San Diego holidays

Located south of Los Angeles near the Mexican border, California’s second-biggest city claims some of the continent’s most stunning coastline. Holidays to San Diego put you in the middle of SoCal surf culture, but also a growing metropolis with all the urban fixings. From edgy art galleries and world-class breweries to the best fish tacos in the country, see why San Diego is the perfect West Coast getaway.

San Diego holiday highlights

San Diego Tourism Authority

Deep roots

No holiday to San Diego is complete without stopping by the birthplace of California. While Old Town San Diego stands as a relic of Spanish settlement, the culture of the Indigenous Kumeyaay people is still felt today. Combine historical reenactments and the Whaley House — considered the most haunted home in the USA — with traditions like ‘Dia de los Muertos’ (Day of the Dead).

Seal of approval

Seals and sea lions love to bask on La Jolla’s shores, making it one of the best places in California to spot these flippered fellows. Favourite hangouts include Boomer Beach, Seal Rock and the Children’s Pool. For an even better vantage point, join a kayak tour of La Jolla’s famed sea caves. And no matter how cute or harmless the animals seem, be sure to always keep a respectful distance.

Epic road trips

The city’s proximity to Tijuana makes a day trip across the border an essential experience on your San Diego holiday. While it’s possible to walk, some tour companies can ferry you and even cover key locations across northwestern Mexico. Kick-start your appetite with a traditional tamale breakfast before embarking on an unforgettable foodie adventure. Don’t forget your passport.

San Diego: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to San Diego

Weather in San Diego

March – June: Consistent sunshine can be hard to come by in spring, an effect called ‘May Gray’ and ‘June Gloom’. Morning skies over the coast can be cloudy, though it sometimes clears by the afternoon.

July – August: With warm days and water temperatures fit for swimming, these are the prime beach-going months. Watch out for rip currents.

September – November: A slight chill sets in as autumn deepens. The Santa Ana winds start to blow through, worsening California’s year-round wildfire risk.

December – February: It never gets that cold in San Diego. A light jacket and jeans should cover you. Winter brings bigger swells that experienced surfers love. Low tides are great for tidepooling.

Events in San Diego

Farmers Insurance Open (January): A major event on the men’s PGA Tour, the Farmers Open draws crowds from all over to the stunning Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon (May or June): Tens of thousands of runners trace a 42.2-kilometre-long route through scenic Balboa Park and Downtown San Diego. Live bands provide the soundtrack.

San Diego Comic-Con (July): All things related to comic books, sci-fi, fantasy and animation flood the convention centre and streets of the Gaslamp Quarter. Expect celebrity-studded film premieres, cosplaying attendees and more.

San Diego Beer Week (November): The city’s breweries host ten days of exclusive releases, beer dinners and more in one of the country’s craft-brewing capitals.

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The best neighbourhoods in San Diego

La Jolla

Wondering where to stay in San Diego for gorgeous beaches? Artists have long been inspired by La Jolla’s rugged coastline, and they aren’t the only ones — the seals and sea lions love it here too. Don’t miss the Sunny Jim Cave Store, a beachfront boutique with its very own sea cave.

Good for: Beaches, sea caves, boutiques

Old Town

Before San Diego became the gleaming metropolis we know today, it was a sedate outpost of European settlers. The preserved and reconstructed architecture of the Old Town makes this the best area to stay in San Diego for history enthusiasts. Coincide your stay with celebrations like Dia de los Muertos, and take your pick from award-winning Mexican restaurants.

Good for: Architecture, history, Mexican food

Pacific Beach

Young, fun and full of waves, Pacific Beach is the best neighbourhood to stay in San Diego for surfers. Yet to pick up a board? The gentle breakers of Tourmaline Surfing Park are perfect for beginners. Heat up the fire pit come sunset, and don’t forget the s’mores. A party vibe draws a lively crowd to Pacific Beach’s 5-kilometre boardwalk.

Good for: Surfing, sunsets, beach boardwalk

Things to do in San Diego

San Diego Tourism Authority

Free things to do

There are lots of free things to do in San Diego. Join the locals in a game of beach volleyball, snorkel at La Jolla Cove in search of leopard sharks (they’re harmless!), or admire dozens of murals in Chicano Park. Don’t miss the Sunday afternoon concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion — the historic instrument contains more than 5,000 pipes.

Shopping

Get your shopping done at Seaport Village, a shopping and dining complex modelled on a Victorian bayside outpost and a romantic spot to take in the city lights come evening. Downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter is 16 blocks of indie shops, bars and restaurants. La Jolla is the Rodeo Drive of San Diego, with upscale boutiques galore.

Take in the culture

Balboa Park has 490 hectares of greenery, Spanish Revival architecture and over a dozen museums to visit. The San Diego Natural History Museum fascinates visitors of all ages, while the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society dazzles with collections from around the globe. Costs can quickly build up, so invest in an Explorer Pass to save on admission fees.

Nightlife

The historic Gaslamp Quarter features some of the best nightlife in San Diego. Have your requests ready at duelling piano bar The Shout! House, or pick from a selection of popular comedy clubs. The ALTITUDE Sky Lounge offers 22-storey views of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and the interior of Petco Park stadium. Go Padres!

Places to eat

Being this close to the border has its perks. San Diego is home to some of the best Mexican food in the US and consistently boasts the best fish tacos in the country. Try one at a relaxed restaurant or a Mexican-style taqueria. There are also plenty of Michelin-starred and fine-dining restaurants to be found here too. Feeling thirsty? San Diego is a craft beer powerhouse, famous for its hoppy ales.

Beaches

With so many great beaches in San Diego it’s all about finding one that suits your mood. Black’s Beach is known for its serious surf, while Mission Beach boasts epic views and a wooden roller coaster that’s been terrifying thrill seekers since 1925. Coronado Beach is backdropped by the iconic Hotel del Coronado, as seen in ‘Some Like It Hot’ with Marilyn Monroe.

Plan your holiday to San Diego

Budget

Having a cheap holiday in San Diego takes just a little bit of planning. With plenty of fast-casual restaurants and surfside taco shacks, you can find an inexpensive meal for about 22 US dollars ($). Wash it down with any one of the hundreds of fresh, local beers for about $8. Short taxi rides cost around $10, and a cappuccino is usually less than $6.

Day trips from San Diego

The historic mountain town of Julian is worth the hour-long drive for freshly baked apple pie and occasionally snow dusted streets. Pack your passport and cross the border for a day of gourmet meals and wine tasting in the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s equivalent of Napa Valley. In spring, head east to see the wildflowers in bloom at Anza Borrego State Park.

Getting around San Diego

San Diego boasts an extensive, efficient and clean public transport system. It includes trains, trolleys and buses. Pick up a PRONTO card to streamline ticket purchases. Pedicabs are a fun way to explore Downtown San Diego’s waterfront and the Gaslamp Quarter. A ferry connects Downtown with Coronado Island.

FAQs about San Diego holidays

The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, having a small amount of cash during your trip to San Diego will be helpful.
English is what you'll hear most around here. From everyday greetings to colourful local lingo, you'll likely pick up a few new terms during your city break in San Diego.
Whether you're a discover-it-all traveller or a more relaxed explorer, the cost of your city break in San Diego will depend on the kind of experiences you're after. Factor in everything from meals to activities, on top of your San Diego flights and hotels.
With around 7 cm of rainfall, February is the rainiest month. If you're going on your San Diego holiday then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, relax in a local cafe, or indulge in some retail therapy.
August is the warmest month in San Diego, with temperatures reaching highs of 28ºC (82ºF).
Plan your San Diego trip for February and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 7ºC (45ºF) is as cold as it gets.
You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in San Diego. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and more, this city has everything you need for a great trip.
Airfares to San Diego are at their cheapest in May. This makes it an ideal time to secure deals on San Diego flights and hotels.
Three to five days is perfect for a trip to San Diego if you're planning a quick escape from somewhere nearby. Consider staying for a week or longer if you're travelling from farther afield. You'll be able to check out the most popular attractions and include a few side trips to nearby areas.
San Diego is one of the safest major cities in the US. Ensure your holiday to San Diego goes smoothly by taking the same precautions you would in any city. And be sure to drink plenty of water, apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing on long beach days.
San Diego is an excellent city break. As a sprawling city with a huge range of attractions, you’ll want to make the most of your San Diego holiday by staying a minimum of three days.
Holidays to San Diego should still include tipping. Tip 15% in restaurants and bars or 20% if the service is exceptional. Tip taxi drivers 15% of the total fare and the bellhop $2 per bag.