San Diego

Travel 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 kilometres) 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(716 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 which includes a garden and rides

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 sandy beach

Pacific Beach

4.5/5(82 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 street scenes, night scenes and a city

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
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Ocean Beach

4/5(8 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
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Point Loma

4/5(209 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
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA
The price is CA $246 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
CA $246
CA $360 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,776 reviews)
"Nice to get away on weekend with my love one. Definitely go back again"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
The Dana on Mission Bay

The Dana on Mission Bay

3.5 out of 5
1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA
The price is CA $232 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $232
CA $267 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a marina, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,627 reviews)
"It’s right on the bay, next to Sea World, Mission Beach, and Mission Bay. The property looks beautiful, especially the lighting at night."

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2025

The Dana on Mission Bay
Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
The price is CA $209 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
CA $209
CA $277 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,831 reviews)
Getaway trip with my husband
"Stayed here on a couples getaway. Our room location was better than expected. We had the top floor with a view of the bay. The room was clean and needed a little work but overall it was nice."

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (39 reviews)
"Love that it was super clean. Would definitely book again."

Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
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! (209 reviews)
"Room was clean and bed was comfortable. There was a tiny closet, but no hangers to hang your clothes. We had a large table/counter which I appreciated. The room had a view to the freeway. we had to play with the AC to get the temperature just right and the fan from the AC muffled the noise from the ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 5, 2025

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - 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! (278 reviews)
"Facility is clean and convenient to walk to Little Italy no food amenities must leave to get coffee or something to eat. Also no daily housekeeping."

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Kasa Little Italy 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.

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