Why Go to San Diego
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
San Diego is sunshine, beaches and laid-back Southern California living. With near-perfect weather all year and about 70 miles of beautiful coastline, it draws surfers, families and sun-seekers alike, along with fantastic Mexican food, lively nightlife and some of the best family attractions in the country.
Each beach has its own personality: catch a wave at Mission and Pacific Beach, watch sea lions and explore the coves and tide pools of La Jolla, and stroll the wide sands in front of the historic Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, explore the museums and gardens of Balboa Park, and tour the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront. Head out on a whale-watching cruise in winter, a harbor tour or a fishing charter. At night, the historic Gaslamp Quarter comes alive with restaurants and bars, and Little Italy is a foodie favorite.
San Diego is also a cruise port with sailings to Mexico. I'll plan a beach vacation, family trip or pre-cruise stay with the right neighborhood and attraction tickets.
BEST FOR
Families, beach lovers, foodies and outdoor enthusiasts
BEST MONTHS
March to May and September to November
EXPLORE
Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter anchor urban nightlife; La Jolla has coastal bluffs; Coronado offers beaches; North Park is known for local restaurants.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
San Diego
North America › West Coast › USA › California
Endless sunshine, golden beaches and laid-back SoCal charm in America's Finest City.
Beach & Resort
Zoo
Military
Surfing
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Watch the sunset from Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma, then grab fish tacos nearby. It's the perfect San Diego evening.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Visit the free Botanical Building and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Balboa Park
A 1,200-acre urban park filled with gardens, Spanish Revival architecture, museums and the San Diego Zoo.
Ride the Skyfari aerial tram for views over the zoo.
San Diego Zoo
One of the world's most famous zoos, home to thousands of animals in lush, naturalistic habitats.
Allow at least three hours; the audio tour is excellent.
USS Midway Museum
Tour the decks of this legendary aircraft carrier, now a museum with dozens of restored aircraft.
Kayak the nearby sea caves for a fun adventure.
La Jolla Cove
A beautiful cove where sea lions and seals lounge on the rocks, with great snorkeling and kayaking.
Look for the glittering mica flakes in the sand.
Coronado Beach
A wide, sparkling beach in front of the historic Hotel del Coronado, often ranked among the best in the country.
An iconic 1888 Victorian beach resort on Coronado Island, with a famous red roof.
Hotel del Coronado
Coronado
Beach · Family
A large waterfront hotel downtown, with views of the bay and easy access to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Downtown / Waterfront
City
A stylish hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, with a rooftop pool and lively bars.
Pendry San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter
City · Boutique
A historic pink hotel overlooking La Jolla Cove, known for its elegance.
La Valencia Hotel
La Jolla
Boutique · Beach
A luxurious Craftsman-style lodge overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines
Boutique
Bungalow-style rooms on a private island in Mission Bay, with beaches, pools and boating for families.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Mission Bay
Family · Beach
A tropical-themed resort on the bay, a short walk from Pacific Beach's oceanfront boardwalk.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Mission Bay / Pacific Beach
Family · Beach
A grand historic hotel downtown, close to the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park and the waterfront.
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Downtown / Gaslamp
City
A Mediterranean-style luxury estate with golf, a spa and canyon views north of the city.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Del Mar / Carmel Valley
Hotel Tags
A reasonably priced boutique-style hotel with a rooftop bar, in the heart of downtown nightlife.
Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
City · Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in San Diego
High 71°F · Low 54°F · Rain 0.9 in
Pleasant weather continues as the holiday season begins.
San Diego is a year-round destination, with mild weather nearly every day. The best times to visit are March through May and September through November, when crowds are lighter. Early summer can bring morning clouds known as "June Gloom."
Best Times to Visit San Diego
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
San Diego's food scene is all about fresh seafood, Mexican flavors and craft beer.
- Tacos: San Diego is famous for its fish tacos and carne asada burritos.
- Craft beer: The city is home to more than 150 craft breweries.
- Must-try: Fish tacos, California burritos and fresh seafood.
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Biking & Walking
Downtown and the beaches are great for walking and biking.
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Ferries
The Coronado Ferry connects downtown with Coronado Island.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are widely available throughout the city.
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Rental Cars
A car is helpful for exploring beaches and neighborhoods spread across the county.
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Trolley
The San Diego Trolley connects downtown with Old Town, Mission Valley and the Mexican border.
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Flying In
San Diego International (SAN) is just minutes from downtown, one of the most convenient airports in the country.
Most visitors fly into San Diego International, just minutes from downtown. A rental car is helpful for exploring, while the trolley, ferries and rideshares make it easy to get around.
Getting Around San Diego