san diego trip

Plan Your Trip to San Diego: Best of San Diego Tourism

PLAN YOUR TRIP San Diego

Travel advice, essential san diego.

Where to stay

Where to eat

Get Active Outdoors in Sunny San Diego

How to do San Diego in 1 day

7 best outdoor activities in San Diego

Browse collections

More seaside escapes along the Pacific Coast Highway

San Diego Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing san diego.

Visit a local Farmer's Market if you can. Little Italy is a very good one on Saturdays.

If you are into kayaking, La Jolla at sunset is very good. Look for the “green flash.”

I love sunset cliffs. bring a blanket, a picnic if you want and go about 90 minutes before high tide so you can enjoy watching it come in.

Year-round mild weather with plentiful sunshine and comfortable temperatures make the city particularly appealing.

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There is enough adventure, nature, and sunshine to keep the young (and the young at heart) entertained.

This is the green and leafy heart of the city where a multitude of activities and nearby attractions await.

What is the best way to get there?

San Diego International Airport is the main commercial airport servicing San Diego. Shuttle buses run from the airport to nearby hotels, and cabs and rideshares are also available.

Greyhound offers bus services to San Diego with a terminal on National Ave.

Travelers driving to San Diego from Las Angeles usually approach the Strip off the I-5 Fwy. Those traveling from inland typically approach from the I-15 Fwy.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting San Diego from overseas, use the State Department’s  Visa Wizard  to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Early spring and fall: This Southern California city is so nice you should visit twice a year: the first between March through May, and the second between September through November. That is when the temperatures are at their best and hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celcius).

Amtrak services San Diego and terminates at The Santa Fe Depot.

There are three trolley lines (Blue, Orange, and Green) that service the downtown San Diego. Trolley and bus fares run between $2.25 to $5 one-way.

taxis and rideshare

Taxis, Uber and Lyft rideshare services are readily available.

There are many pay-to-park lots located around the city as well as metered parking.

Pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages are both transportation options in San Diego’s downtown waterfront area, and in the Gaslamp Quarter.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Pacific Time Zone

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in the United States is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.

What is the currency?

The U.S. Dollar

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted, is it easy to find a bank, how much do i tip.

$1 a drink or $2 for a more labor-intensive cocktail

Taxi/rideshare

$1 to 3 per bag

Housekeeper

$2-$3 per night

Shuttle driver

$1-$2 per person

Are there local customs I should know?

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old.

Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

Find more information about local customs and etiquette in the United States generally  here .

• Bahia Resort Hotel
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• Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
• San Diego Mission Bay Resort
• Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
• Dockside 1953
• Oceana Coastal Kitchen
• Vessel Restaurant + Bar
• Las Hadas Grill
• Provisional Kitchen, Cafe, and Mercantile
• Balboa Park
• USS Midway Museum
• San Diego Zoo
• Black's Beach
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
• San Diego Harbor Cruise
• San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
• San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
• Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket in San Diego
• San Diego Seal Tour

Surfing, safaris and scenic delights: here are the best things to do in San Diego

Sep 17, 2021 • 7 min read

Enjoy Central San Diego's beach scene on Pacific and Mission Beaches © cenkd / Getty Images

San Diego bursts with world-famous attractions for the entire family, including the zoo and the museums of Balboa Park. Then there's the excellent seafood, a buzzing Downtown and beautiful hikes for all.

Plus, more than 60 beaches and the USA's most perfect weather. Spend your fall vacation on a sun-drenched beach in San Diego and make the most of our list of the best things to do there when you're done sunbathing.

Stroll the oceanfront boardwalk 

Central San Diego's best beach scene is concentrated in a narrow strip of land between the ocean and Mission Bay. There's great people-watching along the Ocean Front Walk, the boardwalk running from South Mission Beach Jetty to the Pacific Beach pier. It’s crowded with joggers, in-line skaters and cyclists any time of the year. On warm summer weekends, the beaches are packed with people frolicking in sand and sea. While there’s lots to do, perhaps the best use of your time is to walk along the boardwalk, then spread a blanket in the sand, or kick back over cocktails and take in the scenery.

Best beaches in San Diego   

San Diego Zoo

One of SoCal’s biggest attractions, San Diego's justifiably famous zoo has more than 4000 animals representing more than 650 species in a beautifully landscaped setting. The park is divided into geographical zones and bioclimatic environments, and typically enclosures replicate a species' natural habitat. You can see African and Indian elephants, a community of lemurs, dwarf crocodiles, leopards, gelada baboons and meerkats.

The zoo also has the largest colony of koalas outside Australia. Get close up views of polar bears, hippos grazing in the water, and admire the endangered red panda. Its sister park, San Diego Zoo Safari Park , focuses on free-range big game enclosures and is in northern San Diego County. Arrive early at both, as many of the animals are most active in the morning – though some perk up again in the afternoon.

Balboa Park and museums

Balboa Park is a 1200-acre space with a number of gardens, reflecting different horticultural styles and environments, including a formal, Spanish-style garden and Palm Canyon, with more than 50 species of palms. The park is also home to more than 16 museums and cultural institutions.

Key attractions include  San Diego History Center  with exhibitions on the city;  San Diego Air and Space Museum , which is a shrine to all things aviation; the interactive anthropological  San Diego Museum of Us ;  San Diego Natural History Museum , packed with 7.5 million specimens;  San Diego Museum of Art  and the zoo. All attractions are easily walkable, or jump aboard the park's tram to whizz around them all at speed.

Hotel del Coronado

Marvel at San Diego's history and architecture at "The Del" , one of the world's most iconic hotels. It's a beachfront all-timber whitewashed architectural fantasy dating from 1888, complete with conical towers, cupolas, turrets, balconies, dormer windows and cavernous public spaces.

The Del achieved its widest exposure when it was featured in the 1959 movie Some Like It Hot, which earned it a lasting association with Marilyn Monroe. Other guests have included 11 US presidents and various world royalty whose pictures and mementos adorn the hotel’s history gallery. Visitors are welcome in public areas, and tours of the hotel are available. 

San Diego is a dream playground for surfers – a good number of residents moved here just for the surfing – and there are many excellent wave-riding beaches. Beginners should head to Mission or Pacific Beach for beach breaks (soft-sand bottomed). About a mile north of Crystal Pier, Tourmaline Surfing Park is a crowded but good improvers' spot for those who are comfortable surfing a reef break.

Want to learn more without getting wet? Then spend an hour in the heartfelt California Surf Museum . It has surf artifacts, a timeline of surfing history, and a radical collection of boards, including the one chomped by a shark when it ate the arm of surfer Bethany Hamilton. 

Old Town Historic Park

On the site of San Diego's first European settlement, Old Town Historic Park consists of a cluster of restored or rebuilt historic 19th-century buildings filled with quaint exhibits, souvenir stores and cafes. Start at the visitor center in Robinson-Rose House; see the neat model of the pueblo and pick up a self-guided tour pamphlet . Free hour-long guided walking tours depart from Robinson-Rose House daily at 11am and 2pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Look for the Casa de Estudillo, the most magnificent of the restored adobe mansions, with a lovely garden and furnished period rooms. Another highlight is the Seeley Stable where you can marvel at old stagecoaches, an ox-drawn cart and a massive two-wagon freighter. While you're in the area, grab a bite of authentic Mexican food at the legendary  Old Town Mexican Cafe .

Gaslamp Quarter

The central Downtown area, now known as the Gaslamp Quarter, is prime San Diego real estate. Handsomely restored 1870s to 1920s buildings house restaurants, bars, galleries, and theaters amid wrought-iron, 19th-century-style street lamps, trees, and brick sidewalks. This 16-block area, south of Broadway between 4th and 6th Aves, is designated a National Historic District. Learn more about and join a guided tour at Gaslamp Museum and Davis-Horton House .  Shout House  is one of the city's best live music venues with high-energy shows and musicians playing requests.

Seal watching in La Jolla

Built in the 1930s behind a wave-cutting seawall, La Jolla ’s Children’s Pool was created as a family beach but has since been invaded by herds of seals and sea lions. Tourists come in droves to see them larking around, swimming, fighting and mating, viewed from the plaza above the cove. There's strictly no touching, feeding or selfies to be taken with the residents – these are wild animals and visitors must give them space. The future of the seals remains in debate: divers and swimmers claim the mammals' presence increases bacteria levels in the water; animal-rights groups want to protect the cove and make it an official seal rookery. 

New Children's Museum

The interactive New Children's Museum offers endless activities for kids. Installations are designed by artists, so the future generation can learn the principles of movement and physics while simultaneously being exposed to art. Exhibits change every 18 months or so, so there's always something new. Workshops rotate daily and include clay and paint sessions.

USS Midway Museum

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 deck, walk right up to some two dozen restored aircraft, including an F-14 Tomcat and F-4 Phantom jet fighter. Admission includes an audio tour along the narrow confines of the upper decks to the bridge, the admiral’s war room, and below deck to the sick bay, galley, laundry and engine room.

Little Italy

Bounded by Hawthorn and Ash Sts on the north and south, and Front St and the waterfront on the east and west, Little Italy was settled in the mid-19th century by Italian immigrants, mostly fishermen and their families, who created a cohesive and thriving community based on a booming fish industry and whiskey trade (which some claim was backed by local Mafia). The community still thrives in the many restaurants and cafes along busy India St. In recent years, the area has had an influx of galleries and gourmet restaurants. Design and architecture businesses have transformed Little Italy into one of the hippest places to live, eat and shop in downtown San Diego.

The best day trips from San Diego  

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve preserves the last mainland stands of the Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana), a species adapted to sparse rainfall and sandy, stony soils. Steep sandstone gullies have eroded into wonderfully textured surfaces, and the views over the ocean and north, including whale-watching, are jaw-droppingly superb. Several easy trails (ranging from 0.5–1.5 miles long) wind through the reserve and down to the beach. 

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

A 20-minute drive inland finds a series of wonderful, mostly flat, shady and sunny paths snaking through a lush valley and past a cascading waterfall surrounded by volcanic rock. The main 7-mile pathway of Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is moderately trafficked with runners, walkers and mountain bikers. Look out for butterflies, mule deer and bobcats. Stay alert when exploring – rattlesnakes also favor these arid pathways. 

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21 best free things to do in San Diego    Best time to visit San Diego    Best hikes in San Diego

This article was first published Jun 17, 2021 and updated Sep 17, 2021.

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The 18 Best Things to Do in San Diego, From Art Museum Visits to Scenic Hikes

By Archana Ram and Marie Tutko

Some may scoff at its nickname—"America's Finest City"—but when it comes to things to do, San Diego offers more than just temperate weather year-round. Yes, as befitting any city in Southern California, there are pristine beaches; but there's also a vibrant arts scene; food and music that embrace the diversity of cultures here; and a rich military history that lend San Diego its distinct charm. As for that temperate weather—well, it means it's easy to get outside and enjoy some of the country's best hiking, biking, and surfing spots. Whatever has brought you to town, be sure to stop by the places on this list, a roster of the best things to do in San Diego.

Read our complete San Diego travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Arrow

A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego , this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. ( See our  favorite San Diego area hikes, here. ) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass ), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind the visitors center is currently closed and guided hikes aren't offered at the moment.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego — Museum Review Arrow

This local institution devoted to showcasing modern art is perched right across from the Pacific Ocean in the tony coastal community of La Jolla just outside San Diego , and recently reopened its doors after an extensive $105 million overhaul. This is the flagship location for the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (there is a second location downtown), and the building was originally designed by architect Irving Gill as a home for philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps–it was later converted into a museum in 1941. Today, MCASD has more than 4,000 pieces from renowned and emerging artists in its collection. If you’re pressed for time, be sure to check out what’s on display in the special exhibition gallery, as well as the paintings by Andy Warhol.

San Diego Zoo Arrow

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo spans 100 acres and houses more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Plan to spend at least a half-day at the zoo to get the full experience, which includes shows and animal presentations. During the summer, Nighttime Zoo event series allows visitors to stay later into the evening. There are plenty of restaurants throughout the park where parents can recuperate with a much-needed afternoon beer.

Torrey Pines Golf Course Arrow

The iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course is known for its two 18-hole championship courses that sit on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. From the scenery and challenging greens to the prestige factor, this course is a bucket-list destination for avid golfers—Tiger Woods has clinched career-defining wins here, and the word is former President Obama has teed off here, too. Every January, it hosts the Farmers Insurance Open, one of the top events in the PGA Tour, and the U.S. Open was held here in 2021. There's diverse terrain, ocean views, and hang gliders usually floating around holes 12 and 13 on the south course.

Kaitlin Menza

Matt Ortile

Kelsey Glennon

Belmont Park Arrow

Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars. For lower-octane pursuits, there's also an arcade and carousel.

Balboa Park Arrow

Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego , filled with world-class museums, restaurants, and beautiful greenery. The lush, 1,200-acre urban oasis is also home to nearly 30 museums and cultural centers, plus the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are more than a dozen attractions in the park, each with its own events and special exhibitions.

La Jolla Cove Arrow

Luxuriate in SoCal splendor in the upscale seaside village of La Jolla Cove, a quick 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego . Wind through Prospect Street to browse shops like the iconic Warwick’s, the nation's oldest family-run bookstore, or dine with an ocean view at high-end restaurants like seafood-centric George’s at the Cove. Walk along seaside Coast Boulevard for primo photo ops of the cliffs, stopping at the Children’s Pool to watch sunbathing seals camped on the rocks. Head to Peter Lik fine art gallery for awe-inspiring landscape photography . And, if you need to, recharge your battery at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, a grassy area ideal for picnics and watching the sunset. Fun fact: It's the most-photographed place in San Diego.

Little Italy Arrow

This quaint neighborhood is the place to go for charming Italian restaurants and bakeries, wine bars, and boutique shopping. The main thoroughfare along India Street is home to trusty favorite Italian spots like Barbusa, Buon Appetito, and Civico 1845, but the neighborhood has made room for several non-Italian restaurants in recent years, such as Ironside Fish & Oyster , Juniper & Ivy , and Queenstown Public House. There's also a popular farmers market on Saturdays. The nightlife scene in Little Italy draws people in their thirties and forties.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá Arrow

There are 21 missions dotting the California coast, and San Diego lays claim to the first. Established in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcalá is the physical representation of Christianity's birth on the West Coast. Even today, you can worship here—it's an active parish with Mass held daily—but even if you aren't a practicing Catholic, the mission is still a sight to behold, with white stucco walls, Spanish roof tiles, and grand archways. It stands on a hill overlooking Old Town with gorgeous views.

Petco Park Arrow

Petco Park is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Diego , but the appeal doesn't stop at baseball. The stadium was named the best MLB ballpark to watch a game at by USA Today in 2022, and is among the few in the nation with a water view–it's a stone's throw from San Diego Bay. Hop heads will love the stellar local craft beer options: there are more than 40 different varieties poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium. And with more than 50 dining options, Petco Park's culinary appeal stretches far beyond hot dogs. Many local restaurants run operations in the stadium, including Carnitas’ Snack Shack, Hodad’s, and Grand Ole BBQ. Some notable eateries that opened here in the past year include famed soup dumpling purveyor Din Tai Fung, Sambazon (acai bowls), Jack in the Box (the company was founded in San Diego) and San Diego’s Finest Hot Chicken.

Sunset Cliffs Arrow

Set atop jagged, postcard-worthy sea cliffs, San Diego 's aptly named Sunset Cliffs neighborhood rewards visitors with panoramic ocean views. Hands down San Diego's most popular spot at dusk, Sunset Cliffs attracts a crowd nightly for its serene, picture-perfect views. Part of the neighborhood overlaps with Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a 68-acre reserve known for its sea caves, rock arch formations, and extremely steep bluffs. Follow a path along the cliffs for a scenic walk, while making note of the sprawling homes nearby. Head up the hill to the nearby Little Lion Café for a healthy, Cali-bistro fare to-go or dine on their small patio. Or grab classic French dessert with a Cuban twist—like passion fruit caramels and a mango cheesecake—at Chef Vivian Hernandez-Jackson's excellent neighborhood patisserie Azucar and head to the water for a sweet sunset.

Del Mar Racetrack Arrow

The Del Mar Racetrack is a spectacle for high rollers and casual gamblers alike, with lightening-fast horse races that'll get your heart pumping. The track is open Thursday through Sunday, holding about eight to 12 races daily. There are 30 minutes between races to place your bets or refill your drink. In general, it's mostly adults here, but during the track's non-racing hours, the venue holds special events like food truck festivals and concerts that can bring a more diverse age range. General admission tickets are $8.

USS Midway Museum Arrow

This 971-foot-long floating museum is the best way to learn about and honor San Diego 's significant naval community. The decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. Visitors can get a taste of navy life by visiting the plane-packed flight deck, sprawling hangar bay, mess hall, and berthing. The museum hosts about 400 active-duty military events annually—including reenlistment, retirement, and change-of-command ceremonies—which are all open for the public to observe.

Cabrillo National Monument Arrow

This nature preserve and historic site at the edge of the Point Loma peninsula is one of the most picturesque spots in San Diego . It’s about 20 minutes from downtown, with the scenic ocean views starting from the moment you drive in. Once you park at the visitor center, you’re treated to panoramic views of San Diego Bay, downtown, Coronado, and the naval station on North Island. On clear afternoons, you can see all the way to Tijuana, Mexico. The park spans 140-plus acres, and there’s plenty of outdoor activities here from hiking trails to exploring tide pools, or just enjoying the views from one of the many overlooks. Cabrillo National Monument is a landmark where several milestones in San Diego’s modern history converge.

The Whaley House Museum Arrow

The Whaley House Museum has been called one of the most haunted houses in the United States. The two-story Greek Revival-style home was built by businessman Thomas Whaley in 1857, and the Whaleys experienced several tragedies after moving into the home, including the deaths of two of their children. The property was already rumored to be haunted before the home was built since the grounds were once an execution yard, and paranormal activity is said to occur in the house to this day. A guided evening tour is the way to go here. Being in the home after sundown adds to the spine-tingling effect, and the guides–who are dressed in Victorian-era clothing–are enthusiastic storytellers. The details they share about the neighborhood’s history, the Whaley family, and the tragedies that happened on the property makes it all engaging and brings the house to life.

Barrio Logan Arrow

One of California's 14 Cultural Districts, this historic, artsy neighborhood is rooted in Mexican and Chicano cultures. The most obvious proof is Chicano Park, the neighborhood's collection of more than 80 outdoor murals painted onto the concrete girders of the Coronado Bridge. The larger-than-life portraits depict iconic cultural figures, like revolutionary Emiliano Zapata and Aztec goddesses. Many of the hip, modern businesses that have landed are still rooted in the community's culture. There's Por Vida for coffee, Border X Brewing for Mexican-inspired craft beers like a horchata brew, Salud! for street tacos that garners long (long) lines, and Simón Limón, which sells beauty and home goods. And for old-school flavor and some of the best Mexican food in San Diego , don't miss a meal at Las Cuatro Milpas , but get there early—they usually sell out by lunchtime.

Coronado Arrow

The dreamy city of Coronado is an island (technically, a peninsula) stronghold of hotels, resorts, and beach-front restaurants. Make the short, two-mile journey over one of San Diego ’s most recognizable structures, Coronado Bridge, or take the ferry to get there. The main business district, which hugs Orange Avenue, is filled with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly hangouts like MooTime Creamery, so it's a popular spot for families. And, of course, the famous Hotel Del Coronado continues to be a draw.

Cedros Avenue Design District Arrow

Take a stroll down the palm tree-lined Cedros Avenue Design District in sunny Solana Beach to shop at eclectic local independent boutiques, galleries, and home goods stores. With more than 85 shops jam-packed into a petite two-and-a-half blocks, this condensed district can be easily traversed within an afternoon. But you might want to spend more time: there's plenty of local art to catch at the galleries, along with great stores for clothing, and a fantastic farmers market on Sundays.

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Attractions

From exotic animals to thrilling rides, you'll find it in san diego, the only hard part is choosing what to do first.

San Diego is home to many of Southern California’s top attractions, with plenty of options for adventure-seeking, fun-loving explorers. Have a close encounter with an exotic animal. Take a wild ride down a 375-foot water slide. Step aboard a real aircraft carrier. Or even take a day trip to Disneyland, just a short drive north to Anaheim.  Plus, you can save time and money with the multi-attraction Go San Diego card.  Purchase attractions tickets right here on this site, just click to buy tickets from the list below.  

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San diego attractions, must-see california theme parks & attractions.

San Diego is packed with great things to see and do including these top theme parks and attractions.

Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

Just minutes from downtown, explore the history, legacy, and future of this ever changing, always amazing cultural park.

SeaWorld San Diego

Spread across 190 acres on beautiful Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld is known for its amazing animals, interactive attractions, aquariums, rides, beautiful landscaping and education programs for all ages.

Pianist on Thursdays

Come join us on Thursdays at 6pm for our Keyslayer attraction. Romantic and cozy ambiance makes the perfect setting for a date and more!

Guided Docent-Led Tours

Guided Docent Led Tours at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is your opportunity to learn of the ships in-depth stories from our trained knowledgeable historians, and enjoy the waterfront sights of San Diego Bay while meeting other people with like interests in maritime heritage and history. The docent and volunteer community share a wealth of knowledge, and a passion and pride with visitors for these extra special tours. Guided Docent-led Tour tickets include General Admission. So, after your tour you are welcome to explore more of the fleet and exhibits if you have time. Once at the museum, you can add-on a 45 min Historic Bay Cruise for only $10.00 more. Check with the Ticket Booth staff on availability. Leaving the museum for lunch, and returning is allowed, with lot’s of lunch and nibble options in close walking distance.

LEGOLAND World Parade

Gocar luxury driving experience.

The GoCar Exotic Driving Experience is for anyone that wants to get away from the busy city life and take in the fresh air and beautiful scenery in the mountains. You’ll be driving a 2020 Vanderhall Blackjack with GoCar technology.

Start in Old Town San Diego before taking the winding streets through the mountains to an Old Mining Town. Julian is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains just an hour east of San Diego. The drive to Julian is full of breathtaking views with changing landscapes. As you enjoy the drive, it takes you to all the best sites, recommends restaurants, cracks jokes and tells the stories that bring the destination to life. Learn the history, stop for lunch, take a bite of Julian’s famous apple pie, and much more.

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Must-See California Theme Parks & Attractions

Save up to 45% at the Best Attractions

Visit San Diego’s top attractions and save up to 45% on combined admission. See your choice of SeaWorld® San Diego, LEGOLAND® California, or both. Plus, get admission to 3 of the following attractions: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, USS Midway Museum, City Cruises and Old Town Trolley Tours.

EXPLORE SAN DIEGO WITH GO CITY

Discover 55+ top San Diego attractions and save up to 50% with Go City. Choose a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7-day All Inclusive Pass and meet the animals at San Diego Zoo, spend the day at SeaWorld®, explore the impressive USS Midway, cruise the bay with Speedboat Adventures, and more!

Visit GoCity.com to choose the pass that's perfect for you.

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Sunshine & savings at andaz.

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Bed & Breakfast

Stay any night and receive breakfast for two daily, just for ONE DOLLAR MORE!

Related Articles and Features

Save big with san diego passes to local attractions.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or striking out to explore the San Diego area for the first time, discounts on attraction admissions, dining and shopping can help make the trip more enjoyable and the money last longer, especially if you are traveling as a family.

10 Can’t-Miss Attractions in San Diego

From amusement parks to works of art, there's plenty to see and do in San Diego.

8 Awesome Adventures at LEGOLAND ® California Resort

Think of LEGOLAND ® California Resort as a “build your own adventure” kind of place. From the epic new The LEGO ® Movie World™ expansion to classic rides, from giant water slides to itty-bitty miniature cities, you can’t go wrong. Don’t miss these eight awesome stops on your San Diego journey.

Family Fun in San Diego

It's not an exaggeration to say that everyone can find their happiness in San Diego. Young, old, thrill-seekers, curious minds, sports buffs, culture vultures, poolside loungers and spa seekers — San Diego has something for all of them, all year-round. Whether you're looking to squash screen time and tire out the teenagers or just relax on the beach and reconnect as a family, San Diego was made for the all-ages vacation.

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