All about San Diego
When to visit
There are things to do in San Diego all year-round. Here, the weather is generally warm and the sun most likely will be shining. Its cool season is December–March, but even then temps are mild. Summer and school winter holidays bring more tourists, especially at the beaches. To avoid the rush, visit in the spring or fall.
Getting around
Downtown San Diego and surrounds have a convenient trolley system that connects to the city’s bus system. That said, San Diego is a sprawling city, so the most convenient way to get around is usually via car. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft and e-scooter rentals are options, too. The Coaster commuter rail service is a public transit mainstay, with eight stops between San Diego to Oceanside.
Traveler tips
Embrace the water when visiting San Diego. You can take a sailboat on the San Diego Bay, go on a kayak tour, or ride a sea bike in Mission Bay or La Jolla Cove. You can also spot maritime highlights like the Star of India, or surf just about anywhere along the coast. Remember, the water is chilly, with average summer temps of about 67°F (19°C). Reward yourself with SoCal specialties like fish tacos and margaritas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do in San Diego?
Soak up San Diego’s famous sunshine with a day swimming or surfing at one of the city’s many beaches. Get a dose of culture at a Balboa Park museums and take the kids to the San Diego Zoo. You can also explore Spanish history in Old Town, or enjoy the diverse nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter.
What is a good day trip from San Diego?
One popular day trip from San Diego is taking a ferry across San Diego Bay to charming Coronado Island. Another is driving to the posh seaside village of La Jolla. And it’s a quick trip to the historic missions of San Juan Capistrano and theme parks like LEGOLAND® and Disneyland®.
What’s San Diego known for?
San Diego is best known for its world-class beaches and warm, sunny weather. The most popular things to do in San Diego include visiting Balboa Park and Old Town. The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the famous San Diego Zoo are also essentials. The city is additionally known for sports teams like the Padres, who play at Petco Park.
What should I not miss in San Diego?
San Diego’s can’t-miss sights include beautiful Balboa Park and Ocean Beach. Then there are harborside attractions like the USS Midway Museum. It’s worth taking a ferry to historic Coronado Island, or planning a night of grown-up fun in the trendy Gaslamp Quarter.
Is San Diego worth visiting?
Yes. San Diego is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US for good reason. Miles of sandy beaches and nearly perfect weather year-round make it ideal for outdoor fun, including whale watching. There’s plenty of culture, too, from Old Town’s historic Spanish missions to the museums of Balboa Park.
What locals do in San Diego?
The best things to do in San Diego typically occur outdoors. Top activities include surfing at Mission Beach, tide pooling at Silver Strand, or hiking at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Find locally loved restaurants in Little Italy or Liberty Station at Point Loma, and go shopping in Seaport Village.
How can I spend 3 days in San Diego?
If you have 3 days to explore San Diego, spend your first day learning about California history. Head to Old Town, and getting cultured at Balboa Park’s museums. You should also dedicate a day to riding the ferry to Coronado Island (and spotting landmarks like the Hotel del Coronado) or driving down the coast to La Jolla. Finish with a day at the beach.