San Diego

Travel Guide

Ocean Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Ocean Beach showing general coastal views and a coastal town
Japanese Friendship Garden which includes a park
San Diego which includes swimming and a sunset as well as a small group of people
Balboa Park which includes a pond

On the sun-drenched Pacific coast, this Southern California city provides great beaches, a famous zoo, historic sites and exciting nightlife.

San Diego is one of the most populated U.S. cities, but its laid-back lifestyle and pleasant open spaces give it a crowd-free feel. Bring the family to enjoy zoos, parks and beaches or have a romantic holiday with winery tours, great food and cultural evenings.

In Balboa Park near downtown, the famous San Diego Zoo has giant pandas, koalas and more than 3,500 animals in natural habitats, as well as 700,000 exotic plants. See more wild animals or even spend the night at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park north of the city. Enjoy marine animals and rides at SeaWorld®.

Along the ocean northwest of downtown is La Jolla. Hike past craggy trees in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and watch for whales beyond the shoreline. Play at the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course or visit the beaches along this peninsula to swim and watch sea lions.

In San Diego Bay, tour the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier with 29 planes from World War II to Desert Storm as well as exciting flight simulators. A few blocks north is the Maritime Museum of San Diego, with restored tall ships from the days of early explorers.

San Diego has more than 70 miles (110 kilometres) of beaches for snorkeling, swimming, surfing and watersports. Enjoy the sands of Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Windansea Beach.

The city has abundant cultural attractions including more than 15 museums and performance venues in Balboa Park. Attend first-run and popular touring plays at La Jolla Playhouse.

Visit the Gaslamp Quarter to view historic Victorian homes and sample San Diego’s fine dining and exciting nightlife. See a professional baseball game at Petco Park or let the kids enjoy interactive exhibits at the New Children’s Museum.

Fly into San Diego International Airport or drive along the scenic coastal highway and stop to view the Pacific Ocean. Visit some of the county’s 100 wineries. End your days with sunsets at Cabrillo National Monument or La Jolla Cove.

Where to stay in San Diego

US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
Fun facts: 
✔️San Diego imports 168 million gallons of water a day. ✔️San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States. 

#LifeAtExpedia #HitTheBeach #JulyTheme

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Mission Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Beach
Pacific Beach Park showing a sandy beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(13 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

Pacific Beach
Gaslamp Quarter showing night scenes, a bar and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Lyceum Theatre – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Gaslamp Quarter
Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Ocean Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ocean Beach and Dog Beach.

Ocean Beach
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Mission Bay

If you're spending some time in Mission Bay, Mission Bay and Mission and Pacific Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Bay
Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1404 Vacation Rd San Diego CA
The price is RM609 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM609
RM906 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,428 reviews)
Stay was very nice, great views, good food, staff and service was excellent, however it could use some renovations. Buildings were very old.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Bay Club Hotel & Marina

Bay Club Hotel & Marina

3.5 out of 5
2131 Shelter Island Dr San Diego CA
The price is RM523 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
RM523
RM602 total
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,405 reviews)
Everything about our stay was wonderful and far above what we expected or hoped for. Thank you!!!

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Bay Club Hotel & Marina
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

4 out of 5
207 5th Ave San Diego CA
The price is RM758 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
RM758
RM1,067 total
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,333 reviews)
Staff was great!

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

4 out of 5
502 10th Avenue San Diego CA
Stay at this hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (701 reviews)
Was very clean, very simple, and in a great central spot to venture out. 💯🔥 and with my self kitchen was great addition

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

3.5 out of 5
701 A St San Diego CA
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
Like the room and amenities. Specially there are a little kitchenette and plates. Loved it.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

2.5 out of 5
819 University Ave San Diego CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (301 reviews)
Great location in Hillcrest for all the LGBT bars/clubs/restaurants. They are still renovating some sections. Hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating! The beds and pillows are SOO comfortable and clean!! Great stay for the price.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San Diego

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
120
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
51
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One of the best cities we have visited. Food, drink, entertainment and sightseeing excellent. Particularly recommend the USS Midway and South harbour cruise. The Queenstown pub near Little Italy had fabulous food and drink at reasonable prices!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We have family here so have been here many times before. We love Del Mar and Coronado.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love it! My new favourite place, everyone is so friendly and the views are so beautiful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved San Diego on the whole and would definitely come back!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

San Diego is a fantastic City, It has everything from fantastic beaches to a great selection of restaurants. the hotel location is approximately 10-15 minutes from the airport

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Not too much to see if you are not a family, but nice to compare with LA.

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