San Diego Travel Guide

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Skyline at night in San Diego, California
San Diego, California at night (Ron Niebrugge/courtesy, California Travel & Tourism Commission)
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San Diego Travel Tips

  • Plan in advance for summer. San Diego hotel rates can increase during the summer (roughly late May through late August), and reserving months in advance is a good idea. Keep in mind that weather is better in late summer than early summer, when skies can be overcast.
  • Avoid LAX. Even though you may get better airfare deals flying into L.A., the money saved is usually not worth making the drive through traffic. A number of low-cost carriers serve San Diego's uncrowded and pleasant airport.
  • Experience an African safari at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park.
  • Play on San Diego's rich beaches—four recreational areas stretch from southern Border Field State Beach to northern La Jolla.
  • Head to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park art and space museums, and historic Old Town.

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San Diego Travel Guide

Over the past 2 decades, San Diego has evolved past its old reputation as a slow-growth, conservative Navy town graced with 70 miles of fabulous sandy coastline. Of course, the military link is still present today, with a handful of large bases throughout the county. But the city—California's first and the nation's eighth largest—now hosts a diversity of neighborhoods and residents to rival Los Angeles. San Diego reflects its Spanish-Mexican heritage in every corner; you won't forget that bustling Tijuana is just across the border, less than 30 minutes away. San Diego also boasts one of the nation's priciest housing markets and a biotech/tourism/telecom economy that's firing on all cylinders. A full-fledged building boom is transforming formerly seedy downtown neighborhoods and architecturally rich suburbs into upscale wonders. And the stylish young residents and shop owners they attract are, in turn, updating and enriching San Diego's dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Read More

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11 Questions | 18 Answers
  • Husband and I are visiting san diego, staying at the marriott in mission bay. Wanted to know what activities we can do. We have tickets to sea world already. Husband wanted to do something with the sea, cruise, dinner etc. We will be visiting from October 23rd till October 28th 09. PLease help with ideas,I want to make it a relaxing, fun and mostly romantic trip!! Thanks!!
    Read 1 answer or Answer this question
  • My husband, two kids, 10 and 4, and I are going to San Diego the day after Christmas for eight days. We have never been there before. We plan to go to Disneyland for the first time with a four day pass. We're renting a car at the airport and will be staying at one of our time-share condos. We are also getting a three day Go San Diego Card to see the zoo, Legoland, Seaworld, and maybe a few other smaller things. We will get some beach time in there somewhere. Although I plan, we are a laid-back family that does things of schedule too. That all said, do you think all that is do-able? I guess you're the expert for that area. I know it's a lot to do, but is it too much? Thanks, Amy T. Washington State
    Read 2 answers or Answer this question
  • Planning a family trip to california this December. the kids are 3, 12, and 9 years old. Wanted some advice from families on what to "not miss". What to avoid and any suggestions on where to stay. Thinking about San Diego, The Redwood Forests. We have about 10 days. Thanks for any advice
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Hotels

from: $295

Lodge At Torrey Pines

Best Resorts & Lodges
11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA 92037 Map

Distance: 14.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 5 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
from: $295

Hotel del Coronado, a KSL Property

Best Resorts & Lodges
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118 Map

Distance: 2.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
5.0
from: $109

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

1404 W. Vacation Rd.
San Diego, CA 92109 Map

Distance: 6.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
3.0
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Attractions

Gaslamp Quarter

(Broadway to Harbor Dr. and 4th to 6th Ave.)
Downtown San Diego
San Diego, California 92101

Distance: 0.7 mi. (from destination center)

Description: A near 145-year expansion project, The Gaslamp Quarter still flaunts its Victorian flair with... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0

Hotel del Coronado

Coronado
1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, California

Distance: 2.6 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Built in 1888, this turreted Victorian seaside resort remains an enduring, endearing national... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0

Old Town State Historic Park

Old Town
4002 Wallace St
San Diego, California

Distance: 3.7 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Dedicated to re-creating the early life of the city from 1821 to 1872, this is where San... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0
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Airports

Major Airports near San Diego

Distance (mi.)
San Diego-Lindbergh Field Airport 2.0 map
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport 77.6 map
Ontario International Airport 96.1 map

Other Smaller Airports near San Diego

Distance (mi.)
Palm Springs Municipal Airport 86.1 map
El Centro/Imperial Imperial County Airport 92.8 map
Long Beach Municipal Airport 95.5 map

Flight Deals to San Diego

Originating From
San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN) $106
Phoenix (PHX) to San Diego (SAN) $124
Las Vegas (LAS) to San Diego (SAN) $124
San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN) $145
Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Diego (SAN) $157

Feature Articles

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GORPtravel Adventure Trips & Guided Tours

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San Diego Vacation Rentals

check rates
from: $395

Nice Mission Beach Front San Diego Vacation Rental

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 10
Amenities: BBQ, Balcony, Blender, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Garage, Hot Tub, Internet Access, Iron, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Oceanfront, Outdoor Shower, Oven, Patio, Phone, Playground, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Stereo, Stove, Swimming Pool, TV, Toaster, Towels
check rates
from: $642

Luxurious Home with Panormic View of City and Bay

Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4
Sleeps: 14
Amenities: Alarm Clock, BBQ, Balcony, Blender, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, Iron, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Oven, Patio, Phone, Playground, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Stove, TV, Toaster, Towels, VCR
check rates
from: $175

Mission Bay Hideaway - Brand Spanking New

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 5
Amenities: BBQ, Ceiling fans, DVD Player, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Laundry, Phone, Stereo, Stove, TV, VCR
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San Diego Travel Guides

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