San Diego, CA

Travel Guide
Ocean Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
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

US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(8,497 area reviews)

Petco Park and Port of San Diego are a few top attractions in Downtown San Diego. Hop around the city on the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums, and beautiful waterfront views.

Downtown San Diego
Belmont Park showing rides and a garden

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(1,422 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 showing signage, night scenes and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

Fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few of the things travelers enjoy most about Gaslamp Quarter. A visit to Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House or Harlem of the West Sites is also recommended, and you can jump aboard the metro at Gaslamp Quarter Station to get around town.

Gaslamp Quarter
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and rocky coastline

Point Loma

3.5/5(3,808 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and island views are just a few highlights of Point Loma. Make a stop by Shelter Island or Humphreys Concerts by the Bay while you're exploring the area.

Point Loma
Default Image

Mission Valley

4/5(4,999 area reviews)

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

Mission Valley
Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld
Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld
3 out of 5
3737 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,617 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
NT$3,617
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (2,445 reviews)
"Cleanliness just ok, stairwell lights were flickering almost triggered an aneurysm lol"

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
The price is NT$5,008 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
NT$5,008
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (6,094 reviews)
"The customer service was A ! The gentleman who worked the front desk, Edward, was very helpful. Probably got tired of my needy self, but he still helped me with politeness and a smile! I didn’t ever see the housekeepers but I knew they were around because my room was serviced. The property itself ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
875 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA
The price is NT$5,727 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$5,727
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,702 reviews)
"Excellent property and a wonderful stay. This place is a gem and it was very difficult to leave. I do hope they open the Legacy Center more often as we really wanted to experience the fullness of it!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
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.
Sonder The Bungalows
Sonder The Bungalows
3.5 out of 5
1525 Union Street, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy a terrace, laundry facilities, and a balcony or patio. Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Mission Bay ...
8/10 Very Good! (45 reviews)
"Great stay and walkable to a lot of great bars and restaurants!"

Reviewed on 2024/2/16

Sonder The Bungalows
Capri by the Sea by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Capri by the Sea by All Seasons Resort Lodging
3 out of 5
4767 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in San Diego. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Mission Bay and Mission Beach are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (882 reviews)
"We have stayed at the Capri 4 times and love it. It's very quiet, which is great after long days walking the beaches of Pacific Beach. We much prefer staying here to staying in a hotel room."

Reviewed on 2024/2/8

Capri by the Sea by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Orange Tree Cottages Downtown
Orange Tree Cottages Downtown
3.5 out of 5
2063 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and private yards. Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are located nearby. ...
6.4/10 (25 reviews)
"The cottage and surrounding area were absolutely amazing! Cottage was comfortable and clean, and communication between staff and myself was fast and clear. Only issue we had was I couldn’t figure out the heat. Thankfully it wasn’t too cold. The side door also had damage on the bottom and was open ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/9

Orange Tree Cottages Downtown
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

Reviews of San Diego

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11075
" "5 - Excellent 62.383822452543235%
4 - Good
5655
" "4 - Good 31.85377119360108%
3 - Okay
843
" "3 - Okay 4.748493212414803%
2 - Disappointing
112
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6308792880076607%
1 - Terrible
68
" "1 - Terrible 0.38303385343322255%

5/5 - Excellent

Veryle
Jun 7, 2020

I love this place and love living here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 4, 2020

We love San Diego, its definitely a yearly trip for our family!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 3, 2020

Definitely recommend trying out Wonderland Ocean Pub!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Please call Police and remove street people loitering on and next to property. Its a safety issue.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

I really enjoyed the visit to the Del Mar village. Many places to go there and loved the fact that they have a dog beach there. Perfect place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Is nice traveling to San Diego, nice weather

Cities near San Diego