San Diego Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal area with buildings on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
A pier extending into the ocean with people walking and surfing nearby.
A landscaped garden with a winding path, various shrubs, and a large tree with reddish leaves.
A crowded beach with waves crashing onto the shore and people enjoying the water.
A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.

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 Nova SD – 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 Bay and Mission Beach 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$371 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
NZ$371
27 Oct - 28 Oct
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! (6,358 reviews)
"For the price of the room it would be nice to have a continental breakfast for guests. Not crazy about bathroom door opening directly into main room. Parking is a nightmare."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2026

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Handlery Hotel

Handlery Hotel

3.5 out of 5
950 Hotel Cir N San Diego CA
The price is NZ$202 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
NZ$202
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very good! (3,025 reviews)
"Hotel is old. I wouldn't go back myself. Two nights we were there the same people partying hella loud, music etc. Had to call the front desk and complain. Pictures make it look nicer."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2026

Handlery Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

4 out of 5
207 5th Ave San Diego CA
The price is NZ$390 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
NZ$390
24 Nov - 25 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. ...
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.
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 Petco Park are located ...
8.4/10 Very good! (376 reviews)
"Great stay nice staff"

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2026

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
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 ...
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills

City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills

4.5 out of 5
2801 India St San Diego CA
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and San Diego ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (235 reviews)
"Was where able to see my cruise ship. We are a party of 11 and were super comfortable. Property was clean, great views great location."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2026

City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills
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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