Maybe I’m biased but I think San Diego is one of the BEST cities in the US. I’ve lived here for 8 years and I still find myself in awe of how great this city is. Whether you’re planning a trip to San Diego or you’re a local who’s looking for new things to do, this San Diego travel guide has you covered.
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San Diego Weather: The Best Time To Visit
San Diego has great weather year round, but contrary to popular belief, there are months when we HARDLY see the sun.
Best Months To Visit San Diego
My favorite months in San Diego are between late August to November. Our weather is the BEST during this time with more sunny days and the kids are back in school so it’s not as crowded as the summertime.
The Worst Months to Visit San Diego
As tempting as it is to visit San Diego in June or July, I do not recommend it. Majority of these months are overcast on the coast so I don’t recommend it if you’re planning on spending time on the coastline.
How To Get Around San Diego
My best recommendation would be renting a car for freedom and flexibility. Almost everything is around 20 minutes apart and driving here is very easy. Book Your Car Rental
Ubers/Lyft are also readily available in all of San Diego but the only downside is that this can be quite costly during peak hours.
The Best Hotels in San Diego
Intercontinental
For a stay downtown, the Intercontinental is a great choice. Guests can enjoy rooms with city & water views & a rooftop with a pool. Check Rates
Inn at Moonlight Beach
For a more off the beaten path and relaxing stay, I highly recommend the Inn at Moonlight Beach. This boutique hotel has a biodynamic farm where guests can harvest their own herbs, veggies, and fruit. It’s also closer to the laid back beach towns along the 101 and some popular trails. Check Rates
Alila Marea
When it comes to oceanfront hotels in San Diego, It doesn’t get any better than the Alila Marea. This luxury hotel has a gorgeous infinity pool and rooms facing the pacific. It’s located in Encinitas and like the hotel mentioned above, this area is perfect if you’re looking for the more laid back version of San Diego. Check Rates
Hotel Del Coronado
A hotel list for San Diego can’t be complete without mentioning the Hotel Del. This historic hotel is located in the beautiful Coronado Island with beautiful cabanas steps from the beach. Check Rates
Pendry San Diego
For a posh hotel in Downtown, I’d recommend checking out the Pendry. This hotel is located in Gaslamp which is the center of the nightlife scene in San Diego. Check Rates
Omni La Costa
For a family friendly hotel, it doesn’t get any better than Omni La Costa. There’s something for everyone here to enjoy including multiple pool areas, golf, and a spa. Check Rates
The Best Things to Do in San Diego
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of my favorite places to take someone visiting from out of town. There’s so much to do here from the museums to the Japanese Garden. Don’t miss the beautiful Palm Canyon trail during your visit.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is one of the most beautiful places to visit in San Diego. It’s a great place to snorkel and watch wildlife. This area where people go to watch the sea lions sunbathing along the beaches. It is important to keep your distance from them. Some tourists have been chased by sea lions & in worst cases, there have been sea lion related deaths due to tourists getting too close.
Gliderport
For a more thrilling experience in San Diego, you can book a Paragliding experience in Gliderport. Even if you’re not feeling adventurous, this is a great place to picnic or watch the gliders from the cafe nearby. On weekends they serve wood fired pizza! 🙂
Book Your Paragliding experience here
Wine Tasting
Did you know San Diego has wineries? Head 30 minutes inland and you’ll find some beautiful vineyards. Some great options are Cordiano Winery (book a table for sunset and bring an appetite!), Mia Marie, and Bernardo Winery.
Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise
The best kind of wildlife viewing happens in the wild. It doesn’t take long before you can spot dolphins from the coastline, but you have a chance to see hundrends of them when you go on a whale watching cruise. San Diego is also along the migratory path of Grey & Blue Whales so if you’re visiting in the winter & spring time you definitely need to book a whale watching tour.
Tijuana Mexican Street Food
Tijuana, MX is just a 20 minute drive from San Diego and tours like this make it easy to cross the border, eat some authentic street food, and have you back in the US all on the same day. You will need your passport for this experience. Book your tour
Catch a sunset in Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs is one of the most magical places to watch the sunset in San Diego, hence the name. Many locals & tourists gather here every afternoon to watch the sunset. Most people park alongside the street or you can drive all the way down to the end of the road & up Ladera St. for bigger parking lots.
Tip: If you’re here on a negative tide, check out Sunset Cliffs Cave. There are plenty of resources online that’ll give you directions.
Little Italy Farmers Market
The Little Italy Farmers Market is definitely the best & biggest one in San Diego. It happens every Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm and every Wednesday from 9:30am to 1:30pm.
The Best Hikes in San Diego
For a full guide to hiking in San Diego, check out this blog.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
This is a popular place to visit for hiking but for good reason. Free parking fills up fast but you can pay a fee to drive into their official parking lots. I recommend the Guy Fleming & Broken Hill trails.
Mission Trails
This is the closest hiking area to San Diego but just be aware that it is very busy here on weekends. Some of my favorite trails here are:
- Oak Canyon Trail 3.3 miles RT (Easy)
- Kwaay Paay Peak 2.4 miles RT (Moderate)
- Cowles Mountain 3 miles RT (Moderate)
Stonewall Peak
This hike is a little bit far but it’s worth the drive. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is an hour from San Diego but I think this hike is one of the most unique in the area. The views are great the whole way and the stone stairs at the top resembles a popular hike in Sequoia National Park. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on this trail.
3.8 Miles RT (Moderate)
Annie’s Canyon
For an easy and unique hike by the coast, head over to Annie’s Canyon. This hike takes you through a slot canyon and ends with a view of the lagoon & ocean.
Where to Eat in San Diego
San Diego has a pretty exciting culinary scene, you just need to go to the right places. I’ve listed some of my favorite restaurants by category:
Fancier Dinners
- Herb & Wood
- Animae
- Born & Raised
- Campfire
- Lion’s Share
- Roma Norte
Casual Eats
- Mitch’s Seafood
- The Balboa
- It’s Raw Poke
- The Holding Company
- Menya Ultra
Tacos
- Fish Guts
- Lola55
- The Taco Stand
- Oscars
- Tacos El Gordo
Sushi
- Azuki
- Soichi
- Cannonball
- ChefJUN
- Ken’s Sushi
Vegan
- Kindred
- Cesarina (Not fully vegan but they have a vegan menu)
- Trilogy
- Plumeria