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 holiday 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.

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Book a getaway and you can save on select hotels and homes.¹

Where to stay in San Diego

Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(101 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 Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
Pacific 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 Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

Pacific Beach
Mission Beach

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Mission Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Beach
Gaslamp Quarter

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
Mission bay, San Diego, CA

Mission Bay

If you're spending some time in Mission Bay, Mission Bay and Mission and Pacific Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Bay
Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

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

Ocean Beach
The Sofia Hotel

The Sofia Hotel

3.5 out of 5
150 W Broadway San Diego CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$319 per night from 14 June to 15 June
NZ$319
14 June - 15 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,128 reviews)
"Superb location with very nice rooms. I've read some reviews stating that rooms trend on the small side, and that's probably true; but if you're spending"

Reviewed on 28 May 2026

The Sofia Hotel
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

4 out of 5
1 Market Pl San Diego CA
The price is NZ$496 per night from 5 June to 6 June
NZ$496
5 June - 6 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 6 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,821 reviews)
"Nice property."

Reviewed on 28 May 2026

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1404 Vacation Rd San Diego CA
The price is NZ$484 per night from 31 May to 1 June
NZ$484
31 May - 1 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,605 reviews)
"Staff , property , amenities were all wonderful. The tidal restaurant was AMAZING!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Paradise Point Resort & 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.
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

3.5 out of 5
701 A St San Diego CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,089 reviews)
"The only thing I didn’t like was the parking."

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (374 reviews)
"Cozy, clean, perfect for short stays. Close to shops, restaurants, supermarkets. Great and attentive staff. Well worth the price!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (131 reviews)
"Our room was clean and very quiet! Nice parking area. I wish the signage on the outside of the street was better and I did have a little difficulty identifying the property. I lov d the location in Little Italy. Walking distance to some tea nice restaurants."

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Little Italy Inn - 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.

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