San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public.
March–May & September–November are ideal.
Mild, sunny weather (60s–70s °F), fewer crowds, better prices.
Summer (June–August): Peak season, great beach weather, but more expensive.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cooler, fewer tourists, good for whale watching.
✅ San Diego has great weather year-round — over 260 sunny days a year!
By Air:
San Diego International Airport (SAN): Just 3 miles from downtown. Well connected across the U.S.
By Train:
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Scenic route from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
By Car:
Easily reached via I-5, I-8, or I-15.
~2-hour drive from Los Angeles.
By Bus:
Greyhound, FlixBus, and Megabus run regular routes to San Diego.
Balboa Park – 1,200-acre cultural park with gardens, trails, and 17 museums.
San Diego Zoo – World-renowned zoo inside Balboa Park.
USS Midway Museum – Historic aircraft carrier museum on the harbor.
Gaslamp Quarter – Historic downtown area full of restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
Old Town San Diego – Birthplace of California, with preserved buildings and Mexican culture.
La Jolla Cove – Stunning coastal cliffs, seals, kayaking, snorkeling.
Coronado Island & Beach – White sand beaches and Hotel del Coronado.
Seaport Village – Waterfront shopping and dining.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve – Hiking with ocean views.
San Diego Safari Park – Wildlife sanctuary 45 minutes from downtown.
Pacific Beach (PB): Surfing, boardwalk, beach bars.
Mission Beach: Family-friendly, Belmont Park roller coaster nearby.
Ocean Beach (OB): Local vibe, great sunsets, dog-friendly.
La Jolla Shores: Calm waters, kayaking, great for kids.
Coronado Beach: Wide, clean, and scenic — often ranked among the best in the U.S.
By Car: Easiest way to explore San Diego — especially beaches, hikes, and suburbs.
Trolley & Bus (MTS): Covers major areas like Old Town, Gaslamp, and Tijuana border.
Bike/Scooter: Ideal for coastal areas (PB, OB, Mission Bay).
Walking: Downtown and beach towns are very walkable.
Luxury:
Hotel del Coronado – Historic beach resort
Pendry San Diego – Modern and stylish in the Gaslamp
Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Luxury inland retreat
Mid-range:
The Dana on Mission Bay – Family-friendly, water views
La Valencia Hotel – Spanish-style hotel in La Jolla
Budget:
HI San Diego Hostel (Downtown)
Old Town Inn – Clean, convenient, and affordable
Best Areas to Stay:
Gaslamp Quarter: Nightlife & dining
La Jolla: Upscale & beachy
Mission Bay/Pacific Beach: Relaxed, near the water
Coronado: Quiet and charming
Signature Foods:
California burrito (with fries inside!)
Fish tacos (originated here)
Carne asada fries
Craft beer (SD has 150+ breweries!)
Popular Food Spots:
Las Cuatro Milpas – Old-school Mexican food
Hodad’s – Epic burgers in OB
The Crack Shack – Gourmet fried chicken
Point Loma Seafoods – Fresh catch by the bay
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood – Affordable and tasty tacos
Craft Beer Scene: Home to breweries like Ballast Point, Modern Times, and Stone Brewing.
Surf & Skate Culture: Very laid-back, flip-flops and hoodies are normal.
Military Influence: Large Navy presence — USS Midway, air shows, and museums.
Taco Tuesdays: Big deal everywhere — ask locals for their favorite taco spots.
Events/Festivals:
Comic-Con International (July)
San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival (Nov)
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Sun God Festival (UC San Diego, spring)