About San Diego

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Southern California, San Diego beckons with its irresistible blend of natural beauty and vibrant urban charisma. Here, the azure waves of the Pacific Ocean meet the lush greenery of Balboa Park, home to world-class museums and the renowned San Diego Zoo. Stroll through the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where Victorian-era architecture meets a bustling nightlife scene, or find tranquility in the serene Japanese Friendship Garden. With nearly perfect weather year-round, San Diego is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, offering endless opportunities for surfing, hiking, and exploring the rugged coastline. Savor the flavors of the city's diverse culinary scene, from fish tacos on the beach to innovative farm-to-table cuisine.

Whether you're unwinding on one of the many pristine beaches or embracing the city's rich cultural offerings, San Diego welcomes you with open arms and a promise of unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Tourist Attractions : 15

1: San Diego Zoo

Pandas, penguins, and rare plant life are just a hint of what one will see when visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Throughout its 100 acres, one sees some of the most intriguing and rarely seen animals lounge in their natural, expansive habitats. With more than 4000 animals representing 800 species, the San Diego Zoo stands out among other zoos for its diverse wildlife. See hippos swimming alongside buffalos and koalas climbing in Eucalyptus trees. Lush tropical pathways are thriving with botanical species that are both beautiful and exotic.

2: Balboa Park

Balboa Park is where the arts, culture, and history of San Diego come together to create a 1200-acre wonderland filled with unforgettable experiences for people of every age. Thriving botanical beauty flourishes throughout and surrounds 15 museums, musical theatres, exotic gardens, fabulous restaurants, upscale shopping, the San Diego Zoo, and exquisite Spanish Moor architecture. Known as America’s largest urban cultural park, more than 500000 visitors come each year to delight in the beauty and stunning attractions of Balboa Park.

3: Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach, located on the ocean side of Coronado Island, is the ideal setting to surf, swim or snooze in the sun. Voted the No. 2 beach in America and the No. 1 family beach, the pretty white sands, and refreshing ocean waters attract both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to relax, play, and watch the sun as it sets over the Pacific. There’s much to do, from beach volleyball to whale watching in the winter. Because of its location, the views of San Diego from this beach are panoramic.

4: Reuben Fleet Science Center

Children of all ages are in for a real treat when visiting the Reuben Fleet Science Center. From virtual reality to interactive exhibits and the world’s first IMAX Dome Theatre, most folks are having too much fun to realize they’re learning. In the IMAX Theatre, see the films on the planet and feel the sensation of floating in space. Travel from outer space to under the ocean and see the planetarium shows. Then, tour the more than 100 touchable, try able exhibits in five different galleries.

5: Natural History Museum

The San Diego Natural History Museum is the second oldest scientific institution in Southern California, home to several intriguing exhibits. Watch in wonder how the Foucault pendulum swings back and forth, knocking over different dominoes throughout the day, signifying the Earth’s rotation. Invented in 1851 by French physicist Jean Foucault, observers enjoy learning how the pendulum works. Located in Balboa Park, the family-friendly San Diego Natural History Museum is the oldest scientific institution in Southern California & the third oldest west of the Mississippi.

6: Petco Park

Petco Park is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity & unique spirit of our region. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget.

7: San Diego Convention Center

The San Diego Convention Center, designed by Arthur Erickson, a Canadian architect, is in the Marina District near the Gaslamp Quarter. Boasting more than 600000 sq ft of exhibition space, it is the 24th largest facility of its kind in North America. The roof of the Sails Pavilion is the building’s most distinctive feature. The Teflon-coated fiberglass panels summon images of ship sails and reflect the maritime history of San Diego. Another unique feature is the outdoor inclined elevator. Completed in 1989 and expanded 12 years later, the convention center hosts major political, business and entertainment events like the annual Comic Con Convention.

8: Maritime Museum

The world-renowned Maritime Museum of San Diego was founded in 1948 by a group of local historians and maritime experts. Here visitors from around the globe come to walk the decks of the magnificent Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Fully restored, the Star of India is lovingly maintained and sailed once a year. Listed among the top three maritime museums in the world, this is a must-see attraction.

9: Presidio Park

Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, the beginnings of customs within California, and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and central outdoor space to remember history. This national historic landmark reminds all who visit of the obstacles, successes, and struggles of the long period of colonization.

10: Immaculate Conception Church

Completed in 1917, the Immaculate Conception Church traces its history back to the first Catholic Mass celebrated in California. The current house of worship replaced an adobe structure built in 1851 & the bell tower houses one of the two original bells from the San Diego Mission. The other is at the Mission San Diego de Alcala.

11: Mormon Battalion Memorial

Serving with distinction during the Mexican American War, the volunteer Mormon Battalion was the only religiously based unit in U.S. military history. Commanded by Regular Army officers, this unit made a grueling overland march along the Santa Fe Trail from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to San Diego. Hands-on exhibits and other resources at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site tell the story of this unique military unit and its role in America's westward expansion. Located at Juan Street in Old Town San Diego is a museum with no entry fees & open seven days a week.

12: Old Town State Historic Park

Old Town State Park is known as the birthplace of California. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, a small group of Mexican settlers began building homes at the foot of the hillside below the first mission and Presidio. Because the wood was scarce at the time, sun-dried adobe bricks were used & thus, the buildings had a different look, brownish red color, and rough exterior. Today five of these original adobe structures still stand at La Casa de Estudillo, La Casa de Bandini, La Casa de Altamirano Pedrorena, and the Mason Street School, San Diego’s first one-room schoolhouse. Visitors to Old Town State Park can tour these original buildings, which now house restaurants, shops, and a museum.

13: Childrens Museum

The Children Museum in downtown San Diego is an environmentally sustainable building that provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families. It's a place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps, and educational programs. Across the street from the new building is a beautiful park, extending the museum visit outdoors with space for running, climbing, and picnics.

14: Uss Midway

The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier sits in San Diego at the Navy Pier, welcoming and enriching visitors. This interactive museum tells the story of its patriotic service and military operations. Re-live the legacy of the longest-serving aircraft carrier in US Naval history for 47 years. Midway Magic became a recognized term describing the tenacity of the Midway and its crew. When other ships broke down or headed for port, the Midway continued to respond, to perform from the end of WW-II through Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

15: Piazza Basilone Memorial

With tables and chairs, benches and stoops with a fountain constantly gurgling a serene background noise and the bay just within eyesight, this urban piazza in the heart of Little Italy is mesmerizing. Enjoy a coffee, a rendezvous, or a book while basking in the sunlight with a cool bay breeze. This memorial to neighborhood soldiers who died during the Korean War is a beautiful monument to these heroes. It serves as serene meadows in the middle of one of the busiest blocks in the city.

How To Reach

By Air - San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh Field is the main landing point for visitors. More than a dozen airlines serve this airport.

By Train - AMTRAK operates through San Diego connecting it to nearby cities. A commuter train is also operated by COASTER which provides limited and no services on weekends and Sunday respectively.

By Bus - Operators like Greyhound, Hoang Express, Inter Californias, Lux Bus and Mexi coach allow people to traverse to other cities.

By Water - The Cruise Ship Terminal in the city provides transportation to Los Angeles and Baja Mexico from the San Diego coast.

Getting Around - The most convenient way to get around the city is to rent a car. The streets laid on grid system are easy to navigate one just need to keep some coins handy for metered parking. Buses and trolleys can be taken to cover some major attractions in the city, but the MTS system is not very consistent. Plenty of taxis are available everywhere, but can cost pretty high.

Famous Eatables

Here are some famous dishes and places to eat in San Diego:

1. Fish Tacos:

- Specialty: San Diego is famous for its Baja-style fish tacos, typically featuring battered and fried fish topped with fresh salsa and creamy sauce, served in a soft corn tortilla.

- Where to Try: Head to places like Oscar's Mexican Seafood, South Beach Bar & Grille, or Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill for excellent fish tacos.

2. California Burrito:

- Specialty: A hearty burrito filled with carne asada (grilled beef), French fries, cheese, guacamole, and salsa.

- Where to Try: Try the California burrito at Lucha Libre Taco Shop or Santana's Mexican Food.

3. Carne Asada Fries:

- Specialty: A delicious combination of crispy French fries topped with grilled carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.

- Where to Try: Enjoy carne asada fries at Lolita's Taco Shop or California's Taco Shop.

4. Craft Beer:

- Specialty: San Diego is known for its craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering a wide range of local brews.

- Where to Try: Visit popular breweries like Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Ballast Point Brewing Company, and AleSmith Brewing Company.

5. Mexican Cuisine:

- Specialty: Explore authentic Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tamales, and mole.

- Where to Try: Las Cuatro Milpas and El Indio are well-regarded for their Mexican cuisine.

6. Shrimp and Seafood:

- Specialty: San Diego's coastal location makes it an ideal place for fresh seafood dishes, including shrimp tacos, ceviche, and seafood cocktails.

- Where to Try: Mariscos El Pescador and Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill are popular seafood spots.

7. Breakfast Burrito:

- Specialty: A hearty breakfast option filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and a choice of bacon, sausage, or chorizo.

- Where to Try: Visit Broken Yolk Cafe or Pipes Cafe for delicious breakfast burritos.

8. California Cuisine:

- Specialty: San Diego's farm-to-table restaurants offer fresh and innovative dishes featuring local ingredients.

- Where to Try: Try restaurants like The Patio on Goldfinch and Juniper & Ivy for California-inspired cuisine.

9. Gourmet Burgers:

- Specialty: Savor gourmet burgers with unique toppings and flavors.

- Where to Try: Hodad's and The Balboa Bar & Grill are known for their delicious burgers.

10. Sushi:

- Specialty: San Diego offers excellent sushi with a focus on fresh seafood.

- Where to Try: Sushi Ota and Sushi Tadokoro are highly regarded for their sushi offerings.

11. In-N-Out Burger:

- Specialty: This iconic California fast-food chain is famous for its classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

- Where to Try: There are multiple In-N-Out Burger locations throughout San Diego.

San Diego's culinary scene is a delightful mix of Mexican influences, fresh seafood, craft beer, and diverse cuisine options. Explore the city's eateries to discover the flavors of Southern California.

Weather & Quick Info

San Diego is a famous tourist destination for beach & history lovers and adventure seekers.

The best Months To Visit are from March to May and September to November.

The ideal time required to explore San Diego is 3-4 days.

San Diego has many nearby tourist destinations like Solvang, Catalina Island, Mammoth Lakes & many more.

Hotels

La Pensione Hotel

Price: $ 160.00

Updated 25 Aug 2020

Hotel

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-SAN DIEGO Star Rating:
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published on 2020-08-25

Horton Grand

Price: $ 130.00

Updated 25 Aug 2020

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published on 2020-08-25

Tour Packages

Balboa Park Tour

Price: $ 109/person

Updated 12 Feb 2018

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Organizer : San Diego Segway Tours
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Published on: 2018-02-12 16:48:29

Historic Helicopter Tour

Price: $ 85/person

Updated 13 Feb 2018

Historical/Monument