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.

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 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
Gaslamp Quarter featuring a bar, street scenes and a city

Gaslamp Quarter

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

Gaslamp Quarter
Pacific Beach Park featuring 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
Belmont Park which includes a garden 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
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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 Dog 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
Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

4 out of 5
901 Camino Del Rio S, San Diego, CA
The price is NZ$231 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
NZ$231
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,128 reviews)
Amazing!

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
Pendry San Diego

Pendry San Diego

5 out of 5
550 J Street, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$604 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$604
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Great room and great staff! They really made our stay with their hospitality and efficiency.

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Pendry San Diego
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego SeaWorld

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego SeaWorld

3 out of 5
3888 Greenwood St, San Diego, CA
The price is NZ$242 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
NZ$242
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Mission Bay and Mission ...
9/10 Wonderful! (235 reviews)
Very clean room. Front desk was excellent.

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego SeaWorld
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.
Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

3 out of 5
502 10th Avenue, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (517 reviews)
Very clean, views were beautiful from the balcony rooms.

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (337 reviews)
Good stay in Sd

Reviewed on 2 Nov 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, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (251 reviews)
Room was appropriate forbpur one night stay and needs. Staff were super friendly. Car parks are small.

Reviewed on 3 Nov 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