{{This post might contain affiliate links. If you use any of these links to buy a product, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you}}. Read my full disclosure for more details.

 

|Updated on November,30,2024|

 

Planning a trip to San Diego, but unsure where to start? I’ve put together the ultimate San Diego travel guide to make your trip easier, more entertaining, and unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting for a 2-4 day trip or a short weekend getaway, this San Diego guide will help you discover the top activities, must-see attractions, and essential travel tips to make the most of your time in the city.

 

With this travel guide, you’ll be able to explore all the best places in San Diego quickly and efficiently.

 

San Diego is the second-largest city in California, located in the south, known for its white-sand beaches and mild climate. Being so close to the Mexican border, San Diego boasts some of the best tacos I’ve ever eaten.

 

While San Diego’s average weather is fantastic, it’s important to note that the city is subject to wildfires during the dry season. Be prepared!

 

I fell in love with San Diego the moment I exited the taxi. An unusual, indescribable feeling made this city feel special in my heart.

 

This city was so different from Los Angeles or San Francisco that I even thought I might want to move here one day.

Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: Top Activities, Attractions, and Tips

How to Get Around San Diego Without a Car

Traveling around San Diego is easy with several transportation options, each offering different advantages depending on your needs.

 

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) provides a reliable and affordable way to travel within Downtown, Mission Valley, and other central neighborhoods. The bright red trolley, which costs $2.50 per ride offers scenic views as it connects key areas like Old Town, Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter. Bus rides also cost $2.50, with a day pass for unlimited rides priced at $6.50.

 

For more flexibility, biking is a popular option in San Diego, especially with the city’s bike-share programs. Companies like Lime and Lyft offer bike rentals starting at $1 per ride, with additional charges for time used. Bike lanes and paths are common in neighborhoods like North Park and Mission Bay, making biking a fun way to explore.

 

If you prefer door-to-door service, Uber or Lyft are widely available. Fares vary depending on distance and demand, but a short ride within the city typically costs between $10–$20.

 

To simplify navigating San Diego’s transit system, the MTS app and Google Maps provide real-time schedules and route planning, ensuring an easy travel experience.

 

Don’t miss local San Diego events when you visit. Find the San Diego events 2024-2025 here.

Best Places to Stay for First-Time in San Diego

As a budget traveler, I always recommend staying in hostels, and I often do it myself. They’re affordable, centrally located, and a great way to meet other travelers. Hostels are affordable, often centrally located, and provide opportunities to meet fellow travelers. This time I chose the Hi San Diego Downtown Hostel.

 

The location of the Hi San Diego Downtown Hostel was perfect, within walking distance of many sightseeing spots. It was clean, had great amenities, and plenty of bathrooms on the floor (a must for us girls, so no waiting for a shower!).

 

The people in San Diego are incredibly friendly. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations on places to eat or visit—they’re always happy to help!

 

If you would like to stay in a private apartment instead, I suggest checking apartments with water views in San Diego.

Top Things to Do and See in San Diego

1. Explore La Jolla

You can’t leave San Diego without visiting La Jolla shores. This is one of the most iconic spots in San Diego. La Jolla Shores is a coastal neighborhood offering stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and spectacular views. Often referred to as the “Jewel” of San Diego, it’s one of the top beach destinations in the world.

 

If you ever want to learn how to surf, this is an ideal place, as the reefs often cause the waves to break perfectly. Most attractions in La Jolla are within walking distance, so you can park your car and explore on foot. My favorite parts of La Jolla were:

 

• Scripps Pier: The perfect spot for capturing stunning photographs of La Jolla. The iconic pier offers great views and is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
• Children’s Pool: A unique part of La Jolla where you can see seals up close. It was my first time observing seals in their natural habitat, and it was delightful to watch them lounging on the rocks, soaking up the sun with their families.

 

2. Discover Balboa Park, San Diego

It is a cultural place with many museums, San Diego’s famous Zoo, and plenty of gardens.

 

This is another must-see during your visit to San Diego. We explored the park by bike, which made our experience incredibly convenient. We didn’t have to worry about parking, and it kept our San Diego trip stress-free.

 

Renting a bike was a breeze. We simply located the nearest bike-sharing station, which was conveniently close to the Zoo.

 

This expansive park offers enough activities to fill a whole day, so plan your time accordingly. Some attractions are free, while others require an admission fee (prices vary). If you intend to visit multiple attractions, consider purchasing a pass to save money.

 

Balboa Park is an ideal spot for spending time alone or with family. It provides a wide range of attractions and activities for everyone, ensuring there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.

3. Experience San Diego Bay Harbor

One of the best and not-miss things to do in San Diego is to enjoy the amazing skyline views. To get that experience, you must visit San Diego Bay (Harbor).

 

My favorite way to enjoy the beauty of the Bay is by walking along its shores, soaking in the water views, and letting the calm atmosphere help me relax and clear my mind.

4. Explore Gaslamp Quarter

Explore the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, a vibrant district brimming with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

This historic neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere, with Victorian-era buildings housing modern bars, trendy boutiques, and diverse eateries. It’s a great place to stroll around day or night—whether you’re browsing art galleries, enjoying local cuisine, or simply soaking in the energy of the area.

 

5. Watch the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Watch a sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The best spot for a romantic sunset, especially for couples. If you’re in San Diego from mid-December to April, you might even catch the gray whale migration for an unforgettable view.

 

Get your San Diego Pass here and save Up to 55% on Top Attractions.

6. Visit Coronado Island

Visit Coronado Island.The best way to reach Coronado is by taking the Coronado Ferry from the San Diego waterfront to Ferry Landing. Enjoy the iconic 15-minute ride for just $9. Once there, explore the charming downtown with its lovely shops and eateries, or relax by the water on one of the many benches with a beautiful view.

 

Check out Coronado Beach. One of San Diego’s top beaches, Coronado Beach boasts wide stretches of clean, fine white sand and clear waters, making it a must-visit destination.

 

Visit the Hotel del Coronado. A historic landmark offering art exhibits and photographs that showcase its rich history.

 

Bike or Surrey Rentals: Rent a bike or pedal-powered surrey to explore Coronado and its surroundings at your own pace.

7. Savor San Diego Favorite Food

Don’t miss out on San Diego’s famous tacos, especially the fresh seafood varieties. I had the shrimp tacos, and they were delicious. San Diego is a taco lover’s paradise, so make sure to try a few different types while you’re here!

8. Visit the Biggest Zoo in the USA

I highly suggest exploring the San Diego Zoo if you like outdoor activities. San Diego Zoo is renowned as the #1 zoo in the world. Though it’s a bit pricey—$74 for adults and $64 for children for a 1-day pass—it’s well worth the visit. Founded over 100 years ago, the zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals. Plan at least 3-4 hours to fully explore and enjoy all it has to offer.

9. Visit Mount Soledad

Get a 360-degree panoramic view of San Diego from Mount Soledad.

 

Mount Soledad, situated primarily in La Jolla with part of it extending into Pacific Beach, is renowned for its veterans memorial and stunning city views. It’s the perfect spot to watch sunrises, and sunsets, or simply enjoy the panoramic scenery during the day or night.

 

For nearby road trips, Los Angeles and San Francisco are excellent choices. Both cities offer fantastic weather and incredible views, making them ideal destinations for a road trip from San Diego.

 

Related articles:

|Ultimate New Orleans travel guide 

|Ultimate travel packing guide

FAQs About San Diego

• How is San Diego different from other California cities?

San Diego is smaller than cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, which contributes to its quieter and safer atmosphere. It boasts stunning natural scenery, beautiful beaches, and a generally mild climate

• What is the most touristy area in San Diego?

The most popular neighborhood in San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and numerous shops and restaurants.

• Is the ocean warm in San Diego?

In the summer, the ocean temperature in San Diego is typically in the low 70s°F, making it quite pleasant for swimming. However, during the non-summer months, water temperatures can drop to as low as 50°F.

 

Final Thoughts

My trip to San Diego was amazing. I loved everything I experienced there: the beautiful weather, delicious food, friendly people, and my hostel accommodation. This San Diego travel guide is perfect for a 2-3-day visit, covering all the must-see attractions and activities the city has to offer. Have a fantastic trip!

 

Have you been to San Diego before? What did you like best? Or what didn’t you enjoy as much? Did you take any San Diego tours?

 

 

Save this for later