San Diego in California

Sofronio Cobos

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

San Diego is America's finest city. Once you've been there, you'll immediately understand what California Dreaming means. San Diego offers many great highlights.

You shouldn't forget San Diego when planning a road trip in California. The city in Southern California, just before the border with Mexico, is not only a mecca for surfers!

Here you will find our best tips and the most beautiful places for your vacation in San Diego:

Attractions

Pacific Beach (P.B.) & Crystal Pier

San Diego is a surfer paradise
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

After breakfast, you have to explore the beautiful beach of Pacific Beach.

When you walk along Crystal Pier, you might even be lucky enough to see dolphins. Now, take a dip in the sea, enjoy the sun, and watch the (sometimes a bit crazy) people.

Mission Bay

In the afternoon, jet skiing in Mission Bay is an amazing experience. At Seaforth Boat Rental, you can rent jet skis at a reasonable price and zoom around the bay.

Alternatively, Sea World or the San Diego Zoo are also worth visiting. You should plan to spend several hours there, as the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest in the world.

Balboa Park

In the late afternoon, Balboa Park is especially beautiful. Here you can take a lovely walk and explore the diverse plant life and various museums.

Sunset on Coronado Island

Sunset in San Diego, one of the highlights of the visit.
Sunset in San Diego, one of the highlights of the visit. photo by viel-unterwegs.de
Traveling to California: La Jolla Beach in San Diego
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

For sunset, you should head to Coronado Island, where the famous Hotel del Coronado is located. Films like 'Some Like It Hot' were shot here. On the terrace, you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun disappear into the ocean.

Little Italy or explore.

Downtown San Diego

, with its great shopping opportunities,

La Jolla

Seals

Point Loma

Hotel Tip for San Diego

Pacific Beach & Crystal Pier San Diego
Pacific Beach & Crystal Pier photo by viel-unterwegs.de

A great place to stay by the sea is the Hotel Tower 23 on the beach in Pacific Beach neighborhood. If you prefer to sleep directly above the ocean, then rent one of the cottages on Crystal Pier.

Dining & Drinking

Breakfast

After being awakened by the first warm rays of sunshine in the morning, the best way to start the day is with breakfast at Café 976.

Here, an old beach house has been transformed into a café. In the beautiful garden, you can enjoy a delicious California breakfast. The Garden Sandwich is especially recommended for vegetarians.

Restaurant Tips

La Jolla Beach in San Diego, California
La Jolla Beach in San Diego, California photo by viel-unterwegs.de

For a lunchtime boost, Kono's Café right by Crystal Pier is perfect. You can eat right on the beach, the portions are large and prices moderate.

A great dinner can be enjoyed at George's At The Cove in La Jolla on the terrace with an ocean view, or at JRDN, the restaurant of Hotel Tower 23.

Going Out in San Diego: These Bars You Should Visit

San Diego Tips
Harbor of San Diego photo by viel-unterwegs.de

If you're still in the mood to party, take the party bus to Downtown and celebrate at one of the clubs with a rooftop view of the San Diego skyline, like Ivy or Stingaree.

Of course, it's hardly possible to do all of this in one day, but for such a wonderful city, you should plan at least 3 to 4 days.

Best Time to Visit San Diego

The best months for San Diego are from August to October, then you have almost a 100% guarantee of sunshine. In May and June, May Gray and June Gloom can throw a wrench in the works.

Road Trip in California?

San Diego is the ideal starting point for a road trip along the California coast, best done in a Mustang convertible.

When the warm wind blows around your nose while stunning coastal landscapes rush by, then California Dreaming is perfect. Check out the tips for a road trip on Highway 1 in California.

Save Money with the Go San Diego Card

Did you know that with the Go San Diego Card you can save a lot of money?

With this card, you can skip lines, get free entries (you pay for the card once), and also receive discounts at restaurants or while shopping.

See details on the Go San Diego Card here

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