Top things to do in San Diego
Attractions, tours, and activities in San Diego
Recommended museums in San Diego
Where to find art and culture in San Diego
San Diego: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in San Diego
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Gaslamp Quarter
0.1 miles from downtown
This place is a gas. Named after streetlights of yore, this historic district has come a long way from its days as a seedy pleasure-town for grog-swilling seamen. Today its quaint Victorian buildings are crammed with eateries and bars. Devour a juicy steak at Greystone, sample rare brews at Tipsy Crow and shake your moneymaker at F6ix hip-hop club.
Places to stay from $34 a night
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Pacific Beach
7.8 miles from downtown
Livin’ is easy in PB. Happy youthful faces abound, welcoming you to their world of fun and sun. Join boarders in the surf or dangle your legs off Crystal Pier, shooting the breeze ‘til sunset. After dark, Garnet Avenue’s slew of bars keep the party going. Head to Tap Room for home-brewed ales, or Bub’s Dive Bar for good ol’ American fare. Far out!
Places to stay from $29 a night
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Downtown San Diego
In downtown
Won’t you take me down to Funkytown? This busy area moves and shakes with the best of them. During the day, PETCO Park buzzes with baseball buffs and Little Italy’s pizzerias reverberate with clinking cutlery and delighted diners. At night, the clubbers come out to the Gaslamp Quarter, filling the dance floors at Onyx Room or Stingaree.
Places to stay from $26 a night
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Little Italy
0.9 miles from downtown
Mamma mia! An influx of Italian tuna fishermen gave this neighborhood a splash of Old-World color back in the day. Though most have long since hauled anchor, you can still munch meatballs at Mona Lisa or Pappalecco. And don’t miss Little Italy Mercato, a street market awash with green smoothies, gourmet tamales and stuffed sea urchins. Buon appetito!
Places to stay from $26 a night
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La Jolla
10.6 miles from downtown
"I don’t wanna brag, but I’m kind of a big deal." Sun-kissed celebs splurge in Girard Avenue’s high-end boutiques. Bigwigs of science and politics stay classy in La Jolla Cove’s swanky seafood joints. And if you prefer starfish to stardust, don your snorkel and plunge into the teeming waters of La Jolla Underwater Park.
Places to stay from $58 a night
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Old Town
3.2 miles from downtown
The birthplace of California. In 1769, Spanish explorers set up camp in Presidio Park, firing the starting pistol on California’s colonization. In Old Town, you’ll get a glimpse of San Diego’s infancy. Budding prospectors can pan for gold at Mormon Battalion Museum, while thrill-seekers test their nerve at Whaley House, haunted since 1852.
Places to stay from $83 a night
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Coronado
2.3 miles from downtown
Coronado’s a place for California dreamin’. Across the bay from the city, it’s got a family-friendly, small-town feel. Mamas and papas bring their rug rats to pristine Coronado Beach, famous for its gentle surf and fine, white sand. Stop into a hotel that you pass along the way – iconic Hotel Del has dominated the beachfront for 125 years.
Places to stay from $89 a night
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Ocean Beach
5.7 miles from downtown
Surf’s up dude! Once known as Mussel Beach, this chilled-out seaside paradise swapped mussels for muscles – these days it’s toned surfers who slink over the sands. OB’s still riding the waves of 60s far-outness; the bongos, hula hoops and amorous twenty-somethings speak for themselves. For that classic California sunset, head up to Sunset Cliffs.
Places to stay from $34 a night
About San Diego
Including tips for the best time to visit San Diego
Situated on the west coast of the United States, San Diego is synonymous with blue ocean waves, warm California sun and relaxed neighbourhoods. With the Mexican border just about 28 kilometres from the city, San Diego is the southernmost city in California.
The Maritime museum of San Diego preserves the naval heritage of the country and offers a huge collection of historic vessels, including Star of India – the world’s oldest active ship. You can step inside these vessels to discover a world of maritime history and fascinating voyages. The longest serving American aircraft carrier, USS Midway, serves as an interactive museum that hosts events and educational programmes, and features an extensive collection of restored aircrafts. Narrated by Midway sailors, your audio guide will help you explore the engine rooms, sleeping quarters and the officers' quarters among other locations.
Owing to its location and year-round pleasant temperature, San Diego is the ideal destination for sea and sun lovers. The white-sand beach of Coronado is a popular location for watersports and seafood dishes. You can sit back and relax at the Cardiff State Beach and watch surfers ride glittering blue waves. If you wish to experience the nightlife of San Diego, try to stop at the Pacific Beach and go bar hopping.
San Diego has a wide number of activities to offer to its visitors. From visiting the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld aquarium to admiring panoramic views of the sea from Sunset Cliffs, this Californian city promises you a memorable holiday.
Tonight
From $167 per night
This weekend
From $208 per night
Next weekend
From $160 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | USD |
| Language | |
| Average weekend price | $250 per night |
| Average weekday price | $257 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in San Diego
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in San Diego
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La Jolla Cove
11.6 miles from downtown
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Seaport Village
0.6 miles from downtown
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Petco Park
0.4 miles from downtown
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USS Midway Museum
0.7 miles from downtown
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Qualcomm Stadium
5.5 miles from downtown
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Coronado Bridge
1.7 miles from downtown
San Diego reviews
What other travelers say about San Diego
I visit the probably the least visited parts of San Diego,...
September 21, 2023
I visit the probably the least visited parts of San Diego, as I'm not fond of crowds. I walked the entirety of Mission Beach and Belmont Park. I visited Liberty Station, and walked the Naval Training Center Park and Esplanade, even going under a bridge and on to Spanish Landing. I also visit Cabrillo Pt National Monument and the tide pools, especially at low tide. Ocean Beach is OK, but I like it best when they have the weekly Farmers Market, which lately has been Wednesdays,
My favorite spots, believe it or not was using the highways.
September 16, 2023
My favorite spots, believe it or not was using the highways. The scenic view from them is incredible, especially if you're a passenger and getting around San Diego was easy. If I lived there, my commute to and from work would take less than half the time that it does here close to Seattle. Everywhere seemed to be within 15-25 minutes away, even during the busy hours of the day.
We enjoyed the Gaslamp Breakfast Place in the Gaslamp...
September 14, 2023
We enjoyed the Gaslamp Breakfast Place in the Gaslamp Quarter. Walking around downtown was cool although there was too much trash in the gutters and there were lots of trip hazards on the sidewalks. The roads were in lousy condition too. But the businesses were vibrant and we went to the top of a boutique hotel to see the 360 degree views of the city. We also went to the Midway Museum (very interesting) and had brunch on Flagship Tours' cruise. We were surprised how little parking there was, downtown and near the harbor. We enjoyed our anniversary lunch at the restaurant Coasterra which had fabulous views of the city. I had fun shopping at Nordstrom and Louis Vuitton in the Fashion Valley shopping center. We also loved a particular artist, Carlo Miranda, at San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Difficult parking there as well. The park was packed with people.
Plenty of beaches to choose from.
September 10, 2023
Plenty of beaches to choose from. Hiking areas, shopping, family fun, deal watching. We chose more of a private experience no Zoo or Lego land. Torrey Pines beach and hiking incredulity beautiful. Swimming in Ocean Beach and walking in La Jolla. Amazing air and weather, great experience with other drivers on the road. Cute shops in old town and tasty Mexican food and fish everywhere. The drive on I-5 is beautiful and the Coronado bridge and island stay was awesome.
I stayed the night before at the Hilton hotel we didn’t...
September 5, 2023
I stayed the night before at the Hilton hotel we didn’t enjoy the stay!! The food was to expensive and horrible especially breakfast very bad I paid$100 dollars for breakfast it’s the worst food ever!!!!for than we went to courtyard it was the best for my family 👍👍😘I give them 5 stars ⭐️ thanks 🙏
San Diego was awesome, every day we did multiple things.
September 3, 2023
San Diego was awesome, every day we did multiple things. Market @ Little Italy was great. Breakfast Cruise around the Harbor was so much fun. Movie on rooftop of Hyatt Hotel was a must but bring a blanket or something to keep you warm.
Popular places to stay in San Diego
Stay in some of the best accommodations San Diego has to offer
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101-LUXURY1 Mission Beach, San Diego
From $363.50 per night
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Ocean Beach Retreat 2BR Newly Remodeled, 2 Blocks to Sand and Shops Ocean Beach, San Diego
From $215.63 per night
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The Laurel Loft San Diego, United States of America
From $184 per night
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Family home close to all, brand new, with rooftop terrace San Diego, United States of America
From $400 per night
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Ocean View Luxury Condo Oceanfront and Pool Pacific Beach, San Diego
From $617.75 per night
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Other accommodations in San Diego
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Apartments
From $95 per night
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Cottages
From $58 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $96 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $58 per night
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Guest houses
From $74 per night
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Hostels
From $26 per night
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Motels
From $50 per night
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B&Bs
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $74 per night
