San Diego Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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

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Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Seaport Village and Petco Park are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
Belmont Park featuring a park and rides

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

5/5(9 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 featuring a bar, night scenes and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Lyceum Theatre – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Gaslamp Quarter
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Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ocean Beach Pier and Ocean Beach.

Ocean Beach
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Point Loma

3.5/5(24 area reviews)

Seaside views a bustling port and top sights from Marine Corps Recruit Depot to Shelter Island – discover Point Loma, a destination also famous for its island views.

Point Loma
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$337 per night from 9 July to 10 July
NZ$337
9 July - 10 July
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! (5,707 reviews)
"I love everting its amazing"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA
The price is NZ$506 per night from 7 July to 8 July
NZ$506
7 July - 8 July
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! (2,785 reviews)
"Great experience and great location"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Handlery Hotel
Handlery Hotel
3.5 out of 5
950 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA
The price is NZ$236 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$236
21 July - 22 July
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! (1,839 reviews)
Greed
"Paying 24 dollars a night for parking is a total rip off!! They are making some serious cash charging that. Greedy owners!!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Handlery 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.
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
"This was the first time staying in Little Italy and I enjoyed the experience. The place, including the kitchen was spotless. I enjoyed being able to cook my own meals 😁"

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

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! (221 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (188 reviews)
"It’s simple, comparatively economical, well located, friendly and convenient!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

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

Activities

Reviews of San Diego

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
79
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
45
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful place

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Quite a nice city although there were a lot of restaurants most of the retail shops had closed or were closing. Maybe they were in a different location which I didn’t find

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city San Diego. Loved the Marina Village and the Museums!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

San Diego is a really nice city, very clean and lots to see and do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved San Diego!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love the place defently go back again

Cities near San Diego