San Diego Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego
A busy urban street with cars, street signs, and illuminated storefronts.

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.

Our guide on where to stay in San Diego

Find the best San Diego areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Diego
Learn more about San Diego

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.

Pacific Beach

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.

Mission Valley

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

Little Italy

Visitors to Little Italy love its captivating waterfront views, and you can check out Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

Mission Beach

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

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive San Diego CA
The price is NZ$393 per night from 28 June to 29 June
NZ$393
28 June - 29 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.4/10 Very good! (6,229 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

4 out of 5
207 5th Ave San Diego CA
The price is NZ$439 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$439
29 June - 30 June
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,876 reviews)
"Location Location Location This hotel is worn out. Leaking faucets, broken curtains, wallpaper coming loose in numerous places, furniture broken, tv and remotes had issues, our room was not ready and when we finally got to the room, they never brought our luggage up. They won’t let you use carts ..."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1404 Vacation Rd San Diego CA
The price is NZ$663 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$663
30 June - 1 July
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! (2,671 reviews)
"The resort was beautiful! Felt like a tropical getaway, beautiful wildlife, room was was clean and well maintained, Restaurants on resort were amazing. My wife and I really enjoyed the spa! Great Resort!"

Reviewed on 27 June 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! (1,121 reviews)
"Description should advise that this is a high rise with the hotel being on the 17th floor, parking on the 11th floor, and the ice machine on the 21st floor. The garage was a scary spiral that you didn't want to keep going up and down."

Reviewed on 24 June 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! (397 reviews)
"Best deal and well worth the price. Staff was friendly and available 24 hours a day. Food open till 2 am right next door. Able to walk around and explore"

Reviewed on 26 June 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, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8.4/10 Very good! (155 reviews)
"Parking was difficult to find and not in the best clean and safe area. Hotel is also a halfway house or temporary housing for addicts."

Reviewed on 27 June 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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