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 Lyceum Theatre – 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 and Pacific Beaches 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 Shelter Island to Humphreys Concerts by the Bay – discover Point Loma, a destination also famous for its island views.

Point Loma
Bay Club Hotel & Marina

Bay Club Hotel & Marina

3.5 out of 5
2131 Shelter Island Dr San Diego CA
The price is NZ$238 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$238
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,128 reviews)
The balcony had a very nice view. The staff were nice and efficient. The onsite restaurant was convenient and there was a waitress there named Miriam I think who was wonderful!

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025

Bay Club Hotel & Marina
Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa

Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
875 Hotel Circle South San Diego CA
The price is NZ$289 per night from 27 Nov to 28 Nov
NZ$289
27 Nov - 28 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,952 reviews)
Nice property. The room was clean. The staff was professional. I would definitely stay there again.

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025

Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

4 out of 5
207 5th Ave San Diego CA
The price is NZ$619 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$619
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,089 reviews)
Loved this hotel!

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

Hard Rock Hotel 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.
Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

4 out of 5
502 10th Avenue San Diego CA
Stay at this hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (562 reviews)
Great staff, great place to stay

Reviewed on 20 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 luxury aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and Petco ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (344 reviews)
Room was spotless. Staff were in constant communication with us to make sure all was well. When we needed a refill of shampoo, a staff member was there within 3 minutes. Literally, 3 minutes. Very friendly as well. I would definite recommend Kasa and intend on coming back in the future.

Reviewed on 12 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (259 reviews)
Overall good place.

Reviewed on 18 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