San Diego

San Diego Travel Guide

In laidback and sunny San Diego life seems to revolve around the beach, and Spanish flair enhances the Californian charm. Typical of California, San Diego is a city of freeways and is spread out along stretches of magnificent Pacific beaches, chock-a-bloc with all sorts of attractions that make a holiday here a series of seemingly endless adventures. The city's Spanish and Mexican roots add to its excitement, particularly downtown, which remains the tourist hub.

San Diego offers everything from award-winning restaurants and fantastic shopping to historic and natural attractions. Visitors should not hesitate to take the whole family when they travel to San Diego for the quintessential California experience, as the city is very child-friendly.

Best time to visit San Diego

San Diego is a city for all seasons, so travellers will find something special to remember whenever they choose to visit, whether it be the spring flowers, migrating whales or autumn foliage cloaking the mountains.

What to see in San Diego

-Enjoy San Diego's many beaches and the city's almost ever-present sun.

-Treat the kids to a day out at colourful Legoland California.

-Meet the fluffier locals at San Diego Zoo, one of the most popular in the country.

-Visit the California Surf Museum for an education in surf history and surf-themed art.

What to do in San Diego

-Explore the many museums and art galleries of Balboa Park.

-Visit the beaches and 'The Del' on Coronado Island.

-Ramble, shop and eat out in downtown San Diego, including the historic Gaslamp District.

-Climb Mount Soledad for wonderful city views.

Beyond San Diego

Although not as famous as Napa Valley, San Diego Wine Country produces some excellent wines and exploring the vineyards is a fun excursion. Those looking for something more frenetic and exciting can visit nearby Tijuana, the Mexican border city renowned for partying and gambling opportunities. For glorious desert scenery, travellers should head to the nearby Joshua Tree National Park.

Getting there

San Diego Lindbergh Field Airport is said to be the third busiest single-runway airport in the world and is a popular Californian air hub. The airport is situated two miles (3km) northwest of San Diego.

Did you know?

-None of the lakes in San Diego allow swimming.

-The Whaley House, built in 1857, is the oldest brick building in southern California and is famously haunted.

-The world's oldest operational ship, the 'Star of India', calls San Diego home. The ship has circumnavigated the globe 21 times.