San Diego, California is one of the most naturally blessed places in the world, with perfect weather, clean beaches, and SoCal charm.
Complimented by sweeping ocean views, San Diego is the perfect blend of modern life without the cold, robotic vibes of other big cities.
It’s also insanely easy to visit SD on a budget. This city welcomed me with open arms the minute I stepped off the plane. Now it’s your turn to fall in love with America’s Finest City.
Here is the ultimate guide to San Diego:
When to Visit San Diego
Is there really a wrong time to visit Southern California? Absolutely not.
However, if you’re aiming for that classical San Diego experience, visiting between June and September is your best bet. SD has a heavenly climate with temperatures ranging from the 50s and 60s at night to the high 70s during the day most of the year.
There are few rainy days in San Diego, meaning plenty of sunshine and blue skies.
How to get to San Diego
The San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most convenient, as you’ll fly directly into SD.
Down for a Drive?
- Flights are usually cheaper if you land in Los Angeles, and the drive to SD is about 2 hours.
- SD is a 6-hour drive from Las Vegas, which is much cheaper to fly into and rent cars from.
- You could also fly into Phoenix, a 5-hour drive from San Diego.
There are many life-changing stops on the way from either city, including Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, California.
Where to Stay in San Diego
To say I’m up-to-date with SD’s hotel scene would be an understatement! Read more:
Most Iconic Attractions in San Diego
If you’re limited on time or only have one day in SD these are the first attractions I’d recommend checking out-
Balboa Park
Balboa Park highlights the natural beauty of Southern California. If you ask the locals where they love spending time, Balboa Park is likely one of their first choices.
As the biggest city park in the nation, Balboa Park has it all:
Flower gardens, fountains, ponds, and a reflecting pool with ducks create an oasis vibe in the urban environment. Visiting Balboa feels like stepping into another world, and it’s safe to stroll around the park in the evening.
Balboa is home to many of San Diego’s Best Museums:
- The Museum of Us
- Natural History Museum
- The Air and Space Museum.
You might catch someone playing the gigantic outdoor pipe organ at the Spreckle’s Pavilion on a perfect day.
Downtown
If city life is your thing, San Diego has a lot.
Gaslamp District: SD is also famous for its historic and very walkable Gaslamp District, and this is where many of the most touristy restaurants and entertainment venues are.
Little Italy: A short stroll from the Gaslamp District will bring you to Little Italy, a cultural area with fantastic Italian eateries and wine bars. If you’re in the mood for indulgent Italian fare or gelato that will make your heart sing, then Little Italy is the place to be.
Whale Watching: You can take a whale-watching tour, or if you’re short on time, you can see whales from the shore with binoculars.
Sunset Cliffs
We’ve all seen those gorgeous pictures of sunsets on the ocean, and I know I love watching the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon.
Visiting Sunset Cliffs can be described as magical, romantic, spiritual, or all of the above.
This is the perfect location to look for hidden nooks and crevices. Standing on the cliffs as the cool ocean breeze blows through your hair and the waves break upon the shore is one of those experiences that will always stay with you. Sunset Cliffs have some of the best views in the city and are the perfect place to relax, meditate, and unwind after a day of adventure.
Old Town and Presidio Park
No trip to San Diego is complete without visiting Old Town! Let the Spanish architecture transport you back in time.
Today you’ll find a ton of authentic Mexican food and arts. Browse through specialty shops, take in the historic fountains, dine on cultural food, and watch the street mariachi bands. Groups will love this tales, tacos, and tequila tour of Old Town. Budget travelers can take this tour to see Old Town, The Gaslamp Quarter, and Coronado Island in a day
Presidio Park: If breathtaking views and historic sites are your cups of tea, Presidio Park is another must-see in SD. The park has a mission from the time of the first Spanish settlers and amazing views of the city.
Best Beaches in San Diego
San Diego is home to some of the most stunning beaches, and wherever you are in the city, the ocean is never far away. On a hot day, the water is refreshing. On other days it is invigorating (cold).
Best Beaches in San Diego:
- Ocean Beach is in a young, hipster neighborhood with a classic SoCal beach vibe, complete with surfers. The Ocean Beach Farmers Market has locally crafted art, produce, and live music on Wednesdays.
- Mission Beach has a fab boardwalk and a famed amusement park: Belmont Park.
- La Jolla Cove is best known for its seal beach. The seals are adorable, perfect in every way, and well worth seeing. Use a tripod to get the best photos of yourself with the seals. I like this inexpensive Bluetooth tripod from Amazon.
- Black’s Beach is famously clothing optional.
Note: Keep in mind that the Pacific Ocean remains relatively cold year-round, so if you’re planning on going for a swim, then brace yourself!
Where to Hike
Remember, SD is sunny nearly all year, and you don’t want to get caught without sunscreen or other hiking essentials. Pack appropriately, especially if you’ll be gaining elevation.
Sunset Cliffs Park Trail
This easy, 2.4-mile out-and-back trail takes about 52 minutes to finish. The Sunset Cliffs trail takes you along the cliff, so expect soothing ocean breezes and pelicans in the distance.
Balboa Park Loop
If you’re looking for a comfortable, fully customizable trail, you’re looking for Balboa Park Loop. At just under 5 miles, the entire loop takes about 2 hours to complete and takes you past all of Balboa’s key points.
Point Loma Tidepools and Coastal Trail
This trail is a mile’s worth of hiking through San Diego’s natural rock formations, colorful sea life, and sandstone cliffs, exposed at low tide. Point Loma Tidepools Coastal Trail takes around a half-hour to complete.
Fortuna Mountain Trail
At 6 miles, Fortuna Mountain Trail takes about 3 hours to finish and ends with lovely views of Cowles Mountain and (on a clear day) the Pacific Ocean.
Hidden Gems in San Diego
SD isn’t all beaches and Balboa. Here are some of the most unique things to do in San Diego:
Coronado Beach Fire Pits
At sunset, the fire pits on Coronado Beach come alive. The fires draw people from all walks of life, gathering to socialize as we humans have since the dawn of time.
I especially loved this experience, with messy smores and fires glittering in the background, the constant hum of the ocean, and the occasional friendly newbie wandering over.
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
This bridge is a thrill- a sharp gust of wind can make it sway! The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in the Bankers Hill neighborhood has panoramic views of Sessions Canyon 70 feet below.
How to get to Spruce Street Suspension Bridge: Turn west onto Spruce Street from First Avenue and drive down until the entrance is seen to get there. Parking is in a residential neighborhood, so be mindful and respectful.
Sunny Jim Cave
To get to Sunny Jim Cave, you must first visit a souvenir shop, The Cave Store.
In the back, you’ll find a tunnel dug in 1902 that descends over about 100 steps down into a sea cave known as Sunny Jim Cave.
Fun Fact: The cave was so named by Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum who said that the cave’s opening reminded him of a cartoon, Sunny Jim.
LGBTQ+
For decades the neighborhood of Hillcrest has been known as the hub for the LGBTQ+ community.
Although most of the city is inclusive, this is where all the gay bars and many LGBTQ+-owned businesses can be found, and there are tons of fun drag performances and events all year.
Day Trips from San Diego
Encinitas
Just north of San Diego, Encinitas, CA, has awesome beaches and fewer crowds.
Home to the Self-Realization Fellowship meditation garden situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean, Encinitas is the perfect spiritual retreat just half an hour from the city. As with any city that has a heavy Latin influence, consider a walking food tour of Encinitas.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA, is about 35 miles north of San Diego, and it’s home to the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Wandering through acres of commercial flowers is like something out of a fantasy novel!
Note: The flower fields are only open to the public from early April to May, but Carlsbad is a cute coastal town all year ’round.
Julian
Julian is high up in the mountains, one of the few places where you can find snow during San Diego’s mild winters. The tiny town of Julian is also famous for its apples and apple pies, so you can get a sweet treat after enjoying the scenic drive up the mountain.
Tijuana
Tijuana (known as TJ by locals) is just over the border. Many people visit TJ to get a taste of Mexico while still being close enough to San Diego to make a day trip of the experience. This guided tour of Tijuana leaves from San Diego and includes taco and craft beer stops.
Tip: Although Tijuana is relatively safe if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s a good idea to hire a guide or befriend a local who can tag along and ensure smooth sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in San Diego?
Yes! Summer water temperatures in San Diego run in the high 60s, perfect for swimming. Certain spots, like La Jolla Cove, get even warmer, sometimes in the 70s. Check out San Diego’s weather month-by-month.
Is San Diego Safe?
San Diego is much safer than most big US cities, but you should always take basic precautions.
What Places are safe to walk in San Diego at night?
All of San Diego’s main tourist areas, including the Zoo area, Old Town, La Jolla, and the Gaslamp Quarter, are all considered safe places to walk at night.
How Expensive is San Diego?
San Diego is completely affordable, and in this post, I share with you exactly how to visit San Diego on a budget or skip straight to finding cheap hotels in San Diego.
Is San Diego or LA more Expensive?
San Diego is about 8% more expensive to live in than Los Angeles. As for travel, San Diego and LA are similar enough that with the right budget travel skills, they cost roughly the same to travel to.
How far is San Diego from Mexico?
Many people don’t picture San Diego as a border town, and it really doesn’t feel like one. However, the border with Mexico is only 17 miles from city limits.
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