San Diego
United States
Why San Diego is a great destination
San Diego serves up the classic Southern California promise with fewer crowds, swapping queues for coast-to-canyon days that feel effortless and genuinely local.
- Atmosphere: Breezy, outdoors-first city where museum arcades and gardens in Balboa Park frame a relaxed cultural core—think Sunday organ concerts instead of shoulder-to-shoulder bustle.
- Outdoors: Space to breathe across 42,000 acres—hike Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails, wander Torrey Pines’ clifftop paths, cycle the Mission Bay loop, and linger at Sunset Cliffs for golden-hour views.
- Culture & authenticity: Real neighbourhood stories live large—from the Chicano Park murals in Barrio Logan to quiet lawns of Presidio Park—favouring community traditions over flashy spectacle.
- Value & ease: Most green spaces are free; hop the trolley or pedal between parks and waterfront. Snack your way through taco stands, then catch crowd-light sunsets at Kate Sessions Park with skyline-and-bay panoramas.
Who should go to San Diego?
Sun-seekers, culture fans, and outdoorsy types will all love San Diego for its easy blend of beaches, gardens, and wild canyons. Families and casual strollers get as much out of it as hikers and cyclists, thanks to safe paths, lawns, and coastal viewpoints. With year-round mild weather and one of the largest urban park systems in the US, it’s ideal for relaxed wanderers and adrenaline seekers alike.
- History lovers: Trace Californian origins at Presidio Park, see Chicano Park’s landmark murals, and wander Balboa Park’s Exposition-era architecture.
- Scenery seekers: Catch Pacific panoramas at Torrey Pines and Sunset Cliffs, then watch golden-hour colours from Kate Sessions Park’s sweeping lawn.
- Active travellers: Bag the Cowles Mountain summit, run canyon trails, cycle Mission Bay’s shoreline loop, or paddle calm coves—start early and bring plenty of water.
- Families: Spread out on Mission Bay’s lawns and playgrounds, splash through Waterfront Park’s fountains, and enjoy free Sunday organ concerts in Balboa Park.
- City-breakers: Stay central and mix museums, gardens, and cafés with leafy strolls—Balboa Park, the waterfront, and soon East Village Green keep everything walkable.
- Dog owners: Let pups roam off‑lead on Fiesta Island’s vast sands or socialise at Nate’s Point in Balboa Park, with shady spots for a post-walk rest.
Who should go to San Diego?
Sun-seekers, culture fans, and outdoorsy types will all love San Diego for its easy blend of beaches, gardens, and wild canyons. Families and casual strollers get as much out of it as hikers and cyclists, thanks to safe paths, lawns, and coastal viewpoints. With year-round mild weather and one of the largest urban park systems in the US, it’s ideal for relaxed wanderers and adrenaline seekers alike.
- History lovers: Trace Californian origins at Presidio Park, see Chicano Park’s landmark murals, and wander Balboa Park’s Exposition-era architecture.
- Scenery seekers: Catch Pacific panoramas at Torrey Pines and Sunset Cliffs, then watch golden-hour colours from Kate Sessions Park’s sweeping lawn.
- Active travellers: Bag the Cowles Mountain summit, run canyon trails, cycle Mission Bay’s shoreline loop, or paddle calm coves—start early and bring plenty of water.
- Families: Spread out on Mission Bay’s lawns and playgrounds, splash through Waterfront Park’s fountains, and enjoy free Sunday organ concerts in Balboa Park.
- City-breakers: Stay central and mix museums, gardens, and cafés with leafy strolls—Balboa Park, the waterfront, and soon East Village Green keep everything walkable.
- Dog owners: Let pups roam off‑lead on Fiesta Island’s vast sands or socialise at Nate’s Point in Balboa Park, with shady spots for a post-walk rest.
Top things to do in San Diego
Heading to San Diego? These are the unmissable park and green-space highlights that define the city.
- Walk El Prado in Balboa Park for ornate Spanish Colonial architecture, serene gardens, and the Sunday Spreckels organ concert.
- Explore Mission Bay Park via the 12-mile waterfront path, with paddleboarding, beaches, and dog-friendly Fiesta Island’s vast off-lead area.
- Visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to see the rare Torrey pine, quiet coastal sage trails, and sweeping cliff-top Pacific views.
- Take in the powerful murals and community history at Chicano Park beneath the Coronado Bridge, a National Historic Landmark.
- Hike Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park for a rewarding workout and 360-degree city-to-ocean views—go early and carry plenty of water.
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Top things to do in San Diego
Heading to San Diego? These are the unmissable park and green-space highlights that define the city.
- Walk El Prado in Balboa Park for ornate Spanish Colonial architecture, serene gardens, and the Sunday Spreckels organ concert.
- Explore Mission Bay Park via the 12-mile waterfront path, with paddleboarding, beaches, and dog-friendly Fiesta Island’s vast off-lead area.
- Visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to see the rare Torrey pine, quiet coastal sage trails, and sweeping cliff-top Pacific views.
- Take in the powerful murals and community history at Chicano Park beneath the Coronado Bridge, a National Historic Landmark.
- Hike Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park for a rewarding workout and 360-degree city-to-ocean views—go early and carry plenty of water.
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3-day San Diego itinerary
Day 1: Balboa Park, Barrio Logan and the Bayfront
Ease into San Diego with a day that blends gardens, culture and community art. You’ll spend the coolest hours wandering leafy plazas before heading to street murals and the waterfront breeze.
- Morning: Arrive early at Balboa Park to beat the car park crunch and heat; start with a stroll along El Prado and into the Japanese Friendship Garden, then loop the cactus and aloe gardens on the West Mesa. Use the free park tram to hop between areas, and note that the Botanical Building has been under restoration—check status before you go.
- Midday: Pick one or two museums (the San Diego Museum of Art or the Natural History Museum are great anchors) and pause for lunch in the park. If it’s a Tuesday and you’re a San Diego County resident, rotating museum free days can save you money—bring ID.
- Afternoon: Head to Barrio Logan for Chicano Park’s National Historic Landmark murals beneath the Coronado Bridge; this is a living community space, so be respectful and take time to read the stories on the pillars. Continue to Waterfront Park by the County Administration Center where kids can cool off in the interactive fountains (expect a marine layer—May Grey/June Gloom—before mid-afternoon in late spring/early summer).
- Evening: Wander the Embarcadero greenways at golden hour—from the fishing boats at Tuna Harbor to Embarcadero Marina Park—then dine in Little Italy. Consider the San Diego Trolley or rideshare back to avoid tight evening parking.
Day 2: Torrey Pines, La Jolla and Mission Bay
Today is about sea cliffs, coves and calm bay waters. Start with an invigorating coastal hike, then slow the pace with tide pools and a sunset picnic above the city.
- Morning: Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve before 9 a.m.; choose the easy Guy Fleming Trail for big views or the Beach Trail (best at or near low tide) for a sandy finish. You can save on day-use fees by parking along Coast Highway 101 and walking in; stay on marked paths to protect fragile habitat and avoid bluff edges.
- Midday: Explore La Jolla Cove and the adjacent tide pools at low tide—watch sea lions from a respectful distance and never feed wildlife. Grab lunch in the village; on overcast “gloom” days, visibility often improves after 1–2 p.m.
- Afternoon: Cycle part of Mission Bay’s flat 12-mile path or hire a paddleboard/kayak from a bayside concession for a mellow hour on the water. Dog owners love Fiesta Island’s off‑leash area; check posted rules and current access.
- Evening: Drive up to Kate Sessions Park for a laid‑back sunset picnic with sweeping views over Mission Bay, downtown and the ocean (bring a light jacket—breezes pick up). If you prefer a fire pit on the bay beach, verify current availability as some rings have been reduced; always use designated pits only.
Day 3: Mission Trails, Old Town and Sunset Cliffs
Cap your visit with San Diego’s rugged inland heart and a finale on the dramatic ocean bluffs. Start very early for the hike, then weave history and coastal spectacle into the rest of the day.
- Morning: Tackle Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park at first light for cooler temps and 360‑degree views (carry at least 1 litre of water per hour, watch for rattlesnakes, and stick to signed trails). If steep climbs aren’t your thing, begin at the Visitor and Interpretive Center for an easy riverside nature walk and exhibits on Kumeyaay heritage.
- Midday: Continue to Old Town for lunch, then climb into Presidio Park’s shaded lawns and paths around the Junípero Serra Museum—quiet, historic, and rarely crowded. The Old Town Transit Center makes this segment easy by trolley/bus if you’re car‑free.
- Afternoon: Choose a short canyon escape close to town—Tecolote Canyon Natural Park or Marian Bear Park offer peaceful, mostly flat trails through riparian habitat right below the city streets. In hotter months (Jul–Sep), keep hikes brief and shaded; Santa Ana wind days in autumn are hot and dry—carry extra water.
- Evening: Time your visit to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for golden hour; if tides are low and conditions calm, explore the coves, otherwise enjoy the cliff‑top trail. Keep well back from unstable edges and heed closure signs; finish with tacos along nearby Point Loma or Ocean Beach before calling it a night.
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Food and drink in San Diego
San Diego’s food scene blends Baja flavours, fresh Pacific seafood and a booming craft beer culture. Expect casual, sun‑soaked dining—from beach shacks to buzzing markets—where quality produce and cross‑border influences shine.
- Fish tacos (Baja‑style) – Crispy or grilled local catch with cabbage, pico de gallo and lime crema. Best enjoyed at beachfront shacks and laid‑back taquerías.
- California burrito – A flour tortilla packed with carne asada, chips, cheese and salsa. Perfect from neighbourhood taquerías and popular food trucks.
- Carne asada fries – A hearty pile of chips topped with marinated steak, guacamole, sour cream and melted cheese. Great for sharing at lively food trucks and casual takeaways.
- West Coast IPA & craft beer – Piney, citrus‑forward IPAs from San Diego’s world‑class breweries. Sip in sunny taprooms, tasting rooms and beer gardens.
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Food and drink in San Diego
San Diego’s food scene blends Baja flavours, fresh Pacific seafood and a booming craft beer culture. Expect casual, sun‑soaked dining—from beach shacks to buzzing markets—where quality produce and cross‑border influences shine.
- Fish tacos (Baja‑style) – Crispy or grilled local catch with cabbage, pico de gallo and lime crema. Best enjoyed at beachfront shacks and laid‑back taquerías.
- California burrito – A flour tortilla packed with carne asada, chips, cheese and salsa. Perfect from neighbourhood taquerías and popular food trucks.
- Carne asada fries – A hearty pile of chips topped with marinated steak, guacamole, sour cream and melted cheese. Great for sharing at lively food trucks and casual takeaways.
- West Coast IPA & craft beer – Piney, citrus‑forward IPAs from San Diego’s world‑class breweries. Sip in sunny taprooms, tasting rooms and beer gardens.
Eat like a local: Discover San Diego top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in San Diego
Choosing where to stay in San Diego is about the neighbourhood fit, not the hotel brand. Each area offers a different pace, landscape, and access to parks, beaches, and culture. Pick the vibe that matches your trip.
- Downtown (Gaslamp & East Village) — lively and walkable with bars, dining, Petco Park and the Trolley; best for car‑free city breaks and nightlife.
- Balboa Park & Bankers Hill — museum-packed, leafy, and central with canyon trails and Sunday organ concerts; ideal for culture lovers and runners.
- Mission Bay & Pacific Beach — waterfront paths, calm coves and water sports by day, casual nightlife nearby; suits families and active travellers.
- La Jolla — upscale village feel with coves, sea lions, and Torrey Pines hikes close by; perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and quiet evenings.
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Where to stay in San Diego
Choosing where to stay in San Diego is about the neighbourhood fit, not the hotel brand. Each area offers a different pace, landscape, and access to parks, beaches, and culture. Pick the vibe that matches your trip.
- Downtown (Gaslamp & East Village) — lively and walkable with bars, dining, Petco Park and the Trolley; best for car‑free city breaks and nightlife.
- Balboa Park & Bankers Hill — museum-packed, leafy, and central with canyon trails and Sunday organ concerts; ideal for culture lovers and runners.
- Mission Bay & Pacific Beach — waterfront paths, calm coves and water sports by day, casual nightlife nearby; suits families and active travellers.
- La Jolla — upscale village feel with coves, sea lions, and Torrey Pines hikes close by; perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and quiet evenings.
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Good to know before you go to San Diego
San Diego is easy to enjoy: the weather is mild year‑round, sights are spread along the coast and canyons, and most logistics are straightforward. A few planning details—distances, parking, and peak dates—go a long way to a smooth trip.
- Affordability: Mid‑to‑high priced overall—budget about £12–£20 for a casual meal, £25–£45 at mid‑range restaurants, coffee £3–£4, and £130–£250 per night for good hotels (higher in summer and during Comic‑Con), with most beaches and parks free.
- Transport: The city is not fully walkable end‑to‑end, so a car is most efficient, but the trolley and MTS buses cover key corridors, rideshares are plentiful, the COASTER train reaches North County (Encinitas/Oceanside), and there’s a short ferry to Coronado.
- Language: English is the main language and widely understood everywhere, while Spanish is also common—useful in local eateries and you’ll see some bilingual signage.
- Safety & comfort: Generally safe and very family/solo‑traveller friendly; use normal city smarts (don’t leave valuables in cars), carry water and sun protection, and heed beach rip‑current and cliff‑edge warnings.
- Crowds: Busiest June–August, spring break (Mar–Apr), and during major events like Comic‑Con; quieter November–February (except holidays), with weekends busier at beaches and Balboa Park—go early for easier parking and cooler temps, and expect coastal “May Gray/June Gloom” mornings.
Good to know before you go to San Diego
San Diego is easy to enjoy: the weather is mild year‑round, sights are spread along the coast and canyons, and most logistics are straightforward. A few planning details—distances, parking, and peak dates—go a long way to a smooth trip.
- Affordability: Mid‑to‑high priced overall—budget about £12–£20 for a casual meal, £25–£45 at mid‑range restaurants, coffee £3–£4, and £130–£250 per night for good hotels (higher in summer and during Comic‑Con), with most beaches and parks free.
- Transport: The city is not fully walkable end‑to‑end, so a car is most efficient, but the trolley and MTS buses cover key corridors, rideshares are plentiful, the COASTER train reaches North County (Encinitas/Oceanside), and there’s a short ferry to Coronado.
- Language: English is the main language and widely understood everywhere, while Spanish is also common—useful in local eateries and you’ll see some bilingual signage.
- Safety & comfort: Generally safe and very family/solo‑traveller friendly; use normal city smarts (don’t leave valuables in cars), carry water and sun protection, and heed beach rip‑current and cliff‑edge warnings.
- Crowds: Busiest June–August, spring break (Mar–Apr), and during major events like Comic‑Con; quieter November–February (except holidays), with weekends busier at beaches and Balboa Park—go early for easier parking and cooler temps, and expect coastal “May Gray/June Gloom” mornings.
Best time to go to San Diego
With a Mediterranean climate, San Diego is a year-round destination: late spring often brings a cool marine layer (“May Gray/June Gloom”), summers are warmest and busiest, and autumn offers some of the clearest beach days. Hiking is best October–May; expect Santa Ana winds in autumn and occasional winter showers.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild, green hills and wildflowers after winter rains; coastal mornings can be cloudy (especially late May); moderate crowds and a relaxed vibe.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot with packed beaches and peak prices; June Gloom on the coast but sunny inland; lively, festival-heavy atmosphere.
- Autumn–Winter (Sep–Feb): Sept–Oct often deliver the warmest, clearest beach days with thinner crowds; Nov–Feb is cooler, quieter and better value with occasional rain—great for hiking; watch for autumn Santa Ana winds and elevated fire risk.
Best time to go to San Diego
With a Mediterranean climate, San Diego is a year-round destination: late spring often brings a cool marine layer (“May Gray/June Gloom”), summers are warmest and busiest, and autumn offers some of the clearest beach days. Hiking is best October–May; expect Santa Ana winds in autumn and occasional winter showers.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild, green hills and wildflowers after winter rains; coastal mornings can be cloudy (especially late May); moderate crowds and a relaxed vibe.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot with packed beaches and peak prices; June Gloom on the coast but sunny inland; lively, festival-heavy atmosphere.
- Autumn–Winter (Sep–Feb): Sept–Oct often deliver the warmest, clearest beach days with thinner crowds; Nov–Feb is cooler, quieter and better value with occasional rain—great for hiking; watch for autumn Santa Ana winds and elevated fire risk.
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How to get to San Diego
By Air
- San Diego International Airport (SAN): 3 miles/10–15 minutes to Downtown by taxi/ride‑hail. Frequent, free San Diego Flyer shuttle links both terminals to Old Town Transit Center for Trolley/COASTER/Amtrak connections (about 10 minutes).
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) via Cross Border Xpress (CBX): Pedestrian bridge directly into the USA terminal facility; allow 20–40 minutes for the crossing plus 25–40 minutes by road to Downtown. Good for Mexico/domestic Latin America routes (e.g., Volaris).
- Los Angeles International (LAX): 2–3.5 hours’ drive to San Diego; broadest long‑haul options. Rail/bus links via LA Union Station to Amtrak/FlixBus southbound.
- John Wayne/Orange County (SNA): 1.5–2 hours’ drive; useful for many US domestic flights.
- Long Beach (LGB): Around 2–2.5 hours’ drive; limited but convenient domestic services.
- Ontario (ONT): About 2–2.5 hours inland; alternative for some domestic routes.
- McClellan‑Palomar, Carlsbad (CLD/CRQ): ~35–45 minutes to Downtown; limited scheduled service and private/charter operations.
By Train
- Main station: Santa Fe Depot (Downtown). Also served at Old Town Transit Center (easy airport link via San Diego Flyer).
- Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Frequent daily services north to Anaheim and Los Angeles Union Station (~2 h 50 min–3 h), continuing to Santa Barbara (~5½ h) and San Luis Obispo (~8–9 h).
- COASTER (commuter rail): Santa Fe Depot/Old Town to Oceanside (~60 min), connecting at Oceanside to Metrolink for Orange County/Los Angeles/Inland Empire.
- Local transfers: MTS Trolley and buses at Santa Fe Depot, Old Town and 12th & Imperial Transit Center.
By Bus
- Operators: FlixBus (including Greyhound‑branded services) with pick‑ups Downtown (near Santa Fe Depot/12th & Imperial), Old Town and university hubs (check your ticket for exact stop).
- Key routes and typical times: Los Angeles/Anaheim/Orange County (2½–3½ h), Las Vegas (5–6 h), Phoenix (5½–7 h), CBX/Tijuana (varies by stop and border traffic).
- Local network: MTS buses and Trolley provide citywide connections once in San Diego.
By Car
- Primary approaches: I‑5 (coastal from Los Angeles/Orange County), I‑15 (inland from the Inland Empire/Las Vegas corridor), I‑8 (east–west from Arizona). CA‑163 links I‑15 to central San Diego.
- Typical drives: Los Angeles to San Diego 2–3+ hours (traffic‑dependent); Palm Springs ~2–3 hours (via I‑15/I‑215); Phoenix ~5–6 hours (via I‑8).
- Border crossings to Mexico: San Ysidro (I‑5) and Otay Mesa (SR‑905). Expect queues at peak times; passports required and Mexican auto insurance needed if driving into Mexico. CBX offers a faster pedestrian alternative for TIJ.
- Notes: I‑15 Express Lanes use dynamic tolling (FasTrak); EV fast‑charging is widely available along I‑5, I‑15 and I‑8. Parking in central areas is a mix of meters and garages.
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