San Diego

The San Diego surfer with tousled hair, a great tan and gentle enthusiasm is not a myth; they look like they're on a perennial vacation, and when they wish you welcome, they mean it.

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

California Surf Museum
San Diego
It's easy to spend an hour in this heartfelt museum of surf artifacts, from a timeline of surfing history to surf-themed art and a radical collection of…
Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Diego
Next to the new Waterfront Park, this collection of 11 historic sailing ships, steam boats and submarines is easy to spot: just look for the 100ft-high…
New Children’s Museum
San Diego
This interactive children’s museum offers interactive art meant for kids. Installations are designed by artists, so tykes can learn principles of movement…
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
San Diego
On the site of San Diego's first European settlement, Old Town consists of a cluster of restored or rebuilt historic 19th-century buildings filled with…
San Diego Main Library
San Diego
A couple blocks east of Petco Park, the city's recent landmark is a beauty. Crowned by a steel-and-mesh dome, the futuristic, nine-story library features…
San Diego Zoo
San Diego
This justifiably famous zoo is one of SoCal’s biggest attractions, showing more than 3000 animals representing more than 650 species in a beautifully…
USS Midway Museum
San Diego
The hulking aircraft carrier USS Midway was one of the navy’s flagships from 1945 to 1991, last playing a combat role in the First Gulf War. On the flight…
Palomar Observatory
San Diego
High on Palomar Mountain, at an elevation of 5500ft to avoid light pollution, the Palomar Observatory is simply spectacular – as large as Rome’s Pantheon, with…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Neighborhoods

From hikes out the backdoor to surfing out the front and awesome tacos just down the street, live the SoCal lifestyle in these San Diego neighborhoods.

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Day Trips

San Diego is famous for surf and sand, but drive in any direction and you'll see a different side to California. Here are our top day trips from San Diego.

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Free Things to Do

From compelling museums to some of the best beaches in the USA, San Diego teems with great free things to do.

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Traveling with Kids

There are very few places in the world that do family-friendly the way San Diego does. With cultural, adventurous and fun activities everyone will love.

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5 Shops

The sunny Southern California city has more than just beaches – check out these top independent retailers all over town.

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