San Diego County

California

A beach with surfers and swimmers during sunset.
A lifeguard tower, beach umbrellas, and people relaxing on the sand.
A busy urban street lined with historic buildings and street lamps.
A modern building with a geometric facade and a clear sky in the background.
An aquarium with various fish swimming among kelp and rocks.

San Diego County Travel Guide Video

Popular cities in San Diego County

A coastal area with buildings on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
San Diego
Known for Beaches, Sea and Ports
On the sun-drenched Pacific coast, this Southern California city provides great beaches, a famous zoo, historic sites and exciting nightlife.

Reasons to visit

  • San Diego Zoo
  • San Diego Convention Center
  • Balboa Park
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A coastal cityscape with a beach, residential buildings, and a distant industrial structure.
Carlsbad
Known for Beaches, Family-friendly and Shopping
Escape to Carlsbad! Enjoy its beaches, theme park, and sunsets.

Reasons to visit

  • LEGOLAND® California
  • Carlsbad State Beach
  • Flower Fields of Carlsbad
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A beach at sunset with palm trees, a lifeguard tower, and people walking along the shore.
Oceanside
Known for Beaches, Sea and Ports
Trip time! Discover the beaches, seaside, and camping in Oceanside.

Reasons to visit

  • Oceanside Pier
  • Oceanside Beach
  • Oceanside Harbor
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A beach with a curved seawall, people swimming and walking along the shore, and greenery in the foreground.
La Jolla
Known for Beaches, Sea and Sunsets
This Californian beach town attracts luxury travelers, newlyweds and surfers with gorgeous palm tree parklands, secluded nudist beaches and spectacular waves.

Reasons to visit

  • La Jolla Cove
  • La Jolla Beach
  • University of California, San Diego
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A harbor with multiple sailboats and a bridge in the background.
Chula Vista
Known for Dining, Family-friendly and Shopping
Trip time! Discover the beaches, local cuisine, and theater in Chula Vista.

Reasons to visit

  • North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Chula Vista Bayside Park
  • White Water Canyon
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View of a fenced residential area at San Diego, California
Escondido
Known for Family-friendly, Safaris and Zoo
Escape to Escondido! Enjoy its zoo, hockey, and beaches.

Reasons to visit

  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Queen Califa's Magical Circle
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Stay near popular San Diego County attractions

A zoo entrance with a panda sculpture, ticket booth, and people.

San Diego Zoo

9.2/10 (15,439 reviews)
See nature up-close and personal at one of the country’s largest and most educational zoos.
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