San Diego – home to gorgeous beaches, funky neighborhoods and old-school Californian charm. Watch the video for a first look, then use the guide below to plan your trip.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
San Diego at a glance
| State | California, on the border with Mexico |
| Airport | San Diego International (SAN), just a few miles from downtown |
| Climate | Mild all year; often cloudy mornings in May and June |
| Best months | September–November and March–May for fewer crowds |
| Ideal stay | 3 to 5 days |
When to go
San Diego is pleasant year-round. Summer is the busiest and most expensive season. Locals talk about “May Gray” and “June Gloom”, when the coast is often overcast in the mornings. Fall usually brings warm, sunny days with fewer families and lower hotel prices.
Getting around
- From the airport: SAN sits right next to downtown, so taxis and rideshares are short. Public buses also connect the terminals with downtown.
- Trolley and buses: the MTS trolley links downtown, Old Town and the border at San Ysidro.
- Rental car: useful for La Jolla, Torrey Pines, the beaches up the coast and day trips. Downtown parking can be expensive, so check your hotel’s parking fee.
Where to stay
- Gaslamp Quarter / downtown: restaurants, nightlife and walkable to the waterfront.
- Little Italy: calmer, with excellent food and a Saturday farmers’ market.
- Pacific Beach / Mission Beach: beach life and a younger crowd.
- La Jolla: upscale, scenic and quieter.
- Coronado: wide beaches and a relaxed resort feel.
Top things to do
- Balboa Park: gardens, museums and Spanish-style architecture. Walking the park is free; museums charge admission.
- San Diego Zoo: located in Balboa Park; plan at least half a day.
- La Jolla Cove: sea lions, tide pools and coastal walks.
- Coronado Beach: one of the city’s best-known beaches, next to the historic Hotel del Coronado.
- USS Midway Museum: a former aircraft carrier on the downtown waterfront.
- Old Town: historic buildings and Mexican restaurants.
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: easy cliff-top trails above the ocean.
Money-saving tips
- Visit outside summer and holiday weekends, when hotel prices are highest.
- Compare hotels with and without parking fees if you plan to rent a car.
- Enjoy the free attractions: beaches, coastal walks and Balboa Park’s gardens cost nothing.
- If you plan to cross into Tijuana, bring your passport or passport card and check the current border wait times and travel advisories first.
Compare hotel prices for your dates
Compare hotels for your exact dates and look for rates with free cancellation.
Last reviewed: October 31, 2026. Opening hours and admission prices can change; check the attractions’ official websites before you go.
