San Diego
Awesome weather, excellent sandy beaches to kick back on and a load of brilliant things to do. San Diego has it all for the enthusiastic traveller.
San Diego in a nutshell
Known for its superb year-round weather, gorgeous sandy beaches and world class entertainment and dining offerings, San Diego in Southern California is a remarkable place to visit.
The second largest city in California state, the city is home to the largest military community in the country and offers a selection of very diverse districts, each with its own personality.
The atmospheric part of the city, the Gaslamp Quarter, is a charming place, filled with Victorian buildings sitting shoulder to shoulder with futuristic skyscrapers, hip eateries, art galleries, theaters and fabulous fashion stores.
Right next door is East Village, the largest part of the downtown district, where PETCO Park, home to the San Diego Padres baseball team, is located, as well as numerous upmarket hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.
To the north you’ll find the historic Old Town, known for its well-preserved Spanish and Mexican buildings, and right next door is Uptown, a completely pedestrianized area.
As you head towards the airport you come to the coast, with exquisite areas including renowned La Jolla, where some of California’s most magnificent beaches are located. This is also a very upmarket residential area.
Although it seems vast, San Diego is actually very compact and easy to get around. It’s also ideally located, just 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from the Mexican border, making it an ideal base from which to embark on further adventures.
Best time to visit: To avoid the crowds, visit in spring (March to May) and fall (September and October). Prices are cheapest in winter, when the temperature is till moderate but it’s too cold to swim.
Best Area for Sightseeing: There are plenty of fun attractions and activities in San Diego and further afield. See Things to do in San Diego below for some ideas.
Shopping in San Diego: There are plenty of open-air shopping centers to enjoy, plus endless malls and vintage stores, designer boutiques and much more. Seaport Village on the waterfront offers superb shops and restaurants, and then there’s San Diego Old Town Market in the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, full of great souvenirs waiting to be snapped up. For authentic handicrafts, visit Pangaea Outpost, where over 70 craftspeople offer a variety of exquisite handmade items.
Food & Restaurants in San Diego: Enjoy mouth-watering Mexican fare in the Old Town and Barrio Logan, or visit one of the city’s healthy vegan eateries. Street food is superb, especially fish tacos. In Little Italy you can enjoy fine pasta and pizza, and in the Gaslamp Quarter there’s innovative contemporary cuisine to enjoy. The city also offers superb local wine (the wine estates are located just 45 minutes from the city) as well as hand-crafted artisan beer.
Nightlife: Trendy spots, jazz clubs, jet set venues and everything in between is on offer in San Diego.
Beaches: Beach life is very much part of the San Diego lifestyle – and no wonder. With over 110km of coastline, the beaches are endless and enviably beautiful. Visit Coronado Beach, home to an historic hotel built in 1888. Then there’s Black’s Beach, a nudist beach; the old-world hippie haven of Ocean Beach and in La Jolla, Windansea Beach with secluded spots hidden between its boulders. You’ll find plenty of beach bars on the promenade at popular Pacific Beach and happy surfers at Swami’s Beach, which is also a renowned yoga destination. Closest to Mexico is Imperial Beach and right up north near Carlsbad you’ll find Ponto Beach, a family-friendly spot and a haven for surfing and boogie boarding.
Things to do in San Diego:
- Visit the city’s largest park, Balboa Park, home to 16 museums, numerous art venues and the iconic San Diego Zoo.
- Explore the atmospheric Gaslamp Quarter and enjoy a variety of day and night-time entertainment there.
- Savor authentic Mexican food in historic Old Town San Diego, established in 1769.
- Visit the peninsula of Coronado, which resembles an island, to see its historic hotel, built in 1888.
- See the Cabrillo National Monument where explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrilla first landed at San Diego Bay in 1542, and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse next door.
- Soak up the sun in secluded La Jolla Cove.
- Stroll along San Diego Bay Waterfront, past parks, museums, bars and eateries and enjoy stunning views of the Port of San Diego.
- Discover ‘a city at sea’, the USS Midway Museum naval aircraft carrier with its inventive and interactive displays.
- Watch a baseball game at PETCO Park.
Best way to get around: The city’s landmark orange trolleys operate from 5am to midnight, and there is also an excellent local bus service. Or rent a bicycle or car to explore.