San Diego travel

San Diego

The San Diego surfer with tousled hair, a great tan and gentle enthusiasm is not a myth; they look like they're on a perennial vacation, and when they wish you welcome, they mean it.

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Diego
Next to the new Waterfront Park, this collection of 11 historic sailing ships, steam boats and submarines is easy to spot: just look for the 100ft-high…
California Surf Museum
San Diego
It's easy to spend an hour in this heartfelt museum of surf artifacts, from a timeline of surfing history to surf-themed art and a radical collection of…
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
San Diego
On the site of San Diego's first European settlement, Old Town consists of a cluster of restored or rebuilt historic 19th-century buildings filled with…
New Children’s Museum
San Diego
This interactive children’s museum offers interactive art meant for kids. Installations are designed by artists, so tykes can learn principles of movement…
San Diego Main Library
San Diego
A couple blocks east of Petco Park, the city's recent landmark is a beauty. Crowned by a steel-and-mesh dome, the futuristic, nine-story library features…
San Diego Zoo
San Diego
This justifiably famous zoo is one of SoCal’s biggest attractions, showing more than 3000 animals representing more than 650 species in a beautifully…
Legoland California Resort
San Diego
A fantasy environment built largely of those little colored plastic blocks from Denmark. Many rides and attractions are targeted to elementary schoolers:…
SeaWorld San Diego
San Diego
Opened in San Diego in 1964, SeaWorld became one of California’s most popular theme parks. Visitors shuttle between aquatic-themed rides, animal…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Neighborhoods

From hikes out the backdoor to surfing out the front and awesome tacos just down the street, live the SoCal lifestyle in these San Diego neighborhoods.

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Day Trips

San Diego is famous for surf and sand, but drive in any direction and you'll see a different side to California. Here are our top day trips from San Diego.

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Free Things to Do

From compelling museums to some of the best beaches in the USA, San Diego teems with great free things to do.

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Traveling with Kids

There are very few places in the world that do family-friendly the way San Diego does. With cultural, adventurous and fun activities everyone will love.

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5 Shops

The sunny Southern California city has more than just beaches – check out these top independent retailers all over town.

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Articles

Latest stories from San Diego

Young friends hanging out on sunny beach

Tips & Advice

Here’s the best time to visit San Diego (plus a guide for what you’ll see in every season)

Oct 24, 2024 • 6 min read

San Diego is perfect at almost every time of year. Beaches call in summer but fall is prime hiking and surfing season. Read on for the best times to visit.