio tour, you'll see the crew's sleeping quarters, the engine room and the primary flight control room, among other areas of the 4-acre flight deck. There are also flight simulators, a cafe and a gift shop.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego Zoo Safari Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: Spend the night with the animals on a Roar & Snore Safari. Guests sleep in comfortable tent cabins with cots and heaters. Witness the animals' activity after dark and roast s'mores around the campfire. – Sharael Kolberg

If you want more of the San Diego Zoo , head about 35 miles north to its Safari Park in Escondido. Here, you can view some of Africa's most beloved animals – including lions, elephants and cheetahs – roaming free (well, relatively). There are also meerkats, zebras, gorillas and bald eagles, to name a few. True to its name, the park offers a variety of different safaris, including a zip line safari and a wildlife safari in an open-air truck.

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San Diego Bay Cruises San Diego Bay Cruises

San Diego is known for its beaches and beach activities, and one of the best ways to experience the city is from the ocean. Along the city's Embarcadero, you'll find many cruise options, each offering a different experience. Finding the right experience and type of trip depends on your interests and time constraints. There are many one- to two-hour cruises available for people of all ages. Some are whale watching focused , as San Diego is one of the top places for whale watching in the country. Others, such as Flagship Cruises and Events' San Diego Harbor Tour, are sightseeing cruises , which visitors enjoy thanks to the engaging tour guides who narrate as the boat passes notable San Diego landmarks. Families with young children may appreciate the city's SEAL tours, which are narrated by guides on an amphibious vehicle; the tour consists of a 30-minute ride on land coupled with an hourlong ride on the water where passengers often see seals and other wildlife. Couples may be more interested in fine dining cruises, which provide guests with meals or drinks as they float along the city's bay. Options include a luxury dinner cruise from City Experiences or the Champagne brunch cruise from Flagship Cruises and Events . Then, there are cruises for thrill-seekers: Complete with whipping winds and splashing water for a 30-minute ride, boat adventures like the high-speed Patriot Jet Boat ride are not for the faint-hearted. 

Cruises depart from various ports within the harbor. Other attractions like Seaport Village , the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are also nearby, so there are plenty of activities to keep you busy before or after your cruise.

Coronado Beach Coronado Beach free

Compared to Mission Beach , this popular shoreline boasts fewer sunbathers and calmer waves. Just across the bay from San Diego, Coronado Beach is popular with families and couples alike thanks to its long shoreline (affording plenty of room for beachgoers), clean sands, peaceful atmosphere and idyllic location in the "Crown City" (in Spanish, "Coronado" means "crowned one"). In fact, not only is it one of the best beaches in San Diego , it's also considered one of the best California beaches .

While you won't have access to a bustling boardwalk (like that at Mission Beach), you will have plenty of picturesque scenery to admire (besides the surf): magnificent mansions sit behind the beach on Ocean Boulevard. And the Hotel del Coronado – a National Historic Landmark that made its debut in 1888 and appeared in the 1959 Marilyn Monroe film "Some Like It Hot" – is perched just beyond the sand. When you're not boogie boarding or building a sand castle, heed the advice of recent visitors and simply walk the approximately 1.75-mile-long shoreline. Even if you're visiting San Diego during the winter season (December through February) when the water is a little too chilly for swimming, you should still plan to make a stop here for the scenery. And if you enjoy ice skating, the Hotel Del Coronado offers the unique opportunity to ice skate right alongside the beach.

Petco Park Petco Park

Often considered one of the top baseball stadiums in the country, Petco Park is a must-visit for San Diego Padres fans or for anyone who wants to witness a baseball game and take in the striking San Diego skyline. The park, which was built in 2004, sits beside the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego's East Village. The stadium reflects its Southern California location through the light sandstone exterior and decorative palm trees and vegetation. San Diego's notoriously sunny and dry weather also makes Petco Park an ideal baseball stadium: The Padres rarely see home games rained out, so it's highly unlikely visitors will need to worry about their plans getting canceled.

The stadium offers tours for anyone who wants to learn more about the ins and outs of the park. The daily tours highlight the press box, the dugout, the Padres Hall of Fame and more. Tours last about 80 minutes and tickets cost $38 for adults. Visitors can purchase tickets online or in person at the Western Metal Supply Building Ticket Windows on Seventh Ave and K Street up to 30 minutes before the tour starts. (The tour schedule differs depending on game days.) On game days, visitors can take a pregame tour. These tours cover most of the same sights as the daily tours, but also let visitors witness the excitement and energy of game preparation; game-day tours may also include the opportunity to watch batting practice. Prices vary depending on the day and time of the tour.

Legoland California Legoland California

Legoland California features much more than the company's ubiquitous plastic building blocks. It boasts an amusement park – one of the top California theme parks – with more than 60 rides and a 10-acre water park with several slides. It also has an interactive aquarium with more than 6,000 animals. Other activities include Lego-related live shows and 4D movies. For a low-key activity, head to MINILAND USA, which features miniature replicas of major cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York City and Washington, D.C., all constructed from millions of Legos. New in 2023, there's also a replica of San Diego that includes Lego reconstructions of all of the city's famous landmarks. 

If this seems like too much to do in a single day, you can reserve one of the resort's hotel rooms , which, of course, are outfitted in decor inspired by Lego product lines. What's more, each room has a separate sleeping area for kids. The park itself houses several restaurants serving kid-approved fare like burgers and pizza, as well as a barbecue eatery that appeals to adults thanks to its craft beer menu.

La Jolla Cove La Jolla Cove free

La Jolla Cove is the jewel of La Jolla. Located across the water from La Jolla Shores , La Jolla Cove may not be much in terms of a beach, but its striking beauty and snorkeling reputation more than make up for it among recent visitors. The site is an ecologically protected area that is home to vibrant wildlife both in and out of the water. In fact, it's not uncommon to spot sea lions hanging close to the cove's bluffs and tide pools. Oftentimes, they even come on the beach. 

This is also an excellent spot for beginner snorkelers. Advanced snorkelers should take advantage of the sea caves located along the bluffs, but only with a guide. If you aren't an advanced snorkeler but still want to see the caves, you can take a kayak tour , or visit the Cave Store, which is home to a human-made tunnel that goes directly inside the Sunny Jim Cave. Travelers say even if you don't plan on swimming or snorkeling, you should still visit the attraction for its picture-perfect setting. 

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Mission Beach Mission Beach free

Mission Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with families thanks to its variety of amenities and laid-back vibe. In addition to its approximately 2-mile-long boardwalk, the beach is also home to Belmont Park , a beachfront amusement park featuring arcades and numerous rides, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster – a nearly 100-year-old National Historic Landmark. Mission Beach is also a great spot for beginner surfers (several surf schools offer lessons here).

When lunchtime rolls around, head to one of the many beachside eateries that flank the boardwalk or Mission Boulevard (the area's main thoroughfare), or have a picnic at Bonita Cove, the bayfront park located across the street from Belmont Park that also features a playground as well as several restrooms.

Old Town San Diego Old Town San Diego free

Take a trip back in time at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, an approximately mile-long and half-mile-wide area contained stretch of preserved or reconstructed shops and houses on the grounds of the first European settlement in California. Widely considered the "birthplace of California," Old Town San Diego shows visitors what it was like to live through different eras of California history, from the time of Spanish explorers to the California gold rush. Some important stops include the adobe Casa de Estudillo, a house built in the 1820s that is one of the oldest surviving Mexican-Spanish-style structures of its type in the state. The park also shelters a reconstruction of San Diego's first brick building, a courthouse first built in the mid-19th century. Nearby the park, the Junípero Serra Museum, named for the Spanish missionary who helped colonize San Diego and other areas of California, is also a must-see because its architecture and location have helped make it a famous San Diego landmark. It sits on a hill in Presidio Park near green spaces, picnic areas and memorials, and it provides great views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The Whaley House, another of the city's early brick buildings (and one some believe to be haunted), also sits near the park.

There are plenty of shops in the Old Town area, many of which sell handcrafted items from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The town's Mexican heritage is also preserved through the various restaurants that dish out authentic Mexican food. Favorite eateries include El Agave, Cafe Coyote and Tahona Bar. Previous visitors enjoyed simply strolling through the streets, relaxing on the green spaces and listening to mariachi bands. For a little help navigating the area, sign up for one of the best San Diego tours .

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This oceanfront reserve features 1,750 acres of unspoiled land, including the Torrey pine, America's rarest pine tree. There are approximately 3,000 Torrey pines in the reserve alone, and aside from San Diego, the only other place in the country the pines grow are on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara . The reserve also houses one of Southern California's last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges. What does that mean for you? Plenty of hiking opportunities (8 miles to be exact). Trails offer a chance to get up close and personal with the attraction's famously beautiful sandstone ravines and badlands, as well as breathtaking views of the coastline. And if you come during the spring, you'll see wildflowers on full display.

Popular trails include the short Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 miles round trip), which features two ocean overlooks, and the longer Razor Point Trail (1.4 miles round trip), which tours more of the sandstone geological features of the reserve. There is also the nearly mile-long Beach Trail that leads to Torrey Pines State Beach. Of all San Diego's beaches , a long walk along Torrey Pines State Beach is a must simply for its views of the towering sandstone cliffs that border it.

San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo

Spanning 100 acres in Balboa Park , the San Diego Zoo is not only one of the largest zoos in the country, it's also home to one of the largest collections of rare and endangered animals in the world (more than 12,000 animals in total). Amur leopards, jaguars, red pandas, giraffes, elephants and koalas (the largest collection outside of Australia) are just a few of the many animals that call the San Diego Zoo home. The exhibits are linked by an expansive series of trails, such as the Monkey Trail, the Hippo Trail or the Tiger Trail. On these designated pathways, you'll come face to face with numerous exciting creatures, including hippos and bonobos in the Lost Forest, polar bears in the Northern Frontier, rhinos in the Urban Jungle or Chinese alligators in the Discovery Outpost. You'll need plenty of energy – and a map (or smartphone app) – to see everything the zoo has to offer. Should your feet grow weary while exploring, the zoo offers a 35-minute guided bus tour of the park. There's also the Skyfari Aerial Tram that transports visitors from one end of the park to the other, offering a bird's-eye view of the exhibits below. The zoo also hosts animal presentations and animal encounter programs daily, and houses a 4D movie theater that screens educational wildlife films. 

Travelers almost unanimously agree that the San Diego Zoo is the best zoo they have ever visited. Recent visitors were impressed with the vast number of animals on display and the various activities. In fact, many said a daylong visit isn't enough time to see everything. Travelers suggest wearing quality walking shoes, as the distance between some exhibits is considerable. Some recommended hopping on the Kangaroo Bus that stops at four different places in the park, going on the guided bus tour or taking the Skyfari just for the views alone. Though a few reviewers express disappointment with the amount of walking involved and the high prices of admission and concession, visitors say the experience is worth it.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Birch Aquarium at Scripps

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to SeaWorld San Diego , consider this small aquarium in La Jolla. Located at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, the Birch Aquarium overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the source of the fish and invertebrates housed in its more than 60 habitats. Creatures here include sea turtles, sharks and seahorses (which are a key focus of its conservation efforts). The interactive institution has outdoor pools that allow visitors to have hands-on experiences with young sharks, rays and sea cucumbers. It also offers daily behind-the-scenes tours. Other highlights include a two-story, 70,000-gallon giant kelp forest and a blue penguin exhibit (blue penguins are the world's smallest penguins).

Recent visitors observe that the Birch is nowhere near as large as SeaWorld (and doesn't house any rides), but nonetheless merits a couple hours of your time, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Plus, it's a fraction of the cost of a SeaWorld visit.

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Sesame Place San Diego Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Place is a kid-oriented destination inspired by the "Sesame Street" TV series. It features a neighborhood constructed to resemble the show's set with recognizable locations like Hooper's Store and Big Bird's Nest. This is where children can have their photos taken with some of their favorite puppet characters (or adults dressed to look like them) or hear them tell stories. Sesame Place also has a variety of themed rides, including Super Grover’s Box Car Derby (a family-friendly roller coaster) and the Sunny Day Carousel, as well as numerous water slides. Sesame Place also stages live parades and shows featuring Bert, Ernie and the rest of the gang. In addition, it has several on-site eateries, such as Oscar's Grouchy Grub and Grover's Grill.

Visitors – adult ones, anyway – point out this is primarily a place for children to romp and may be of limited interest to anyone else. Some say that despite the "Sesame Street" trappings, it’s essentially a water park. (Indeed, it was adapted from the former SeaWorld Aquatica San Diego water park.) And others grumble that it can get rather expensive. Even so, many say that if you enter knowing what to expect, and with companions of the appropriate age in tow, you can have a magical time here.

Pacific Beach Pacific Beach free

Pacific Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with college students thanks to its lively atmosphere and proximity to bars and restaurants. Families looking for a quieter stretch of sand may want to venture a little farther south to Mission Beach . Pacific Beach is a popular surf spot that's home to Tourmaline Surfing Park, which is known for its slow waves that are ideal for novices. This section of Pacific Beach is not swimmable, but even if you don't want to try your hand at surfing it's still a fun place to watch others ride the waves, according to past travelers.

Pacific Beach earns high marks from reviewers for its beautiful views and clean shores. Others appreciate the variety of eateries that sit within walking distance of the sand. Aside from Mission Boulevard, you can find a heavy concentration of bars and nightlife options on Garnet Avenue and Grand Avenue. If you don't want to experience this side of Pacific Beach, take a walk along Crystal Pier or stick to the beach north of this pier (a popular area for families). 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand breakfast, head to the whimsical, pink-themed Morning Glory restaurant. The soufflé pancakes, dim sum cart and spro (espresso) are worth the long wait in line. – Sharael Kolberg

Centered around the 10,000-square-foot Piazza della Famiglia, a European-style plaza connecting Columbia and India streets, Little Italy is a neighborhood teeming with restaurants, cafes, art galleries, craft beer taprooms and boutiques. Here, old-school eateries like Mona Lisa Italian Foods, Filippi's Pizza Grotto and Waterfront Bar & Grill neighbor trendy, upscale establishments like Kettner Exchange, Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack.

Gaslamp Quarter Gaslamp Quarter free

The Gaslamp Quarter's 16 blocks are peppered with Victorian-style buildings that now house a variety of shops, art galleries, theaters and trendy restaurants, not to mention plenty of bars and clubs. The area stretches from L Street all the way up to Broadway, including Sixth, Fifth and Fourth avenues as well as out to First Avenue at G Street. The Gaslamp Quarter Association, the city of San Diego and other groups devised a plan to transform some of these streets into car-free plazas collectively called the Gaslamp Promenade. The best place to start your tour of the Gaslamp Quarter is at the Gaslamp Quarter Gate itself, located at L Street and Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue is considered downtown San Diego's main thoroughfare. You'll find the most action here, especially at night. Thanks to all of its amenities, the Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego's premier nightlife destination. If you're not a night owl, another way to experience the Gaslamp Quarter's lively atmosphere is to take advantage of the patio seating offered at some of the neighborhood's restaurants, or venture to one of the many rooftop bars (the Andaz San Diego  boasts 360-degree views of the city's skyline). For help navigating the neighborhood, sign up for one of the best San Diego tours .

Past visitors say this is the area to stay in if you're looking for a hip, busy scene. The Gaslamp Quarter also hosts many annual events year-round, including San Diego Comic-Con. However, because it's so popular, travelers also warn that parking can be limited, especially when there's a game or event at Petco Park . Consider using public transportation instead; several bus lines stop in the area. If you do drive, you can park at Horton Plaza Park or one of the other structures in the area (where rates vary by day of the week, time of day and length of your stay). To avoid all parking fees, you can park at the Old Town Transit Center for free and take the trolley from there, which goes straight into downtown San Diego. You'll find the Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego, southwest of Balboa Park . The bars, restaurants and stores maintain different hours of operation, so check out the neighborhood's website for more information and to read more about upcoming events.

Seaport Village Seaport Village free

If you want to spend the afternoon watching ships float in and out of the harbor while sipping coffee or shopping for souvenirs, Seaport Village is the place to go. Located on the San Diego waterfront not far from the USS Midway Museum and the convention center, the 14-acre village is home to more than 50 shops, 13 casual dining outlets and four fine dining restaurants. Even visitors who aren't particularly fond of shopping said they still enjoyed strolling the 4 miles of cobblestone paths winding through the sunny outdoor complex. What's more, it's the jumping-off point for one of the best California tours within San Diego: the San Diego Seal Tour. If you're looking for panoramic sea views, grab a bite at Edgewater Grill. And at the end of the day, Seaport Village is a great place to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Many visitors also appreciate the view it affords of the Coronado Bridge.

Seaport Village is also a popular entertainment venue. If you're visiting San Diego in March, don't miss Busker Fest – a free event showcasing street performers from all over the globe. There is also live music every weekend on stages in the Carousel and Lighthouse districts.

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La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores free

Known for its gentle waves and active beachgoers, La Jolla Shores is an ideal place to relax for a few hours. Locals and tourists hit this beach to surf, see marine life and enjoy the clean ocean water and sand. Families flock to La Jolla Shores and appreciate the reliable lifeguard presence and ample public restrooms. Adjacent to the beach is the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which houses two artificial reefs meant to attract marine life. Its perimeter is marked with buoys to enforce the strict no fishing rules. Along with fishing, collecting seashells is prohibited, as the area is part of the Marine Life Refuge used by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography for research. Away from the protected refuge, surfers and boogie boarders come to catch waves in designated zones. Additionally, kayak and snorkeling gear rentals are available and visitors can sign up for scuba diving classes ahead of time.  La Jolla Kayak  and  San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours  are two companies that offer rental equipment.

There are a handful of dining options where visitors can grab a quick bite or nice meal just a short walk from the shore. For a prime vantage point, visitors suggest seeking out one of the rooftop decks at the local bars, where you can enjoy shoreline views and vibrant sunsets over cocktails.

Liberty Public Market Liberty Public Market free

If you find yourself hungry and near the San Diego Bay, look no further than Liberty Public Market for a delicious solution. Housed in a former Navy training building within the Arts District of Liberty Station, the market features more than 30 independently run food stalls, each with its own unique flair. Visitors can stroll through the bustling market and sample a variety of cuisines, including pizza, tacos, salads and more. Some stalls have more specific products, such as Baker & Olive, which sells premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or Old Town Soap Company, which offers natural self-care and wellness products. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available.

Visitors say the Liberty Public Market is perfect for anyone traveling with a large group, as everyone is sure to find something they like. For more shopping, guests can venture outside to the various other accessory stores around Liberty Station.

San Diego Golf Courses San Diego Golf Courses

With more than 70 courses and temperate weather year-round, the San Diego area ranks as a top destination for golfers. The city of San Diego operates three municipal courses: Balboa Park Golf Course, which boasts views of the nearby downtown area as well as the Pacific Ocean; Mission Bay Golf Course, the only one in the city with night lighting; and Torrey Pines Golf Course, which also features ocean views and has hosted some prestigious professional competitions. All three are regarded as among the best in the area.

Recent players called the Balboa Park course both challenging and fun, and enjoyed its scenic views. Golfers regularly describe the Mission Bay course as small, but frequently cite the friendliness of the staff. Golf enthusiasts rave about the Torrey Pines course with some saying their time there was the highlight of their trip to San Diego. Visit the city's parks and recreation department's website for information on reserving tee times.

Children's Pool in La Jolla Children's Pool in La Jolla free

Animal lovers are sure to enjoy Children's Pool beach in La Jolla. Because of the California coast's sometimes harsh waves, a seawall was built in the 1930s on a portion of the beach to make the waters calmer for children. However, builders didn't realize the calm waters would appeal to seals as well. In recent years, seals have started flocking to Children's Pool to bask in the sun, play in the water and give birth to their pups. The wildlife phenomenon has turned the beach into a must-see tourist attraction.

Visitors can walk out onto the seawall to watch the seals from above, and many agreed Children's Pool was one of the highlights of their San Diego trip. They suggest bringing binoculars to see the seals and jackets as it can get chilly on the seawall. They also warn the abundance of seals can sometimes result in a rather pungent scent, but seeing the animals in their natural habitat is worth it.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum offers a hands-on look at San Diego's days as a bustling seaport. You can tour all types of historic vessels, from sailing ships to submarines, including the world's oldest active ship, the Star of India. If exploring boats doesn't satisfy your craving for a nautical experience, set sail on one of the museum's vessels, such as the Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California. Prices and tour availability vary by boat, so make sure to check the website for more information. 

Recent visitors said the boat tours gave them a new understanding of the workmanship and skill required of sailors. Past travelers also note that you should allot yourself plenty of time to explore the various ships. Along with the boat tours, you can also tour several permanent and visiting exhibits that detail San Diego's maritime legacy through art and artifacts. Travelers say the exhibits are fascinating, even for youngsters. 

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Belmont Park Belmont Park

A trip to San Diego is not complete without a visit to beachfront amusement park and boardwalk Belmont Park. The park, which has been in operation since 1925, offers something for everyone. Those looking for a thrill can ride the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the spinning Beach Blaster, while those who prefer something calmer can enjoy the carousel, go mini golfing or hit the arcade. Additional activities and attractions include rock climbing, bumper cars, zip lining and laser tag. Despite the park's busy location ( Mission Beach ), previous visitors were pleased that the lines were usually short. However, they advise going in the morning or evening to minimize wait times regardless. Belmont Park also features a variety of retails shops and equipment rental vendors. Visitors also enjoy Plunge San Diego, the park's indoor pool that features beach views.

Belmont Park serves typical amusement park fare (like hot dogs, ice cream and burgers). The park is also home to a handful of upscale restaurants, including seafood and sushi spot Cannonball, which offers one of the city's largest rooftops and overlooks Mission Beach.

Torrey Pines Gliderport Torrey Pines Gliderport

Travelers can take in Torrey Pines' unique coastal scenery from a new perspective at Torrey Pines Gliderport. The gliderport is one of the top spots in California for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. In operation for almost a century, this unique adventure hub allows visitors to witness the beautifully preserved California coastline from above. Each tandem paragliding and hang gliding flight (in which you fly with an instructor) lasts 20 to 25 minutes and gives visitors the chance to witness the sandstone cliffs, golf courses and vibrant water from the sky before landing back where they started – 350 feet above Black's Beach. (Or, depending on wind conditions, gliders may land on the beach itself and hike back to the top of the cliff.) Anyone of any age can sign up for a tandem gliding ride, but minors must get formal approval from their parents or guardians.

Visitors say the rides are worth the price because it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many; they rave about the guides who made them feel safe and also made the ride fun.

SeaWorld San Diego SeaWorld San Diego

Though you may spot wildlife at any one of San Diego's beaches (especially Pacific and Mission beaches) none put on quite as good a show as the performers at SeaWorld. Here, you'll get to see a range of animals, including dolphins, California sea lions, California otters and sea turtles, among others. As for the rides, travelers love the lightning-fast Manta roller coaster, but caution against the Journey to Atlantis or Shipwreck Rapids rides if you don't want to get wet. In 2022, the park added the Emperor, which it bills as California's tallest and fastest roller coaster with a 14-story vertical drop and speeds of up to 60 mph. For something a little more low-key, head to any one of the park's animal exhibits, such as the underwater shark-viewing tunnel or the penguin habitat, which features nearly 400 penguins. There's also the Sesame Street Bay of Play (included in your SeaWorld general admission ticket), which features various wet and dry playgrounds, as well as a bounce house, climbing structure and smaller rides suited for children and toddlers.

Recent visitors had a blast at SeaWorld, especially those with kiddos in tow. Travelers say you can't miss a show, with many being fond of the dolphin show in particular. Make sure to arrive early though, as lines can get long. Travelers also highly recommended wearing quality walking shoes and bringing an extra jacket or change of clothes in case you get wet on the rides or at the shows (there's a splash zone for most). Travelers who didn't bring a change of clothes said they were miserable walking around the park wet and balked at the high price of clothing available at the park.

Cabrillo National Monument Cabrillo National Monument

The southernmost tip of Point Loma is where you'll find the Cabrillo National Monument. The statue depicts Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who, in 1542, was the first European explorer to navigate the California coast. Situated about 10 miles southwest of downtown San Diego, this monument is much more than just a memorializing effigy. The main reason people make the journey to the monument is for its incredible views. From the monument, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific as well as downtown San Diego, Coronado, and on a clear day, the mountains of Tijuana, Mexico.

Once you've gotten your fill from the top, walk or drive down Cabrillo Road to experience the Point Loma Tide Pools, or take a scenic walk along the coastal trail. There's also the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail that cascades down into the east side of the point and ends right above the bay waters. For those more interested in the historical aspect of the attraction, the National Park Service site features ranger talks further explaining the story behind the Cabrillo Monument as well as the restored Old Point Loma Lighthouse, located a short walk south from the monument on Humphreys Road. 

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial free

Situated in La Jolla, less than 3 miles south of La Jolla Shores , the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial was built in 1954 to honor every U.S. veteran, living or deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Along with a massive cross, there are also a series of 11 walls displaying more than 3,500 granite plaques devoted to individual military persons and their accomplishments. Volunteer docents are on hand to answer questions. The memorial conducts ceremonies honoring veterans each Friday morning as well as special events on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

In addition to its solemn purposes, the site atop its namesake mountain boasts exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego and, to the east, the mountains. Visitors frequently remark on the beautifully realized tribute to servicemen and women, as well as the unrivaled views of the surrounding area.

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Silver Strand State Beach Silver Strand State Beach

Situated on a sand-spit between Coronado and Imperial Beach, Silver Strand State Beach stretches for 2 ½ miles on the Pacific Ocean and another half-mile on San Diego Bay and offers exceptional views of both bodies of water. It's a popular spot for boating, surfing, picnicking, water-skiing, fishing, volleyball and camping. The Bayshore Bikeway – a 24-mile bike route that extends from Coronado through Imperial Beach and Chula Vista into downtown San Diego – passes through the area. Silver Stand takes its name from the iridescent oyster shells that cover the sand and make it a popular destination for shell collectors. South of the beach, a trail leads to San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Recent visitors say Silver Strand is an attractive and clean place with a relaxed atmosphere. They also confirm that it's a popular spot for RV camping.

Sunset Cliffs Sunset Cliffs free

A few miles from Cabrillo National Monument , Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent place for ocean views in Point Loma. Situated about 9 miles due west of downtown San Diego, Sunset Cliffs stretches across 68 acres and runs 1.5 miles along Point Loma peninsula's western shoreline. The dramatic sandstone cliffs and untouched vegetation along with its stunning ocean vistas make for an unforgettable stroll. The area is also home to a few secluded beaches as well, though getting to them can be tricky. There is a beach popular with locals at the beginning of Cordova Street off of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, but you have to traverse down the steep cliffs to get there. For an easier descent, head to the end of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at Ladera Street and take a walk down the available stairway. It won't lead you to the beach, but it will get you just above the crashing waves. You can reach the sand by wading through water on the rocky shore. Nicknamed Garbage Beach for the kelp covering the rocks, the area is pretty popular with surfers, so expect to see lots of locals catching waves. If you venture farther up into Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, you'll find plenty of walking trails right along the ocean and through the coastal scrub that dot the area. 

As its name implies, sunset is a popular time to visit the park and recent visitors say arguably the best. If you want to avoid the crowds at dusk, try to plan a mid-week trip rather than a weekend visit. Travelers recommend bringing along a sweatshirt in case the ocean breeze gets a little too chilly. Past visitors also suggest using the restroom before stopping here as there are no facilities on-site. You can get to Sunset Cliffs via public transportation. If you're staying downtown, take the trolley to Old Town Transit Center then catch the No. 35 bus and it will take you to the beginning of the cliffs. Sunset Cliffs has no opening or closing hours, though it's best to go when there's light for maximum visibility. People have had accidents falling off of the cliffs, so be sure to observe the signs marking unstable cliffs. For more information, visit the parks and recreation website .

San Diego Wine Tasting & Tours San Diego Wine Tasting & Tours

San Diego is home to numerous, mostly family-owned, wineries and tasting rooms located in areas throughout the county, including Escondido, Julian, Solana Beach, Ramona, Carlsbad and in the city proper. The climate and soil are conducive to growing grapes for award-winning artisan wine. You'll find everything from sprawling vineyards like Bernardo Winery with 2,500 vines, or Pali Wine Co.'s charming tasting room in Little Italy , to beachside wineries, such as Gianni Buonomo Vintners, or mountain wineries like Hawk Watch Winery. There is a large range of varietals grown in this area, such as pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, petite syrah, sangiovese and more. Original offerings include almond Champagne and chocolate port by Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards.

Whether you want to get out of town and take a scenic drive to visit one of the winery estates or just want to stop by a quaint wine tasting room in downtown San Diego, these hidden gems are worth exploring while in the area. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, consider signing up for one of the best Temecula wine tours . Located in the hills of Southern California's wine country between Los Angeles and San Diego, Temecula is home to dozens of wineries.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue operated by the San Diego Symphony. Located at the Embarcadero Marina Park South, this venue, which opened in 2021, was a five-year collaboration between the San Diego Symphony and leading architects, design firms, sound engineers, construction experts, fabricators and audiovisual teams. It's recognized for its unique and stunning shell design, which it describes as "acoustically superior." Visitors can listen to a variety of live music at this waterfront venue while dining on locally sourced culinary offerings. Musical performances range from classical to pop, with concerts by artists like Michael Bolton, Van Morrison and Counting Crows, to name a few.

Past visitors raved about the scenic waterfront venue, applauding the acoustics and the stunning harbor views.

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San Diego Itinerary: 9 Unmissable Things To Do In 3 Perfect Days

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: August 13, 2020  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories North America Travel Blog

San Diego is an outdoors-orientated, laid back and trendy city boasting the best tacos in America. You’re in the perfect place to plan your first time San Diego vacation itinerary, we’ll show you the best things to do in just three days.

San Diego has an enormous amount of fantastic things to do for first time visitors, from beaches to museums and from the zoo to awesome photography locations.

It’s a place you visit on vacation, fall in love with and begin planning your move to Southern California.

Three days is the perfect timeframe for a first time visit to San Diego but you will also find a modified one and/or two day San Diego itinerary in case you have less time available.

To help you plan your entire San Diego vacation efficiently, we will cover the 4 major aspects of planning: how you get there, the best things to do, where you should eat and where you should stay.

In addition, you will discover all of the top photography locations around San Diego.

(We promise not to quote the entirety of Anchorman – that would be very Veronica ‘Corny’ stone of us)

Let’s get planning your San Diego vacation itinerary!

Get To Know San Diego

Before we dive into the itinerary, here’s a roundup of what you can expect from your San Diego adventure, featuring key information, top reasons to visit San Diego and some fun facts!

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway ? Don’t miss our popular guide to the 23 best places to visit on the drive from San Diego to San Francisco along Highway 1.

How To Get To San Diego

Flights To San Diego

Flights to San Diego International Airport – You can fly direct into San Diego from many parts of the US.

Internationally (outside of continental North America) you can fly direct to/from Zurich, Frankfurt, London and Tokyo. See map of direct flights in/out of San Diego

Flights to Los Angeles – We highly recommend checking prices for flying to LA, hiring a car and driving to San Diego.

It is very likely international travelers to San Diego will find better value for money in this option. Plus, you’ll need a car in San Diego to hit the highlights so you’ve ticked that box with a hire car.

If you’re flying into San Diego or Los Angeles,  search for flights with Skyscanner for best value and most options, remembering that if you are budget conscious it could be cheaper with a change of airport on the way.

Afterward  compare prices for a hire car with Rental Cars and check value against other car hire companies to see if you can find a better price.

Read: Our 15 money saving booking flights tips every time you travel.

Driving To San Diego

Downtown los angeles to san diego.

Take I-5 South for 120 miles all the way down to San Diego. It doesn’t get much easier!

Without incident or worse than usual traffic, the drive should take around 2 hours. However, be prepared for a much longer journey.

We got stuck in a very slow moving traffic jam the entire way and it took closer to 4 hours.

LAX to San Diego

Los Angeles airport isn’t far from Santa Monica and you have 2 choices to get to San Diego. You need to get onto the I-5, so you can either:

• Head East towards Anaheim to join I-5
• Or take I-405 South to join the I-5 just past Newport Beach

Journey time and distance are similar (125 miles / just under 2 hours), it could come down to potluck of traffic on the day.

Other Notable Driving Times

• Las Vegas is around 5 hours drive
• Joshua Tree National Park is 2 hours 45 minutes away
• Phoenix is 5 hours 30 minutes drive
• San Francisco is 8 hours 30 minutes drive

Getting Around in San Diego

San Diego has a very walkable downtown, particularly around Gaslamp and Embarcadero along the harbor front. However, you will need a vehicle to access many of the best bits outside of town.

Public transport is a little slow in San Diego and most people drive here. There are a lot of one way roads downtown, so make sure your GPS is up to date!

Use Uber if you don’t have a car and need to travel across town.

Even though we had a car, we left it parked at the hotel and took an Uber from Balboa Park to Embarcadero -more on these places below.

San Diego’s climate is perfect for exploring, it rarely gets too hot like Death Valley – or too cold like Yosemite in Winter brrrrrr!

9 Best Things To Do On Your San Diego Itinerary

San Diego is overflowing with awesome things to do for first time visitors. But there are some things you simply can’t miss.

This is one of the best places to visit in the USA and we want to help you plan the perfect vacation.

You will find the top things to do below but there will be more included in your San Diego itinerary later.

1. Balboa Park

What Is Balboa Park?

Balboa Park is not just a park with grass, dog walkers and early morning joggers. No, this is San Diego’s sparkling inner-city cultural diamond.

Balboa Park is a 2,000 acre sprawling urban park containing beautiful gardens, performing arts and more museums than you can shake a stick at.

Why Visit Balboa Park?

Balboa Park is the perfect family day. You could spend an entire day here and still not explore every museum, garden and arts center!

There are walking trails if you’re an early bird staying close by and one of San Diego’s best photography locations is right in Balboa Park (more later).

Oh, and the world famous San Diego zoo is here too!

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular places to visit for you to consider adding to your itinerary:

San Diego Air and Space Museum

San Diego air and space museum features collection from the early gliders and hot air balloons to jets and helicopters from the world wars.

• Opening Hours : 10.00am – 4.30pm
• Tickets : US$ 19.95 adult
• Air and Space Website

Balboa Park Alcazar Gardens

Alcazar gardens design and pattern is a replica of the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain from 1935.

You will find manicured gardens filled with vibrant flowers, ornate fountains and colorful Moorish tiles.

• Opening Hours : 6.00am – 10.00pm
• Tickets : Free

Botanical Building and Lily Pond

A gorgeous, calming lily pond sitting in front of the Botanical Building and forms one of Balboa Park’s most iconic photographs.

Inside, the Botanical Building features more than 2,000 permanent plants and beautiful seasonal flowers.

• Opening Hours : 10.00am – 4.00pm, Fri – Wed (closed Thur)

Spreckels Organ Pavillion

The Spreckels organ contains more than 5,000 pipes, ranging in length from minuscule to gigantic. Think a few inches to over 30 feet!

This is the largest outdoor organ in the world and if you time it right on a Sunday at 2pm (no matter the weather), you will be able to watch a 1 hour free concert.

• Opening Hours : Always open

San Diego Museum of Art

You can find over 20,000 objects dating from as far back as 3,000BC at the San Diego Museum of Art.

The museum holds Spanish, Latin American, Asian and European art from Renaissance and Baroque to Modern and Contemporary.

A must for art lovers visiting San Diego!

• Opening Hours : Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sat – 10.00am – 5.00pm; Weds – Closed, Fri – 10.00am – 8.00pm, Sun – 12.00pm – 5.00pm
• Tickets : US$ 15.00 adult
• Art Museum Website

The Old Globe Theater

You may have heard of the old globe before but most likely associated with Shakespeare’s old globe in London.

Well, San Diego modeled their performing arts theater on the very same one right inside Balboa Park way back in 1935.

More than 250,000 people attend a variety of shows at the Old Globe and as you can see from our photo above one of those is Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, which is performed each year before Christmas.

Coming from England and New York respectively, it is surreal to consider Christmas while wearing shorts on a beautiful sunny day!

• Opening Hours : Varied
• Tickets : Varied
• Old Globe Website

Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden of was 1991 as an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama in Japan.

Beautifully curated and manicured gardens are extremely popular in Japan and here you have the chance to immerse yourself into Japanese culture of serenity.

The 12 acre plot of land is filled with flora, arranged stones and water features to resemble a traditional Japanese garden but has been adapted to suit San Diego’s climate.

Over 250,000 tourists visit the garden each year.

• Opening Hours : 10am – 6.00pm
• Tickets : US$ 12.00 adult
• Friendship Garden Website

San Diego Museum of Man and California Tower

San Diego’s Museum of Man ( recently rebranded to Museum of Us ) features a weird and wonderful collection of, well, almost anything you can think of!

From human relationships, connections and self-reflection to the history of beer, monsters and even cannibalism. Like we said, weird but maybe wonderful?!

The iconic California Tower is almost 200 feet tall and can be seen from across Balboa Park. The finely intricate tower can be toured as part of the Museum of Us.

• Opening Hours : 10.00am – 5.00pm
• Tickets : Museum – US$ 13 adult, Museum & Tower – US$ 23
• Museum of Us Website

Spanish Art Village Center

In a Spanish Village with traditional Spanish building and tiled floors you will find over 200 working artists creating art year round.

Walk among painters, sculptors, glass, enamel and clay artists to appreciate the craft and observe the processes taking place.

• Opening Hours : 11.00am – 4.00pm
• Spanish Village Website

2. San Diego Zoo

What is the San Diego Zoo?

San Diego zoo is one of the most famous and revered zoo’s in the US, receiving a staggering 4 million visitors each year.

It was one of the pioneers for creating open air natural habitats for many of its resident animals and houses over 3,000 animals.

The zoo’s most iconic animals were giant pandas who were repatriated to China in 2019.

Why visit the San Diego Zoo?

It doesn’t get much better if you are traveling to San Diego as a family with children but you don’t need to have kids to enjoy this mammoth sized zoo.

You will lose a lot of time but it is one of the best zoo’s you’re likely to visit.

You can take a tourist double decker bus around the entire zoo or walk from one area to the next, including Australian Outback and Africa Rocks.

• Opening Hours : Weekdays – 9.00am – 6.00pm, Weekends – 9.00am – 7.00pm
• Tickets : US$ 65 adult | Buy tickets here
• Zoo Website

3. Gaslamp Quarter

What is the Gaslamp Quarter?

Gaslamp is the 16 square block beating heart of San Diego, the focal point drawing tourists in like an unstoppable gravitational force.

It is here you will find over 100 restaurants, bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs, cafes, rooftops and live music venues.

The name derives from gas lamp street lights and the neighborhood retains its Victorian-era feel while modernizing with skyscrapers.

Why visit the Gaslamp Quarter?

This is the place to be see and be seen, the place to eat and the place to party in San Diego.

During the day you can find artisan markets and boutique shops running the length of the street.

The street often closes to traffic and restaurants open up outdoor seating spilling into the road, creating an electric but chilled atmosphere.

Try out a rooftop bar, taste some craft beers or treat yourself to some fine dining.

We loved Gaslamp Quarter, even if it is a little touristy.

4. USS Midway Museum

What is the USS Midway?

The USS Midway was the longest serving Aircraft Carrier in the 20th century before its decommission in San Diego, 1992.

Among the Midways achievements are first carrier to extensively operate in Sub-Arctic waters, first landing of a jet with autopilot, Vietnam war pilots shooting down MiG’s, evacuation of Saigon and Persian Gulf flagship.

It has been a museum since 2004, receiving around 1 million visitors each year.

Why visit the USS Midway?

The Midway has over 10 acres worth of exhibits to explore through the hangar, flight deck and below deck.

Plus, you can discover over 30 restored aircraft and helicopters, including the F-14 Tomcat made famous by the 80’s movie Top Gun.

You will also find simulators, programs and theaters discussing all things aircraft carrier. USS Midway is perfect for families and anyone interested in seeing the vast inside of a decorated Naval ship.

• Opening Hours : Everyday 10.00am – 5.00pm
• Tickets : US$ 26 adult | Buy tickets here
• Midway Website

5. Embarcadero (Bayfront)

What is the Embarcadero?

Embarcadero is a popular promenade style walking area hugging San Diego bay.

You will find marinas, seal watching tours, USS Midway, seafood restaurants, international cruise ship terminal, Maritime Museum and the Star of India Museum.

The area is an L shape following the curve of San Diego bay, right behind the convention center close to Gaslamp.

Why visit the Embarcadero?

You will naturally find you are drawn towards the bay after dinner in Gaslamp, this is the perfect area to wander slowly during the evening.

Don’t miss the statue of unconditional surrender which is surrounded by Joshua Trees, Star of India sailing ship museum and you can even look inside submarines at the maritime museum.

A great way to see the Embarcadero from the bay is by taking this popular San Diego harbor cruise tour .

6. La Jolla

What is La Jolla?

La Jolla (pronounced La Hoya) is a very popular upmarket village-like neighborhood in Northwest San Diego, renowned for its fine dining and upscale village atmosphere.

San Diego’s crown jewel is surrounded on three sides by ocean but stretches 7 miles up the coast to encompass Torrey Pines (think best golf courses) and many educational institutes.

Why visit La Jolla?

Many people stay in La Jolla and day trip into San Diego, making their itinerary more of a beach vacation.

You can surf, scuba dive and kayak around headland coves, or watch seals and sea lions playing on rocks and beaches.

Photographers can explore the dramatic coastline shooting amazing piers and be part of a chilled community.

7. San Diego Beaches / Coastline

What is the San Diego Coastline?

As a run on from La Jolla which is on the coastline, San Diego is famed for its chilled beach culture and on a first time visit to the area, you can’t leave the coastline off your itinerary.

Each beach area / neighborhood offers its own atmosphere and audience.

Why visit the San Diego Coastline?

You can’t visit San Diego and not go beach hunting!

Jump in your car and spend an afternoon / early evening driving from one beach to the next from Black’s Beach near Torrey Pines, down to Sunset Cliffs.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular beaches and coastline attractions from North to South.

Torrey Pines & Black’s Beach

Torrey Pines is best known for hosting the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour each Winter. But just to the South of the famed gold club, you can find Torrey Pines Gliderport and Black’s Beach.

The Gliderport is a cool place to watch members running down a hill and leaping off the cliff edge!

Plus, views over Black’s Beach are exceptional from the Gliderport, in case you don’t have time to venture down to the beach.

Also in the area is Salk Institute for Biological Research and the University of California San Diego.

Ellen Browning Memorial Pier

Just a few minutes drive South you will find Scripps institution of Oceanography which hosts Birch Aquarium and a mesmerizing pier on its beachfront.

The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier is one of the most photogenic piers you are likely to see and the beach area here is extremely sparse compared to the more popular trendy beaches closer to San Diego.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is the artsy, hippy, bohemian, class SoCal beach in San Diego with an awesome pier, hundreds of surfers and a fantastically laid back vibe.

Many locals visit this beach because it is quieter than touristy Mission Beach and Pacific Beach (between La Jolla and Ocean Beach).

Newport Avenue close to the pier is filled with boutiques, antiques and restaurants.

Ocean Beach stretches from Newport Ave popular with surfers, up to Dog Beach where a ton of dogs are running riot!

Visit this beach to mix with the locals, surf, eat burgers, see art, check out the long pier and experience the different vibe to downtown San Diego.

Note : Mission Beach just to the North has a huge beach, Belmont amusement park and Sea World San Diego. If traveling with kids, Mission is a better fit than Ocean Beach.

Sunset Cliffs

Just over a mile to the South of Ocean Beach Pier, you will find dozens of cars driving in the same direction as daylight comes to a close.

They are all heading to Sunset Cliffs to watch a stunning Californian sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

This has to be on your San Diego itinerary, particularly if you’re not from the West and don’t get to see these sunsets often.

Sunset cliffs headland edges will begin to fill up and you will have a hard time finding a parking space but all you need to do is drive up a residential street and park – not obstructing drive ways!

You won’t be there long, just enough time to watch the sky illuminate deep orange before fading into darkness.

8. Coronado

What is Coronado?

Coronado is a peninsula in San Diego bay, accessible by a magnificent 2.1 mile long curving bridge crossing the bay not far from Embarcadero and Gaslamp Quarter.

Ronald Reagan was the first person to drive across the bridge when it opened in 1969.

Alternatively, you can take a short ferry directly from the Convention Center / Broadway Pier (next to USS Midway) to Coronado Ferry center, a shopping mall on the waterfront.

Coronado is a popular resort town famous for its grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, surfing and of course its beach. Nearby Coronado has a resort town center with cafes and bars.

Why visit Coronado?

Coronado is easy to access from Gaslamp and Downtown, even without a car, which means almost all tourists can visit the peninsula.

But the main reason to visit is to get the best San Diego night views across the bay from Centennial Park (more later in best photography locations).

9. Old Town San Diego

What is Old Town San Diego?

Old Town was created as a settlement back in 1769 and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the birthplace of California dating back to the 1820’s.

You will find 19th century homes and businesses maintained to allow an insight into colonial living, plus dozens of restaurants, shopping, entertainment and hotel options.

Why visit Old Town San Diego?

Learn about the Mexican-American history of San Diego, visit over 100 speciality shops, wander around Fiesta de Reyes ( check events calendar ) and eat excellent Mexican food with a cocktail.

Another place to visit in Old Town is the Whaley House Museum , the most haunted house in America. Not one for us!

San Diego Pass

It is definitely worth considering buying a San Diego Pass if you’re the type of traveler who loves to see and do everything in a new place.

You can choose between two San Diego attractions pass options.

We always recommend (and use ourselves!) attractions passes when visiting cities with tons of fun things to do.

These passes allow you to visit more attractions at a lower overall cost. It really is that simple.

In San Diego you can choose between the following:

Go City San Diego Pass

San diego citypass.

The Go City San Diego Pass features over 50 fun attractions ranging from SeaWorld and Legoland to kayaking and whale watching. The San Diego Zoo is of course included, as are most of the places inside Balboa Park.

The Go City San Diego Pass comes with two very different options for visitors, which gives more flexibility to the user.

You can either buy an attractions based pass or a day based pass.

• The attractions pass allows you to choose a specific amount of attractions you would like to see from 2 – 7 attractions.
• The day based pass allows you to choose a specific amount of days you would like to have access to all 55+ San Diego attractions from 1 – 7 days.

We would recommend an attractions based Go City San Diego Pass to anyone who just wants to see a few very select attractions in San Diego and save money. This pass is better for solo travelers.

However, we would definitely recommend the day based Go City San Diego Pass to anyone who wants to spend a few days experiencing as much as possible in San Diego. This pass is better for couples and families.

>> Head over to the Go City San Diego Pass official website for more information on both pass types.

Alternatively, you can buy a San Diego CityPASS, which only offers a handful of pre-selected attractions at a set price point.

You can choose either SeaWorld or Legoland, or you can choose both of those two top attractions. After that you can select three more top attractions from a total of six.

CityPASS typically only give the most popular tourist attractions as options to keep it nice, easy and simple.

This pass is best suited to solo travelers, couples who just want to see the top sights and families who don’t want to be rushing around trying to tick off as many attractions as possible.

>> Head over to the San Diego CityPASS official site for more information.

Best Photography Locations In San Diego

One of the biggest surprises for us was how photogenic San Diego and its surrounding areas are. You will find a list of the best photography locations below so you can shoot the most awesome spots in the city.

Cabrillo Bridge – Located in Balboa Park close to Museum of Us, visit the bridge at night to shoot downtown San Diego from above I-5 to get the car lights blur with long exposures.

Sunset Cliffs – As mentioned above, this is the best place to photograph sunset.

Coronado Bridge – You’ll need to gain elevation for sunrise and the enormous bridge crossing San Diego bay is your perfect sunrise photography location.

Scripps Pier – Again, we’ve mentioned this above, the pier offers a phenomenal tunnel-like image that appears as though it could be a portal to another dimension!

Salk Institute of Biological Sciences – Ahh the pain we feel. There’s an awesome symmetrical photograph to be taken inside the research facilities grounds, however, it’s not particularly easy to get inside. When we tried to enter the grounds we were stopped by security. After explaining we just wanted to take a photograph, they wouldn’t allow us to go in. Sigh.

Coronado – For awesome night photography of the San Diego skyline and USS Midway, simply head over Coronado bridge to Centennial Park. You can set up in a quaint small park with unobstructed views across the bay. Plenty of room to go around.

3 Days in San Diego Itinerary

Now you know the best things San Diego has on offer for first time visitors, you can begin to construct a day by day itinerary for your visit.

But to give you a helping hand, here’s an example of how we would spend 3 days in San Diego most efficiently:

Day 1 – Balboa Park, Old Town and Little Italy

Balboa Park

• Begin your day at the famous San Diego Zoo. It opens at 9 so you can get a good early start.
• There are plenty of parking lots throughout Balboa Park. If the zoo parking lot is full, find another nearby, you’ll be walking around Balboa Park for hours anyway!
• The zoo is huge so you’ll need a few hours here, especially if traveling as a family.
• After the zoo, explore Balboa Park and its numerous museums, gardens and attractions.
• Here are the museums you can choose between: Air & Space Museum, Automotive Museum, Comic-Con Museum, Fleet Science Center, Natural History Museum, Model Railroad Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, Mingei International Museum, Museum of Man / Us and Museum of Art.
• Phew! You are not short of options but isn’t it great to have such a diverse group of museums in one small space?
• Don’t forget to explore the Alcazar and Japanese friendship gardens and check out the Spanish Village Art Center. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, stay for the 2pm Organ concert.
• If there are any theater performances during your San Diego itinerary, book a show at the Old Globe.
• In the mid afternoon once you can’t take in anymore educational museums, drive just 6 miles to San Diego Old Town.
• Old Town will take far less time to explore than Balboa Park.
• Spend the late afternoon walking around Fiesta de Reyes, Plaza de las Armas and the old town colonial buildings.

Little Italy

• If you haven’t gotten ‘lost’ in an Old Town cocktail bar, drive to Little Italy (or back to your hotel and walk / Uber to Little Italy).
• This famous neighborhood comes alive in the evening, with a ton of restaurants and wine bars to choose between (see where to eat below for options).
• If you want to walk off dinner and wine afterwards, you’re just a block or two away from the North end of Embarcadero and the bay front.
• Or if you’re into photography, drive just a few miles back to Balboa Park where you can photograph cars entering / leaving San Diego on I-5 with the city skyline behind.

Day 2 – Embarcadero, USS Midway, Coronado & Gaslamp

Gaslamp District (Part 1)

• Begin with breakfast (breakfast republic is great) in Gaslamp, check out the shops and artisan market on Sundays.
• Stop at Ghirardelli’s for hot chocolate … and actual chocolate!
• Head South to the Convention Center but walk around / over it to the marina. When we visited San Diego, America’s got Talent were holding auditions inside and there were security guards posted all around the building.

Embarcadero

• From Embarcadero Marina South, walk Northwest along the bay front.
• Crowds will begin to grow as you approach USS Midway. Before you go to the museum, check out the statue of unconditional surrender. This sailor kissing a woman statue can be found in multiple locations around the world and is based on a photograph of this very scene from Times Square on V-J day in 1945.
• There are also Joshua Trees nearby if you haven’t had a chance to visit Joshua Tree National Park .
• Time to hit the decks on the USS Midway and spend the next few hours learning about its service, plus checking out jets!
• If you’re interested in military or maritime history, you can’t miss the Star of India and Maritime Museum just a little further up from Midway.
• This area does have a slight ‘theme park’ feel because it is touristy but its your first visit to San Diego and you should embrace it!
• With Car – Jump in your car and drive over the impressive and curving Coronado Bridge. Park up near the beach, take a walk along the coast, spot the famed Hotel del Coronado and stay here for sunset.
• After sunset, drive 1.5 miles up to Centennial Park to see the San Diego skyline at night across the bay.
• Without Car – If you don’t have a car or don’t want to move it from your hotel (we hear you!), simply take the ferry from Embarcadero South Marina to Coronado Ferry Center. You can take bus #904 from close to Ferry Center to the beach and hotel area or walk 1.5 miles (under 30 minutes walk).
• Take the bus or walk back to Ferry Center but before you get the ferry across to Embarcadero, be sure to check out the San Diego skyline from Centennial Park.

Gaslamp (part 2)

• Walk back around Convention Center to Gaslamp or drive back to your hotel, drop the car off and walk / Uber to Gaslamp.
• You’re in the liveliest part of town at night, choose the right place to eat (use our suggestions later) to avoid tourist traps.
• Restaurants here open out into the streets and you will discover a chilled but fun vibe with plenty of places to drink beer and cocktails.

Day 3 – San Diego Coast, La Jolla, Ocean Beach & Sunset Cliffs

Torrey Pines

• After 2 days in the city it’s time to get some fresh coastal air and some exercise!
• Drive up to Torrey Pines Gliderport and park right on the cliff edge. Try to get a photograph at Salk Institute (unless they have some top secret research going on … yes, we’re still bitter!) and watch as people run off the edge of the cliff to take off.
• You can walk down paths to the beach but they are fairly steep and will take up a good chunk of your morning. Views over the beach from the top are awesome.
• If you’re into golf, you can’t miss Torrey Pines right next to the Gliderport. See if you can have a walk around the clubhouse area. If you’re a San Diego resident a round will cost US$ 63, if not you’re looking at an eye watering US$ 202.
• Just a few miles South you can’t miss Scripps Pier, make sure you get right in the center of it and take a ton of photographs. It almost looks like an optical illusion.
• Plus the beach here is quiet, so now is the time for a brisk walk if you need the exercise.
• Grab lunch with sea views in La Jolla (see options later).
• Walk around La Jolla Cove, watching seals and sea lions playing or sunbathing! Try a kayak tour or even scuba diving from the cove beach area, you’ll see plenty of others doing just that.
• Check out La Jolla boutique stores and take a leisurely stroll around the area.
• This is a lovely part of San Diego so take your time.

Ocean Beach / Mission Bay

• If you have kids with you on your San Diego itinerary, your next stop could be Belmont Amusement Park or SeaWorld San Diego just South in Mission Bay.
• Otherwise, head to Ocean Beach to check out the pier, different culture and surfers.
• Walk up Newport Avenue, grab a beer in a seafront bar and choose a spot for dinner (see options later).
• After an early dinner, head down to Sunset Cliffs to watch a beautiful orange sun setting across the Pacific Ocean with hundreds of others lining the headland.
• If you’re visiting San Diego in Summer, sunset will be later than in Winter, so you might want to watch the sunset first and then go back for dinner afterwards. Check sunset times here .

2 Days in San Diego Itinerary

If you’re planning a 2 days in San Diego itinerary, you have plenty of options that don’t involve missing too much of the action.

Our 3 day example above is a slow relaxing chilled pace, you could simply quicken the pace.

Here’s how you can merge some of the major neighborhoods into 2 days:

• Balboa Park – Begin your first day here but spend less time at the zoo / go into fewer museums and generally be more selective about which attractions you visit.
• Little Italy – Instead of dinner, stop in Little Italy for brunch / lunch (see options below).
• Embarcadero – Walk along the bay front, quick visit to USS Midway, take the ferry / drive to Coronado.
• Coronado – Walk along the beach or Ferry Center shopping mall area, be sure to check out San Diego skyline.
• Gaslamp – Ferry back / drive back to your hotel, spend the evening in Gaslamp with dinner and drinks.
• Old Town – Spend the morning walking around Old Town and Fiesta de Reyes.
• Torrey Pines – Drive up to the Gliderport and work your way down past Scripps Pier to La Jolla.
• La Jolla – Spend the early afternoon walking around the cove and headland, grab lunch (see options below).
• Ocean Beach – Continue down through Mission Bay to OB, see the pier, Newport Ave and surfers.
• Sunset Cliffs – Watch the sunset at the aptly named best place in San Diego.
• Gaslamp/Old Town/ Little Italy – Choose whichever is more convenient for dinner.

One Day San Diego Itinerary

Ok, we’ll admit one day in San Diego is not going to allow you to plan the perfect itinerary. You’re going to have to compromise and leave a couple areas out.

Here are some of the most efficient ways to hit some of San Diego’s highlights in one day:

• 1 – Downtown Day : Spend the entire day walking around Gaslamp, Downtown, Little Italy and Embarcadero (in no particular order).
• 2 – Coastal Day : Spend the morning at old town and along the coast / La Jolla, drop the car off at your hotel and spend the evening in Gaslamp / Little Italy.
• 3 – Museum Day : Spend the whole day at Balboa Park ending at Little Italy or Gaslamp.
• 4 – Maritime Day : USS Midway, ferry to Coronado, Maritime Museum, eat along Embarcadero.

Where To Eat In San Diego

Did you know San Diego is known as the craft beer capital of America?

If you’re a fan of beer (who isn’t?!) and fantastic food including the best tacos in the country, you’re in for a real treat.

Gaslamp isn’t the only neighborhood to look at for food options. In fact, Little Italy, La Jolla, Ocean Beach and Old Town are less touristy and in some cases more authentic.

Here are some of our top recommendations for you to consider:

• The Lion’s Share – Less common meat selection and fantastic cocktail list | Menu
• Taka – Popular Sushi Japanese restaurant using fresh fish flown in from Japan | Menu
• Lola 55 – Contender for the best Tacos in San Diego (up for debate!) | Menu
• Meze – Awesome Greek restaurant with relaxing vibe and fantastic food | Menu
• Duke’s La Jolla – Hawaiian food with stunning sea views | Menu
• Catania – Excellent Italian food with rooftop views | Menu
• Bistro Du Marche  – French bistro gastronomy fusion | Menu
• Nine-Ten – Award winning fine dining (looks amazing) | Menu
• Hodad’s OB – Extremely popular burger joint | Menu
• Wonderland Ocean Pub – Beach side beer grub and sports | Menu
• Bo-Beau’s – French comfort food bistro (lovely inside) | Menu
• OB Noodle House – One of San Diego’s best Asian fusion | Menu
• The Crack Shack – Amazing Southern Fried Chicken and Eggs | Menu
• Kettner Exchange – Popular brunch, lounge and dinner American food | Menu
• Juniper & Ivy – Award winning fine dining not for those on a budget | Menu
• Italian Food – Choose between Bencotto | Civico 1845 | Nonna
• Tahona Bar – Classy Tacos and Cocktails | Menu
• Pizza Bella – Highly rated pizza restaurant | Menu
• Harney Sushi – Trendy Sushi restaurant with happy hour | Menu

Where To Stay In San Diego

With over 30 million tourists visiting each year, there is no shortage of hotel rooms in San Diego.

We have narrowed down hundreds of hotel options into just 20 top picks in our helpful guide to the best hotels in San Diego , which breaks down the popular neighborhoods and lists only the top rated hotels for every budget.

Always shop around and dig for the best prices, but if you’re in a hurry, here are just some of the top rated hotels by previous guests visiting San Diego:

• Staypineapple (Gaslamp)
• Hotel Pendry (Gaslamp)
• Tower 23 (Pacific Beach)  
• Pantai Inn (La Jolla)

For first time visitors planning a San Diego itinerary, consider which district you would prefer to set up base. 

We suggest you look at Gaslamp, La Jolla, Pacific Beach or Downtown San Diego as the best places to search for hotels. Families might also want to consider Coronado and resorts around SeaWorld.

• Gaslamp – In the heart of San Diego, easy access to bars, restaurants & walks along the bay .
• La Jolla – Perfect for those who prefer a relaxing base next to the beach & drive into town.
• Downtown – Bulk of hotels with cheaper options between Gaslamp and Little Italy districts.

Choose the district first and the perfect hotel will follow!

Read : Our 15 travel savvy ways to save money when booking hotels .

San Diego Itinerary Map

Click into this interactive map, zoom in / out, scroll around and click on any icon to see details of everything we mention in the itinerary.

Spending just a few minutes working out where things are really helps when you arrive.

We hope this guide helped with planning your San Diego itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help with your planning .

You Stay Classy, Planet Earth ,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

Share this article!

Saturday 28th of May 2022

Amazing. So easy to follow!! Can’t wait to use all this info in my trip. Thank you.

Mark and Kristen Morgan

Thursday 2nd of June 2022

Hi Lisa, you're very welcome and we hope you have a wonderful trip to San Diego!

Friday 28th of May 2021

You guys have amazing content!!!! this helped me a lot :)

Monday 31st of May 2021

Thank you Anu! We're glad it helped and have a great trip to sunny San Diego!

Graham Bedford

Friday 14th of August 2020

San Diego seems like an amazing place to visit, with many attractions on your doorstep. I even think I could live there with the nice climate unlimited golf and fishing. Great itenary for a short visit, I would love to be in a position to use it.

Mark & Kristen Morgan

Thanks Graham! Yes San Diego is such a cool place to visit, we really enjoyed our 3 days there and will definitely go back again soon. The golf would be great with perfect weather and ocean views. Hopefully you can visit San Diego one day!

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

San Diego International Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

San Diego Trolley Guide

Driving in San Diego

48 Hours in San Diego

Day Trips From San Diego

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Best Beaches

Where to Shop

Hiking in San Diego

Balboa Park Guide

Top Museums to Visit

Must-Try Food in San Diego

Best Restaurants

Nightlife in San Diego

Top Breweries

Your Trip to San Diego: The Complete Guide

California’s first tourist, Spanish conquistador Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo , stepped ashore in San Diego in 1542. Visitors haven’t stopped coming to the Plymouth Rock of the West Coast, now America’s eighth-largest city, ever since. Its 70 miles of scenic coast, favorable year-round climate boasting 267 days of sunshine  , endless outdoorsy offerings, singular craft beer scene, plentiful bounty of quality produce and seafood, family-friendly attractions, diverse cultural population, and general laid back vibe make it a quintessential Golden State getaway.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit :  San Diego is a true year-round destination so it depends what kind of vacation you’re after. Sun and sand? Go August through mid-October. Fall, non-holiday winter weeks, and early spring bring the shortest lines at family-friendly attractions and generally cheaper hotel rates. Avoid Comic-Con week unless superheroes and sci-fi are your reasons for living. 
• Language:  English, but you’ll also hear and see lots of Spanish.
• Currency:  US Dollar
• Getting Around:  Driving is the most common mode of transportation in this giant county although many people rely on rideshare apps to avoid having to find/pay for parking or limit alcohol intake when going out at night. Walking, if your destination is close enough, is usually safe in the best neighborhoods to visit. There is also a bus line, mass transit trolley, and app scooter rentals.
• Travel Tips:  Layer, layer, layer as this beach-meets-desert location , is subject to bright sun, marine layers, ocean breezes, hot Santa Ana winds, occasional rain, and post-sunset 10 degree temperature drops even in the summer, sometimes all in one day. Everyone keeps it pretty casual, especially clothing-wise, but with an abundance of dogs, babies, military personnel, and fitness gurus the city tends to get an early start on the day.

Watch Now: 5 Must-Visit Beaches in San Diego

Things to do.

Whatever floats your boat, even if that is literally floating in a boat, San Diego has you covered. It’s easy to fill an itinerary for a family vacation, a romantic retreat, an active or outdoorsy adventure, or a city excursion.

• Play Outside: From sunny sea-level scenery to mountaintop panoramas, from the lushest of the 90 golf courses to the desolate Anza-Borrego Desert , and from the gnarliest wave to the calmest lake, San Diego’s a gorgeous place for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts to roam. Hike the five-peak challenge at Editor's Choice Award winner Mission Trails Regional Park, selfie at Potato Chip Rock , or step back in time at Carlsbad Calavera Nature Preserve. Spend a Sunday 'funday' at these 12 beaches . Get out on the water by whatever means necessary, be it a surfboard, kayak, sailboat, or paddleboard. Go apple-picking, golfing, paragliding, mountain biking, rock climbing, snorkeling, or kite-surfing. Heck, you can even join a naked volleyball game at the unofficial nude beach. 
• See Animals: It’s easy to make furry friends here. There’s of course the San Diego Zoo and their sister attraction, the Safari Park. Something’s fishy at Birch Aquarium and LEGOLand’s SEA LIFE. You can also experience animals in the wild while hiking, birding, taking a whale-watching tour , or simply going to a beach seals call home. La Jolla and Cabrillo National Monument also have excellent tide pools.
• Explore pocket neighborhoods: Downtown is a good place for your trip’s home base, but it by no means paints the full picture of what the city has to offer visitors. Little Italy has a great farmers market, trendy nightlife, and quality cafes. Hillcrest is the heart of the LGBTQ community . The historic Gaslamp Quarter buzzes at all times of the day thanks to museums, theaters, restaurants, bars, and clubs. North Park, South Park, and University Heights are hipster havens with taprooms, taquerias, boutiques, and thrift shops. Barrio Logan, once plagued by a bad reputation, is the epicenter of the city's Mexican-American culture and has become a hotspot for art. La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado are upscale enclaves with luxury hotels. And the beach-side hamlets, such as Ocean Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Solano Beach, are some of California’s chillest.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the best free fun things to do with kids , Balboa Park’s coolest attractions , and where to catch an outdoor concert .

What to Eat and Drink

Like most of California, the San Diego culinary scene is culturally diverse and heavily influenced by the immigrants who work there or have moved there. Given the city’s proximity to Baja—the border is less than 20 miles away from downtown—you can gorge on Mexican cuisine all day, every day. There’s gourmet, fast-casual, fusion, and even vegan options. Area eateries especially excel at fish tacos aka battered and fried goodness wrapped in a soft tortilla with cabbage, salsa, crema, and lime. Also like the rest of California, there’s an emphasis on farm-to-table and pole-to-plate sourcing, which is easy to accomplish with access to fresh produce and seafood year-round. It’s home to 5,000 farmers and the county is the leading avocado producer in the nation.   Don’t forget to eat uni plucked straight from the sea, creative donuts, and the region’s other must-try dishes and ingredients .

It’s also the Craft Beer Capital of the US. There are so many breweries in town whipping up batches of West Coast IPAs, fruit sours, and just about every other suds style you can think of, that if you tried one a week it would currently take you more than three years to check every one off the list. These are 10 of the best . If you prefer a chardonnay to a coffee stout, there are a handful of wineries in the county like Bernardo and both Temecula wine country and Baja’s Valle De Guadalupe are short road trips. Also, if you are looking for something harder, craft cocktail bars like False Idol , Madison , and Noble Experiment are worth their weight in gold swizzle sticks.

Still hungry for ideas? Read about the best places to get fish tacos , five restaurants for romance , and the bars with the best views .

Where to Stay

It’s a big, busy city. Besides folks who come to enjoy everything we mentioned above, the city is also a military hub, home to several college campuses, and a popular convention city. Hotels are about 75 percent full on average,   and more than 85 percent during the busiest months like July when 150,000 characters descend on downtown, which drives up rates.  

Downtown has a lot of variety and is conveniently located near the airport and attractions. The enormous Hilton San Diego Bayfront recently updated its rooms and public spaces and is a great choice for people going to a convention or a baseball game (Petco Park is across the street). The Pendry is a luxury boutique in the center of late-night fun. The Intercontinental and The Guild Hotel offer chic stays within walking distance of Little Italy and the USS Midway. 

Other hotel clusters occur near the airport, in Mission Bay, and in Hotel Circle (just off I-5 or I-8). Beach resorts and posh properties can be found in Coronado, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla. 

Renting an Airbnb can be a cheaper option. Many of the available rentals in Ocean Beach, Bird Rock, and other seaside cities are a short stroll from a beach or have private pools. There’s also many great campgrounds .    

See the 10 of the best hotels, the best hotels catering to LGBTQ travelers , and the best beach hotels .

Getting There

San Diego International (SAN), the second certified carbon neutral airport in the country, is less than three miles from the downtown core. There are nearly 500 flights a day to and from more than 60 nonstop destinations in the U.S. and abroad on 17 airlines.   The city is also serviced by Greyhound and Amtrak, the latter of which has a gorgeous historic station in the heart of downtown and a track that often looks directly at the Pacific Ocean.

Public transportation is limited to a couple of Trolley lines, local commuter trains, and buses. Rideshares from companies like Uber and Lyft are readily available as are rentable bikes and electric scooters. But if you want to explore further afield (i.e. to go surfing in Encinitas, apple picking in Julian, wine tasting in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe,) or are traveling with a large group, you’ll want the convenience of having a rental car.

Money Saving Tips

• Family fun can be had at a discount in October through the Kids Free San Diego program, which started 30 years ago with the zoo letting children in for free to celebrate the month it was founded. Now more than 100 companies including popular attractions like LEGOLAND and the USS Midway, restaurants, and hotels participate. Usually, kids get free admission or food, but some of the deals revolve around welcome gifts or product rentals. Age limitations vary between partners. 

• The almost year-round good weather means that visitors can opt outside and take advantage of free activities like going to the beach, hiking, running through Balboa Park or along the San Diego Bay waterfront, or bird-watching on a free Sunday walk at the Tijuana River Estuary.

• Be art smart by investigating which museums offer free-entry days or hours. Some only have free days for residents but having a local friend might be enough to get you through the door. The street art scene is also thriving thus creating an al fresco exhibition. Downtown, Little Italy, University Heights, and Barrio Logan (check out Chicano Park ) are all neighborhoods with lots to look at and post to Instagram. 

• Invest in a Go San Diego pass. It promises to save holders up to 55 percent on gate and ticket prices at 55 attractions, tours, and experiences. To make the most of something like this, you and your travel companions have to be willing to pack your days fairly full.

• San Diego County is sprawling. In fact, it’s bigger than two states (Delaware and Rhode Island). If you want to see a lot of it, there’s no real option other than having a car. But if a trip is focused on a particular area or event, especially if said area is downtown or the Gaslamp Quarter, visitors should book a hotel in the area like the Hilton Sand Diego Bayfront and then walk, call a rideshare, rent a scooter or city bike, or use the MTS Trolley.

• SanDiego.org has compiled this list of 25 free things to do in town. See how it compares to ours . 

San Diego Tourism Authority. "San Diego Official Fall 2019 & Winter 2020 Visitor Guide." Page 10. Fall 2019.

San Diego County Farm Bureau. "Why Is Farming Important to San Diego County?"

Tourism Economics. "San Diego Travel Forecast." Page 5. December 2019.

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. "Nonstop Destinations from San Diego."

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California)

50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California)

California’s birthplace and the first spot in the Western United States where Europeans stepped ashore, San Diego is a city with universal appeal.

To go with the comfortable climate and laid-back style, San Diego Bay and its natural harbour have a rich military heritage.

The colossal aircraft carrier USS Midway speaks to this, and stands as the mother of all museum ships.

San Diego’s easy-going culture and miles of beach breaks may awaken the surfer dude in you, while Coronado and La Jolla have two of the best family beaches in the whole country.

Set just north of the border, the city has a Mexican influence that spreads to its delectable cuisine, and there’s a deluge of culture at the museums, monuments and theatres of Balboa Park.

Let’s explore the best things to do in San Diego :

1. Balboa Park

You’ll keep returning to this 1,200-acre urban park for its world-class zoo, restful cultivated areas, museums in refined Spanish Revival buildings and live shows.

There’s a tapestry of gardens around the park, planted with more than 350 plant species hand-selected at the turn of the 20th century by the botanist Kate Sessions, the “Mother of Balboa Park”. An emblem for the park and San Diego is the Botanical Building, one of many splendid holdovers from the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition.

Among the largest lath buildings in the world, the Botanical House contains 2,100 individual plants and is fronted by a pond with annual displays of lilies and lotuses.

Suggested tour : San Diego Walking Tour: Balboa Park with a Local Guide

2. Embarcadero

San Diego’s walkable harbour-front is brimming with shops, interesting sights and eateries, and looks across the bay to Coronado Island.

A lot of the Embarcadero’s interest is literally floating on the water, at the USS Midway and the heritage ships belonging to the San Diego Maritime Museum.

This is also the place to board tour boats around the harbour and out in the ocean to spot whales.

When the mercury rises kids can go wild at the interactive fountains in the Waterfront Park and adventure through the creatively designed playgrounds.

In November the Embarcadero stages the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, while the San Diego Symphony Orchestra plays the Bayside Summer Nights from late-June to the start of September.

3. USS Midway Museum

The longest-serving aircraft carrier in the world has been permanently moored at San Diego’s Embarcadero since 2004. Commissioned in 1945, the USS Midway served in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, before becoming the largest museum dedicated to aircraft carriers and naval aviation anywhere.

GetYourGuide.com offers a self-guided audio tour of this humungous vessel, during which you’ll see over 30 restored aircraft, including 8 propeller planes, 14 jet aircraft and 8 helicopters.

You’ll be led through the galley, brig, crew’s sleeping quarters, pilots’ ready rooms and engine room, and hear exciting snippets from people who served aboard the Midway.

You’ll have lots of chances to get involved, testing simulators, climbing into cockpits and watching films documenting the dramatic events that took place where you stand.

4. Point Loma

The west side of San Diego Bay is embraced by a long rocky peninsula that merits a visit for jagged topography, thrilling history and views you won’t soon forget.

We’ll touch on a few of the sights on Point Loma later, but in 1542, this was the landing point for the first European expedition to what is now the West Coast of America.

Given the peninsula’s setting, protecting the west flank of the harbour, Point Loma has a military presence going back to the 19th century.

The 77.5-acre Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (1882) is on the grounds of a former coastal artillery station.

There are more than 100,000 graves here, and solemn memorials like the USS Bennington Monument, recording an accident in San Diego Bay that claimed 66 lives in 1905. Head to the marina for whale watching expeditions, and to Osprey Point were climbers scale the rocks and fishers camp over the water.

Available tour : GPS Talking Tour Cars: Point Loma & Beaches Loop

5. La Jolla

The upscale oceanfront community of La Jolla is on a rocky headland poking out into the Pacific and surrounded by water on three sides.

La Jolla means fine dining, cliffs with sea caves and little coves where seals and sea lions rest on the sand.

We’ll stop by La Jolla many times on this list, visiting the famous Torrey Pines and its State Reserve, beaches and golf course.

La Jolla proper has a cosmopolitan, European feel in its cafes, boutiques, low-rise houses and steep stairways.

At Ellen Browning Scripps Park by La Jolla Point you can contemplate the majesty of the Southern Californian coast, catch open-air concerts on summer evenings and see the fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Make a detour to the Legends Gallery on Prospect Street, which has original art by former La Jolla resident Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr Seuss).

Available tour : Segway Tour in La Jolla

6. Food and Drink

San Diego’s Spanish past and proximity to Mexico makes for amazing food.

We’re talking about some of the best fish tacos, carne asada, enchiladas around.

These dishes are underpinned by ultra-fresh ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, eggplant and fruit, all grown locally.

San Diego is the birthplace of the comforting California Burrito, which has French fries and carne asada.

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood makes a mean fish taco and great ceviche, and has four locations around the city.

The craft beer scene in San Diego is something to be reckoned with, and the Toronado craft pub (56 rotating draughts), and the multi-award-winning Societe and Ballast Point production breweries need to be in the plans of any beer aficionado.

Surf culture is woven into San Diego’s identity and the county’s 70 miles of open ocean coastline has more surf spots than we could list here.

Much of the shore has southwest facing beach breaks, while there are rockier sections with reef breaks at La Jolla and Point Loma.

Avid surfers are always ready to travel for the perfect wave, and this might mean a trip up to the highly popular Swami’s, which was mentioned in the Beach Boys’ Surfin USA. The river mouth point break at Trestles is world renowned and hosts WSL competitions from May to September.

Honourable mentions go to the beach breaks at Oceanside and the spacious Del Mar, where you won’t have to jostle for a wave.

There are shops for gear rental near every major spot.

And if you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, you can watch some great surfing action from the rocks at Windansea in La Jolla.

8. Cabrillo National Monument

At the southern tip of Point Loma you’ll stand where a European person first set foot on the West Coast.

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s expedition arrived here on 28 September 1542, and he named the bay San Miguel (this would change to San Diego in 1602). The original heroic statue of Cabrillo was donated by the Portuguese government in 1939, while the current replica has stood since 1988. The national monument’s visitor centre has a movie and exhibits to retrace Cabrillo’s voyage along the Californian coast.

Outside you can still see the old coastal batteries that protected the harbour and check out the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been converted into a museum.

But maybe best of all is the widescreen view of San Diego’s skyline, the harbour, across to Coronado and down to Tijuana.

9. San Diego Old Town

The site of the first European settlement in present-day California, the San Diego Old Town is a visitor-friendly neighbourhood with historic adobe buildings from the city’s early days between 1820 and 1870. There’s wonderful set of preserved streets in the State Historical Park, which we’ll talk about next.

In the 40-acre Presidio Park you’ll be at the site where the San Diego Mission and the San Diego Presidio, the first settlements in modern day San Diego, were founded in 1769. The Old town is a great place to go for real Mexican food and brims with specialty shops and art galleries.

There’s lots of colour during annual festivities like Fiesta Navidad, Cinco de Mayo and Día de Muertos in November.

Suggested tour : Old Town San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Tour

10. Old Town San Diego State Historical Park

A time warp back to the mid-19th century, the State Historical Park in the Old Town is scattered with restored historic buildings, including five original adobes, as well as detailed replicas.

The finest of the adobes is the Casa de Estudillo from 1827, one of the oldest remaining pieces of Spanish architecture in California.

The park is free to enter and gives a sense of the intersecting cultures, as a Mexican pueblo became an American settlement.

There’s constant activity, with burros to pet, shopkeepers happy to share their stories, and artisans showing off their knowhow: At the Black Hawk Smithy & Stable you can see a blacksmith working the forge.

There are shops, little museum and restaurants, while the Historic Plaza has a full schedule of cultural celebrations and events.

11. San Diego Zoo

Founded by the physician Harry M. Wegeforth after he was inspired by the roar of a lion at the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, the San Diego Zoo is rated among the best in the world and houses more than 650 species.

This was one of the first zoos to build cageless exhibits, and opened the first ever moated lion enclosure in 1922. You can beat the heat and get around on a guided tour bus that covers three quarters of the park, or the Skyfari tramway from 1969. As with the best zoos, the enclosures tally with natural habitats, so there’s African rainforest inhabited by gorillas, some of the world’s largest free-flight aviaries, as well as Arctic woodland and tundra for polar bears.

The San Diego Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States to have Giant Pandas, and these are in the Panda Trek, while the Giant Panda Discovery Center has clever multisensory exhibits revealing how these creatures sound and smell.

Book online : San Diego Zoo Ticket: 1-Day Pass

12. San Diego Harbor Cruise

At the Embarcadero in the shadow of the USS Midway you can set sail on a 1-hour cruise around San Diego Bay with GetYourGuide.com.

A great way to get to know San Diego quickly, the cruise will give you a fresh angle on more than 50 landmarks and ships immortalised by movies and popular culture.

You’ll get a rare chance to see the San Diego-Coronado Bridge from the water, and spot wildlife like pelicans, herons and sea lions.

All the time there will be in-depth and entertaining commentary by an experienced guide, passing on anecdotes about the navy in San Diego and the work being done to improve the bay as a marine habitat.

13. Whale Watching

Between December and April the California Gray Whale migrates from Northern Alaska to Baja California to give birth in warmer climes, passing by San Diego.

In this season you can head to the Embarcadero for a whale watching cruise, up to four hours long.

On this comfortable voyage with indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll be joined by a qualified naturalist from the San Diego Natural History Museum, giving riveting insights about these cetacean visitors.

The likelihood of seeing a dolphin or whale is high, to the point where you’ll get a free pass for another tour if you don’t see anything.

But you are guaranteed to spot plenty of sea lions and harbour seals, and can soak up San Diego county’s extraordinary Pacific coastline from the ocean.

Recommended tour : San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruises

14. Little Italy

Right in downtown San Diego, Little Italy is a neighbourhood that has its roots in the city’s once lucrative tuna industry.

The last of the canneries closed in the 1980s, but those facilities and the boat fleets were manned by immigrants from mainland Italy and Sicily.

From the 19th century they settled close to the Embarcadero in what is now a congenial area of galleries, one-of-a-kind design shops, pizza spots, restaurants, bodegas, breweries and cafes that spill out onto patios.

The Saturday “Mercato” street market shuts down several blocks and has become a San Diego institution.

Get a snap of the “Little Italy” sign and take a piece of paper and pencil to the tables at Amici Park, which have bronze tablets with recipes for dishes like stuffed artichokes, fava bean spread and fish tacos.

15. Petco Park

Right in downtown San Diego, the state-of-the-art Petco Park is lauded as one of Major League Baseball’s best stadiums.

In the stands you’ll get incredible vistas of the Sand Diego skyline and San Diego Bay at one of 81 regular season games (more if the Padres have a successful season). Petco Park opened in 2004, before which the San Diego Padres had to share the Jack Murphy Stadium with NFL’s Chargers.

There’s a real feeling of ceremony as you approach the steel and sandstone facade of this venue, passing through a palm court and water walls.

Petco Park has an entertainment zone to keep kids engaged, and you get to know the Padres’ history and great players at the new Hall of Fame.

Food is an essential part of the baseball experience, and you can get anything from sashimi to fish tacos, Roman-style pizza, BBQ, oysters and gourmet hotdogs at Petco Park.

16. La Jolla Cove

This compact north-facing cove in La Jolla is one of the most photographed pieces of the California coast.

And with good reason as the scenery is breathtaking: The beach, within a 6,000-acre ecological reserve, is hemmed by rocks hollowed with caves by the relentless ocean.

Being a natural park there’s lots of wildlife from the seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the beach and rocks, to the barracuda, batfish and giant sea bass in the waters.

The surf can be powerful, so La Jolla Cove isn’t ideal for swimming.

But if you’re in the mood for adventure you can go diving to discover the ecological park’s underwater life, while kayak and bike tours are also on the agenda.

End the day at an oceanfront restaurant watching the sun go down.

17. Coronado Beach

Pack a picnic in a cooler, and cross the monumental San Diego-Coronado Bridge for a day at one of the best beaches in America.

With the sophisticated architecture of the Hotel del Coronado and a parade of beachfront mansions in the background, Coronado Beach is long, flat and soft.

These sands even seem to glisten, an effect caused by their high mica content.

Point Loma in the west helps defend Coronado from the strongest Pacific swells, so the beach is safe for swimming and has a team of lifeguards on duty.

You can rent a bike or pedal cart and drift along Ocean Boulevard, while there are fire rings on the north end for smores as the sun sets.

Available tour : San Diego: Coronado Bay & the Beach Small Group Walking Tour

18. Mission Beach

San Diego’s easy-going beach town is adored by 20-somethings for its party atmosphere and two miles of Pacific beach.

This is lined with a boardwalk, enlivened by Belmont Park’s vintage rollercoasters and amusements.

If you’d prefer peace and relaxation, the South Mission Beach area is a little more tranquil.

There’s prime beach weather in San Diego from June to September but the season extends to the spring and autumn months, and you’ll even see people lazing on the beach in December if the sun is out.

You can rent a bike and see the sights on the boardwalk, sign up for whale-spotting cruises, while there’s adventure golf, a string of playgrounds, surf shops and lush gardens with lofty palms.

19. San Diego Museum of Art

An almost overwhelming medley of Spanish Renaissance and Baroque painting awaits at this museum in Balboa Park.

El Greco, Murillo, Goya and Zurbarán are all here, together with Italian and Dutch Masters like Veronese, Canaletto, van Dyck, Rubens and Frans Hals.

In the last few years, the museum was donated a raft of paintings from the Symbolist, Expressionist and New Objectivity movements, by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Robert Delaunay, Otto Dix and Alexej von Jawlensky.

The venue is striking too, with an appropriate Plateresque (Spanish Renaissance) facade, taking cues from the Cathedral of Valladolid.

This was built in 1926 to harmonise with Balboa Park’s buildings from the 1915-16 Exposition.

The museum has a busy programme of cocktail evenings, film screenings and after hours viewings, as well as fun activities for kids on school holidays.

20. Belmont Park

A Mission Beach linchpin, Belmont Park was opened by the sugar magnate John D. Spreckels back in 1925. This amusement park has 12 rides, three oceanfront eateries, an 18-hole Tiki-themed mini golf course and a host of smaller attractions.

But the king of Belmont Park has to be the time-honoured Giant Dipper.

This wooden rollercoaster arrived with the park and is a National Historic Landmark of its own.

Riding the giant dipper is a rite of passage for kids growing up in San Diego, but there are also high-octane rides like Control Freak, Octotron and Beach Blaster to keep the adrenaline pumping.

At the Sweet Shoppe, see if you can handle a Monster Waffle Cone ice cream.

21. San Diego Natural History Museum

One of the first ports of call at Balboa Park is the San Diego Natural History Museum, the oldest scientific institution in Southern California.

The museum was established in 1874, and its current Spanish Revival home (1933) was given a Postmodern facelift at the start of the new millennium.

The exhibitions are compelling for people of all ages.

Take Fossil Mysteries, examining California and Baja California’s rich prehistory, and packed with spectacular fossils, models, dioramas, interactive stations and murals.

You can venture through Southern California’s varied ecosystems at Coast to Cactus, and study the state’s complicate relationship with H2O at Water: A California Story.

One medium-term show open until 2020 preserves the 130,000-year-old mastodon bones and tusks unearthed at a site in San Diego.

You can also watch eye-popping 2D and 3D presentations at the giant theatre, showing the wonders of the ocean and taking you back to the Ice Age.

Online tickets : San Diego Natural History Museum

22. Mission San Diego de Alcalá

Set up in 1769, this was the first Franciscan mission in the Californias, and was the location for the region’s first execution and its first Christian burial.

Beneath the chancel also lies the body of California’s first Christian martyr, Father Luis Jayme, killed by Native American Kumeyaay warriors in 1775. The current church is from the early 19th century and was restored in 1931 following a long abandonment.

The largest bell in the campanile is original, dating to 1805 and cast with a crown representing the King of Spain.

There are daily tours of the compounds, where you’ll the remnants of the “convento”, which housed the friars in the early 19th century.

In the church, see the 15th-century choir stalls, carved with vegetal patterns and strange beasts.

The Mission Museum has archaeological finds like tools, pottery and weapons, as well as examples of Kumeyaay handicrafts and photographs of their elders.

23. San Diego Air & Space Museum

In Balboa Park’s fabulous Streamline Moderne Ford Building (1936) the San Diego Air & Space museum chronicles the evolution of human flight with models and genuine artefacts.

At this Smithsonian affiliate you can get in touch with the interwar Golden Age of Flight, represented by aircraft like an Aeronca C-3 Collegian, a Consolidated PT-1 Trusty and a Ryan STA. There are gleaming engines from this period and artefacts for the likes of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.

You can go back further to see faithful reproductions of the Wright Brothers’ gliders, and zoom forward to the Jet Age, represented by a Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, a Boeing GPS-12 Satellite and a the canopy of the game-changing North American X-15 rocket plane.

There are also flight simulators, an “Action Hangar” play area for little ones and a 3D/4D theatre for pulsating shows.

24. Gaslamp Quarter

There are 94 historic buildings in this 16 block heritage area in downtown San Diego, bordering Petco Park and the Convention Center.

The Gaslamp Quarter, heralded by a gateway arch on Fifth Avenue, dates from 1867 when the real estate developer Alonzo Horton envisaged a new city centre nearer the San Diego Bay.

If you’re in San Diego to sample the food scene and nightlife you’re sure to find yourself in the Gaslamp Quarter at some point, in a neighbourhood of more than 100 sidewalk restaurants, craft breweries, concept cocktail bars and rooftop lounges.

There’s lots going on here during Comic-Con in July, as well as big street parties for Mardi Gras and St Patrick’s Day.

Recommended tour : Gaslamp and Downtown San Diego Segway Tour

25. Birch Aquarium

Roosted on a bluff over the campus of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this noted aquarium reveals the spectrum of marine life of the Pacific Ocean.

You can get there in 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, and start with the Hall of Fishes.

This has an array of habitats, from the brisk waters of the North West to the tropical climes of the Indo-Pacific.

There’s a 260,000-litre kelp forest tank, coral reefs and a much-loved loggerhead turtle that was rescued.

At the Tide-Pool Plaza, youngsters can get to know the creatures inhabiting Southern California’s tide pools like starfish, hermit crabs, lobsters and sea cucumbers.

There’s Something About Seahorses is a showcase for this peculiar creature, while Feeling the Heat is a jolting look at the effects of climate change.

26. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Conserving some 2,000 acres of rugged Pacific coastline north of La Jolla, this National Natural Landmark is on a plateau skirted by high cliffs for a awesome views of the ocean.

There are eight miles of trails, and you can use the Beach Trail to get down to natural un-touristy beaches with almost no signs of civilisation.

The park is a vital habitat for the endangered Torrey Pine, which only grows in this location and off the coast of Santa Barbara on Santa Rosa Island.

During the migration season you may get to see gray and blue whales from the cliffs.

Stop by the charming pueblo-style visitor centre, which is the departure point for guided on walks on weekends and holidays at 10:00 and 14:00.

27. Torrey Pines Gliderport

On the cusp of the State Reserve is a public platform for hang gliding and paragliding posted on cliffs above the Pacific.

If you’re intent on taking to the skies but have no experience you can take part in a tandem hang gliding or paragliding flight, starting at a couple of hundred dollars.

But most of the visitors to the Gilderport are here just to bask in the scenery and feel the ocean breeze.

There are benches to linger over the views of the Pacific and the coastline down to La Jolla, and you can watch the gliders take off, tuck into an outsized sandwich at the Cliffhanger Cafe and enjoy some live music on Saturday afternoons.

28. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools.

There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset.

And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April.

By road the scenery is sensational on the Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between Adair Street and Ladera Street.

29. San Diego Museum of Man

Set in four imposing Spanish Revival buildings from the Panama-California Exposition, the Museum of Man has just celebrated its centenary.

Here you can study pre-Columbian history, getting to know local Native American cultures, as well as Mesoamerican civilisations like the Mayans.

The exhibitions approach these topics in fun, enlightening ways.

Take, BEERology, looking into the 10,000-year history of beer brewing and featuring a solid gold beer cup belonging to an Incan king some 600 years ago.

Monsters! is a family-oriented exhibition about mythical beasts like the Kraken, unicorns, dragons and the Yeti.

You can also delve into the origins of race on the second floor, and delight in one of the United States’ greatest collections of Egyptology, with masks, pottery, sarcophagi and two authentic mummies.

30. Hotel del Coronado

The pride of Coronado is a magnificent Victorian beachfront hotel and National Historic Landmark, now owned by the Hilton brand.

When the Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888 it was the world’s largest resort hotel.

Counted among its distinguished list of guests are Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, Clark Gable, Babe Ruth and Edward VIII (then Prince of Wales). No fewer than 16 presidents have stayed at the Hotel de Coronado, in an unbroken line going back to President Eisenhower.

The building, easily identified by the conical roofs on its towers, has appeared in 12 films, most famously Some Like it Hot (1959). You don’t have to book a room to get the inside track, as there are daily 75-minute tours through the building and its ornamental gardens.

31. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Out in the semi-arid environment of the San Pasqual Valley you may wonder if you’ve stumbled into the real savanna at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park.

In 1,800 acres, you’ll take road train and truck caravan rides through vast landscapes of the African Plains and Asian Savanna to view wildebeest, springboks, gazelles, giraffes, antelopes, rhinos and many more.

The recent Tiger Trail is a walking exhibit where you’ll come within inches of Sumatran tigers, while the Nairobi Village and Gorilla Forest have an aviary and habitats for meerkats, lemurs and the formidable Western Lowland gorilla.

The Lion Camp is home to a family of 13 lions, and you’ll see just how fast a cheetah can move at the Cheetah Run at the African Outpost.

For something unforgettable, take the Flightline Safari, a zip-line more than 40 metres over the giraffes and rhinos in the park’s African Plains.

Book online (skip the line) : San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Pass

32. Mormon Battalion Historic Site

The Mormon Battalion was the only unit formed along religious lines in the history of the United States military.

It comprised between 534 and 559 followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This infantry unit was commanded by Mormon company officers who answered to regular U.S. Army command.

The Mormon Battalion served for a year during the Mexican-American War of 1846-48 and is remembered for an almost inconceivable 1,900-mile march from Iowa to San Diego, together with 80 women and children.

The newly revamped visitor centre at the site of the battalion’s arrival point in the Old Town gives free daily tours and has interactive multimedia displays and artefacts shining a light on the unit.

You can also learn more about the livelihoods of the day, like panning for gold and brick-making, and get to know the inner-workings of muskets and cannons.

33. La Jolla Shores Park

Pushing on for a mile in northern La Jolla, this beach may be the best in the San Diego area for families.

While many of the beaches around La Jolla are sequestered little coves, La Jolla shores has an accommodating crescent of pale sand.

The beach is trimmed with grass and a line of towering palms, and blessed with majestic views north to the 30-metre cliffs of Torrey Pines.

What makes La Jolla Shores such a hit with families is the low surf and very shallow gradient.

In summer the waves are the gentlest of any San Diego beach, and this is down to La Jolla’s rocky headland screening the southwest side of the beach.

The light surf is just right for sea kayaking and diving, and passing by at night you’ll see the shore glinting with beach fires.

34. Fleet Science Center

A planetarium and interactive science museum, the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park was a trailblazer when it opened in 1973. Younger children will get the most out of the self-guided permanent exhibitions where they can explore outer space, learn the ins and outs of San Diego’s water system and discover the unseen world of nanotechnology.

For toddlers the Little Learners’ Lab is a play zone with varying shapes and textures, while the Ball Wall has a little world of shoots, tracks and moving objects.

The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater has three IMAX shows screening several times a day.

In summer 2018 these were “Aircraft Carrier”, “Great Barrier Reef” and “Pandas”.

35. Pacific Beach

Next door to Mission Beach and on the way to La Jolla, Pacific Beach is another belt of dreamy Pacific coastline, edged by Ocean Boulevard and its many amenities.

The beach seems never to end, continuing past the Crystal Pier where it becomes North Pacific Beach, preferred by families for its lifeguard supervision.

The area, Pacific Beach, has been gentrified since the 1990s and partying college students have moved down to Mission Beach to be replaced by plush condos, upmarket restaurants and a slightly older crowd.

Go for a stroll along Crystal Pier, which is flanked on the landward end by quaint weatherboard holiday cottages.

If you can avoid the many fishing rods, you can watch the waves break from the end of the pier and look back to the city and up to La Jolla.

36. Maritime Museum of San Diego

On the Embarcadero’s Waterfront Park, a few steps from the USS Midway, is one of the nation’s largest collections of historic vessels, all ready to be boarded.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego has 11 heritage boats and submarines.

The most noteworthy is the Star of India (1863), believed to be the oldest ship in the world that still sails regularly.

Launched at the Isle of Man, this iron-hulled windjammer was built to carry cargo between Britain, India and New Zealand.

Fans of military hardware will waste no time boarding the Soviet B-38 and US Navy Dolphin submarines.

One ship you may have seen before is HM Surprise, a modern 18th-century British Navy frigate replica that appeared in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

The museum puts on a military-themed 45-minute harbour tour in a Vietnam War-era Swift boat.

37. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

One of San Diego’s oldest monuments, this lighthouse was raised in 1855 just five years after San Diego’s admission to the Union.

Its life as a beacon for ships navigating San Diego Bay was quite short and it was deactivated when the new lighthouse was built by the water, 120 metres down the cliffs in 1891. After the foundation of the Cabrillo Monument in the 1930s the complex was restored and is now a prominent landmark and museum.

You can see the keeper’s living quarters, log books, service equipment, turning mechanism and the original Fresnel lens that once had a range of 24 miles.

On certain days you may also be greeted by a re-enactor playing Captain Israel, a lighthouse keeper in the 19th century.

38. Point Loma Tide Pools

Something we haven’t mentioned about Point Loma is the richness of the nature residing in the tide pools at the foot of the cliffs on the western tip of the peninsula.

The rocky shoreline here is in the boundaries of the National Monument, which has kept it clear of development.

Check the tide charts and keep them in mind, because when the ocean withdraws you can scramble down the terraces of stratified rock to poke around the sea caves and look for ocean life in the rock pools.

You should spot sea anemones, starfish, lined shore crabs, hermit crabs, kelp crabs and maybe even an octopus.

39. Liberty Station

The humongous former Naval Training Center San Diego on Point Loma has been transformed into an exciting waterfront development.

That naval base was founded in 1923 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, with rows of interesting former mess halls and barracks.

The open space along the base’s old ship channel has become a waterfront park with play areas and jogging trails.

Liberty Station is divided into an array of districts: Office, Hotel, Educational, Retail and Residential.

For food, the Arts District, South Point and the Quarter are loaded with independent bars, eateries and cafes, well as nationwide chains like Five Guys, Tender Greens and Cold Stone Creamery.

The NTC Promenade at Liberty Station is a non-profit arts area, home to the San Diego Comic Art Gallery and Women’s Museum of California, as well as theatre companies, four dance groups and the LOT at Liberty Station theatre.

40. Whaley House Museum

San Diego’s first two-storey brick-built building, the Old Town’s Whaley House dates to 1857. What kindles fascination about the building is its spooky goings-on.

This National Historic Landmark was designated “haunted” by the U.S. Commerce Department in the 1960s.

It appears that the house’s owner and designer, Thomas Whaley chose San Diego’s former gallows as the plot for his home.

He claimed to hear one criminal, “Yankee” Jim Robinson (d.1852) stomping around on the top floor, and Whaley and his wife are believed to still be around, announcing themselves by the scent of cigar smoke and perfume.

In the same ensemble is the French mansard-roofed Verna House (1870s), moved to this spot to save it from demolition in 1965 and housing the gift-shop.

The interior, which also served as a courtroom for a period, has been frozen in time to the mid-1870s.

41. Children’s Pool Beach

The ocean in San Diego is always a thrilling sight, but the surf can be unsafe for children and less accomplished swimmers.

In La Jolla one solution was to construct a big concrete seawall to the west, shielding this beach from the waves and creating a scallop-shaped cove with calm waters.

The was gifted to the community by the philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1931, but what nobody anticipated was how attractive the beach would prove for seals and sea lions.

December to May they come to wallow in the gentle waters and give birth to pups on the beach.

Access to Children’s Pool Beach is discouraged in this season, but you can head along the seawall to get a good look at the winter residents with their babies.

42. Seaport Village

Call it a tourist trap, but this waterfront mall has a few things to recommend it.

For one, there’s a series of restaurants like the Pier Cafe and Edgewater Grill, each with a front-row view of the bay.

Seaport Village is on the south end the Embarcadero within walking distance of the downtown.

You can make your way around a circular network of lanes lined with buildings in varying architectural styles from replicas of haciendas and adobes to Victorian houses.

There are more than 50 shops for twee souvenirs like hand-painted tiles and mugs, and you can enjoy some live music on summer weekends.

Look out for the carousel, dating to 1895, with beautifully rendered animals and mythical beasts to ride on.

43. Pacific Surfliner

If this railway line has a romantic sounding name that’s because it clings to the Southern Californian coastline between San Diego and San Luis Obispo.

The most scenic stretch is through the San Diego and Orange Counties when the train has a near constant view of the Pacific.

These carriages are so accustomed to surfers that there are even special racks for surfboards.

You could use the train for a day in Los Angeles, making sure to sit on the right side of the train on the return to San Diego to catch the sunset.

There are multiple departures each day, and you can get to Disneyland in Anaheim in two hours and Los Angeles Union station in three.

44. San Diego-Coronado

An abiding feature of the San Diego cityscape, the San-Diego-Coronado Bridge swoops across the San Diego Bay, carrying the State Route 75 to and from the island for a spellbinding perspective of the city.

The design came from the Modernist architect Robert Mosher and the bridge opened in 1969, just two years after construction began.

The reason for bridge’s signature 80° curve is that the Navy required a clearance of at least 61 metres for its aircraft carriers, and the structure needed extra space to reach this height on a safe gradient.

If you need to see the bridge up close there are guided kayaking tours under the bridge from Coronado.

45. Mission Trails Regional Park

This whopping 5,800-acre natural preserve is inside San Diego’s city limits to the northeast, and is the sixth-largest municipal park in the United States.

Snaking off into this rugged wilderness of scrubby hills and canyons are 60 miles of marked hiking, cycling and horse riding trails.

One route will take you to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 486 metres and with a panorama of San Diego County that merits the climb.

You can also track down a riveting piece of San Diego’s early history at the Old Mission Dam, a National Historic Landmark.

The dam impounded the San Diego River to irrigate fields owned by the Mission San Diego de Alcalá.

This modest construction represents the first colonial irrigation project on the United States’ Pacific coast.

46. Old Globe Theatre

Established in Balboa Park during the California Pacific International Exposition of 1935-36, the Old Globe Theatre is a pillar of culture in San Diego.

Among the top regional theatres in the country, this Tony-award winning institution puts on 15 productions of classic, modern classic and new works each season, with Shakespeare at its soul.

The complex has three stages: The flagship Old Globe Theatre, the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, both seating around 600, and the smaller Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, a theatre in the round.

For a snapshot of what to expect, there are two performances a day during the week and three on weekends.

In July 2018 you could catch a family-friendly production of Dr.

Seuss’s The Lorax, or live the drama of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

47. Liberty Public Market

One of the former navy buildings at Liberty Station has been adapted for this enticing food destination.

Open seven days a week, 11:00 – 19:00, the Liberty Public Market is like an urban central market, showing off the best of the region’s wine, beer, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, pastries, prepared foods, sauces and arts and crafts.

It’s a place for people who are concerned about food provenance to do their food shop, but is also a must for on-the-spot dining, with a dash of pop-up eateries and stands.

Think lobster rolls, jambalaya, craft sausages, farm fresh salads, Thai-style streetfood and cold-pressed juice.

48. Torrey Pines Golf Course

The 36-hole municipal golf centre at Torrey Pines was established in 1957 and has real prestige.

This totally public facility played host to the 2008 U.S. Open, which as of July 2018 was the last major title claimed by Tiger Woods.

The U.S. Open is scheduled to come back to Torrey Pines in 2021. Plotted by the famed course architect William P. Bell and his son in 1957, Torrey Pines has two championship courses (North and South), and one of the largest golf shops in the Western United States.

The South course was remodelled by Rees Jones in 2001 and has since staged a host of big events.

You can be sure that this course is in demand, and to book a tee time non-residents have to sign up with San Diego’s parks and recreation department and book online up to three days in advance.

49. Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market

Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00 more than 200 tents take over Little Italy’s Date Street, between Kettner Boulevard and Front Street.

Local producers lay out regional meat, poultry, fruit, eggs herbs and vegetables, all seasonal and fresh from the farm, while there’s also fish, plants, spices, coffee beans, cheese, homemade sauces and relishes.

Bring an appetite because you can indulge in oysters shucked on the spot, and sea urchin caught hours earlier.

If that sounds too adventurous you might be tempted by paninis, crêpes, cheesecake in a cup, or go healthy with a green smoothie.

Amazingly, this is just one of 20 weekend farmers’ markets in San Diego.

50. Comic-Con

What started as the Golden State Comic Book Convention, attended by 200 comic book fans in 1970, has burgeoned into the world’s largest annual pop culture festival attended by some 150,000 people.

If you don’t already know all about Comic-Con you’re sure to have seen its legions of cosplayers online or on TV shows.

Held at the San Diego Convention Centre, Comic-Con (roughly speaking) is a four-day extravaganza of seminars, panel Q&As, table reads, workshops, gaming events, award ceremonies, as well as an independent shot film festival, collectibles market, studio/TV company trade exhibition and a cosplay contest.

And where the scope was limited to comics in the festival’s early years, Comic-Con encompasses almost all forms of entertainment, even if there’s still a slight accent on comics and anime.

50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California):

• Balboa Park
• Embarcadero
• USS Midway Museum
• Food and Drink
• Cabrillo National Monument
• San Diego Old Town
• Old Town San Diego State Historical Park
• San Diego Zoo
• San Diego Harbor Cruise
• Whale Watching
• Little Italy
• La Jolla Cove
• Coronado Beach
• Mission Beach
• San Diego Museum of Art
• Belmont Park
• San Diego Natural History Museum
• Mission San Diego de Alcalá
• San Diego Air & Space Museum
• Gaslamp Quarter
• Birch Aquarium
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
• Torrey Pines Gliderport
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
• San Diego Museum of Man
• Hotel del Coronado
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Mormon Battalion Historic Site
• La Jolla Shores Park
• Fleet Science Center
• Pacific Beach
• Maritime Museum of San Diego
• Old Point Loma Lighthouse
• Point Loma Tide Pools
• Liberty Station
• Whaley House Museum
• Children's Pool Beach
• Seaport Village
• Pacific Surfliner
• San Diego-Coronado
• Mission Trails Regional Park
• Old Globe Theatre
• Liberty Public Market
• Torrey Pines Golf Course
• Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market

San Diego Itinerary Ideas from 1 to 3 Days (+ Maps & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 31, 2023

Are you planning a trip to San Diego in California and looking for ideas on what to see and do in San Diego in 1, 2, or 3 days ? In this article, we share the best San Diego itinerary suggestions for up to three days. Find out!

With popular song titles like Hotel California, California Dreamin’, California Love, and Californication , perhaps you’re wondering why so much hype surrounds the beautiful U.S. state of California? It’s such a beautiful state and San Diego is probably the best of California in one place. A city you have to see!

So in this post, we cover the best things to see and do in San Diego, California in one to three days and show you just how amazing this area is. 

Whether you have just one, two or three days in San Diego, our suggestions and practical tips will help you get the most of your trip, no matter how much time you have.

Below you can find detailed day to day itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 days in San Diego.  I also included a  map  for each itinerary. That way you have a better idea of where all those places are. Of course, you don’t have to follow these itineraries precisely, but it gives you a good idea of the main landmarks of the city and surroundings, and the time you need to see them.

Good to know: While you can see the best of the city of San Diego in one day, the surrounding communities of La Jolla, Encinitas, Del Mar, and Carlsbad should not be missed.  Depending on your interests, I recommend a minimum of three days in the area. But if you really want to see all the best places, you can spend five days or even more exploring the San Diego area.

San Diego Itinerary Suggestions – Overview:

• Introduction
• Best time to visit

1 day in San Diego

• 2 days in San Diego
• 3 days in San Diego
• Tips for a longer San Diego vacation
• Where to stay

Visiting San Diego – Introduction

San Diego is a coastal city located on the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. It’s known for its year-round idyllic climate, cultural parks, and 70 miles of pristine beaches.  Within its borders, San Diego county actually encompasses 18 other cities and several other charming coastal communities.  

When people speak of “San Diego” they are typically referring to the entire area that includes San Diego’s downtown historic Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and Little Italy, as well as La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, and Carlsbad, just to name a few.

With booming art and culinary scene, loads of family-friendly attractions, and year-round outdoor recreation, it is no wonder that San Diego appeals to guests of all ages from around the world.

When to visit

June, July, and August are peak tourism months in San Diego. Prices are high and all the attractions are the busiest. 

During the spring months of March-May, temperatures are mild and there are relatively fewer crowds. San Diego is one of the best USA destinations to visit for spring break ! 

The fall months of September-November also boast of pleasant temperatures. Many festivals are held throughout the city during this time and it’s a great time to be here. 

Budget travelers can get the best hotel rates during the winter months between December and February.

The best time to visit San Diego is in the shoulder season, March-April and September-November. The weather is nice and the temperatures are mild, it’s not as busy as in the summer, and it’s a bit cheaper than in the high season.

San Diego Itinerary Ideas

Below you can find suggested San Diego itineraries for one to three days. This article has been written by our guest writer Jen, who lives in the US and has visited San Diego with her family multiple times. All of these itineraries and suggestions are therefore based on her personal experience and are filled with some insider tips for visiting San Diego for the first time. 

No two trips will be exactly the same, of course, so use these itinerary suggestions as a guideline. You’ll need to adjust your San Diego itinerary as needed to account for the weather, how much time you spend at each landmark, and the varying interests of your group or family members.

The suggested itineraries will give you a good idea of the places that are worthwhile visiting, approximately how much time you need to see them, and how to best plan your own San Diego itinerary.

Don’t try to ‘see it all’ on a short trip to San Diego. If you like to travel deeper, it’s better to visit fewer places and take your time to enjoy the amazing sights and the scenery, instead of rushing from one place to the other and ticking the boxes. On the other hand, if you are visiting San Diego for the first time and really want to see it all, these itinerary suggestions will show you how it can be done.

TIP: If you are planning to visit some of the San Diego attractions or do any tours or organized actvities, it’s really worthwhile getting the Go San Diego Card . It includes free entrance to many top attractions in San Diego area, as well as a huge choice of activities like bike and kayak tours, whale watching, and many more.

We have two suggested itineraries on how to spend one day in San Diego : one if you have a car and want to use it and the other one – without a car. Take a look!

TIP: We recommend leaving the car at the car parking and exploring San Diego city itself without a car!

San Diego 1 Day Itinerary by Car

If you only have one day in San Diego and you want to use a car , I suggest that you drive downtown San Diego and visit at least two of its iconic neighborhoods. Little Italy, Cortez Hill, Columbia, Core-Columbia, Gaslamp Quarter, East Village, Marina, and Embarcadero (the waterfront boardwalk) all have their own unique culture, architecture, and flair.  

My three favorites are Core-Columbia , the waterfront area that is home to the USS Midway Naval Aircraft carrier museum , and the Gaslamp Quarter and Marina District . Gaslamp Quarter features historic Victorian buildings. Marina District encompasses the nautical and charming Seaport Village, a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.  

The USS Midway, Gaslamp Quarter, and Seaport Village are all within a mile of each other (so you can easily walk between them, which is the best way to explore).  The Gaslamp Quarter is all about the architectural charm that can be felt simply by walking around the neighborhood. The electric versions of the old gaslamps that gave the street its name are fun to see.

Suggested morning itinerary: Visit Gaslamp and Core Columbia . You can park at the USS Midway and walk to those parts of the city. If you are into history and exhibits, you could probably spend up to 3 hours at the USS Midway Museum . However, you can also visit the ship in just 1-1,5 hours as well.

From there walk to Seaport , which is just a few short blocks from the USS Midway. If visiting San Diego with kids, don’t miss the Seaport Village Carousel and get some delicious ice cream there. You can do all of this before lunch.

TIP: Because the USS Midway Museum is one of the most popular San Diego attractions, we recommend getting skip-the-line tickets in advance .

Before lunchtime, drive across the Coronado Bridge (a sight in itself) that connects downtown San Diego to Coronado Island .  This immensely popular island is home to the famous red-roofed Hotel Del Coronado . The white sandy beaches of Coronado Island rank in the “Top 10” of the entire U.S. 

Though you can easily spend 1 or 2 days on Coronado Island alone, having just one day in San Diego means that you’ll have to do with just 3 to 4 hours. Keep in mind that it’s is extremely difficult to find parking on the island.

If parking lots by the beach are full, most visitors end up parking on residential streets located throughout the island (which is allowed at the time of writing).  Alternatively, leave your car in the city center and take a ferry.

I recommend having lunch on the terrace of Hotel Del Coronado or at one of the premier waterfront restaurants in the Ferry Landing Marketplace .  This island is simply not to be missed!

Depending on your interests, head back over the bridge and spend the rest of the afternoon at either Balboa Park (an urban cultural park home to 15 museums), the world-famous San Diego Zoo , or the kids’ favorite, SeaWorld San Diego .

However, if you have just one day in San Diego, it’s probably not worth getting expensive tickets to the zoo or SeaWorld and only spending a few hours there. Balboa Park is probably a better choice for a short visit.

Lastly, finish off your day in San Diego by dipping your toes into the ocean and watching the best San Diego sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park . 

To help you plan your day in San Diego, I made a map indicating all the places mentioned in this 1-day itinerary.

Take a look below!

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

San Diego 1 day Itinerary without a Car

My recommendation for visiting San Diego in 1 day without a car is by joining an organized day tour. My absolute favorite tour is the San Diego Hop-on-Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour . 

With 10 different stops on its route among the most popular areas of downtown San Diego (including a ride across the bridge to Coronado), riders have unlimited ‘on and off’ privileges for the entire day.  The ride is fully narrated between stops and is entirely family-friendly.  

Needless to say, this is a much more relaxed way to see the best of San Diego in one day without having to worry about navigating the busy traffic or looking for where to park your car at each of the attractions.

Please take a look at the itinerary suggestions above for the best places to see on your hop-on hop-off tour. Don’t miss the USS Midway Museum and make sure to get your skip-the-line tickets in advance.

Our tip (based on our experience): Take the hop-on-hop-off trolley . Enjoy someone else doing the driving for you and not having to worry about parking. Start in Old Town and stop at the USS Midway (where you can take a short harbor cruise – see further), Hotel Del Coronado, and Balboa Park. These stops will give you a taste of everything!

This is by far our favorite way to see the best of San Diego in one day. It’s great for kids too.

TIP: Make the most of your day in San Diego by taking a harbor cruise. It runs from a pier near the MSS Midway ship, so it’s very easy to incorporate this into your one day San Diego itinerary. You can choose between the South Harbor or North Harbor tours (each takes 1 hour), or do a combination of both in 2 hours. It’s one of the most popular things to do in San Diego and a great way to see a lot in a short time. You can check availability and book your San Diego harbor cruise here .

Practical information:  There is ample parking in downtown San Diego, and rates can vary from $8-$36 dollars a day. It might pay off to research and reserve your parking online in advance.

To help you plan your day in San Diego without a car, I made a map indicating all the places mentioned in the itinerary above. Take a look below!

2 Days in San Diego

If you have two days in San Diego, in addition to visiting all the best places in the downtown area, you should try to explore some of San Diego’s coastline and the city’s famous family-friendly attractions. Below is a suggested 2-day San Diego itinerary . Take a look!

Start the day by visiting the San Diego Zoo first thing in the morning. Make sure to book skip-the-line tickets in order to make the most of your time. Alternatively, visit the museums of Balboa Park . You could spend the whole day at the San Diego zoo alone, but since your time is limited, I’d allocate 3-4 hours to it.

After that, head to downtown San Diego and explore two or three of its neighborhoods by foot. You can have a late lunch in Seaport Village and then board the San Diego Coronado Ferry (adjacent to the cruise ship terminal) to spend the rest of the day on Coronado Island .  

In the afternoon, relax on Coronado Beach , tour the Hotel Del Coronado , rent a bike or a golf cart to explore the island, and stroll among the shops on Orange Avenue.  Wind down by watching a beautiful sunset here.

Practical Information:  The San Diego Coronado Ferry runs every hour on the hour from 9 AM to 9 PM (9 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday) between Broadway Pier and Coronado. It costs just $5 one-way. This is a popular means of transportation to and from the island.

TIP: I realize that this itinerary is rather busy for one day. It’s really meant for those who want to maximize their short time in San Diego area to the fullest. So – depending on your interests – you could potentially skip the zoo or go there the next day, instead of visiting SeaWorld.

If you want to take it easier, follow our suggested one-day itinerary without a car (see above).

In the morning, visit SeaWorld San Diego to get up-close-and-personal with whales, walruses, and dolphins.

If you haven’t visited the zoo on the previous day, you could do that instead. 

Both these places require a full day to properly explore, but if your time in San Diego is limited, you can see at least some of the highlights in half a day.

After lunch, travel 20 miles north of Downtown San Diego to the seaside village of La Jolla . 

Known as the “Rodeo Drive” of San Diego, La Jolla is home to world-class shopping and restaurants. But it has so much more to offer than that! When visiting La Jolla for a short time, don’t miss its famous resident population of wild seals and sea lions. 

Park on La Jolla Coast Boulevard and spend some time admiring the seals in the Children’s Pool area at Casa Beach. Dozens of seals and sea lions can be found lounging t ton this small sand beach.

TIP: One of the nicest things to do in La Jolla is kayak the sea caves of La Jolla Cove or dive/snorkel at La Jolla Underwater Park . We recommend joining this highly-rated kayak tour in the late afternoon of the second day of your 2-day San Diego itinerary.

Finish off the day by enjoying the marine life at Birch Aquarium and/or take a leisurely hike to see a magical sunset at Torrey Pines State Reserve .

Below is a map indicating all the places mentioned in this 2 days San Diego itinerary.

3 Days in San Diego

Below is our suggested itinerary for what to see and do in San Diego in three days.

Visit the San Diego Zoo, Downtown San Diego, and Coronado Island (see day 1 in the two-day itinerary above).

Same as the second day of the 2-day itinerary, except take it easier. If there are any activities that you can’t get done this day, move them to the next one.

Both the La Jolla sea lions and the breathtaking skyline views of the Pacific Ocean from Torrey Pines State Reserve are not to be missed. However, if you want to take your time and really enjoy both, you might run out of time. In that case, you could visit either La Jolla seals or Torrey Pines State Reserve on this day. Leave the other one for the 3rd day of this itinerary.

Start your day with La Jolla kayaking or a hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve, if not done the previous day.

Continue your travels by driving Historic Highway 101 from La Jolla to Oceanside, California. Along with taking in the picturesque scenery, stop in Del Mar to see the famous Del Mar Racetrack. You can also experience some more upscale shopping at the Del Mar Plaza.

Finally, end your 3 days in the San Diego area by spending the afternoon in the city of Carlsbad .  Carlsbad has so much to offer that you can easily spend three days here alone. However, for this itinerary, you’ll need to narrow down your options. Take a look at the possibilities below!

The kids’ choice will be Legoland California theme park, water park, and SeaLife Aquarium . Alternatively, you can play golf, visit the Museum of Making Music or simply relax on Tamarack Beach .

Another really nice thing to do in Carlsbad is to take a local food tour . Alternatively, stop at Carlsbad’s Pizza Port Brewery and Restaurant, a ‘laid back California feel’ eatery with memorable food, hospitality, and ambiance.

TIP: If you are visiting the San Diego area in spring (March to May), don’t miss Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Below you can see the map indicating all the places mentioned in this San Diego itinerary for three days.

TIP: The earlier mentioned Go San Diego Card is really worthwhile if you have three or more days in San Diego. In addition to tens of top attractions and activities, a 3, 5, or 7-day card includes one of the following premium options: day admission to SeaWorld, speedboat adventures, or two-day hop-on / hop-off trolley. Check it out if visiting San Diego for three days or longer.

What to See and Do in San Diego If You Have More Time

If you have more than 3 days in San Diego, I suggest seeing the same places mentioned above, but at a much slower pace. If you have enough time, I recommend allocating an entire day for places such as SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, and the Hop-on-Hop-Off Trolley Tour.

If you are planning a longer San Diego vacation, you can also play golf, surf, participate in water sports or spend days at one or more of San Diego’s amazing beaches (and there are many!).  Our favorites are Mission Beach along with adjoining Belmont Park , or Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas, CA. Here you can find more suggestions for the best beaches in San Diego for families .

The Point Loma tide pools , whale watching , taking a harbor cruise , visiting Cabrillo National Monument , and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are just a few other examples of other things to see and do in San Diego. 

To sum up, yes, you can see the main highlights in San Diego in one day. And yes, you can get a taste of the surrounding areas in another day or two. However, you can also spend a week in San Diego and never get bored.

I’m sure that if you visit San Diego for just a few days, you’ll be planning a future longer trip before you even leave.

Where to Stay When Visiting San Diego

Because all of San Diego county’s many attractions are relatively close to each other, you can choose to stay in one place for the entire duration of your trip to San Diego. 

For shorter trips of just 1 or 2 days in San Diego, staying in the downtown area is the best choice. Staying in San Diego downtown gives you quick and easy access to all local areas of interest.

There are many really nice hotels in San Diego downtown area and also quite a lot of options for short-term rental accommodations .

Here are some recommended hotels in the city center:

• $$$$ San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina .
• $$$ Hotel Indigo San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter).
• $$ Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center or Best Western Plus Bayside Inn .

In general, the further you get away from downtown San Diego, the cheaper your accommodations will be. This rule breaks down when you get to La Jolla, which is lovely but pricey.

However, La Jolla has probably the very best location for a San Diego vacation of 3 days and more . Just as everywhere, there are some really expensive hotels, but also some budget-friendly lodging options in La Jolla. So I’d definitely check what’s available before deciding where to stay in San Diego. Here you can check availability and prices for La Jolla accommodation .

For those who are on a lower budget and are spending more than three days in San Diego area , we recommend staying in a central location like Encinitas or Del Mar.

We love staying in Encinitas – there are some really nice holiday homes available, which is perfect for families with kids. Encinitas is a bit of a ride from San Diego, but it’s quite centrally located for exploring the area. So for example, for this 3 day San Diego itinerary it would mean going south one day, staying in the middle the other day, and north the next day.  You can use a rental car to go back and forth between cities and attractions.

We recommend planning at least 3 days for San Diego. This will allow you to explore the city center, visit one or two theme parks, and potentially also catch a glimpse of the beautiful coastal areas nearby. However, if you have more time, you can easily fill 5-7 days in San Diego and you’ll find plenty to do.

The best time to visit San Diego is in the spring and in the fall (March-May and September-November). The weather is pleasant, it’s not as busy as in the peak summer months, and you can find better deals for accommodations.

If you are in San Diego for just 1 or 2 days and want to see the main landmarks, staying in the downtown area is the best choice. If you are spending a longer vacation in San Diego, it’s better to stay at one of the beach areas northwest of the city, such as La Jolla or Pacific Beach. For more budget-friendly options, check out Encinitas or Del Mar.

You don’t need a car for visiting the main attractions in San Diego city. However, if you are in San Diego for a few days and are planning to explore the areas outside the city center and its wide surroundings, we recommend renting a car. We use and recommend the RentalCars website to find the best deals for your rental car.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Los Angeles Itinerary for 3 Days

You may also like these guides to some of our favorite places in the U.S.:

• Arizona: Best Places to See in Arizona & Phoenix-Scottsdale Itinerary
• Las Vegas: Tips for Visiting Las Vegas & Best Things to Do in Las Vegas  & Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
• Yellowstone:  Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
• Mt Rushmore:  Complete Guide to Visiting Mount Rushmore
• Grand Canyon:  Grand Canyon in 1 Day & 2-days Itinerary for Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon
• Utah:   Best Things to do in Moab
• Chicago:  2 Days in Chicago & Chicago Travel Tips
• NYC: 1 Day in New York City
• Philadelphia: 1 Day in Philadelphia
• NP:  Amazing Lesser-known National Parks in the United States

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Take a look at our guide to the best National Parks in the United States that should be on every bucket list.

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Tuesday 8th of October 2019

If you’re in La Jolla on a Sunday, they have a wonderful Farmer’s Market from 9:00 - 1:00 at the La Jolla Elementary School.

Friday 11th of October 2019

Thanks for sharing this, Laurel.

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Home > United States > 31 Reasons To Visit San Diego: Why You Should Visit San Diego

31 Reasons To Visit San Diego: Why You Should Visit San Diego

By Dymphe / February 4, 2023

The reasons to visit San Diego are incredible. If you're curious about why you should visit San Diego, there's a lot to know!

San Diego is a lovely city to visit in the United States . You find this city in the state of California. The city is home to many great sights, beautiful beaches, and more.

If you're ever wondering if San Diego is worth visiting, it definitely is! And there are lots of reasons for that.

For example, the city is very photogenic. If you love photography, this is definitely why you should visit San Diego. There are gorgeous places everywhere, such as beaches and pretty cafes.

Besides that, you can do a scenic train ride to LA from San Diego. This is so much fun and such a wonderful experience!

But there's much more. One of the most important reasons to visit San Diego is the weather. The weather is comfortable all year round, making it a lovely place every season.

Also, those who love sports will love the city too. There are many sports teams and events in the city. And if you like luxury, you'll love all the wonderful luxury hotels in San Diego!

Besides that, there are many other lovely reasons why it's an amazing place for your next trip!

Table of Contents

1. San Diego is Very Photogenic: Great Reason To Visit San Diego If You Like Taking Pictures

One of the best reasons to visit San Diego is that it is a very photogenic city.

Wherever you'e going there, you'll be able to see beautiful places.

If you like photography, that's definitely why you should visit San Diego! There are so many places that are wonderful for taking photos!

But even if you don't want to take photos, it is great that the city is so photogenic. It is amazing to go for a walk in the city and see beautiful things everywhere!

For example, you can find beautiful beaches in the city, such as Mission Beach. The beaches are so beautiful!

Also, you can find street art, including beautiful murals in the city. This often features beautiful colors.

Besides that, the large Balboa Park is very photogenic. And going here is great if you like taking photos of nature and old architecture.

Belmont Park is another very photogenic place in San Diego. You can capture all kinds of rides when you go here.

Also, the architecture in all areas of the city is wonderful to capture.

And what's great about this as well is that it makes going for a walk so much more fun! When you go for a walk, you stumble upon the loveliest spots.

2. San Diego Has a Lot of Amazing Luxurious Hotels

Another one of the reasons to visit San Diego is the luxurious hotels that you can find there.

There are so many hotels where you can have a wonderful stay.

These hotels all feature very comfortable and spacious rooms.

And besides that, many hotels have large swimming pools with palm trees next to them! This is wonderful about the city.

Also, you can find many hotels in this city that have a view of the ocean. This is very special to see when you are staying in the city. And this view is definitely also why you should visit San Diego!

3. You Can Do a Scenic Train Ride To Los Angeles

When you are in there, you could stay in the city as there is a lot to do and see and I'm sure you'll have an amazing time.

But, you could also go to a different city for a day trip and have even more fun.

A city that you have to visit is Los Angeles. This is the second-largest city in the United States, and it is very close to San Diego.

What's great is that you can do a train ride to Los Angeles. And this train journey goes along the ocean, which is amazing. While riding the train, you can look at the ocean, which is very beautiful to see!

Being able to do this train ride is definitely why you should visit San Diego! It is such a special experience. For about 3 hours, you'll have one of the best train experiences there is!

Los Angeles has a lot of things to do and see that are great.

For example, you can go to Venice Beach and have a relaxing day at this famous beach.

Also, you can see the Hollywood Sign and walk at Hollywood Boulevard.

Or you can take in amazing views from one of the viewpoints in LA.

There are so many reasons to visit San Diego, and being able to do a day trip to LA is one of them for sure!

4. The Weather is Comfortable All Year Round: Perfect Reason To Visit San Diego If You Love Sunny Days

Here's why you should visit San Diego too! The city is amazing because of the weather that is comfortable all year round.

Whenever you want to go to the city, the weather will be great.

It almost never rains there. And the average temperature stays about the same throughout the year.

The warmest month is August when it gets about 77°F. And the coolest month of the year is January. During this month, the temperature is about 66°F, which is also great!

This comfortable temperature makes exploring the city a pleasant experience whenever you visit. And that's also one of the reasons to visit San Diego, especially if you don't want to go here during the summer.

5. There’s a Gorgeous Flowers Field Close to San Diego

When you are picturing San Diego, you likely don't think of beautiful fields of flowers. But these flower fields are definitely why you should visit San Diego.

You can find beautiful flower fields in a city that is very close to San Diego: Carlsbad.

In Carlsbad, you can find The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch .

At this place, you can find beautiful gardens with all kinds of colorful flowers. I love how many colors of flowers there are at this place.

You can visit the flower fields in spring. So if you like seeing flowers, that's one of the reasons to visit San Diego in spring!

It is great to see these flowers. And if you like photography, you can also go here for taking photos!

6. The City is Close To Mexico

The city is close to Mexico which is amazing.

The nearest Mexican city is Tijuana, which is a lovely city.

If you want to experience what Mexico is like, you can do a tour during which you go there.

During such a tour, you can experience Mexican food, culture, architecture, and more. It is a great way to get to know the country.

And because the city is so close, doing a day trip is very easy to do with a tour.

7. You Can See Historic Ships: Interesting Reason To Visit San Diego if You Want To Learn About Ships

If you like seeing historic ships, that's also one of the reasons to visit San Diego.

That's because you can find the San Diego Maritime Museum here.

This is a museum where you can learn about ships and maritime history.

At the museum, you can see a lot of historic vessels that are lovely to see!

There are military vessels, ships used for trading, and passenger's vessels. All are very interesting to see which is why you should visit San Diego if you want to learn something!

8. San Diego Has Many Sports Teams and Events

If you like sports, that's also why you should visit San Diego. And this is especially so if you like a large variety of sports.

That's because you can find many different professional sports teams in the city.

If you are into baseball, you can see a game of the San Diego Padres. And doing so is a lot of fun. These games take place at Petco Park that is a great baseball park with views of the city.

Furthermore, the San Diego Legion competes in the Major League Rugby. There is a team that competes in the National Lacrosse League. And there are many other professional sports teams.

Attending the games of these teams is a lot of fun, and it makes the city a great place for a trip if you like sports. Also, what's great is that you can discover new sports you aren't very familiar with.

9. Little Italy is a Great Place for Delicious Food

If you like food, you'll love the city too. And one of the best places for that is Little Italy.

This is a popular neighborhood in the city that is wonderful to visit when you are going to the city.

In this area of the city, you can find a lot of Italian restaurants where you can get delicious Italian food.

Also, there are many art galleries in Little Gallery. So if you like art or Italian food, this area of the city makes the whole city great to visit.

Moreover, what's great about this area is that many festivals and events take place here! So if you like that, Little Italy is one of the most amazing reasons to visit San Diego.

10. San Diego is Great if You Love Coffee: Perfect Reason To Visit San Diego For Those Who Love Coffee

There are many great coffee shops in this city. So if you like coffee, that's also why you should visit San Diego.

Many of these coffee shops feature beautiful interiors. For example, there are coffee shops that feature a lot of pink, which is beautiful.

Also, there are lots of coffee shops where you can have specialty coffee. This is great if you are a coffee lover.

What's great is that you can find these coffee shops everywhere. So if you are in the city, there is likely a great one for you to discover nearby! This is one of the most amazing reasons to visit San Diego for coffee lovers.

11. There is an Amazing Beachfront Amusement Park

One of the best sights in the city is Belmont Park .

Belmont Park is a lovely amusement park that you can find next to Mission Beach. This unique place makes the park amazing to see.

It is a place where you can have a lot of fun as there are lots of rides and attractions. And after visiting this place, you can go to the beach or you can walk at the Mission Beach Boardwalk.

12. You Can Go To the Exciting Balboa Park

Balboa Park is an amazing park that you should definitely visit when you are in the city. This park alone is one of the reasons to visit San Diego.

This is not a normal park that you can find in every city.

This is a park with a lot of things to do and to do.

Of course, you can a lot of beautiful nature in the park. There are palm trees, fields of grass, and many different gardens.

For example, you can go to the Japanese Friendship Garden. This is a beautiful garden that incorporates all kinds of Japanese garden elements. Also, the Desert Garden is wonderful to visit. And you should definitely see the Botanical Building when you are in the park.

Besides these gardens, you can find many other interesting sights in the park.

For example, there are many museums here.

One of these museums is the San Diego Museum of Art. This is an art museum with a wide variety of art and a great collection of Spanish art.

Also, the San Diego Natural History Museum is an interesting place if you want to learn new things!

Moreover, the Spanish Village Art Center is a lovely place focused on art and crafts. You can see, buy, and make art and crafts here.

The park is also home to several theaters and other venues where you can attend shows. So if you like theaters, this is also why you should visit San Diego.

And there are many places for playing sports.

There is so much to do at this wonderful park!

13. You Can Learn a Lot at the Museum of San Diego: Nice Reason To Visit San Diego If You Want To Learn Something

Another one of the reasons to visit San Diego is that you can find a lot of museums in the city.

All these museums are great places for learning new things or seeing art.

As you saw above, many of these museums are at Balboa Park. For example, the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum are there.

Another great museum in the city is the USS Midway Museum, which is a maritime museum. And the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is great if you like contemporary art.

14. You Can Have Food and Drinks with a View at Various Places in San Diego

All throughout the city, you can find various rooftop restaurants and bars.

One of the best of these is the Level 9 Rooftop Bar.

At these places, you can have food and drinks with a lovely view.

And the view of the city is incredible. Often, you can see the ocean when relaxing here. Or you can see the skyscrapers of the city, which is great as well!

If you want to have food and drinks in a unique and beautiful setting, this is also why you should visit San Diego!

15. The Beaches of San Diego Are Wonderful

If you are looking for a city with great beaches, this city is great.

There are many wonderful beaches in this Californian city. And these beaches are great to see!

One of the best beaches is Mission Beach. This is a lovely beach in the northern part of the city.

You can find the Mission Beach Boardwalk here as well, where you can find many restaurants and shops. This makes going here a lot of fun. Moreover, you can find the amusement park Belmont Park next to the beach.

Other great beaches to see are Pacific Beach and the beach at La Jolla Cove!

So if you want to see gorgeous beaches, that's one of the best reasons to visit San Diego.

16. There is a Lot of Street Art: Nice Reason To Visit San Diego For Those Who Love Street Art

Do you like street art? If so, that's another one of the reasons to visit San Diego! In fact, it's one of the best cities in the United States for street art.

One of the best areas for this is North Park, which is a lovely arts district in the city.

You can find there many beautiful murals. These are interesting and beautiful to see. Also, some of them are great for taking photos. For example, there is a mural that says "Greetings from San Diego" and looks like a postcard.

This makes the city very beautiful which is definitely why you should visit San Diego.

17. There are Many Mexican Restaurants in San Diego

Because San Diego lies close to Mexico, there are a lot of Mexican influences in the city.

One of these influences is that of the food scene.

There are lots of great restaurants in the city. For example, Little Italy is great if you like Italian food.

But there is one type of food that you can find at various places, and that is Mexican food.

There are so many restaurants that serve delicious Mexican food. You can have delicious tacos, enchiladas, and much more everywhere!

So if you love delicious food, this is incredible.

18. The Gaslamp Quarter is Great For Shopping

There are many great areas that are worth visiting. One of the best areas in the city that you have to visit is Gaslamp Quarter. Gaslamp Quarter is also why you should visit San Diego.

This is a neighborhood in the city center.

This is a fun area where you can find a lot of things to do and see. Also, the architecture of this area of the city is lovely.

There are a lot of streets that are perfect for shopping! You can find many boutique shops in the Gaslamp Quarter. And this architecture makes shopping here a lot more fun! So if you love shopping, this is one of the best reasons to visit San Diego.

19. There are Many Historic Theaters in the City

If you like theaters that's also one of the reasons to visit San Diego.

That's because you can find a lot of historic theaters in the city.

One of the best theaters in the city is the Balboa Theatre.

This is a beautiful historic movie theater that you can find in the city center. Nowadays, it is a performing arts venue where you can various shows. The design of the theater is very beautiful to see!

Another great theater is the Spreckels Theatre. This is a historic theater too, and the auditorium of this theater is very large. There are all kinds of beautiful decorations inside and outside of the building.

Besides that, you find many other theaters in the city.

20. You Can Visit the Trendy East Village Neighborhood

East Village SD is a wonderful neighborhood.

It is a very trendy one and this area is also why you should visit San Diego.

You can find a lot of great cafes, bars, and places with live music in this part of the city.

Besides that, there are many contemporary art galleries and boutique shops.

What's great as well is that you have various places in this neighborhood where you can find food trucks.

What makes this neighborhood great as well is the architecture. You can find both modern, as well as historic architecture here. This combination is wonderful to see!

21. It is a Great City if You Like Modern Architecture: Nice Reason To Visit San Diego If You Love Architecture

If you love modern architecture, that's also why you should visit San Diego.

Spread throughout the city, you can find examples of interesting modern architecture.

These buildings often feature a lot of glass and concrete. And these buildings feature a lot of lines.

One of the most unique buildings is the Geisel Library. This building is so unique and definitely one of the reasons to visit San Diego!

This building is a great example of brutalist architecture.

Another great building to see if you like this architecture is the Salk Institute.

22. San Diego has an International Airport So You Can Visit It From Many Places

This is one of the reasons to visit San Diego if you live outside of the United States.

If that's the case, it is very easy to visit the city. That's because there is an international airport in San Diego.

This means that it is very easy to get to this city from other countries!

For example, if you live in Canada and want to visit this wonderful city, this is very easy! Also, it is perfect for people traveling from Europe.

This airport also makes this place great as a starting point for further travel in the United States.

You can fly to the city, spend some days in the city, and then go to other places in the USA, such as Los Angeles.

23. You Can Go to La Jolla Cove

You can go to La Jolla Cove when you're in the city which is also why you should visit San Diego!

This is a beautiful cove and beach that you have to visit when going to the city.

It is perfect if you want to see a beautiful beach. There are lovely cliffs that surround this beach, which makes for a beautiful scene!

What's great as well is that you can watch the sunset when you are at La Jolla Cove. It is a very popular place for this.

Besides that, there are many restaurants that surround La Jolla Cove. From many of these restaurants, you have a beautiful view of the ocean!

24. You Can Learn a Lot About History in San Diego

A lot happened in the past in the city. For about 13000 years, people are living in the area of the city. Later on, the Spanish and Mexican ruled over the settlement at this place. Later, it became part of the United States.

Nowadays, this city is one of the largest cities in the United States.

It is great to learn about the history of the city. In fact, doing so is one of the reasons to visit San Diego.

You have a lot of places where you can learn about the city's history.

One of the best places for this is the San Diego History Center . This is a museum that you can find in Balboa Park. Through various exhibits, this place tells the story of the city, which is interesting!

Besides that, there are various monuments and historic buildings. For example, the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is such a place.

25. There Are Great Shopping Centers in the City: Nice Reason To Visit San Diego For Those Who Want To Shop

If you like shopping, that's also why you should visit San Diego.

That's because you can find a lot of different shopping centers in the city.

For example, you can go to Seaport Village if you want to shop. You can find a lot of shops here, so you can shop here for hours. Also, there are restaurants at this place.

Westfield Mission Valley is another great place for shopping.

And if you are looking for a place where you can get a new outfit, Fashion Valley is a great shopping mall to visit!

Because there are so many shopping malls in the city, you'll definitely find what you are looking for!

Also, what's great is that each mall is different. And each mall gives you a whole different shopping experience in the city.

26. San Diego has Many Spots That Are Great For Kids

Here's why you should visit San Diego with children. The city is great to visit as a family and that's because you can find a lot of great things to do for children.

One of these things is going to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park . This is a lovely place where you can see wildlife.

Another great activity is going to LEGOLAND California. This is a fun theme park that is great for children that love LEGO. You can find here various attractions and rides in a LEGO theme.

Besides that, Belmont Park is also great to visit as a family. You find here all kinds of attractions that are very suitable for children! For families, this is one of the best reasons to visit San Diego.

Furthermore, there are various museums that are perfect for children.

For example, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is a great one, and the Maritime Museum is fun as well.

The New Children's Museum is a great museum for children as well. This is a fun place where children can learn new things through all kinds of fun exhibits!

27. It is Easy to Walk Everywhere in the Center

Another one of the reasons to visit San Diego is that it is a very walkable place.

When you want to go somewhere in the city center, walking is often the fastest way to get there!

This is great as it is more convenient. Moreover, it is much more fun to travel by walking. That's because you are much more able to take in the atmosphere of the city that way!

So because you can walk everywhere, you'll have a great and immersive experience. And this makes going to the city lovely!

28. The Gaslamp Quarter Is Amazing for Nightlife: Great Reason To Visit San Diego If You Want To Party

The Gaslamp Quarter is such a great place in the city.

I already said that it is great for shopping, but that's not all! The Gaslamp Quarter is also an amazing place for nightlife.

You can find a lot of great bars and clubs in this part of the city. I'm sure you'll have a great time when you go here at night.

So if you want to experience nightlife and have fun, that's why you should visit San Diego!

29. There Are Beautiful Palm Trees in the City

Who doesn't love palm trees? If you love palm trees too, that's also why you should visit San Diego.

That's because you can find this wonderful tree all throughout the city.

They are near beaches, in parks, at hotels, and at many other places.

Palm trees make every place in the city look even better! And they make doing a trip to the city a lot of fun. So that's one of the best reasons to visit San Diego!

30. The City Has Great Contemporary Art Museums

If you like contemporary art, you'll like the city for sure.

There are wonderful contemporary art museums in the city. And this is one of the reasons to visit San Diego if you like contemporary art.

One of the best places for seeing contemporary art is the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego .

This museum has two locations, one in the center and one in La Jolla. And at each location, you can see lovely contemporary and modern art.

The museum has thousands of objects in its permanent collection. This includes works by Craig Kauffman, Donald Judd, and many others.

What's great is that you can see a variety of types of art at the museum. For example, there are sculptures, paintings, and all kinds of other objects.

Also, there is a large exhibition space where you can often see art exhibitions. These exhibitions are a great way to learn a lot about a specific type of art or artist.

31. The Skyline is Great: Perfect Reason To Visit San Diego For Those Who Love Beautiful Skylines

If you love beautiful skylines, that's also why you should visit San Diego.

When you look at the city from a distance, you can see a collection of skyscrapers that looks beautiful! Especially when there is water in front of the skyline, this is a beautiful sight to see!

One of the best places for seeing the skyline is Point Loma.

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• City Guides

An Eater’s Guide to San Diego

Unofficial, highly opinionated information about America’s Finest City

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Table of Contents

- Welcome to the Land of Laid-Back Dining - Where to Start on Eater San Diego's Top Maps - San Diego Food Neighborhoods to Know - San Diego Glossary of Terms - Reservations to Make in Advance - Follow the News - Get in Touch

The weather in perpetually sunny San Diego sometimes overshadows the food, but the spotlight on the local restaurant scene is growing brighter by the day. There is a refreshing diversity of cuisines now available and the city’s chefs are capitalizing on their unparalleled access to a treasure trove of seasonal produce and seafood. Pair that with an industry-leading craft beer and cocktail scene and you’ve got a recipe for a good time. This guide is a primer to all things San Diego dining, from details on the area’s iconic dishes to a breakdown of crucial neighborhoods to know.

Welcome to the Land of Laid-Back Dining

San Diego’s near-constant temperate climate means year-round outdoor dining, with flip flops and board shorts representing the uniform of choice. Though the city’s general sensibilities lean casual, that doesn’t mean its restaurants don’t cook with serious intention. From kitchens that are steadfastly dedicated to the farm-to-table philosophy to those faithfully translating traditional Asian flavors — Japanese cuisine is particularly strong here — San Diego is much more than just sandy beaches and sunshine. And many local attractions are highlighted by worthy food: Take in a Padres game to sample some of the best ballpark eats in the country or day trip to Mexico to explore its culinary wonders.

And finally, the food scene at large is taking notice of San Diego: the 2023 Michelin Guide California includes the one Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie, Soichi Sushi, Sushi Tadokoro, and Valle as well as the three Michelin-starred Addison.

For a quick San Diego snapshot, savor local seafood at the Fishery followed by tacos at Salud , chase it with a pint of beer at Blind Lady Ale House or a margarita at Cantina Mayahuel , and cap things off with seasonal pie at Tribute Pizza and a final nightcap at Noble Experiment .

Where to Start on Eater San Diego's Top Maps

Eater has spent lots of time rounding up the best of the best in San Diego to make hunting for food streamlined and easy with special maps in categories that make the most sense to San Diegans. Even still, it’s a lot of information to sift through, so for those who are particularly hungry or short on time, Eater editors have collected the best of the best here, along with listing several food categories that shouldn’t be skipped in San Diego.

Hot Restaurants : The San Diego heatmap is designed to help make finding a new restaurant a little simpler. Updated monthly, the buzzy list includes Quixote, an Oaxacan hotspot, and Marisi , a style hub for pasta and hearth cooking in La Jolla.

Essential Restaurants : This guide is composed of 38 essential restaurants that help define San Diego and its cuisine. Updated quarterly, it includes SoCal-Mediterranean standout Callie , seafood showcase Mabel’s Gone Fishing , and Kingfisher , Eater’s 2022 Restaurant of the Year.

Hot Bars : San Diego’s cocktail scene is progressive and diverse, ranging from hidden speakeasies to tropical tiki bar haunts. Updated monthly, the cocktail heatmap includes the multiple bars within North Park’s renovated Lafayette Hotel & Club , If you’re looking for a dive bar, we’ve got you covered too .

Tacos : Tacos are king in San Diego, with every local pledging allegiance to their favorite shop and style. The South Bay’s TJ Oyster Bar is a great spot for sampling Baja-style fish tacos, while Aqui es Texcoco specializes in lamb barbacoa.

Burgers : It’s nearly a requirement in San Diego that every dining establishment, from casual pubs to upscale restaurants, must have a burger. Luckily, many of them are worth ordering. Locals swear by the burgers at Rocky’s and Hodad’s .

Coffee : San Diego is all about beverage excellence, be that beer, cocktails, or coffee, with new roasters and third-wave cafes opening regularly. James Coffee Co . and Lofty Coffee are just two area roasteries that operate their own cafe locations.

Filipino food: Home to the second largest Filipino-American population in the nation, San Diego County offers casual cafeterias as well as traditional Filipino restaurants but more progressive takes on classic dishes can be found at Animae , White Rice , and National City food hall Market on 8th.

Ramen : Japanese food is one of San Diego’s strong suits and the city’s ramen options are particularly notable. Though all styles are represented, classic tonkotsu reigns supreme; several shops even make their own noodles. Located within Mitsuwa Marketplace, Santouka is a local favorite while Ramen Nagi at Westfield UTC, is also attracting consistent crowds.

Outdoor Dining : The enviable weather means that patio dining is a year-round pastime and there’s no shortage of rooftop bars, beer gardens, or charming sidewalk cafes. Dine on farm-to-table cuisine overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course on the deck at A.R. Valentien or take in views of the city skyline and descending planes from the rooftop at Mister A’s .

San Diego Food Neighborhoods to Know

San Diego has a range of key neighborhoods offering various dining styles and cuisines, from buzzy restaurants to cozy gems to low-key mom-and-pop shops. Get to know each locale’s culinary personality by spending a day or evening dining your way through its restaurants; this list highlights a few of the standout spots in each area.

Little Italy

With roots in San Diego’s original Italian community, this waterfront neighborhood has become the epicenter of buzzy restaurants in recent years. Its walkable streets offer everything from casual cafes to celebrity chef showcases.

Get a taste of the old country at Mona Lisa Italian Foods or Assenti’s Pasta , both of which have been fixtures in the area for decades, supplying handmade pasta, fresh sausages, and stacked sandwiches.

Though it still holds a fair number of Italian restaurants, the area has become the home to some of San Diego’s highest-profile restaurants including Herb & Wood , Juniper and Ivy , Kettner Exchange , and Born and Raised .

Kearny Mesa

Anchored by Convoy Street, this compelling neighborhood is the de facto hub for Asian food in San Diego. A diverse crowd frequents its unpretentious restaurants featuring a wide array of regional cuisines , as well as boba tea and dessert shops .

Should I visit Tijuana?

Traveling to Mexico entails an easy 20-minute drive south of downtown San Diego, where food adventures await. The first stop is Tijuana, a melting pot of a city where you can go from eating your way through Las Ahumaderas, or Taco Alley, to roaming  Telefónica Gastro Park to check out its collection of food trucks and sample Baja’s beer scene. Don’t miss Eater’s guide to essential restaurants  in the border city.

Continue down the coast and head 15 minutes inland to the revered Valle de Guadalupe wine region, home to some of Latin America’s most admired restaurants: Malva , Fauna , Finca Altozano , and Deckman’s . Here’s our list of the area’s essential dining spots .

For a locally-bound taste of Mexican wine country, check out Valle , Malva chef Roberto Alcocer’s one Michelin star venture in Oceanside.

Yakitori Taisho has become a treasured favorite of local chefs and fans of skewered meat. Artfully grilled at this jewel box-sized restaurant, the menu offers more than just basic skewer options, including every part of the chicken. Its restaurant relation, Yakitori Hino , is also a popular industry hangout for expert skewers.

Down the street, Menya Ultra Ramen is the gold standard, known for its bowls of well-balanced broth and springy noodles. Eater San Diego’s 2017 Restaurant of the Year , Menya is still drawing crowds to Kearny Mesa, where its Japanese ramen master oversees the daily production of small batches of noodles.

Finish off an evening in the neighborhood at Realm of the 52 Remedies , a hidden-entrance speakeasy that could double as a sexy set from Crazy Rich Asians with its glittering bar and lotus-shaped booths. Aside from a cinematic experience, the cocktail lounge features drinks made with Japanese whisky and Chinese bai jiu and a bar food menu that’s worth making a meal from.

Barrio Logan

Art and food are the main attractions of this vibrant neighborhood close to downtown. Tour the fascinating murals of Chicano Park and browse the area’s boutiques and galleries while checking out one of its well-established Mexican restaurants.

Salud Tacos regularly draws crowds for its lineup of tacos served in a colorful space inspired by lowrider car culture while the James Beard-nominated, Latinx-owned-and-operated Border X Brewing offers a taste of San Diego’s talents with craft beer inspired by traditional Mexican drinks like horchata and jamaica. Feeding the community since 1933, Las Cuatro Milpas is revered for its homemade tortillas and comforting bowls of rice and beans. And Hayes Burger is already among the city’s essential burger joints .

Often referred to as the “Jewel by the Sea,” the coastal community of La Jolla is known for its picturesque beaches and stately homes. Its main thoroughfare, Prospect Street, alternates with boutiques and ocean-view restaurants ranging from casual to high-end .

Visit George’s at the Cove, a multi-level dining complex, which includes a rooftop terrace cafe and a cocktail bar lounge, or head to La Jolla Shores for Sandpiper’s fresh oysters and wood-grilled meats.

It would be a shame to visit La Jolla without eating some seafood. El Pescador is exceedingly popular with locals for its market, where cases are stocked with fresh catches from the waters of Baja and San Diego, and customers can find a straightforward menu of salads, sandwiches, and grilled fish plates.

Technically located in the adjacent neighborhood of Bird Rock, Wayfarer Bread & Pastry is a destination bakery and cafe that frequently sells out of its exemplary baked goods, from croissants and English muffins to loaves made with heirloom grains.

North County

North County comprises a number of communities situated north of San Diego proper, including Carlsbad and Vista . Known for world-famous surf spots and pricey homes, this area may be in the suburbs, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on good food.

Market Restaurant + Bar is an upscale, farm-to-table temple presided over by chef Carl Schroeder — a Culinary Institute of America and Michael Mina alum — while chef Davin Waite is renowned for his unconventional but reverential take on sushi at Oceanside’s Wrench and Rodent . And in Carlsbad, chef Eric Bost leads the Michelin-starred, French-inflected Jeune et Jolie as well as the more casual Campfire . And don’t miss Atelier Manna, a dreamy daytime cafe in Leucadia that was Eater’s 2023 Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year.

San Diego Glossary of Terms

Baja-style fish tacos.

While you’ll find versions of fish tacos where the fish is simply grilled or sauteed, Baja-style reigns at most local restaurants. With roots in Ensenada, Mexico, this taco features beer-battered fried fish tucked into a corn tortilla and topped with shredded cabbage, salsa, and crema. Our fish taco map will help you find the best versions to sample.

California Burrito

Thought to have originated in San Diego, this taco shop staple is a carb-loaded behemoth stuffed with carne asada, French fries, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and sometimes guacamole. It rivals carne asada-topped fries — also a San Diego invention — as a favorite late-night fuel. Check out this list of standout California burritos to try.

Sea Urchin and Spot Prawns

These highly prized, locally harvested treasures of the sea can be found when in season at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market or the TunaVille Market and Grocery as well as on the menus of local restaurants and sushi bars.

Typically known for its tourist traps doing an approximation of authentic Mexican food, the area does have a few bright spots including Tahona and its companion speakeasy Oculto 477 .

Balboa Park

One of San Diego’s prized attractions for locals and tourists, filled with a world-class lineup of museums, is increasingly becoming a worthy dining destination. There’s the all-outdoor Panama 66 , the Prado , and Artifact , a Michelin-recognized restaurant whose menu draws inspiration from the global collection at the Mingei International Museum.

Reservations to Make in Advance

Even on peak nights, you’ll usually be able to find somewhere to eat at the last minute since dining out in San Diego is a generally relaxed endeavor, but there are still some places where you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible. With space at a premium, sushi bars tend to fill up quickly, so at top spots like Soichi Sushi and Sushi Tadokoro , where sitting in front of a sushi master is the only way to go, make sure to reserve yourself a seat ahead of time. Reservations are also a must at high-profile chef showcases like Callie and Kingfisher, but both restaurants accept walk-ins at the bar.

Follow the News

• Eater San Diego is updated weekdays with breaking news stories (restaurant openings, closings, etc.), maps, features, and more. Here are a few ways to stay in the loop:
• Keep an eye on the Eater San Diego homepage . New stories will always appear near the top and flow down toward the bottom of the page as they get older, while important recent stories will stay pinned right at the top. Also, check out Eater LA and Eater SF and our big sister, Eater.com , for national and international food news.
• Subscribe to our newsletter , which goes out twice weekly and includes links to top stories.
• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updates on new stories and more throughout the day.
• Interested in upcoming restaurant openings? Check out the Coming Attractions tag.

Get in Touch

Have questions not answered here? Want to send in a tip or a complaint or just say hello? Here are some ways to get in touch with the Eater San Diego staff:

• Email us at [email protected]
• Send us a tip, which can be anonymous if you choose, at our tipline.
• Connect with us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram.

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• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. San Diego for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

• Pros & Cons
• Backpackers
• Public Transit
• Walkability
• More time in New Orleans or San Diego?
• Which is Cheaper, New Orleans or San Diego? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or San Diego?

• When to Visit New Orleans or San Diego?

Should you visit New Orleans or San Diego?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and San Diego can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and nightlife.

San Diego is a idyllic, fun-filled, and hip coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and San Diego: Pros and Cons

• Popular for food and cuisine
• Active nightlife
• Good music scene
• Scenic old town
• Home to the French Quarter
• Less family-friendly
• Less popular with couples
• Less popular with backpackers
• Less popular for students
• Popular museums and historical sights
• Nice resorts
• Good scuba and snorkeling destination
• Popular beach
• Good for hiking
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Good for students
• Less popular for food

Is there more to do in New Orleans or San Diego?

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than San Diego. While San Diego is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and historical sights, while San Diego attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. San Diego is famous for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools.

How is New Orleans different from San Diego?

Which is better for a holiday.

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Diego and New Orleans. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or San Diego?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in New Orleans or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through New Orleans , as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

New Orleans is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Music?

New Orleans is renowned for its live music scene. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New Orleans . The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

San Diego is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is great for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans . The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or San Diego?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in San Diego. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

San Diego is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

San Diego is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Is New Orleans or San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both New Orleans and San Diego.

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is New Orleans or San Diego a more walkable city?

New Orleans and San Diego are nice when it comes to walkability.

New Orleans is somewhat walkable. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting? .

Should I spend more time in San Diego or New Orleans?

How long in new orleans or san diego.

In either New Orleans or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than New Orleans because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than New Orleans. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Diego than New Orleans. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Diego that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego than New Orleans if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Diego.

• How many days in New Orleans or San Diego? Ideal Length of Stay New Orleans 2-3   San Diego   3-5

One day in New Orleans or San Diego?

You'll find live music and food around the city of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy coastal city of San Diego. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or San Diego?

You'll find food and nightlife around the festive destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the hip destination of San Diego. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in New Orleans or San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun-filled city of New Orleans. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed coastal city of San Diego. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or San Diego?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting San Diego. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America , The Best Photography Tours in United States of America , The Best Camping Tours in United States of America , and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America .

Which place is cheaper, San Diego or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• New Orleans Prices USA Prices San Diego Prices USA Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day New Orleans $ 239 San Diego $ 202

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Orleans and San Diego in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person New Orleans $ 125 San Diego $ 115
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room New Orleans $ 250 San Diego $ 230

Compare Hotels in New Orleans and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or San Diego? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in New Orleans

Hotels in San Diego

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. New Orleans $ 51 San Diego $ 24

Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:

• Taxi Ride $ 10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
• One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
• Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
• Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
• New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $211
• Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
• New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $207
• 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
• Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Minibus: $169
• New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $165
• Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
• Full-Day Whitney Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp Tour w/Transfer: $155

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego

Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
• Transfer in private vehicle from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $47
• Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
• Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
• Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242
• Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
• Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
• Private Airport SUV Transfer: $120
• San Diego International Airport (SAN) Private Arrival Transfer: $38
• San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
• San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $191
• San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego and New Orleans change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day New Orleans $ 45 San Diego $ 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
• New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
• Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
• Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
• Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
• French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $76
• The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
• Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
• French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
• New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
• French Quarter Food Tour: $89
• New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106

Typical Food Prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:

• Mexican Lunch for Two $ 27
• Breakfast at Starbucks $ 20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
• Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
• Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
• San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
• San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
• Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
• Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
• Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
• Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
• San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
• Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $121
• Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $135

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. New Orleans $ 55 San Diego $ 48

Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:

• Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2) $ 75
• Riverboat Cruise $ 70
• French Quarter City Tour $ 100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

• Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
• Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
• Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
• 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
• 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
• 60-minute Tremé Walking Tour & Photo Experience: $15
• A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
• A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $200
• Adults Only True Crime Dark History New Orleans Walking Tour: $37
• Adults Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans: $37
• Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
• Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

• San Diego Zoo $ 15
• Sea World Parking $ 12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

• Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
• 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
• 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
• 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
• 2 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Balboa Park: $82
• 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
• A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
• All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
• Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
• Balboa Park Electric Scooter Tour with Pictures: $59
• Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park Tour: $38
• Best of San Diego eBike Tour (English or Spanish): $81
• Alcohol Drinks for one day New Orleans $ 60 San Diego $ 21

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

• Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
• Discovering the Flavors of Louisiana: Rum & Gin Distillery Tour: $14
• New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
• Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
• Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
• Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
• Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
• Haunted Pub Crawl: $21
• New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
• Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
• Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
• New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Gaslamp Bar Crawls and Events: $20
• San Diego Small-Group Gaslamp History Tour Pub Crawl: $30
• Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
• Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
• Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
• Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $135
• Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
• Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
• Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
• California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
• Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
• Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $249

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Orleans and San Diego, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is San Diego much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Diego would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Diego and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans than you might in San Diego.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New Orleans Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive? .

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and San Diego, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit New Orleans or San Diego?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Orleans or San Diego in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and San Diego. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New Orleans is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July average around 82°F (28°C), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than San Diego. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

• Summer Average Temperatures July New Orleans 82°F (28°C)   San Diego   71°F (22°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as San Diego. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as San Diego. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Autumn Average Temperatures October New Orleans 69°F (21°C)   San Diego   68°F (20°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

New Orleans is cooler than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than San Diego. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

• Winter Average Temperatures January New Orleans 51°F (11°C)   San Diego   57°F (14°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, New Orleans is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April average around 68°F (20°C), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than San Diego. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Spring Average Temperatures April New Orleans 68°F (20°C)   San Diego   62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and New Orleans

Related articles for new orleans, related articles for san diego.

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Top Foods To Try in San Diego

Top foods to try in san diego.

L ike many parts of the United States, San Diego is a melting pot for many cultures. In every San Diego neighborhood , you will find restaurants and shops of different cuisines and cultures. If you want to know our favorite spots, take a look at our San Diego Restaurant guide , giving recommendations for our go-to restaurants in each neighborhood.

Living here can feel lively and vibrant. Visiting can be thrilling but sometimes a little overwhelming. Which Thai place should you try? You don’t want to miss out on the San Diego staples. Ah! It’s too much!

Relax. Take a breath. I’m here to help you out. The thing is, you have the freedom to try whatever the heck you want to. There are just a couple of things I suggest you try first. Let me break it down.

What Foods Is San Diego Known For?

San Diego has a little bit of everything from Asian to Indian to Italian food. However, we are known for the following local specialties:

• Wood-fired, California style pizza
• Southeast Asian specialties
• Mexican food
• Locally produced hard and sweet apple cider
• Avocados, mushrooms, and acidic fruits like tomatoes, oranges, and limes

Which Dish Should You Try First?

Okay, now that you know what San Diego is best known for in the culinary world, let’s find out which awesome dishes you should try first. I will tell you exactly where you can get them to have some of the best food experiences around. I’ve lived in San Diego for about 85% of my life so I’m pretty savvy with this kind of thing. Let’s get started!

Guacamole Nogada

This awesome little dish highlights those fruits and veggies I was talking about before. Basically, it’s traditional guacamole with all those traditional ingredients like tomato, lime juice, onions, etc.

But the twist is adding mangoes, pomegranate seeds, candied walnuts, and Chile de Arbol. The combination of all the textures and tastes creates a symphony in your mouth as you scoop it into your mouth.

Where to Get It: Puesto

789 W Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA

Panang Curry

Panang curry is a Thai dish that can vary in protein and spice. It’s a variety of red curry that’s thick, sweet, salty, and a little nutty from the peanuts. Panang is an old curry that dates back to at least the 1890’s if not later than that.

Like many Southeast Asian dishes, Panang curry is super flavorful and delicious. At many restaurants, they will let you chose the protein and spice level of your curry. If you’re brave, go all the way!

Where to Get It: Sab-E-Lee

6925 Linda Vista Rd. (Linda Vista Plaza – Suite B) San Diego, CA 92111

There has been a recent Poke craze that’s gone around town. While the chains are reliable, nothing beats a little mom and pop shop. If you don’t know what poke is, it’s usually a fish tartar type deal with Polynesian flavors and spices. I’m usually not one for raw fish but I do admit that poke is pretty great. You can either have it as an appetizer or a main course, I usually pair it with some Spam musubi and rice. It’s best to get a small quantity of several different types. It’ll definitely light your palate up.

Where to Get It: It’s Raw Poke Shop

3112, 4991 Newport Ave A, San Diego, CA 92107

Apple Pie a La Mode

This is a staple American dish. The flaky pie crust so delicately encompassing al dente apples that have been cooked in butter, sugar, and spices. Then topping this already seemingly perfect dessert with ice-cold creamy vanilla bean ice cream. Ugh, it’s absolute perfection. If you’re visiting San Diego then you MUST take a day trip to Julian to try a piece of the magic.

Where to Get It: Julian Pie Company (It’s Famous Nationwide)

2225 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036

California-Style Pizza

Pizza is probably one of the most popular foods in the US and almost everyone has their own style of pizza from New York to Chicago deep-dish to the traditional Neopolitan. But in California, specifically SoCal, pizza is served in single servings on thin-crust with local ingredients. California Pizza Kitchen is super popular in this aspect but it’s not necessarily the best.

Where to Get It: The Besta Wan Pizza House

148 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff By The Sea, California 92007, United States

California Burrito

Now, this isn’t necessarily Mexican but it is served at every single Mexican restaurant in San Diego and has quickly become a fan favorite. The California Burrito is filled with either Carne or Pollo Asada (I prefer Pollo), guacamole, pico de gallo, French fries (yes, you read correctly), sour cream, and cheese. It’s the ultimate meal for surfers, stoners, slackers, drunk people, and college kids. Add some hot sauce and you’re golden.

Where to Get It: Nino’s Mexican Food

4918 Newport Ave San Diego, CA

Alternatively: Trujillo’s Taco Shop (Ask for the Sigma Pi burrito)

5120 Cantina Way, San Diego, CA 92115

Famous Brussel Sprouts

Yes, I know it’s kind of expected that one of the awesome dishes I’m telling you to try is a vegetable. One of the least popular ones too. But hear me out. This particular brussel sprout dish is bursting with flavors of pancetta, parmesan, balsamic, and Port. They are freaking mind-blowing.

Local San Diego Wine

California has worked hard to make a name for themselves in the wine industry. It started in Northern California in the 70’s. There’s even a movie about it called Bottle Shock . Great movie with Chris Pine and Alan Rickman.

Once it hit big, the vineyards started to branch out and Southern California started producing wine. San Diego wineries are fun to visit. There are many varieties but they get a lot of praise. There’s only one place that serves just locally sourced SoCal wine.

Where to Get It: Pali Wine Co.

2130 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

Vegan Thai Food

Vegan food has hit pretty big with the younger crowd, especially in towns like San Diego. I, personally, am not a vegan nor do I plan to be but I stumbled across vegan Thai food while I was a canvasser a while ago. I couldn’t even tell that it was vegan and had no idea it was until I actually looked at the name of the restaurant.

The soup I ate was flavorful and savory while the noodles with thick and sweet to contrast. The soul of Thai food was not hindered by the vegan ingredients but somehow enhanced. I was delighted and surprised.

Where to Get It: Veganic Thai Cafe

1417 Suit A, University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Japanese Food

While it is not Southeast Asian, Japanese food is very popular around San Diego. There are several sushi restaurants, ramen shops, and the like. Ramen is a bit complicated since some people don’t think it’s Japanese.

It has actually been an iconic Japanese dish since as early as 1859. It is originally Chinese but has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. Yes, it is Japanese. The multiple styles from Tonkatsu to Curry make it a very exciting dish to try over and over again to have different experiences.

Where to Get It: Tajima Ramen

4411 Mercury St, Ste 110, San Diego, CA 92111

Last but not least – Tacos. You can’t write a food article about San Diego and not mention tacos, especially fish tacos. Fish tacos are an absolute staple in San Diego. Tacos, in general, are popular with the border so close but fish tacos are much more in demand with the coast right there.

A soft shell corn tortilla with crispy fish filet, shredded cabbage, chipotle sour cream sauce, and delicious pico de gallo on top, it’s hard to resist. But fish tacos aren’t limited to fish filets, there are shrimp tacos, smoked fish tacos, and so much more. It’s a must if you’re visiting San Diego.

Where to Get It: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

703 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109

Read our full guide on the best San Diego Taco Shops here>>

San Diego is full of life and culture that is best represented through the food it serves. This only brushes the surface of the amazing San Diego delicacies and specialties. But trust me, start with these 10. They’ll have you coming back to San Diego for more.

Top 10 Foods to Try in San Diego was written and edited by Hedge Metreyeon. For more San Diego Explorer posts, check out our homepage. For more of their articles visit here . Follow them on social media here.

Top 10 Foods You Must Try in San Diego – Pin for later:

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by sandiegoexplorer

The post Top Foods To Try in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Explorer .

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La jolla playhouse’s without walls festival 2024 guide.

By Amanda Parmele , Danielle Allaire & Amelia Rodriguez

Get out. No, really. Leave behind the constraints of screens, stages, and, yes, even walls at La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) Festival. This year’s event is the art fest’s seventh iteration (and the second in which every show is 100 percent free).

Attendees will have the chance to experience dozens of fun, fascinating, often family-friendly performances and installations from local and international artists pushing boundaries, asking big questions , and reminding us that art is everywhere . Speaking of—don’t be surprised if you leave with an acting credit. Innovative and immersive, many WOW events tap audiences in as part of the show.

Ready to jump in? Here’s everything you need to know about Without Walls Festival 2024 .

What is Without Walls Festival 2024?

WOW is a free performing and visual arts event featuring local and international artists. The festival offers site-specific and interactive performances, installations, and workshops, ranging from plays , musicals, and exhibitions to puppeteering, silent discos, and dance. Think of it as San Diego’s own private, international fringe festival.

When is Without Walls Festival 2024?

The 2024 WOW Festival takes place April 4–7. The WOW festival is partnering with UC San Diego this year to hold events at three main hubs on campus: the Revelle Plaza, the Epstein Family Amphitheater, and the La Jolla Playhouse (though some events take place at other venues). On Thursday, April 4, events begin at 4 p.m. and run until 8:30 p.m. Friday hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday events occur 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday’s activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How do I get tickets to Without Walls Festival 2024?

Though this festival is completely free, some events require or recommend an RSVP. Check out the WOW website to browse the events categorized by “RSVP Required,” “RSVP Recommended,” and “Just Show Up.” Space for some events is limited and reservations may fill up.

What should I see and be a part of at Without Walls Festival 2024?

With more than 25 different local, national, and international performances and installations to explore, picking what see will be the hardest part of your weekend. Here are some standouts:

Get ready to find yourself following a script on the spot or boogieing with a giant bear. New York City–based artist Drew Peterson brings audiences into the action, inviting them to create a show together as you go.

Beautiful Escape: Emergency Exit

Six actors older than 60 will take to the streets for Beautiful Escape: Emergency Exit , a dance-and-theater experience that explores the anxiety and excitement of aging. The roaming show was first performed in 2010 in France.

Princess Lockerooo’s The Fabulous Waack Dancers: The Big Show

Developed in LA’s hidden gay clubs in the 1970s, waacking came to more mainstream attention on the Black culture–focused music and dance show Soul Train . Princess Lockerooo, a longtime protogé of Soul Train alum Tyrone Proctor, celebrates the art form against a heart-pounding, eclectic soundtrack.

From local theatre company Blindspot Collective (who count collabs with The Old Globe and Diversionary Theatre among their accomplishments) comes iykyk , a youth-led showcase of nine performances at UCSD’s Che Café.

Folding Futures

You’ve heard of space tourism. Now get ready for… time tourism? Audiences become interdimensional travelers in this “extended reality” experience that sends attendees forward into 2064, where you can see—and perhaps shape—the future of earth.

Pigments of Imagination: An Interactive Virtual Reality Composition

This VR-driven production is a continuously accessible ongoing event, beginning April 4 at 5 p.m. and ending April 7 at 8 p.m. The experience utilizes various genres of music—from hip-hop and soul to blues and electronic—to tell the remarkable tale of a child’s trip to the moon.

The Apple Avenue Detective Agency 

This playable performance makes attendees ages 12 and older members of a kids’ detective club. Unleash your inner Nancy Drew and help the inquisitive young investigators solve a meaningful mystery partly inspired by writers Jeff and Andy Crocker’s real-life experiences.

Is Without Walls Festival 2024 family-friendly?

Absolutely—though, some events are more appropriate for younger audiences than others. Here are a few must-see performances and installations if you’ve got kids in tow:

Abeba in the Tall Grass

Recently commissioned by the La Jolla Playhouse, Abeba in the Tall Grass follows a fifth-grade horticulturist as she finds ways to coexist—and even connect—with not-so-like-minded students in her beloved urban garden.

Spectrum: Society of Wonder

Kaleidoscopic creatures star in this family-friendly puppet show soundtracked by a San Diego Symphony string quartet. The celestial critters will save the earth and prompt audiences to consider how they can take better care of our shared planet. Arrive early to make a lantern for the show’s set

What should I bring to Without Walls Festival 2024?

We’re finally moving out of rainy season here in San Diego , so expect mid-60s weather and sunny skies during the day, with temps dipping into the 50s at night. Dress in layers, don sunscreen, and bring a jacket to evening performances with the expectation of being outdoors most of the time.

You’ll also want a smartphone and earbuds or headphones on hand, since some events require connecting virtually for the full experience. Pack a portable charger if you plan to be at the fest all day. For some performances, like acrobatic extravaganza Duo , you may want to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for comfier seating—see WOW’s FAQ for more specific info on these shows.

Where do I park at Without Walls Festival 2024?

You’ll find plenty of parking structures on UCSD’s campus. The Gilman and South structures are closest to the festival’s venues. Parking passes for the duration of the festival cost $8.40 to $12.40 per day, depending on showtimes.

Save on parking fees (and go the more sustainable route) by taking the Blue Line trolley, which stops just steps from the Epstein Family Amphitheater.

What are the food and drink options at Without Walls Festival 2024?

UC San Diego’s campus dining options will be open during the festival, which means attendees will find themselves spoiled for choice. Grab a bite at more than 15 nearby eateries, including San Diego institutions like Rubio’s and Dirty Birds.

By Amanda Parmele

Amanda Parmele is a third year undergraduate student at UCSD and works at SD Magazine as a Photography/Visual Editing intern. She takes photos for her school newspaper, is a writing mentor, and loves surf photography, though she cannot surf to save her life.

By Danielle Allaire

Danielle is a freelance culture journalist focusing on music, food, wine, hospitality, and arts, and founder-playwright of Yeah No Yeah Theatre company, based in San Diego. Her work has been featured in FLAUNT, Filter Magazine, and San Diego Magazine. Born and raised in Maui, she still loves a good Mai Tai.

By Amelia Rodriguez

Amelia Rodriguez is San Diego Magazine ’s Associate Editor. The 2023 winner of the San Diego Press Club's Rising Star Award, she’s covered music, food, arts & culture, fashion, and design for Rolling Stone, Palm Springs Life, and other national and regional publications. After work, you can find her hunting down San Diego’s best pastries and maintaining her three-year Duolingo streak.

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Money Report

Yellen warns China's surplus of solar panels, EVs could be dumped on global markets

By rebecca picciotto,cnbc • published march 27, 2024 • updated on march 28, 2024 at 2:51 pm.

• Janet Yellen warned in a Wednesday speech that China's surplus of clean energy products is depressing prices in global markets and squeezing U.S. green manufacturing.
• After years of clean energy investment, China has an excess of solar power, EVs and lithium-ion batteries, allowing it to export those products at cheaper prices to markets around the world.
• Yellen plans to confront her Chinese counterparts about these trade practices during her upcoming visit to China.
• The U.S. is trying to grow its own clean energy industry domestically with investments from new legislation, but is still playing catch-up with China's green energy sector.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday warned that China is treating the global economy as a dumping ground for its cheaper clean energy products, depressing market prices and squeezing green manufacturing in the U.S.

"I am concerned about global spillovers from the excess capacity that we are seeing in China," Yellen said during a speech at a Georgia solar company called Suniva. "China's overcapacity distorts global prices and production patterns and hurts American firms and workers, as well as firms and workers around the world."

China has a surplus of solar power, electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries that it can ship out to other countries at cheaper prices. That makes it difficult for the more adolescent green manufacturing industries of the U.S. and elsewhere to compete.

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Yellen said she intends to put pressure on Chinese officials about these trade practices during her upcoming visit to China.

"I plan to make it a key issue in discussions during my next trip there," she said. "I will press my Chinese counterparts to take necessary steps to address this issue."

The secretary's concerns come as the White House tries to build a burgeoning clean energy industry domestically with investments from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, along with other legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act.

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Yellen has regularly touted the gains from these investments, including at another recent speech where she doubled down on the electric vehicle "boom" spurred by the IRA.

But those investments are playing catch-up with China's government.

"The Biden Administration also recognizes that these investments are new," Yellen said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, China has been pouring billions into clean energy for years, outpacing the rest of the world in the energy transition.

Yellen added that the more China's clean energy glut interferes with global market prices, the worse off supply chains for these energy sectors will be.

"President Biden is committed to doing what we can to protect our industries from unfair competition," Yellen said.

 The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied the notion that there is an excess of Chinese clean energy products.

Yellen's comments highlight ongoing U.S.-China trade tension even as the two countries try to steady relations.

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President Joe Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November as an olive-branch effort to break the ice after years of tension, marked in part by a tariff war launched by former President Donald Trump .

Trump has floated reinstating significant tariff levels on Chinese products if he wins a second presidential term.

In the time since the Biden-Xi meeting, strengthening U.S.-China relations has proven a precarious effort due to ongoing cybersecurity and trade concerns.

In February, Biden launched an investigation into Chinese smart cars, which he said pose a national security risk because they connect to U.S. infrastructure when they drive on American roads.

"China is determined to dominate the future of the auto market, including by using unfair practices," Biden said in a February statement . "China's policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security. I'm not going to let that happen on my watch."

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Top-Seeded UConn Blows Through Another Opponent, Beating San Diego State 82-52 to Reach Elite Eight

Top-seeded and defending NCAA champion UConn advanced to the Elite Eight with another double-digit victory, beating San Diego State 82-52 in a rematch of last year’s title game

Steven Senne

UConn guard Stephon Castle (5) roars while dunking against San Diego State during the second half of the Sweet 16 college basketball game in the men's NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

BOSTON (AP) — The rematch turned into another UConn mismatch.

Stephon Castle had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the defending NCAA champions, and the top-seeded Huskies advanced to the Elite Eight with another double-digit victory, beating San Diego State 82-52 on Thursday night in a rematch of last year’s title game.

Cam Spencer scored 18 points and Tristen Newton added 17 points and seven rebounds for UConn (34-3). The Huskies will play third-seeded Illinois, which beat Iowa State 72-69 later Thursday in the other East Region semifinal, on Saturday night for a spot in the Final Four in Glendale, Arizona.

A year after cruising to their fifth national championship — winning their six NCAA Tournament games by an average of almost 20 points — the Huskies followed up blowouts last weekend with their ninth straight double-digit March Madness victory.

They have won by 39, 17 and 30 points in this tournament.

“We suck at winning close games,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said . “You've got to go with the alternative.”

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Backed by a virtual home crowd at TD Garden — Boston is about 90 miles from their Storrs, Connecticut, campus — the Huskies made it a double-digit lead early in the second half, 20 with about seven minutes left and 30 in the final minutes, after the teams sent in their benches. Hurley's son Andrew even got into the game with 1:44 left, drawing a celebratory cheer.

“It means a lot just to be able to travel with our fans. ... I feel like it gives us kind of a boost, a little bit of an advantage,” Castle said. “We tried to make it like ‘Storrs North.’ They showed out for us, and it was definitely electric in there tonight.”

Seven-footer Donovan Clingan, who played just 23 minutes after getting into foul trouble, had eight points and eight rebounds for UConn, which matched a school record for victories and gave the much-snubbed Big East a 7-0 record in the tournament. The Huskies trailed for just 28 seconds in the game and earned the largest victory in the Sweet 16 since Kansas beat Purdue 98-66 in 2017.

“I think the group, we have killer instincts. We play every possession with great desperation,” Hurley said. “Obviously, we’re very comfortable in tournament play.”

Jaedon LeDee scored 15 of his 18 points in the first half and Micah Parrish scored 10 for fifth-seeded San Diego State, which followed up the only Final Four appearance in school history with another Sweet 16 run.

But for the second straight year, the Aztecs (26-11) ran into UConn.

“It’s not the ending we’re going to remember; it’s the journey. Because the journey is everything,” San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher said. “We’ve been on an incredible journey together.

“They’re 7-2 on college basketball’s biggest stage over the last two years. It’s something to take great pride in,” Dutcher said. “If losing a basketball game is the worst thing that’s going to happen in your life, you’re going to have a fantastic life.”

UConn is the first defending champion to reach the Elite Eight since Florida won it all in 2006 and '07. No team has won repeat titles since.

“It’s kind of been against the odds in terms of the season we’re having, following up the national championship with an even better season,” Hurley said. “This team has defied what past champions have done and taken this program to a completely different level.”

UConn took its first 10-point lead before the midpoint of a first half in which both teams went cold about 10 minutes in. After opening a 27-16 lead with 11 minutes left, UConn shot 6 for 28 to finish the half — and still took a nine-point lead into the break .

The Huskies went up by double digits for good in the opening minutes of the second half when Newton — thanks to an offensive rebound and assist from Clingan — hit a 3-pointer to make it 45-33 . Up 17 with eight minutes left, UConn scored the next nine points to pull away.

UConn won last year's championship game 76-59 and also beat the Aztecs in the 2011 Sweet 16, with Kemba Walker scoring 36 points to set a tournament record and beat Kawhi Leonard’s San Diego State. The Huskies went on to win the school’s third national championship.

UConn won it all again in 2014. Last year, the Huskies made it five, pulling away after leading by five points with five minutes left to beat San Diego State 76-59.

“Either they're better or we’re worse, I don’t know,” Dutcher said. “Yeah, they’re good. They’re connected. ... They’re an outstanding team and will be very dangerous down the road.”

The Huskies reached the Elite Eight for the 13th time. The last time they made it this far and didn’t win it all was in 2009, when Jim Calhoun’s team lost to Michigan State in the national semifinal.

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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