San Diego Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego

On the sun-drenched Pacific coast, this Southern California city provides great beaches, a famous zoo, historic sites and exciting nightlife.

San Diego is one of the most populated U.S. cities, but its laid-back lifestyle and pleasant open spaces give it a crowd-free feel. Bring the family to enjoy zoos, parks and beaches or have a romantic vacation with winery tours, great food and cultural evenings.

In Balboa Park near downtown, the famous San Diego Zoo has giant pandas, koalas and more than 3,500 animals in natural habitats, as well as 700,000 exotic plants. See more wild animals or even spend the night at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park north of the city. Enjoy marine animals and rides at SeaWorld®.

Along the ocean northwest of downtown is La Jolla. Hike past craggy trees in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and watch for whales beyond the shoreline. Play at the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course or visit the beaches along this peninsula to swim and watch sea lions.

In San Diego Bay, tour the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier with 29 planes from World War II to Desert Storm as well as exciting flight simulators. A few blocks north is the Maritime Museum of San Diego, with restored tall ships from the days of early explorers.

San Diego has more than 70 miles (110 kilometers) of beaches for snorkeling, swimming, surfing and watersports. Enjoy the sands of Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Windansea Beach.

The city has abundant cultural attractions including more than 15 museums and performance venues in Balboa Park. Attend first-run and popular touring plays at La Jolla Playhouse.

Visit the Gaslamp Quarter to view historic Victorian homes and sample San Diego’s fine dining and exciting nightlife. See a professional baseball game at Petco Park or let the kids enjoy interactive exhibits at the New Children’s Museum.

Fly into San Diego International Airport or drive along the scenic coastal highway and stop to view the Pacific Ocean. Visit some of the county’s 100 wineries. End your days with sunsets at Cabrillo National Monument or La Jolla Cove.

Where to stay in San Diego

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Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Seaport Village and Petco Park are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
Belmont Park featuring a park and rides

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Mission Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Beach
Pacific Beach Park showing a beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(13 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Crystal Pier while you're exploring the area.

Pacific Beach
Gaslamp Quarter featuring a bar, night scenes and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Lyceum Theatre – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Gaslamp Quarter
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Ocean Beach

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Ocean Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ocean Beach Pier and Ocean Beach.

Ocean Beach
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Point Loma

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

Seaside views a bustling port and top sights from Marine Corps Recruit Depot to Shelter Island – discover Point Loma, a destination also famous for its island views.

Point Loma
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
The price is £150 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£150
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,726 reviews)
Great location
"Hotel was in an excellent location--close to the waterfront as well as restaurants and the train station. It worked well for us."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA
The price is £200 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
£200
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 6 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,787 reviews)
"Great experience and great location"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Handlery Hotel
Handlery Hotel
3.5 out of 5
950 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA
The price is £85 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
£85
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,831 reviews)
"👍"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Handlery Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1736 State St, San Diego, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"This was the first time staying in Little Italy and I enjoyed the experience. The place, including the kitchen was spotless. I enjoyed being able to cook my own meals 😁"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Kasa Little Italy San Diego
Kasa Little Italy San Diego
4.5 out of 5
1331 Columbia St, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Kasa Little Italy San Diego
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
2.5 out of 5
819 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and housekeeping. Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (188 reviews)
"It’s simple, comparatively economical, well located, friendly and convenient!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San Diego

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
120
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
51
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One of the best cities we have visited. Food, drink, entertainment and sightseeing excellent. Particularly recommend the USS Midway and South harbour cruise. The Queenstown pub near Little Italy had fabulous food and drink at reasonable prices!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We have family here so have been here many times before. We love Del Mar and Coronado.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love it! My new favourite place, everyone is so friendly and the views are so beautiful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved San Diego on the whole and would definitely come back!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

San Diego is a fantastic City, It has everything from fantastic beaches to a great selection of restaurants. the hotel location is approximately 10-15 minutes from the airport

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Not too much to see if you are not a family, but nice to compare with LA.

Cities near San Diego