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San Diego is a popular destination with its sunny weather, beautiful coastline, and delicious Mexican food. People come here to enjoy the beaches, such as Mission Beach for surfing, La Jolla for sunbathing, and Coronado for a relaxed stroll by the sea. San Diego also offers exciting California tours like whale watching, boat tours, and fishing charters. And when you want to dress up a bit, there are vibrant nightlife spots scattered throughout the city, particularly near the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
March through May and September through November are the best times to visit San Diego. These seasons offer great travel deals compared to the busy summer season. However, thanks to the year-round warm weather, which averages around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, any time is a good time to visit. Keep in mind that May and June tend to have overcast days, locally known as “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” If you’re hoping for sunny beach days, it’s best to avoid the winter months when San Diego experiences the most rainfall and the ocean waters are too cold for swimming.
Here are some of our favorite things to do while visiting San Diego. Pick your favorite!
Balboa Park, located in downtown San Diego, is a renowned 1,200-acre park that serves as the city’s cultural hub. It offers various activities such as strolling, biking, and picnicking. As you explore the park, you’ll come across beautiful gardens …
Belmont Park, an amusement park and boardwalk located in San Diego, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city. Open since 1925, this beachfront park has something to offer for everyone. Thrill-seekers can experience the excitement of …
Looking for a cheaper alternative to SeaWorld San Diego? Look no further than the small aquarium in La Jolla. Situated at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, the Birch Aquarium provides stunning views of the …
Located at the southernmost tip of Point Loma, you’ll discover the Cabrillo National Monument. This monument commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to navigate the California coast in 1542. It’s situated approximately 10 …
Children’s Pool in La Jolla Children’s Pool beach in La Jolla is a delightful destination for animal enthusiasts. To create a peaceful environment, a seawall was constructed in the 1930s to calm the sometimes rough waves along the California coast, …
Coronado Beach, located across the bay from San Diego, is a popular shoreline that offers a more relaxed experience compared to Mission Beach. It is favored by families and couples due to its spacious shoreline, clean sands, serene atmosphere, and …
The Gaslamp Quarter spans across 16 blocks and is filled with charming Victorian-style buildings that now house a variety of shops, art galleries, theaters, and trendy restaurants. You’ll also find numerous bars and clubs in the area. This vibrant …
La Jolla Cove, situated opposite La Jolla Shores, is a stunning location known as the gem of La Jolla. Although it may not offer a vast beach area, its remarkable charm and excellent snorkeling opportunities compensate for that, according to …
La Jolla Shores is a popular spot known for its calm waves and active beach enthusiasts. It’s a great place to unwind and spend a few hours. People from the local community as well as tourists visit this beach to surf, observe marine life, and enjoy …
Legoland California is not just about plastic building blocks. It’s a fantastic amusement park and one of the top California theme parks. You’ll find over 60 rides to enjoy and a spacious 10-acre water park with exciting slides. Don’t miss the …
When you’re feeling hungry near the San Diego Bay, head over to Liberty Public Market. It’s located in the Arts District of Liberty Station, housed in a former Navy training building. This vibrant market is home to over 30 food stalls, each with its …
In Little Italy, you’ll find the charming Piazza della Famiglia. This European-style plaza is located between Columbia and India streets. It’s a vibrant neighborhood filled with an array of delightful places to explore. From cozy restaurants and …
Step aboard the Maritime Museum in San Diego to immerse yourself in the vibrant history of the city as a thriving seaport. Get hands-on and explore various remarkable vessels, ranging from majestic sailing ships to impressive submarines. Don’t miss …
Mission Beach is a beloved destination among families in San Diego. It offers an array of amenities and has a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to many. The beach boasts a charming 2-mile-long boardwalk, perfect for leisurely strolls. If you’re …
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is located in La Jolla, which is situated less than 3 miles south of La Jolla Shores. It was constructed in 1954 as a tribute to all U.S. veterans, both living and deceased, from the Revolutionary War up to …
Discover the charm of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, a preserved area that takes you on a journey through California’s history. This mile-long and half-mile-wide space showcases a collection of restored shops and houses, offering a glimpse …
Pacific Beach is a well-liked beach in San Diego, especially among college students who enjoy its vibrant ambiance and the fact that it’s close to bars and restaurants. If you’re a family seeking a more peaceful stretch of sand, you might consider …
Petco Park is often regarded as one of the best baseball stadiums in the country. It’s a must-visit for fans of the San Diego Padres or anyone who wants to enjoy a baseball game while taking in the beautiful San Diego skyline. The stadium was …
San Diego is renowned for its beautiful beaches and beach activities, making it an ideal city to explore from the ocean. The Embarcadero area offers a variety of cruise options, each offering a unique experience. To find the perfect cruise for you, …
San Diego is a popular place for golfers because it offers over 70 courses and pleasant weather throughout the year. The city operates three municipal golf courses that are highly regarded in the area. Balboa Park Golf Course provides scenic views …
Located within the vast Balboa Park, covering an area of 100 acres, the San Diego Zoo holds the distinction of being one of the largest zoos in the United States. It is renowned for its extensive collection of rare and endangered animals, boasting …
The Safari Park in Escondido, located approximately 35 miles north of the San Diego Zoo, provides an opportunity to experience more of the zoo’s wonders. At this park, you’ll have the chance to observe Africa’s cherished creatures, such as lions, …
Seaport Village is a delightful destination in San Diego where you can enjoy various activities. Whether you love watching ships, sipping coffee, or shopping for souvenirs, this place has it all. It’s conveniently located on the San Diego …
San Diego’s beaches, especially Pacific and Mission beaches, offer wildlife sightings, but nothing compares to the captivating performances at SeaWorld. At this marine park, you’ll have the opportunity to witness an array of fascinating animals, …
Sesame Place is a fun-filled destination designed especially for kids, inspired by the beloved “Sesame Street” TV series. You’ll step into a vibrant neighborhood that looks just like the set of the show, complete with famous spots like Hooper’s …
Silver Strand State Beach, located between Coronado and Imperial Beach, is a beautiful coastal area that offers stunning views of both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Spanning 2 ½ miles along the ocean and an additional half-mile along the bay, …
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, located near Cabrillo National Monument, is a fantastic spot to enjoy ocean views in Point Loma. It spans 68 acres and stretches along the western shoreline of the Point Loma peninsula for about 1.5 miles. The park …
At Torrey Pines Gliderport, travelers can experience the unique coastal beauty of Torrey Pines from a fresh perspective. Known as one of California’s top destinations, this gliderport offers thrilling activities like paragliding, hang gliding, …
Welcome to this oceanfront reserve, a stunning natural paradise covering 1,750 acres of untouched land. It’s home to a special species called the Torrey pine, which happens to be the rarest type of pine tree in America. You’ll find around 3,000 …
San Diego, a large military town, has numerous bases scattered throughout the city, particularly around parts of San Diego Bay. Among these sites is the USS Midway, which provides an exclusive glimpse into areas that are typically off-limits to the …