Plan Your Trip to San Diego: Best of San Diego Tourism
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7 best outdoor activities in San Diego
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve3,817Lace up your hiking boots and admire the Pacific Ocean panorama atop the bluffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. For an easy walk, I enjoy the one-mile Guy Fleming Loop. Covered in cacti and wildflowers, it features fantastic scenic points (keep your eyes peeled for dolphins!). If you want to see the reserve from all angles, follow the two-mile Beach Loop Trail. Tip: Make sure you only go at low tide.
- La Jolla Cove13,807The seals and sea lions of La Jolla Cove are endlessly entertaining—pups play in the water while elders bark orders. Rent a kayak for an up-close encounter with the pinnipeds, pelicans, and dolphins. I also like to scuba dive (or snorkel) among the cove’s kelp beds and search for reef sharks, octopi, rays, and garibaldi, California’s bright orange state fish. Prefer to stay dry? Snag a table on Brockton Villa’s deck overlooking the cove instead.
- Coronado Island3,068There’s nothing like feeling the sea breeze against your skin as you bike around Coronado island. The six-mile lap takes you past one of my favourite hotels in San Diego, the Hotel Del Coronado. In its heyday, the hotel was a hotspot for glamourous Hollywood stars; today, it’s a fun resort to pull over for a lunch break. Even the journey to Coronado is gorgeous: The ferry boasts the best views of the city skyline.
- Balboa Park13,139You can’t go to San Diego without visiting Balboa Park. Sprawling across 1,200 acres in the heart of the city, Balboa is an impressive compound of museums, theatres, and the world-famous zoo. However, its 19 underrated gardens are also worth your time. There are sections dedicated to lily ponds, cacti, roses, palm trees, and medicinal plants. The Zoro Garden—originally designed to be a nudist colony in the mid-1930s—is now a haven for butterflies and ficus trees.
- La Jolla Shores Park2,721Surfing is a way of life for many San Diego locals. Learn how to catch a wave at the beginner-friendly La Jolla Shores Park. If you’ve come with children in tow, they’ll love its mile-long stretch of sandcastle real estate and the large grass lawn with an oceanfront jungle gym. More experienced surfers can head north toward Scripps Pier and Blacks Beach (note: topless tanning is common here).
- Torrey Pines Gliderport1,478Soar in the sky over the ocean with a tandem paragliding experience at Torrey Pines. The gliderport has been active for over a century, and you’ll find paragliders and hang gliders here whenever the weather is clear. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, it’s still a great spot to go for the bird’s-eye views and excellent coffee, served at the on-site café. Tip: Flights are first-come first-served.
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park2,143Sunset Cliffs is a prime place to look for marine life. Stroll along the edge of the bluffs, and you may be lucky enough to see pods of migrating grey whales breach and splash in the water below. As a child, I’d spend afternoons searching for crustaceans and anemones hiding in the tide pools at the bottom of the rocks. If the swell is up, surfers always paddle out—this wave is one of my grandfather’s favourites.
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San Diego travel advice
Hotel Recommendations
According to forum posts, the Catamaran Resort and the Bahia Resort are highlighted as family-friendly options close to the beach, with the Catamaran being just one block from the beach. Both hotels offer proximity to activities and dining options, making them suitable for families.
Additional Family-Friendly Options
Some travelers have recommended the Homewood Suites and Hilton Homewood Suites at Liberty Station for their family-friendly atmosphere, which includes balconies and proximity to eateries and parks. The Hotel del Coronado is also mentioned for its historic charm and beachfront location, though it is noted as being on the pricier side.
Considerations for Location and Amenities
Travelers have called out that while the Manchester Grand Hyatt offers a central downtown location near attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, the Coronado area, with options like the Hotel del Coronado, provides a more relaxed, small-town beach setting, which might be preferable for families looking to avoid the bustle of downtown.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Hotel Recommendations
According to forum posts, travelers recommend The Catamaran Hotel for its proximity to both the bay and the ocean, offering a few minutes' walk to the beach. It is noted for being located on Mission Bay but close enough to experience the ocean vibes. Another recommendation from travelers is The Dana on Mission Bay, highlighted for its scenic location, although it's more isolated and not within immediate walking distance of dining or shopping venues.
Alternative Options
Some travelers have also suggested looking into vacation rentals in the Mission Beach and Pacific Beach areas as alternatives to traditional hotels. These locations offer a closer connection to beach activities and local life. According to user posts, Capri by the Sea is another option, a condo complex in Pacific Beach that offers pool facilities and is managed similarly to a hotel.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Attractions
According to forum posts, popular attractions in San Diego include Balboa Park, known for its museums and the San Diego Zoo, and the USS Midway Museum. The Gaslamp Quarter is frequently mentioned for dining and nightlife.
Natural Sites
Travelers have called out Torrey Pines State Reserve for its stunning ocean views and hiking trails. La Jolla Cove is also a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly for its sea lions.
Historical Sites
Some travelers suggest visiting the Cabrillo National Monument for its historical significance and panoramic views. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is also recommended for a glimpse into San Diego's past.
Unique Experiences
For a unique experience, visitors often recommend the Little Italy Farmers Market for local food and the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park for artisan shopping and art viewing.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Car Rental Companies
According to forum posts, major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, National, and Enterprise are available in San Diego. Travelers have called out specific locations such as an off-airport Hertz location offering a medium-sized sedan for less than $600 for about a month. Enterprise and Avis are recognized for having monthly rental discounts and long-term rental options, respectively.
Alternative Car Rental Services
Some travelers suggested checking out Turo for potentially better deals or specific needs. This platform offers a variety of vehicles and may provide more flexible rental terms compared to traditional rental agencies.
Car Rental at San Diego Airport
For many users, the San Diego airport offers a convenient pickup location for rentals, with companies like Alamo, Hertz, Avis, National, and Enterprise mentioned as reliable options. The airport location is noted for its selection and long operating hours, providing convenience for travelers.
Considerations for Tourists
Tourists often find that renting from major brands at the airport or other popular locations in the city helps avoid complications. Discounts through various programs like preferred renter programs can expedite the rental process and offer cost savings.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Choices
According to forum posts, Pacific Beach is highly recommended for its vibrant atmosphere suitable for younger visitors, particularly those interested in bars and nightlife. La Jolla is another favorite, praised for its upscale environment and scenic views, though it is typically more expensive.
Family-Friendly Options
For families, some travelers suggested staying in Mission Beach or the downtown area. These neighborhoods offer proximity to attractions and are described as having a good mix of restaurants and amenities. Coronado was also mentioned for its pleasant community vibe and beautiful beach.
Considerations for Transport
Travelers have highlighted that staying downtown can be advantageous for those relying on public transportation. Downtown San Diego provides better access to public transit options, which can be beneficial for visiting various tourist spots across the city.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Top Dining Experiences
According to forum posts, top dining experiences in San Diego are offered by establishments like Georges at the Cove, known for its views and fine dining, and Born & Raised, a well-regarded steakhouse. For Italian cuisine, Bencotto and Barbusa are favorites among some travelers.
Unique and Local Dining
Travelers have called out smaller, unique spots like Rocky's Crown Pub for the best burgers and Super Cocina for authentic Mexican stews. For a local vibe, places like The Local and Aero Club provide a quintessential San Diego atmosphere.
Seafood and Views
For those seeking seafood coupled with a scenic view, Island Prime and Coasterra are frequently mentioned. These spots offer stunning views alongside their menus, making them perfect for a special night out.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
For breakfast or brunch, places like Herb & Wood and Harry's Coffee Shop in La Jolla are popular, providing a great start to the day, with both serving up high-quality fare in comfortable settings.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Beach and Recreation
According to forum posts, Mission Beach is celebrated for its beautiful beachfront and recreational options. The area features a paved walkway/bike path along the beach, making it ideal for walking, biking, and skating. Belmont Park, a classic oceanfront amusement park with no admission fee (charges apply for rides), is also highlighted as a major attraction.
Accommodation and Accessibility
Some travelers mentioned that Mission Beach offers a range of vacation rentals, making it a popular choice for families and tourists. It is centrally located in San Diego, providing easy access to other attractions in the city. The area is also well-suited for families with children due to its proximity to both the beach and bay.
Atmosphere and Dining
Travelers have called out the vibrant atmosphere of Mission Beach. It is known for its busy boardwalk, which offers a variety of dining options and a lively environment that appeals especially to younger visitors and families.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Train Travel
According to forum posts, travelers can take the Amtrak train from San Diego to downtown Los Angeles, which costs around $36. This journey is comparable to transferring from Washington, DC to Philadelphia and is considered an economical option.
Driving Options
Some travelers have discussed the possibility of driving or hiring a driver to travel between San Diego and Los Angeles. This is a viable option for those who prefer direct travel without relying on public transport schedules.
Public Transit
For users looking for public transport options, there are mentions of using a combination of buses and trains, although specifics like bus numbers were not detailed in the posts. This might require multiple transfers and could be less convenient than direct train or car travel.
Flight Consideration
Although not commonly recommended due to the short distance, flying from San Diego to Los Angeles was briefly mentioned as a possible, albeit less practical, option.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?