San Diego Travel Guide
Heading to San Diego, the sun-soaked playground of Southern California? From the iconic museum-dotted Balboa Park to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego's landmarks whisper tales of a vibrant past. But here's the secret: dig a little deeper, and you'll uncover hidden art galleries and tucked-away eateries that locals hold dear.
San Diego's culinary scene is a flavor-packed fiesta. It's the birthplace of California burritos, so make that a priority, but there are flavors to savor from every corner of the globe — mostly from its closest neighbor, Mexico — and don't miss the fish tacos; they're practically a rite of passage.
Feeling adventurous? It's one of the best places in the world to go on a whale-watching trip. These majestic creatures grace the coastline of SD almost every month of the year, and witnessing their grandeur is a memory etched in eternity. And for more nature, the views from the cliffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve will make your heart skip a beat. It's like nature decided to show off.
Of course, we can't talk about San Diego without mentioning the beaches. Head to Sunset Cliffs for a more intimate rendezvous with the Pacific, or explore the hidden gem that is Black's Beach, known for its rugged charm. And there's rarely a bad time to go, with 260 days of sunshine per year — it isn't called America's Finest City for nothing.
Whether you're cruising along the harbor or meandering through historic neighborhoods, there's a tour for every taste too, every one designed to uncover a little more of this amazing city and make you fall in love with its culture, its vibe, and its heart.
Discover it all in this guide to San Diego.
Insider guides
Nithya Konduru
What to Eat in San Diego
Best Museums in San Diego
There is no shortage of fun and cool museums in San Diego. The leafy Balboa Park is a mecca for fun family-friendly days out, boasting 18 world-class museums that span art and history. You can delve into nautical heritage at the USS Midway Museum and the hands-on Maritime Museum, home to historic vessels you can hop aboard and explore. Get to know the best museums in San Diego and craft the perfect itinerary of things to do in the city with these top 15 picks.
San Diego’s best museums at a glance
Best museum for history: Maritime Museum
Best museum for art: San Diego Museum of Modern Art
Best museum for science: Natural History Museum
Best alternative museum: Whaley House Museum
Cari B.
Best places to visit in San Diego
Top things to do in San Diego at night
San Diego bursts to life around sunset, when its buzzing bar districts fill up and its glittering harbor lights flicker on. To get a real taste of the city, you can sample your way through its famous craft beer scene, discover the best food in San Diego on a taco tour of the Old Town, or enjoy the pulsating energy of Mission Beach’s bars. Looking for things to do in San Diego at night for the whole family, why not work together after dinner to solve clues on a thrilling outdoor escape game? Whatever you choose, you’ll find the best views, San Diego nightlife, and tours in this guide, so that you can continue your adventure into the early hours.