San Diego, CA

Travel Guide

Ocean Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Japanese Friendship Garden which includes a park
San Diego which includes swimming and a sunset as well as a small group of people
Balboa Park which includes a pond
San Diego showing a city

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)

Cultural and financial hub, Downtown San Diego boasts the Symphony, Opera, theaters, museums, and historic sites like Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy diverse shops, dining, nightlife, and convenient public transport options.

Downtown San Diego
Belmont Park showing rides and a garden

Mission Beach

Spanning nearly two miles of oceanfront, this sandbar community offers sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball, with nearby attractions like Belmont Park's Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and SeaWorld in Mission Bay Park.

Mission Beach
Pacific Beach Park showing a beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(1,422 area reviews)

Boasting a lively nightlife scene, Pacific Beach offers miles of sandy shores, a bustling 3.2-mile boardwalk, and attractions like Crystal Pier and Kate Sessions Park. Enjoy local shops, bars, and eateries along the vibrant walkway.

Pacific Beach
Gaslamp Quarter showing signage, night scenes and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown San Diego's historic district boasts Victorian-era buildings, now housing vibrant restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Stroll from Broadway to Harbor Drive, and 4th to 6th Avenue, admiring the newly installed gaslamps at Market Street.

Gaslamp Quarter
Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

4/5(290 area reviews)

Ocean Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Ocean Beach Pier and Dog Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of San Diego.

Ocean Beach
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and rocky coastline

Point Loma

3.5/5(3,808 area reviews)

This seaside hilly peninsula offers marine recreation, yachting, and whale watching. Explore Cabrillo National Monument, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Enjoy local shops and eateries at Liberty Station and Point Loma Village.

Point Loma
Handlery Hotel
Handlery Hotel
3.5 out of 5
950 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA
The price is NT$3,249 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
NT$3,249
NT$3,734 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,864 reviews)
"Nice experience"

Reviewed on 2025/7/12

Handlery Hotel
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
The price is NT$4,445 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$4,445
NT$6,001 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,720 reviews)
"Great staff! The only thing was that our deadbolt didn’t work. Otherwise, it was great!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/13

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,970 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
NT$4,970
NT$7,361 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,781 reviews)
"Great staff and amazing view from room"

Reviewed on 2025/7/13

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
Convenient location
"The location is great, right in the heart of little Italy, and walking distance to a lot of places. The room itself was clean, but quite small. The air conditioner really struggled to keep up, and the power went off and back on at least 5x while we were in the room over a 2 night stay."

Reviewed on 2025/7/2

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 WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (235 reviews)
"Wonderful stay, had everything we needed"

Reviewed on 2025/7/11

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 WiFi, laundry facilities, and housekeeping. Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (195 reviews)
"Nice little rooms, really comfortable bed"

Reviewed on 2025/7/1

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

Reviews of San Diego

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11076
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
5655
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
843
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
112
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
68
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love this place and love living here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Definitely recommend trying out Wonderland Ocean Pub!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Is nice traveling to San Diego, nice weather

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