Last Updated: December 20, 2023
San Diego is probably my favorite city in the Western United States. The moment we arrived, I knew that it would be difficult for any other city to win my heart the way San Diego did. You may find a few similarities to the neighboring LA, such as the stunning coastline and the (almost) all-year-round sunny weather, but this city has a unique character. The laidback lifestyle is the first thing you will notice. As you continue exploring, the world-renowned attractions and the hip neighborhoods you will come to realize why it is called America’s Finest City. Add to that the locally crafted beers and the culinary scene and you’ve got yourself a pretty awesome holiday destination.
Allow at least 4 days to explore this beautiful city or else you will be missing a lot. In the guide below I will cover the top 10 things you must do, during your visit to San Diego.
Without further ado, here is the ultimate San Diego travel guide
WHEN TO VISIT SAN DIEGO
San Diego has almost all-year-round warm climate. However, during May and June, the weather gets often foggy and gloomy, known as the “June Gloom”. During January and February, you may also experience sporadic rainfalls, so if you are visiting mainly to enjoy its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, then it is best to avoid these months. No matter the time of the year, during the night it often gets a bit chilly, especially by the coast, so be prepared and always carry a light jacket with you.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO
BALBOA PARK
Balboa Park is one of the oldest parks in the United States and one of the most popular places to visit in San Diego. You will want to spend an entire day here exploring the museums, theatres, gardens, and cultural spaces. The architecture of some of the buildings made us feel as if we were back in Europe. The Spanish-Colonial baroque architecture of Casa del Prado and Casa de Balboa teleported us somewhere in Spain. Whereas the Old Globe Theatre is inspired by Shakespeare’s Old Globe in London.
SAN DIEGO ZOO
This is probably one of the most famous attractions in San Diego and rightfully so. This is one of the top largest Zoos in the world, hosting thousands of rare and endangered creatures and hundreds of exotic plants. The area is very large and can take up to an entire day to explore it all. If this is your first time visiting San Diego, then you may want to focus your energy on exploring some of the many different other attractions that San Diego has to offer.
OLD TOWN
San Diego’s Old Town it’s a very colourful part of the city and one with historic significance. It is the “Birthplace of California” as it was the first European settlement in the golden state. Park your car and stroll across the town, to visit some of the oldest buildings in California. Part of them restored and others reconstructed, such as the first schoolhouse and the state’s first newspaper office. The Mexican influence it’s palpable, with a plethora of restaurants with beautiful patios offering the famous “el grande” margarita while listening to mariachi playing. At its courtyard, you will find plenty of stores selling arts and craft. As colourful and tempting as they may seem, save your dollars and buy your souvenirs elsewhere at more affordable prices.
CORONADO
Coronado holds a very special place in my heart as this is where Greg proposed to me; more on that in a separate post. It is a luxury resort peninsula, connected by the Coronado Bay Bridge with the mainland. Park your car across Ocean Boulevard and start your day by sipping a mimosa at the infamous Hotel Del Coronado. This 1888 Victorian-style hotel has hosted some of the most renowned celebrities since its opening, Thomas Edison, Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe, to name a few.
Follow Orange Avenue to explore the town, this is where most of the cafes and restaurants are located. Here you may want to stock up on some snacks to take them with you at the beach. Make your way towards the beach passing by the posh neighbourhoods. Most of the houses look as if they came out of the “House and Garden” magazine. Enjoy a picnic at one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire United States and make sure you stay until the sun sets so you can witness a spectacular Californian sunset.
GASLAMP QUARTER
Park your car at the Marina and make sure to visit the impressive USS Midway Museum to grasp a feel of San Diego’s navy history.
Make your way towards Gaslamp Quarter where you will come across Victorian-age buildings, art galleries, rooftop bars, breweries and trendy nightclubs. The atmosphere here is lively and the options to dine and wine are plentiful. Downtown is divided into different neighbourhoods located next to each other which makes it easily walkable. Explore them on foot and get ready to be spoiled by some of the best dishes and craft beer you’ve ever tasted. Start your day early to discover this beautiful part of San Diego. Don’t forget to pack a second pair of shoes for when the sun goes down and you’re ready to party.
LITTLE ITALY
Do not miss Little Italy to get a feel of Italian al fresco dining and the farmers market, happening every Saturday. Little Italy may be well known for the authentic Italian trattorias, but our absolute favourite was Queenstown Public House. A New Zealand restaurant with a super cute outdoor patio is an excellent place for brunch. Try their mouthwatering Oink dish and I promise you that you will come back for more.
MISSION BEACH
Mission Beach has the vibe of a resort town, attracting young crowds and families alike. As you drive past the narrow strip of land between Mission Bay and the Pacific, you will come across surf shops, trendy cafes, and Belmont Park. This iconic amusement park dates back to 1925 with the Giant Dipper roller coaster being its most historic attraction. Rent a bicycle or stroll the boardwalk on foot to people-watch and enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather.
HILLCREST
This is by far my favourite neighbourhood in San Diego. Hillcrest is best known for being the hub of the LGBD community and for its locally owned businesses. The neighbourhood is very vibrant with a relaxing vibe and plenty of independent restaurants, cafes and thrift shops. I would suggest, that you split your day by spending the better half of it in Hillcrest and a couple of hours in University Heights, a hipster neighbourhood next to Hillcrest with plenty of eclectic bars and restaurants.
TIP: Grab breakfast from Whole Foods on University Avenue and then head over to Better Buzz Coffee Shop. Order the salted charcoal mocha and take your time to explore the area on foot.
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO
The first time we visited San Diego, we stayed at Mission Valley, very close to Fashion Valley shopping centre. It is a great location to stop for a quick bite and to spend a few hours shopping. The area felt very safe and there are plenty of hotel options depending on your budget. The second time, we decided to book an Airbnb in Mission Hills. The house was located in a residential area in a very safe and serene neighbourhood. If I’d have to choose, I would definitely recommend the latter one, not only because I personally loved the area, but also was very close to Hillcrest.
A FEW MORE PLACES TO VISIT
The above is a guide based on my visit to San Diego. Depending on your schedule, you could also add the below locations.
LA JOLLA BY THE SEA
This luxury resort village is home to La Jolla Beach. A perfect place to do watersport activities and enjoy the scenic cliffs of La Jolla Cove.
SUNSET CLIFFS
Watching the sunset from the coastline is pretty amazing in itself but what is different about Sunset Cliffs is the unique landscape offering panoramic views over the Ocean and the stunning landscape with cliffs and arches creating a dramatic scenery.
