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.
Best places to visit in San Diego: top attractions you don't want to miss
San Diego has something for everyone, with must-see places from the attractions of Balboa Park to the bustling nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter. You can start the day in one of the city’s museums, spend an afternoon exploring sea caves or lying on the beach, and end it with a romantic night at its most iconic hotel.
Insider guides
20 fun and unique things to do in San Diego
San Diego's pretty Pacific Coast location and all-round sunny weather means there’s no end to the fun activities it offers. Seek them out with this guide and you'll discover everything from iconic landmarks to dazzling hidden gems, like the sprawling plains of San Diego Zoo Safari Park and La Jolla's shimmering sea caves.
10 things to do in San Diego at night worth staying up for
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.
48 hours in San Diego
Sun-up through sun-down there is always something exciting to experience in San Diego — by land and by sea. It feels like every day is 72-degrees and sunny here, so make sure you start each day by slathering on the sunscreen. Maybe bring some extra with you to reapply, because these next 2 days in San Diego are going to be jam-packed with sun, fun, and a little learnin’ some.