San Diego is California’s second-largest city and its most relaxed: a sunny harbor city in the far southwest corner of the United States, a short trolley ride from the Mexican border. Visitors come for the mild weather and the beaches, the San Diego Zoo and the museums of Balboa Park, the aircraft carrier USS Midway, the sea lions and sea caves of La Jolla, and the island-like town of Coronado. Summer and early fall are warm and dry; winter is mild, with a little rain.
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Top tours in San Diego
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San Diego at a glance
- Best for: beaches and surfing, the zoo and Safari Park, kayaking with sea lions, naval history, craft beer and an easy, outdoor pace.
- How long: 3 days for the city highlights; 5–7 days to add the Safari Park, La Jolla, the beaches and a day trip.
- Best time: any time. August and September are the warmest, with highs around 77 °F (25 °C); January about 66 °F (19 °C). May and June are often gray near the coast.
- Getting there: San Diego International Airport (SAN), only about 3 miles (5 km) from Downtown, and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles.
- Getting around: trolley and buses with a PRONTO card or app, $3 a ride and $7 a day as of October 2026; a car helps for La Jolla and day trips.
- Before you go: entry rules and ESTA, money, tipping and driving are in our United States travel guide.
San Diego neighborhoods: where things are
San Diego spreads around a big natural bay: Downtown in the middle, Balboa Park just north, the beach communities and La Jolla to the northwest and Coronado across the water. Most places are 15–30 minutes apart by car.
Downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter and the Embarcadero
The Gaslamp Quarter’s Victorian blocks are packed with restaurants, bars and rooftop lounges, beside Petco Park (home of the Padres baseball team) and the Convention Center. The Embarcadero waterfront has the USS Midway, the Maritime Museum’s tall ships, Seaport Village and harbor cruises. It is the easiest base without a car.
Little Italy
A few blocks north of Downtown and closest to the airport, Little Italy has become the city’s favorite food neighborhood, with Italian delis and modern restaurants around the Piazza della Famiglia and a big Saturday farmers’ market, the Mercato.
Old Town, Hillcrest and North Park
Old Town is where the city began, with adobe buildings, Mexican restaurants and a transit center for trolleys, Coaster and Amtrak trains. Uphill, Hillcrest and North Park are lively, LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods with independent shops and many of the city’s best breweries.
Mission Bay, Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach
Mission Bay is a huge park of calm lagoons for paddleboarding, sailing and family beaches. Next to it, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach have a boardwalk, surf schools and a young, party-friendly crowd; Ocean Beach, further south, is laid-back and bohemian, with a long pier and a dog beach.
La Jolla and Coronado
La Jolla, about 12 miles (19 km) north of Downtown, is an upscale seaside village on cliffs and coves, with galleries, restaurants and the best snorkeling and kayaking in the city. Coronado, across the bay, is a separate city with a wide, sandy beach and the historic Hotel del Coronado. Both are quieter and pricier places to stay.
Top things to see in San Diego
Prices and hours below were checked on the official sites in October 2026, unless we say otherwise; check again before you go.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is the cultural heart of the city: 1,200 acres (about 490 hectares) of gardens, Spanish Colonial Revival buildings from the 1915 and 1935 expositions, and some 17 museums along the pedestrian El Prado. Highlights include the San Diego Museum of Art, the Air & Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Fleet Science Center and the Museum of Us under the California Tower. Museums charge separately; the Balboa Park Explorer Pass comes as a one-day pass for up to four venues, a seven-day pass or an annual pass. “Residents Free Days” on Tuesdays are only for San Diego County residents.
Plenty is free: walking the park and its gardens, the Botanical Building and its lily pond, the Spanish Village artists’ studios, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which the park describes as home to the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world (with free concerts, traditionally on Sunday afternoons), and the Visitors Center’s walking tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. (a $5 donation is suggested). Parking: according to the city, paid parking runs in Balboa Park from January 5, 2026, until January 1, 2027: road meters cost $2.50 an hour (up to $10 a day) and lots $5–$16 a day, enforced 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Non-residents can park free for up to three hours at the Lower Inspiration Point lot on Presidents Way and take the free park shuttle.
The San Diego Zoo
In Balboa Park, the world-famous zoo covers 100 acres (40 hectares) of canyons and habitats, with more than 12,000 animals, and is known for its work in conservation. As of October 2026, a 1-day pass costs $78 for adults (12+) and $68 for children aged 3–11, valid any day for a year; tickets for “Value Days” on the zoo’s calendar cost $73 and $63, and under-3s are free. A 2-Visit Pass (the zoo plus the Safari Park, or two visits to either) saves up to $26. Throughout October, children 11 and under go free (up to six per paying adult), and on Friday to Sunday evenings in October the zoo stays open until 9 p.m. for HalGLOWeen. Since January 5, 2026, the zoo’s own parking lot charges $16 per car per day. MTS Rapid 215 and bus Route 7 stop at the zoo. Allow at least half a day.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park
About 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Downtown near Escondido, the Safari Park has giraffes, rhinos and antelope roaming wide open plains, seen from trails, trams and optional caravan safaris. As of October 2026 its 1-day prices are the same as the zoo’s: $78 for adults and $68 for children, $73 and $63 on Value Days, and the October Kids Free offer applies here too. Safaris and other upgraded experiences cost extra. You really need a car or a tour to get there; allow a full day.
The USS Midway Museum
The aircraft carrier USS Midway, in service from 1945 to 1992, is now a museum moored on the Embarcadero. Explore the hangar deck, crew quarters and bridge, and the flight deck lined with restored aircraft, with an audio tour and veteran volunteers. As of October 2026 admission is $39 for adults (13+) and $29 for ages 4–12 online, $2 more at the door; US veterans pay $26. It is open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.), closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The museum recommends 4–5 hours, and same-day re-entry is allowed. A free public promenade beside the ship and a designated viewing area on the flight deck are open during business hours.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park re-creates the town of the Mexican and early American years (1821–1872), with restored adobe homes, a schoolhouse, a newspaper office, shops and restaurants around a grassy plaza. Walking around is free; according to California State Parks, the visitor center and selected museums open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. It is next to the Old Town Transit Center, on the trolley.
La Jolla Cove: sea lions, seals and kayaking
The small beach at La Jolla Cove sits in a protected marine reserve with clear water, bright orange garibaldi fish and leopard sharks in summer. Sea lions haul out on the rocks around Point La Jolla, and harbor seals on the Children’s Pool beach nearby. Watch from the walkway and keep your distance: they are wild animals protected by federal law, and touching or feeding them is illegal. Under a city management plan, Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach close to the public each year during the sea lion pupping season, from May 1 to October 31; follow the signs. Guided kayak tours from La Jolla Shores paddle to the seven sea caves below the cliffs, and the Shores beach is the easiest place for snorkeling and beginner diving. See our snorkeling and diving guides.
Coronado
Cross the curving San Diego–Coronado Bridge by car or bus, or take the ferry from Downtown’s Broadway Pier, to reach Coronado. Its Central Beach, wide and sparkling with mica, is regularly ranked among the best in the country, and the red-roofed Hotel del Coronado, opened in 1888, is worth a look even if you are not staying. Rent a bike for the flat bayfront paths. See our beaches and cycling guides.
Cabrillo National Monument
At the tip of the Point Loma peninsula, this National Park Service site honors Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who landed in San Diego Bay in 1542. It has the old Point Loma Lighthouse, sweeping views over the bay, the city and the Pacific, winter whale-watching and tide pools on the rocky shore at low tide. As of October 2026 the NPS entrance fee is $20 per private vehicle, $15 per motorcycle and $10 per person on foot or by bike (groups of up to four walkers or cyclists pay $20 in total), valid for seven days; under-16s are free, and America the Beautiful passes are accepted. The park opens daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and no one may enter before or after those hours.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: closed until March 2027
Between La Jolla and Del Mar, this reserve protects the rare Torrey pine and has some of the most beautiful clifftop trails in Southern California, with paths down to the beach. The reserve closed to all visitors on September 22, 2026, including its trails, the Beach Trail staircase, the Lodge and the upper parking lots, for the second phase of a utility and accessibility project. California State Parks expects to reopen it in March 2027. Torrey Pines State Beach and its North Beach and South Beach parking lots stay open; as of October 2026 parking there uses demand-based pricing, from $10 to $25 per vehicle at North Beach and $12 to $25 at South Beach. See our hiking guide for other trails.
Parks and gardens
- Balboa Park
Zoos and aquariums
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Other sights
- Hotel del Coronado
Protected areas
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Beaches
- La Jolla Cove
Other things to do in San Diego
Beaches, surfing and the water
San Diego has around 70 miles (110 km) of coastline. Learn to surf at Pacific Beach or La Jolla Shores, watch experienced surfers at Ocean Beach or Windansea, or rent a paddleboard on Mission Bay. The water is coolest in winter and spring and warmest from July to September. Swim near a lifeguard tower. Harbor cruises, sunset sails and winter whale-watching boats leave from the Embarcadero. See our surfing and boat trips guides.
Craft beer, tacos and Little Italy
San Diego is one of the craft-beer capitals of the United States, famous for hoppy West Coast IPAs, with well over a hundred breweries across the county. North Park and Miramar have the densest clusters. The local food to try is the fish taco, born of the Baja California connection, along with carne asada burritos. See our city sightseeing guide for walking ideas.
Day trips from San Diego
Tijuana, Mexico: the UC San Diego Blue Line trolley runs from Downtown to San Ysidro, where you can walk across the border into Tijuana. You need your passport, and Mexico’s own entry rules apply. To come back, you go through US border inspection, which can take hours at busy times. According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Visa Waiver travelers need an approved ESTA to re-enter at a land border, and land-border I-94 records are now electronic, so CBP encourages applying for the I-94 in advance on its website or the CBP mobile app. ESTA details are in our United States travel guide. Temecula wine country: about an hour’s drive north, with dozens of wineries; book a tour or a designated driver. See our wine tasting guide. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: California’s largest state park, about two hours east, with palm oases, metal sculptures in Borrego Springs and wildflowers in spring; avoid summer, when it is extremely hot. North County: Coaster trains run up the coast to Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside’s beaches and pier. Los Angeles is about 120 miles (193 km) north; see our Los Angeles travel guide.
Nearby destinations
- Palm Springs137 km
- Anaheim142 km
- Joshua Tree National Park170 km
- Los Angeles179 km
Getting there and getting around
From San Diego International Airport (SAN)
SAN is one of the most central airports in the country, just west of Little Italy. Its new Terminal 1 opened its first 19 gates on September 23, 2025; according to the airport, three more gates were due in spring 2026 and the last eight in early 2028, so expect some construction. Terminal 2 handles most other airlines.
- MTS Route 992: stops at both terminals and runs every 15 minutes, about 4:15 a.m. to midnight, to Downtown’s Santa Fe Depot and Broadway, with links to the trolley, Coaster and Amtrak. It charges the regular one-way fare ($3 as of October 2026).
- San Diego Flyer: the airport’s free electric shuttle links Terminals 1 and 2 with the Old Town Transit Center, for trolleys and trains; another Flyer stop is a block from Middletown trolley station.
- Taxis and rideshare: from the Transportation Plazas in front of each terminal; Downtown is about a 10-minute drive.
Trains from Los Angeles
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner runs 13 round trips a day between Los Angeles Union Station and San Diego, stopping at Old Town and ending at Santa Fe Depot Downtown; the coastal ride takes about three hours.
Trolley, buses and fares
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) runs the bright red trolley (Blue Line to the Mexican border at San Ysidro, Green Line to Old Town and Mission Valley, Orange Line east) and city buses, including routes to Balboa Park, Pacific Beach and La Jolla. Fares rose on October 1, 2026: a one-way ride now costs $3 and the regional day pass $7 for adults, and seniors, riders with disabilities and Medicare holders pay half. Pay with PRONTO, the region’s reloadable card or app: tap each time you board, and once you have paid the price of a day pass, the rest of the day’s rides are free. Anyone 18 and under rides free with a Youth PRONTO card or app account. The Coaster costs $6.50 one way.
Driving and parking
A car is useful for La Jolla, the Safari Park and day trips, and traffic is lighter than in Los Angeles, though Interstate 5 is slow at rush hour. Downtown hotels and garages charge for parking, beach lots fill early on summer weekends, and Balboa Park parking is paid until the end of 2026. Do not take a rental car into Mexico without the company’s permission and Mexican insurance. Driving tips are in our United States travel guide.
When to go and how long to stay
San Diego has one of the mildest climates in the United States. The table uses NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for the San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field) weather station: average daily highs and lows, and days with at least 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) of rain.
| Season | Average high / low | Wet days per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 66 °F (19 °C) / 50–52 °F (10–11 °C) | 3–4 | Mild, mostly sunny; the rainy season | Whale-watching, museums, the zoo |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 67–70 °F (19–21 °C) / 55–60 °F (13–16 °C) | 0.5–3 | Pleasant; gray skies on the coast in May | Desert wildflowers, hiking, sightseeing |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 72–77 °F (22–25 °C) / 63–68 °F (17–20 °C) | 0 | “June gloom” early, then warm and sunny | Beaches, surfing, kayaking |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 77 °F falling to 71 °F (25–22 °C) / 66 °F falling to 55 °F (19–13 °C) | 0–2 | Warm and dry, with the warmest sea | Beaches, outdoor dining, fewer crowds after Labor Day |
The airport gets only about 10 inches (249 mm) of rain a year, mostly from December to March. Occasional fall heat waves and dry Santa Ana winds can raise the wildfire risk inland.
Events worth planning around
- Spring to early fall: Padres baseball at Petco Park.
- July: Comic-Con International at the Convention Center; hotels sell out and prices peak.
- October: Kids Free month and HalGLOWeen at the zoo; Fleet Week events around the bay in the fall.
- December: December Nights in Balboa Park and holiday lights on the harbor.
How long to stay: 3, 5 and 7 days
3 days: day one, the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park; day two, the USS Midway, the Embarcadero and dinner in Little Italy or the Gaslamp; day three, La Jolla Cove and a kayak or snorkel trip, then sunset in Pacific Beach. 5 days: add Coronado and Old Town, and Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma. 7 days: add the Safari Park, a beach day in North County and a trip to Temecula, Anza-Borrego or Tijuana.
Weather month by month
Where to stay in San Diego and the hotel taxes
- Downtown and the Gaslamp: the best transit links and nightlife, walking distance to the Midway and Petco Park.
- Little Italy: food, boutique hotels and the shortest ride from the airport.
- Mission Bay and Pacific Beach: beach resorts and family-friendly lagoons.
- La Jolla and Coronado: quiet, upscale and by the sea.
- Old Town and Mission Valley: often better value, on the trolley, with easy freeway access.
Room rates are usually quoted before tax. Since May 1, 2025, after voters approved Measure C, the City of San Diego charges a transient occupancy tax of 11.75%, 12.75% or 13.75%, depending on the tax zone where the property is located, according to the City Treasurer. Lodging businesses with 70 or more rooms also pay a Tourism Marketing District assessment of 2%, which they may pass on to guests, so a bill at a large hotel can carry roughly 14–16% in taxes and assessments, as of October 2026. Coronado and other cities set their own rates. Many resorts and some downtown hotels add nightly resort or “destination” fees, and parking is usually extra, so compare the total price.
Practical tips for San Diego
- Sales tax: prices in shops and on menus exclude sales tax, added at the register; according to the state tax agency, the City of San Diego rate is 7.75% as of October 2026.
- Tipping: 18–22% is usual at sit-down restaurants; more in our United States travel guide.
- Zoo savings: visit in October, when kids 11 and under go free, or choose a Value Day.
- Wildlife: keep well back from sea lions and seals, and never feed them.
- Safety: San Diego is generally safe for visitors; do not leave valuables in cars at beaches and trailheads.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for San Diego
Pack light, casual clothes and layers: days are mild to warm, but evenings by the water are cool, often around 60 °F (16 °C), so bring a sweater or light jacket in every season. You will want swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, a hat and reef-friendly sunscreen, plus water shoes for rocky coves and tide pools. Bring comfortable walking shoes for Balboa Park and the zoo’s hills, and a refillable water bottle. Bring your passport for Tijuana.
San Diego travel FAQ
How much are San Diego Zoo tickets?
As of October 2026, a 1-day pass costs $78 for adults and $68 for children aged 3–11, or $73 and $63 on Value Days. In October, children 11 and under go free with a paying adult. Parking costs $16.
How much is the USS Midway Museum?
$39 for adults and $29 for ages 4–12 online, $2 more at the door, as of October 2026. It is open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; allow four to five hours.
Where can I see sea lions in San Diego?
At La Jolla Cove and Point La Jolla, and harbor seals at the Children’s Pool. Point La Jolla closes during the pupping season, May 1 to October 31; watch from the walkway and keep your distance.
Is Torrey Pines open?
The State Natural Reserve and its trails closed on September 22, 2026, for construction and are expected to reopen in March 2027. Torrey Pines State Beach and its lots remain open.
How much is the entrance fee at Cabrillo National Monument?
$20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle or $10 per person on foot or bike, valid for seven days, as of October 2026. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
How do I get from San Diego airport to Downtown?
MTS Route 992 runs every 15 minutes from both terminals to Downtown for $3. The airport’s free San Diego Flyer shuttle goes to the Old Town Transit Center for trolleys and trains.
How much is the San Diego trolley?
Since October 1, 2026, $3 one way, with a $7 day pass. With a PRONTO card or app your fares stop once you reach the day-pass price.
Can I visit Tijuana for the day?
Yes: take the Blue Line trolley to San Ysidro and walk across. Bring your passport. Visa Waiver travelers need an approved ESTA to re-enter by land; check CBP’s current rules and allow time for the return crossing.
What taxes are added to San Diego hotel bills?
In the City of San Diego, an 11.75–13.75% hotel tax, depending on the zone, plus a 2% tourism assessment at hotels with 70 or more rooms.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Zoo and Safari Park prices, Kids Free and parking: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; Balboa Park: Forever Balboa Park and the City of San Diego; USS Midway: the museum’s site; Old Town and Torrey Pines: California State Parks; Cabrillo National Monument: the National Park Service; airport transport and Terminal 1: San Diego International Airport; fares: MTS and North County Transit District; Tijuana re-entry: US Customs and Border Protection; hotel tax: City of San Diego Treasurer; sales tax: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration; climate: NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for San Diego airport. The adult MTS one-way fare, the La Jolla closure dates, train journey times and event dates come from secondary or summarized sources and are flagged for checking. Check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, ESTA, tipping and driving, see our United States travel guide.
Also: NOAA NCEI normals 1991–2020, San Diego Lindbergh Field (climate)
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Air quality: OpenAQ · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)