San Diego Travel Tips
1. Timing your visit
Spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) is ideal, mild weather (60s-70s°F), fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates. Summer’s busy and pricier; winter’s quieter but can be rainy and colder. If you come to San Diego during the winter and want to surf then make sure to bring a wet suit.
2. Getting around
Exploring San Diego by rental car or golf cart offers flexibility and fun. A rental car provides comfort and convenience, ideal for covering larger distances to attractions like Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, or Coronado Beach. With ample parking and reliable GPS, navigating the city is straightforward. Alternatively, a golf cart is perfect for short, scenic trips in areas like Mission Beach, Pacific Beach or La Jolla, offering an open-air experience and easy parking. Both options suit different vibes—cars for efficiency, golf carts for leisurely exploration—ensuring you soak in San Diego’s vibrant culture, and stunning coastlines.
3. Must See attractions
Balboa Park: A 1,200-acre urban park with 17 museums, and lush gardens. Explore the Spanish Colonial architecture and free gardens like the Alcazar Garden. Entry to the park is free, but the museums have admission fees.
San Diego Zoo: Located in the Balboa park area, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world. The zoo houses over 3,500 animals across more than 650 species and subspecies, including pandas.
La Jolla Cove: A stunning coastal spot with turquoise waters, and a sea lion viewpoint area. Kayak tours explore sea caves, and nearby Ellen Browning Scripps Park is perfect for picnics.
USS Midway Museum: A retired aircraft carrier on the downtown waterfront with 60 exhibits, including 29 restored aircraft. Self-guided audio tours take 3-4 hours. A perfect return to the past in our Maritime military hub.
Coronado Beach: A pristine beach with golden sand and views of the historic Hotel del Coronado. Ideal for swimming, surfing, or sunset strolls. Free entry, with nearby shops and cafes.
Gaslamp Quarter: A vibrant historic district with Victorian architecture, 200+ restaurants, and nightlife. Perfect for dining or evening walks. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s the perfect place to stop and grab a bite to eat when visiting the area.
SeaWorld: Offering thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and educational shows featuring orcas, dolphins, and other sea creatures. It combines family-friendly entertainment with conservation efforts, drawing millions of visitors annually.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: The “birthplace” of California, with restored 19th-century buildings, Mexican heritage sites. Free entry, with museums and tours at low or no cost. After your visit be sure to try authentic Mexican restaurants after visiting the park.
4. Food and Drink
Tacos: San Diego’s taco scene is legendary. Seek out local food trucks or nearby mexican restaurants, you will almost never be disappointed.
Craft Beer: Over 150 breweries—Stone, Ballast Point, and Modern Times are local faves. Grab a flight at a taproom ($10-15).
Farmers’ Markets: Little Italy Mercato (Saturdays) or Hillcrest (Sundays) for fresh produce and food stalls.
5. Local Tips
Dress: Casual rules—shorts, tees, flip-flops. Bring a light jacket; evenings cool off even in the summer (50s°F).
Sunset Cliffs is stunning. Bring a blanket and snacks—alcohol’s technically a no-go, but locals sip low-key.
Free Music Spots: Forget pricey concerts. Check out Winston’s in Ocean Beach for live bands most nights (cheap cover, cash-only bar). Or hit North Park’s Soda Bar for indie shows—locals love the $5-10 gigs with craft brews.
