San Diego is a desirable destination for beachgoers, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers—attracting more than 35 million visitors annually. Take the guess work out of packing and planning for your next trip to America’s Finest City with these insider tips on what to expect, what to bring, and what to avoid.
BRING LAYERS
Known for having one of the most temperate climates in the country, San Diego’s typical weather forecast is 70s and sunny. But tourists who have never visited the Southern California paradisiacal city are often surprised to find out how cool it gets at night. Many businesses and residences—particularly older buildings—do not have central heating or air conditioning, so it’s advised to bring a light jacket or sweater for summer evenings, and heavier knits during winter. Coastal neighborhoods can turn particularly chilly from ocean breezes.
WEAR COMFY SHOES
San Diego’s a walkable town, and based on the traffic and lack of parking, you should walk as much as possible. Balboa Park and the zoo are walkers’ paradises, and all of Downtown is pedestrian-friendly.
IF YOU DECIDE TO GO TO MEXICO, BRING YOUR PASSPORT
San Diego’s an international border city, located only 17 miles from Tijuana, making it easy to plan a trip to both cities in a single visit. But gone are the days when Americans could cross the border into Mexico and return by simply showing their driver’s license. For the last decade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has required Americans to show a valid passport to return home after a day of tacos and margaritas in Mexico. From San Diego, the easiest way to travel to the border is by taking the trolley ($5 round-trip) to San Ysidro on the blue line, and then walk across—retracing your steps on the way back. Check the CBP Border Wait Times mobile app for estimated wait times around the clock.
SAN DIEGO IS A NAVY TOWN
With more than 143,000 active-duty service members and another 241,000 veterans, San Diego has the largest military concentration in the world. While in town (especially Coronado), you will likely see service members walking in uniform, or catch them driving special military vehicles. The best opportunity to interact with them or visit an active military base is during Fleet Week San Diego, held each fall. Visitors can also take self-guided tours of decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Midway Museum, open to the public year-round. Naval Air Station North Island is the birthplace of naval aviation. Naval Base San Diego is home to the largest contingency of ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado is headquarters to elite special forces commands including the U.S. Navy SEALs.
GOOD LUCK FINDING A HOTEL IF YOU’RE VISITING DURING COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
More than 130,000 people, including big-name celebrities, flock to San Diego Convention Center each July for Comic-Con International. You can expect area lodging to be at an all-time high during the convention (which lasts for about five days), with hotel rooms and Airbnb rentals booked several months in advance. People in cosplay take over the streets of downtown, with additional spectators there to people-watch—inevitably causing heavy traffic into and out of the Downtown area. Check the Comic-Con website for event dates to plan accordingly.
AVOID RUSH HOUR
San Diego does not have a good public transit system to effectively help the thousands of people who commute across the city every day, causing bad weekday traffic from about 7 to 10 am and 3 to 7 pm. The I-5 and I-805 that run north and south are arguably the worst, and the I-15 and I-8 can also get bad during peak drive times. But as the locals say, it’s still never as bad as driving in Los Angeles.
COME PREPARED TO IMBIBE
Sure, you could drink mainstream beer like Budweiser in San Diego, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find it on tap at local bars or restaurants. San Diego is proud of its booming craft beer industry, evidenced by the more than 150 craft breweries throughout the county that are loyally supported by locals. India Pale Ales are the most common brews, but you’ll find other varieties being poured to please your palate, in addition to ciders, hard kombucha, and mead.
SAN DIEGO IS HOME TO MAJOR THEME PARKS
If you’re bringing kids on a trip to San Diego, there won’t be a shortage of places to entertain them. Take a day off from the beach to visit local amusement parks, including San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND. Adjacent to San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park houses 17 museums, as well as restaurants, gardens, and other attractions. Expect larger crowds during the summer months, and shop for multi-park passes if you plan to park hop. 
TIP →Adult beverages are available for purchase at all area theme parks.
“MAY GRAY, JUNE GLOOM”
This common phrase in San Diego essentially means you shouldn’t expect to see the sun during those months. An offshore marine layer that forms overnight is typically burned off by mid-morning sun, but until then, it leaves a blanket of thick fog over much of the coastal area. During May and June, the marine layer often doesn’t burn off at all, leaving the city with fall-like temps and cloud-covered beaches. For the warmest weather, visit San Diego during high season, between July and September.
PARKING CAN BE TRICKY
The electric scooter trend continues to be a divisive topic in San Diego, with some communities like Coronado banning them, while other areas encourage their use to get cars off the road and free up parking spots. There’s an abundance of scooters sprinkled throughout Downtown, Balboa Park, and the beach communities, which are all accessed through a mobile app (depending on the brand) and cost $1 to activate. In San Diego, adults 18 years and older are no longer required to wear a helmet while riding, but it’s still illegal to ride electric scooters on sidewalks. Dockless bikes are another rideshare option when headed to a crowded area or if you don’t have a place to store your wheels.
TACO TUESDAYS ARE A WEEKLY TRADITION
If you like happy hour, then you’ll love Taco Tuesdays in San Diego. Many local restaurants offer discounts on Tuesdays that may also include drink specials. And it’s not just Mexican restaurants that join in the tradition—eateries of all types and every price point have tempting deals. Browse Instagram for drool-worthy #TacoTuesday posts to begin plotting out your next tortilla-filled meal.
STAY AWAY FROM THE SEALS
They might look cute and cuddly, but keep away from the seals and sea lions that congregate at La Jolla’s Children’s Pool Beach. Do not feed them, and go with the knowledge that these playful creatures often leave a strong odor of feces in their wake.
FLIP-FLOPS AND SHORTS ARE THE NORM
You won’t find a more casual big city. Flip-flops are the favored footwear, shorts and beachy skirts comprise the summer uniform, and designer jeans qualify as dressing up. Dining out warrants a little research; some eateries barely toe the “no shirt, no shoes” rule, while others require more elegant attire.
SUNRISE, SUNSET
The beaches can’t be beat, but battling the crazy summer crowds for a spot on the sand is far from relaxing. Take a stroll just after dawn, or find a secluded spot on the cliffs, for a more serene sunset.
When traveling in the San Diego area, consider the big picture to avoid getting lost. Water lies to the west of the city. To the east and north, mountains separate the urban areas from the desert. If you keep going south, you’ll end up in Mexico.
Walking (or riding the bus or trolley) is the way to go once you’ve reached a destination area. Balboa Park and the zoo are walkers’ paradises, and all of Downtown, including the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Seaport Village, and Embarcadero, is pedestrian-friendly. In the heart of the city, numbered streets run west to east and lettered streets run north to south. The business district around the Civic Center, at 1st Avenue and C Street, is dedicated to local government and commerce.
Air Travel
Flying time to San Diego is 5 hours from New York, 4 hours from Chicago, 3 hours from Dallas, and 45 minutes from Los Angeles.
AIRPORT
The major airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN), formerly called Lindbergh Field. Most airlines depart and arrive at Terminal 2. Southwest, Frontier, and Alaska Airlines are reserved for Terminal 1. Free, color-coded shuttles loop the airport and match the parking lot they serve. The long-term parking lot on Harbor Drive and Liberator Way is a shuttle ride to the terminals. Parking lots at Terminals 1 and 2 charge $32 per day and have covered parking and charging stations. The Cell Phone Lot for attended vehicles is convenient when picking up passengers. With only one runway serving two main terminals, San Diego’s airport is too small to accommodate the heavy traffic of busy travel periods. Small problems including fog and rain can cause congested terminals and flight delays. Delays of 20–30 minutes in baggage claim aren’t unusual.
Shopping and dining options include these popular spots: Einstein Bros. Bagel, Best Buy Express, Brighton Collectibles, Be Relax Spa, Phil’s Barbecue, and Stone Brewing. In addition, if you have a flight delay, consider catching a 10-minute cab ride to the Gaslamp Quarter for last-minute shopping or a stroll around Downtown.
If you need travel assistance at the airport, Airport Ambassadors are stationed at the information centers in both terminals.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
San Diego International Airport is 3 miles from Downtown. Shuttle vans, buses, and taxis run from the Transportation Plaza, reached via the skybridges from Terminals 1 and 2. The cheapest and sometimes most convenient shuttle is the Metropolitan Transit System’s Flyer Route 992, red-and-white-stripe buses that serve the terminals at 10- to 15-minute intervals between 5 am and 11 pm. These buses have luggage racks and make a loop from the airport to Downtown along Broadway to 9th Avenue and back, stopping frequently within walking distance of many hotels; they also connect with the San Diego Trolley and Amtrak. The $2.25 fare includes transfer to local transit buses and the trolley, and you should have exact fare (in coins or bills) handy. Information about the Metropolitan Transit System’s shuttles and buses, the San Diego Trolley, and Coaster commuter train can all be found on the joint transit website 
www.transit.511sd.com.
If you’re heading to North County, the MTS route 992 can drop you off across from the Santa Fe Depot, where you can take the Coaster commuter train as far north as Oceanside for $5.50.
Of the various airport shuttles, only SuperShuttle has tie-downs for wheelchairs.
Ground shuttle service is available between LAX and San Diego, but can be prohibitively expensive, with rates for the two-hour trip starting at $296, so a car rental may be a more economical option. All the shuttles listed at the end of this section offer the service.
Taxis departing from the airport are subject to regulated fares—($2.80 initial fee, $3 per mile). Taxi fare is about $20 plus tip to most Downtown hotels. The fare to Coronado runs about $30 plus tip. Limousine rates vary and are charged per hour, per mile, or both, with some minimums established.
Boat Travel
Many hotels, marinas, and yacht clubs rent slips short-term. Call ahead, because available space is limited. The San Diego and Southwestern yacht clubs have reciprocal arrangements with other yacht clubs.
Flagship Cruises takes you between Downtown and Coronado in a nostalgic, old-school ferry every hour from 9 am to 9 pm. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and costs $5 each way; bicycles and Segways are free.
San Diego SEAL Tours, operated by Old Town Trolley, combine the best of land and sea, departing from Seaport Village daily. After exploring picturesque San Diego neighborhoods, the bus-boat hybrid rolls right into the water for a cruise around the bay. The $42 tour is narrated with fun facts, too.
Car Travel
To fully explore sprawling San Diego—especially with kids in tow—consider renting a car. Nearly everything of interest can be found off I–5 or I–163, and the county’s freeways are wide and easy to use. Traffic isn’t a major issue if you avoid rush hour. Parking in urban areas is typically metered, Monday through Saturday, 8 to 6, unless otherwise marked. You may park for free outside those hours, and on Sunday and holidays. TIP →Yellow commercial loading zones are fair game for parking after 6 pm. During special Downtown events, such as Padres games, you’ll likely have to settle for one of the many paid parking structures—they cost around $20 close to the action. Parking at beaches is free for the most part, though tough to come by on sunny days unless you stake out a spot early.
A car is necessary for getting around greater San Diego on the sprawling freeway system and for visiting the North County beaches, mountains, and desert. Driving around San Diego County is pretty simple: most major attractions are within a few miles of the Pacific Ocean. Interstate 5, which stretches north–south from Oregon to the Mexican border, bisects San Diego. Interstate 8 provides access from Yuma, Arizona, and points east. Drivers coming from the Los Angeles area, Nevada, and the mountain regions beyond can reach San Diego on I–15. During rush hours there are jams on I–5 and on I–15 between I–805 and Escondido.
There are a few border inspection stations along major highways in San Diego County, the largest just north of Oceanside on I–5 near San Clemente. Travel with your driver’s license, and bring your passport if you’re an international traveler.
Gas is widely available in San Diego County, except in rural areas. Outlets are generally open 24 hours and accept major credit cards that can be processed at the pump. Full service is not available, but you will usually find window-washing tools next to a pump; water and air are available somewhere on the property. All fuel in California is unleaded and sold at three price levels. Pricing is per gallon pumped and varies widely by season, location, and oil company provider. In San Diego gas tends to cost about 15% more than it does in many other California cities.
There are nearly 60 charging stations for electric vehicles in San Diego, located at Balboa Park, recreation centers, libraries, upscale hotels, and entertainment districts. A map of EV charging stations is available at www.sandiego.gov.
PARKING
Meters in Downtown usually cost $1 to $2.50 an hour; enforcement is 10–8 every day but Sunday. TIP →If you are headed to Horton Plaza, the mall validates for one hour with no purchase required. Be extra careful around rush hour, when certain on-street parking areas become tow-away zones. Violations in congested areas can cost $45 or more. In the evening and during events in Downtown, parking spaces are hard to find. Most Downtown hotels offer valet parking service. The Convention Center has nearly 2,000 spaces that go for $15 to $35 for event parking. On game day at PETCO Park, expect to pay $10 to $35 for a parking space a short walk from the stadium. Other Downtown lots cost $10–$45 per day.
Balboa Park and Mission Bay have huge free parking lots, and it’s rare not to find a space, though it may seem as if you’ve parked miles from your destination. Old Town has large lots surrounding the transit center, but parking spaces are still hard to find. Parking is more of a problem in La Jolla and Coronado, where you generally need to rely on hard-to-find metered street spots or expensive by-the-hour parking lots.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Highways are in good condition in the San Diego area. From 6 to 8:30 am and 3:30 to 6 pm, traffic is particularly heavy on I–5, I–8, I–805, and I–15. Before venturing into the mountains, check on road conditions; mountain driving can be dangerous. Check Caltrans or listen to radio traffic reports for information on the length of border waits from Mexico. For roadside assistance, dial 511 from a mobile phone.
RENTAL CARS
In California you must be 21 to rent a car, and rates may be higher if you’re under 25. Some agencies will not rent to those under 25; check when you book. Children up to age eight or under 4’9” in height must be placed in safety or booster seats. For non–U.S. residents an international license is recommended but not required.
Rates fluctuate with seasons and demand, but generally begin at $39 a day and $250 a week for an economy car with air-conditioning, automatic transmission, and unlimited mileage. This doesn’t include an 8.75% tax.
Public Transportation
Visit www.511sd.com, which lists routes and timetables for the Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District. Local/urban bus fare is $2.25 one-way, or $5 for an unlimited day pass (exact change only; pay when you board). A one-way ride on the city’s iconic red trolleys is $2.50; get your ticket at any trolley vending machine.
Under the umbrella of the Metropolitan Transit System, there are two major transit agencies in the area: San Diego Transit and North County Transit District (NCTD). You will need to buy a $2 compass card, available when you board for the first time, on which are loaded your destinations to use MTS. Day passes, available for 1 to 30 days and starting at $5, give unlimited rides on nonpremium regional buses and the San Diego Trolley. You can buy them from most trolley vending machines, at the Downtown Transit Store, and at Albertsons markets. A $12 Regional Plus Day Pass adds Coaster service and premium bus routes.
The bright-red trolleys of the San Diego Trolley light-rail system operate on three lines that serve Downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, Old Town, South Bay, the U.S. border, and East County. The trolleys operate seven days a week from about 5 am to midnight, depending on the station, at intervals of about 15 minutes. The trolley system connects with San Diego Transit bus routes—connections are posted at each trolley station. Bicycle lockers are available at most stations and bikes are allowed on buses and trolleys though space is limited. Trolleys can get crowded during morning and evening rush hours. Schedules are posted at each stop; on-time performance is excellent.
NCTD bus routes connect with Coaster commuter train routes between Oceanside and the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego. They serve points from Del Mar north to San Clemente, inland to Fallbrook, Pauma Valley, Valley Center, Ramona, and Escondido, with transfer points within the city of San Diego. NCTD also offers special express-bus service to Qualcomm Stadium for select major sporting events. The Sprinter light rail provides service between Oceanside and Escondido, with buses connecting to popular North County attractions.
San Diego Transit bus fares range from $2.25 to $5; North County Transit District bus fares are $4. You must have exact change in coins and/or bills. Pay upon boarding. Transfers are not included; the $5 day pass is the best option for most bus travel and can be purchased onboard.
San Diego Trolley tickets cost $2.50 and are good for two hours, but for one-way travel only. Round-trip tickets are double the one-way fare.
Tickets are dispensed from self-service machines at each stop; exact fare in coins is recommended, although some machines accept bills in $1, $5, $10, and $20 denominations and credit cards. Ticket vending machines will return up to $10 in change. For trips on multiple buses and trolleys, buy a day pass good for unlimited use all day.
FRED (FREE RIDE EVERYWHERE DOWNTOWN)
These open-air electric vehicles offer free rides throughout the Downtown area. Riders can make a pickup request through the FRED app, or simply flag one down. www.thefreeride.com
Ride-Sharing
App-driven ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are popular in San Diego. Drivers are readily available from most in-town destinations and also service the airport.
Taxi Travel
Cabs are a fine choice for trips to and from the airport and short jaunts around town. The approximate rates are: $2.80 for the first 1/10 mile, $3 each additional mile, and $24 per hour of waiting time. You can find taxi stands at the airport, hotels, major attractions, and shopping centers. Downtown, your best bet is to flag one down.
If you are heading to the airport from a hotel, ask about the flat rate, which varies according to destination; otherwise you’ll be charged by the mile (which works out to $20 or so from any Downtown location). Taxi stands are at shopping centers and hotels; otherwise you must call and reserve a cab.
PEDICABS
These pedal-powered tricycles with a rear passenger area are a great way to get around Downtown. Just be sure to agree on a price before you start moving, or you could get taken for the wrong kind of ride.
Train Travel
Amtrak serves Downtown San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot with daily trains to and from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Connecting service to Oakland, Seattle, Chicago, Texas, Florida, and points beyond is available in Los Angeles. Amtrak trains stop in San Diego North County at Solana Beach and Oceanside. You can obtain Amtrak timetables at any Amtrak station, or by visiting the Amtrak website.
Coaster commuter trains, which run daily between Oceanside and San Diego, stop at the same stations as Amtrak as well as others. The frequency is about every half hour during the weekday rush hour, with four trains on Saturday (with additional Friday and Saturday night service in spring and summer). One-way fares are $4 to $5.50, depending on the distance traveled. The Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Solana Beach stations have beach access. The Sprinter runs between Oceanside and Escondido, with many stops along the way.
Metrolink operates high-speed rail service ($17) between the Oceanside Transit Center and Union Station in Los Angeles.
Train vending machines accept all major credit cards. Reservations, which you can make online, are suggested for trains running on weekends between San Diego and Santa Barbara. Make your reservations early to get the best fares. For security reasons, Amtrak requires ticket holders to provide photo ID.
Dining
San Diego is an up-and-coming culinary destination, thanks to its stunning Pacific Ocean setting, proximity to Mexico, diverse population, and the area’s extraordinary farming community. Increasingly the city’s veteran top chefs are being joined by a new generation of talented chefs and restaurateurs who are adding stylish restaurants with innovative food and drink programs to the dining scene at a record pace. Yes, visitors still are drawn to the San Diego Zoo and miles of beaches, but now they come for memorable dining experiences as well.
The city’s culinary scene got a significant boost when San Diego emerged as one of the world’s top craft beer destinations, with artisan breweries and gastropubs now in almost every neighborhood. San Diego also was on the cutting edge of the farm-to-table, Slow Food movement. Local sourcing is possible for everything from seafood to just-picked produce from a host of nationally recognized producers like Chino Farms and Carlsbad Aquafarm. The city’s ethnically diverse neighborhoods with their modest eateries offering affordable authentic international cuisines add spice to the dining mix.
San Diego’s distinct neighborhoods have their own dining personalities with friendly restaurants and bistros catering to every craving in this sun-blessed city. The trendy Gaslamp Quarter delights visitors looking for a broad range of innovative and international dining and nightlife, while bustling Little Italy offers a mix of affordable Italian fare and posh new eateries. Modern restaurants and cafés thrive in East Village, amid the luxury condos near PETCO Park.
The Uptown neighborhoods centered on Hillcrest—an urbane district with San Francisco flavor—are a mix of bars and independent restaurants, many of which specialize in ethnic cuisine. North Park, in particular, has a happening restaurant and craft beer scene, with just about every kind of cuisine you can think of, and laid-back prices to boot. And scenic La Jolla offers some of the best fine dining in the city with dramatic water views as an added bonus.
DINING HOURS
Unless otherwise noted, the restaurants listed in this guide are open daily for lunch and dinner. Lunch is typically served 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and dinner service in most restaurants begins at 5:30 pm and ends at 10 pm, though a number of establishments serve until 11 pm or later on Friday and Saturday nights.
WHAT TO WEAR
In San Diego restaurants, generally a “come-as-you-are” attitude prevails. It’s a casual city for men and women alike, but going-out dress is generally fashionable and fun, especially for celebratory or upscale dining. Very few dress-up places remain.
CHILDREN
Most San Diego restaurants welcome children and many have special kids’ menus with food offerings targeted to younger palates and parents’ pocketbooks. Some high-end and bar-oriented establishments may not be appropriate for children—if unsure, call the establishment for confirmation.
PARKING
With the boom of new apartments and condominiums Downtown and in Little Italy, street parking near many restaurants can be frustrating, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Valet ($10–$15) parking in front of many major restaurants is easy and convenient. Some valet parking is subsidized by restaurants; call ahead for parking offers and suggestions. There are several parking garages and lots throughout Downtown with prices that fluctuate depending on events. Savvy locals use the limited free parking with validation at Downtown’s Horton Plaza. For major Downtown events where parking is impossible, consider parking for free at the Old Town transit center and get a quick San Diego Trolley ride to stops in Little Italy, East Village, and the Gaslamp Quarter.
SMOKING
Smoking is banned in restaurants in California. The city of San Diego permits smoking on patios, but it’s not allowed in the cities of Chula Vista, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, National City, and Solana Beach.
PRICES
Meals in San Diego popular dining spots can be pricey, especially in areas like La Jolla and the Gaslamp Quarter. Many other restaurants are very affordable or offer extra value with fixed-price menus, early-dining specials and early and late happy hours.
Prices in the reviews are the average cost of a main course at dinner or, if dinner is not served, at lunch.
Lodging
In San Diego, you could plan a luxurious vacation at the beach, staying at a resort with panoramic ocean views, private balconies, and a full-service spa. Or you could stay Downtown, steps from the bustling Gaslamp Quarter, in a modern hotel featuring lively rooftop pools, complimentary wine receptions, and high-tech entertainment systems. But with some flexibility—maybe opting for a partial-view room a quick drive from the action—it’s possible to experience San Diego at half the price.
Sharing the city’s postcard-perfect sunny skies are neighborhoods and coastal communities that offer great diversity; San Diego is no longer the sleepy beach town it once was. In action-packed Downtown, luxury hotels cater to solo business travelers and young couples with trendy restaurants and cabana-encircled pools. Budget-friendly options can be found in smaller neighborhoods just outside the Gaslamp Quarter such as Little Italy and Uptown (Hillcrest, Mission Hills, and North Park).
You’ll need a car if you stay outside Downtown, but the beach communities are rich with lodging options. Across the bridge, Coronado’s hotels and resorts offer access to a stretch of glistening white sand that’s often recognized as one of the best beaches in the country. La Jolla offers many romantic, upscale ocean-view hotels and some of the area’s best restaurants and specialty shopping. But it’s easy to find a water view in any price range: surfers make themselves at home at the casual inns and budget stays of Pacific Beach and Mission Bay. If you’re planning to fish, check out hotels located near the marinas in Shelter Island, Point Loma, or Coronado.
For families, Uptown, Mission Valley, and Old Town are close to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, offering good-value accommodations with extras like sleeper sofas and video games. Mission Valley is ideal for business travelers; there are plenty of well-known chain hotels with conference space, modern business centers, and kitchenettes for extended stays.
When your work (or sightseeing) is done, join the trendsetters flocking to Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter for its eateries, lounges, and multilevel clubs that rival L.A.’s stylish scenes.
PARKING
Given the distances between attractions and limited public transportation routes, a car is almost a necessity for visitors to San Diego. That being said, a vehicle can significantly add to your expenses if you stay in the ritzier areas. Overnight parking in Coronado, La Jolla, and Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter can be as high as $50 per night; in Uptown and Mission Bay it usually runs $10 to $20.
RESERVATIONS
Book well in advance, especially if you plan to visit in summer, which is the busy season for most hotels. In spring and fall, conventions and sports events can fill every Downtown hotel room. When you make reservations, ask about specials. Several properties in the Hotel Circle area of Mission Valley offer reduced rates and even free tickets to the San Diego Zoo and other attractions. You can save on hotels and attractions by visiting the San Diego Tourism Authority website ( www.sandiego.org) for special seasonal offers.
STAYING WITH KIDS
The area is full of hotels suited to a family’s budget and/or recreational needs, and many allow kids under 18 to stay free with their parents. You’ll find the most choices and diversity in and around Carlsbad near LEGOLAND, and Mission Bay, which is close to SeaWorld, beaches, parks, and Old Town.
SERVICES
Downtown hotels once catered primarily to business travelers, though the new boutique hotels are attracting hip leisure travelers to the area, while those at Mission Bay, in coastal locations such as Carlsbad and Encinitas, and at inland resort areas offer golf and other sports facilities, spa services, children’s activities, and more. If you’re traveling with pets, note that pet policies do change and some hotels require substantial cleaning fees of $50 to $100. At many San Diego hotels, even smoking outdoors is frowned on or prohibited.
PRICES
Note that even in the most expensive areas, you can find affordable rooms. High season is summer, and rates are lowest in fall. If an ocean view is important, request it when booking, but it will cost you.
Prices in the reviews are the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For expanded hotel reviews, facilities, and current deals, visit Fodors.com.
Shopping
San Diego’s retail landscape has changed radically in recent years with the opening of several new shopping centers—some in historic buildings—that are focused more on locally owned boutiques than national retailers. Where once the Gaslamp was the place to go for urban apparel and unique home decor, many independently owned boutiques have decided to set up shop in the charming neighborhoods east of Balboa Park known as North Park and South Park. Although Downtown is still thriving, any shopping trip to San Diego should include venturing out to the city’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.
Old Town is a must for pottery, ceramics, jewelry, and handcrafted baskets. Uptown is known for its mélange of funky bookstores, offbeat gift shops, and nostalgic collectibles and vintage stores. The beach towns offer the best swimwear and sandals. La Jolla’s chic boutiques offer a more intimate shopping experience, along with some of the classiest clothes, jewelry, and shoes in the county. Point Loma’s Liberty Station shopping area in the former Naval Training Center has art galleries, restaurants, and home stores. Trendsetters will have no trouble finding must-have handbags and designer apparel at the world-class Fashion Valley mall in Mission Valley, a haven for luxury brands such as Hermès, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo. The Carlsbad Outlets near LEGOLAND have nearly 100 designer outlet stores including Barneys New York, Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Nike.
Enjoy near-perfect weather year-round as you explore shops along the scenic waterfront. The Headquarters at Seaport is an open-air shopping and dining center in the city’s former Police Headquarters building. Here there are some big names, but mostly locally owned boutiques selling everything from gourmet cheese to coastal-inspired home accessories. Just next door, Seaport Village is still the place to go for trinkets and souvenirs. If you don’t discover what you’re looking for in the boutiques, head to Westfield Horton Plaza, the Downtown mall with more than 120 stores, public plaza, amphitheater, and fountains.
Most malls have free parking in a lot or garage, and parking is not usually a problem. Westfield Horton Plaza and some of the shops in the Gaslamp Quarter offer validated parking or valet parking.
OPENING HOURS
Shops near tourist attractions and the major shopping malls tend to open early and close late. Standard hours are typically 10 to 9 on weekdays and 10 to 10 on weekends. Smaller shops may close as early as 5 on weekdays and Sunday. It’s best to call ahead to confirm hours if you have your heart set on visiting a particular shop.
OUTLET MALLS
Some hotels offer free shuttles to shopping centers, outlet malls, and nearby casinos. Check with the concierge for schedules.
Nightlife
The San Diego nightlife scene is much more diverse and innovative than it was just a decade ago. Back then, options were limited to the pricey singles-heavy dance clubs Downtown, the party-hearty atmosphere of Pacific Beach, and a handful of charmingly musty neighborhood dive bars popular with locals. Today, options in San Diego have expanded dramatically, boasting more than 150 craft breweries throughout the county, not to mention several stylish cocktail lounges.
The Gaslamp Quarter is still one of the most popular areas to go for a night on the town. Named for actual gaslights that once provided illumination along its once-seedy streets (it housed a number of gambling halls and brothels), the neighborhood bears only a trace of its debauched roots. Between the Gaslamp and nearby East Village, Downtown San Diego mostly comprises chic nightclubs, tourist-heavy pubs, and a handful of live music venues. Even most of the hotels Downtown have a street-level or rooftop bar—so plan on making it a late night if that’s where you intend to bunk. On weekends, parking can be tricky; most lots run about $20, and though there is metered parking (free after 6 pm and all day Sunday), motorists don’t give up those coveted spots so easily. Some restaurants and clubs offer valet, though that can get pricey.
Hillcrest is a popular area for LGBT nightlife and culture, whereas just a little bit east of Hillcrest, ever-expanding North Park features a diverse range of bars and lounges that cater to a twenty- and thirtysomething crowd, bolstering its reputation as the city’s hipster capital. Nearby Normal Heights is a slightly less pretentious alternative, though whichever of these neighborhoods strikes your fancy, a cab from Downtown will run about the same price: $15.
Nightlife along the beaches is more of a mixed bag. Where the scene in Pacific Beach might feel like every week is spring break, La Jolla veers toward being more cost-prohibitive. And although Point Loma is often seen as a sleeper neighborhood in terms of nightlife, it’s coming into its own with some select destinations.
If your drink involves caffeine and not alcohol, there’s no shortage of coffeehouses in San Diego, and some of the better ones in Hillcrest and North Park stay open past midnight. Many of them also serve beer and wine, if the caffeine buzz isn’t enough.
THE LOWDOWN
Step outside to smoke. Smoking is strictly outlawed indoors in public places in San Diego, and since 2014 that includes e-cigarettes or vaporizer pens.
What to wear. In the Gaslamp, East Village, and some of North Park’s more upscale spots, dress code is strictly enforced: no flip-flops, ball caps, jerseys, or shorts at any of the city’s swankier bars.
Last call for alcohol. The last chance for nightcaps is theoretically 2 am, but most bars stop serving around 1:30. Listen for the bartender’s announcement.
WHAT’S GOING ON?
The city’s daily paper, The San Diego Union-Tribune ( www.sandiegouniontribune.com), has up-to-date entertainment listings, as well as the paper’s more nightlife-heavy sister site Pacific San Diego ( www.pacificsandiego.com), which provides event listings and editorial suggestions. San Diego has two alt-weeklies, of which The Reader ( www.sandiegoreader.com) boasts more extensive online listings. San Diego CityBeat ( sdcitybeat.com) is more selective with its recommendations, highlighting the edgier and more innovative cultural events.
San Diego magazine ( www.sandiegomagazine.com) is a mainstream read for all walks of life; Modern Luxury ( sandiego.modernluxury.com) is younger, more upscale, and au courant.
Performing Arts
A diverse and sophisticated arts scene probably isn’t the first thing that visitors—or even locals—associate with San Diego. It’s a destination for those who seek out its perennial sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful scenery. Even those within the arts scene readily admit their fiercest competition is the beach! But just a little to the right of the Pacific Ocean, there are some amazing and diverse artistic offerings to prove that San Diego can hold its own.
The theater scene in San Diego may not have the commercial appeal that Broadway does, but it more than makes up for it with talent. In fact, a long list of Broadway-bound productions started right here, including Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Memphis.
Balboa Park’s Old Globe Theatre is modeled after the Shakespearian Globe Theatre in England, and hosts both an annual Shakespeare Festival as well as contemporary plays. A little bit north is La Jolla Playhouse, which was founded by Gregory Peck in 1947, and has hosted dozens of world-premiere productions, in addition to star actors like Laura Linney and Neil Patrick Harris. The playhouse has also launched the Without Walls initiative, which places theater in a new context by removing the theater entirely.
Music also has a major presence in San Diego, courtesy of the world-class San Diego Opera, which performs major works by Puccini and Mozart, and the San Diego Symphony, which caters to a diverse audience thanks to both its classical concerts and its more accessible Summer Pops series.
Whether you fancy rond de jambes or something a bit more modern, San Diego’s scene is en pointe for dance fans.
There’s always something new and exciting happening with visual arts in San Diego. No longer limited to a collector’s market, younger urban artists are making inroads with warehouse gallery spaces in Barrio Logan, while galleries in La Jolla and Little Italy showcase bold works of contemporary art on their walls. The annual San Diego Art Prize highlights rising figures in the visual arts realm, and in the field of architecture, Orchids and Onions honors the best and worst in structural design—and with a sense of humor at that.
TICKETS
Plan ahead and buy tickets early—ideally around the same time that you book your hotel. Not that you can’t find an outlet that sells day-of-show tickets, but you’ll run the risk of paying a grossly inflated price, and might not end up with good seats.
GALLERY AND MUSEUM NIGHTS
The art gallery and museum experience in San Diego isn’t limited to the daytime—at night, a number of different museums and venues host after-business-hours events that attract a younger, cosmopolitan crowd.
Activities
With average daily temperatures of 70.5ºF, San Diego is built for outdoor activities year-round. As you’d expect, the ocean is one of San Diego’s most popular natural attractions. Surfers, swimmers, kayakers, divers, snorkelers, and paddleboarders have 70 miles of shorefront to explore. What might surprise you is there is also great hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, biking, and more.
The possibilities for outdoor activity really are endless and evidence of San Diego’s outdoorsy spirit is apparent everywhere; you’ll likely see runners swarming the waterfront and Balboa Park, groups of surfers bobbing in the water at dawn, hang gliders swooping off sandstone cliffs, and white sails gliding gracefully along the shore. Outdoor enthusiasts are as much a part of San Diego’s landscape as the sea, sand, and hills, and if you want to get in on the action, it’s easy. Companies offering kayak and snorkeling tours and rentals are prevalent, especially in the beach communities of La Jolla, Mission Beach, and on Coronado. If you want to learn to surf, sign up for a lesson at one of the many surf schools in La Jolla or rent a board in Mission Beach and go out on your own. If sightseeing is more your style you can head out on a fishing or whale-watching excursion aboard a charter boat or take a sunset stroll on a wide, sandy beach. At the end of the day at any beach in the county, you’ll surely see a local ritual: everyone stops what they’re doing to watch the sun’s orange orb slip silently into the blue-gray Pacific.
Safety
San Diego is generally a safe place for travelers who observe all normal precautions. Downtown can get a little rowdy at night, especially toward 2 am, when bars boot drunken patrons out on the sidewalks. The city also has a large homeless population, who often camp out on side streets not far from East Village. Most are harmless, aside from the occasional panhandling, but it’s safest to stick to well-lighted, busy areas. Certain pockets of Balboa Park are frequented by drug dealers and prostitutes after hours; if you’re attending a nighttime theater performance or art event, park nearby or use the valet.
At the beach, check with lifeguards about any unsafe conditions such as dangerous riptides or water pollution. The San Diego Tourism Authority offers a print and Web version of Visitor Safety Tips, providing sensible precautions for many situations.
For police, fire, or ambulance, dial 911 (0 in rural areas).
Money
With the mild climate and proximity to the ocean and mountains, San Diego is popular with tourists and conventioneers and, accordingly, is a relatively expensive place to visit. Three-star rooms average between $200 and $280 per night in high season, but there is also a good variety of modest accommodations available. Meal prices compare to those in other large cities, and you can usually find excellent values by dining in smaller, family-run establishments. Admission to local attractions can cost anywhere from $10 to $90. Thankfully, relaxing on one of the public beaches or meandering through the parks and neighborhoods is free—and fun. TIP →To save money on restaurants, spas, and boutiques, scour the coupon section at www.sdreader.com or visit www.groupon.com.
Prices here are given for adults. Substantially reduced fees are almost always available for children, students, and senior citizens. Most museums in Balboa Park offer free admission to residents on Tuesdays.
Tipping
Most people know that it’s customary to tip waitstaff 15% to 20%, with 20% being the norm at high-end restaurants. But, what about bellhops, tour guides, and everyone in between? Here are a few helpful tips for tipping all the service people you might meet on your travels. TIP →Many restaurants are starting to include an 18% service charge to bills for parties of six or more; sometimes it’s stated on the menu, sometimes it’s not. If you’re traveling with a large party, always check the bill before leaving a tip.
Packing
Plan on warm weather at any time of the year. Cottons, walking shorts, jeans, and T-shirts are the norm. Pack bathing suits and shorts regardless of the season. Few restaurants require a jacket and tie for men. Women may want to also bring something a little dressier than their sightseeing garb.
Evenings are cool, even in summer, so be sure to bring a sweater or a light jacket. Rainfall in San Diego isn’t usually heavy; you won’t need a raincoat except in winter, and even then, an umbrella may suffice.
Be sure you have comfortable walking shoes. Even if you don’t walk much at home, you will probably find yourself covering miles while sightseeing on your vacation. Also bring a pair of sandals or water shoes for the beach.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must in San Diego. Binoculars can also come in handy, especially if you’re in town during whale-watching season, from December through mid-April, or planning to stargaze in the desert in the summer. If you plan on surfing, consider packing or renting a wet suit or rash guard depending on the season. In winter, water temperatures drop into the 50s and average around 72 degrees in the summer.
Restrooms
Major attractions and parks have public restrooms. In the Downtown San Diego area, you can usually use the restrooms at major hotels and fast-food restaurants.
Visitor Information
For general information and brochures before you go, contact the San Diego Tourism Authority, which publishes the helpful San Diego Visitors Planning Guide. When you arrive, stop by one of the local visitor centers for general information.
ONLINE RESOURCES
For a dining and entertainment guide to San Diego’s most popular nightlife district, check out Gaslamp.org. For insider tips from a local perspective, try Local Wally’s San Diego Tourist Guide. For information on the birthplace of California, search the Old Town San Diego organization’s site. Browse the website of San Diego’s premier upscale lifestyle magazine, Ranch and Coast. San Diego Magazine also has a useful site. Search the site of ArtsTix for half-price show tickets. For a comprehensive listing of concerts, performances, and art exhibits, check out the local alternative paper San Diego Reader. For edgier arts and culture listings, pick up the San Diego Citybeat alt-weekly.
Air Travel
AIRPORT SHUTTLES
Advanced Shuttle. 
4350 Palm Ave., La Mesa 
800/719–3499, 619/466–6885 www.advancedshuttle.com. San Diego Transit. 619/233–3004 www.511sd.com. SuperShuttle. 123 Caminio de la Riena 800/258–3826 www.supershuttle.com.
AIRPORTS San Diego International Airport. 3225 N. Harbor Dr., off I–5 619/400–2400 www.san.org.
Boat
MARINAS Best Western Island Palms Hotel & Marina. 2051 Shelter Island Dr. 619/222–0561 www.islandpalms.com. The Dana on Mission Bay. 1710 W. Mission Bay Dr. 619/225–2141 www.thedana.com. Kona Kai Resort & Spa. 1551 Shelter Island Dr. 619/224–7547 www.resortkonakai.com. San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina. 333 W. Harbor Dr. 619/230–8955 www.marriott.com. San Diego Yacht Club. 1011 Anchorage La. 619/221–8400 www.sdyc.org. Southwestern Yacht Club. 2702 Qualtrough St. 619/222–0438 www.southwesternyc.org.
Bus and Trolley
North County Transit District. 760/966–6500 www.gonctd.com. San Diego Transit. 619/233–3004 www.511sd.com. Transit Store. 102 Broadway 619/234–1060 www.sdmts.com.
Taxi
Orange Cab. 619/223–5555 www.orangecabsandiego.net. Silver Cabs. 619/280–5555 www.sandiegosilvercab.com. Yellow Cab. 619/444–4444 www.driveu.com.
Train
Coaster. 760/966–6500 www.gonctd.com/coaster. Metrolink. 800/371–5465 www.metrolinktrains.com.
General Interest
ArtsTix. www.sdartstix.com. Local Wally’s San Diego. www.localwally.com. Ranch & Coast www.ranchandcoast.com. San Diego CityBeat www.sdcitybeat.com. San Diego Magazine. www.sandiegomagazine.com. San Diego Reader. www.sandiegoreader.com.
The San Diego Union-Tribune. www.sandiegouniontribune.com.
Visitor Info
Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce. 760/767–5555 www.borregospringschamber.com California Welcome Center Oceanside. 760/721–1101, 800/350–7873 www.visitoceanside.org Carlsbad Visitors Center. 800/227–5722 www.visitcarlsbad.com Coronado Visitor Center. 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado 619/435–7242 www.coronadovisitorcenter.com The Gaslamp Quarter Association. www.gaslamp.org. Encinitas Chamber of Commerce. 535 Encinitas Blvd., Suite 116, Encinitas 760/753–6041 www.encinitaschamber.com Julian Chamber of Commerce. 760/765–1857 www.visitjulian.com. Old Town San Diego. www.oldtownsandiego.org.
One Day in San Diego
If you’ve only got 24 hours to spare, start at Balboa Park, the cultural heart of San Diego. Stick to El Prado, the main promenade, where you’ll pass by peaceful gardens and soaring Spanish colonial revival architecture. Unless you’re a serious museum junkie, pick whichever piques your interest—choices range from photography to folk art.
If you’re with the family, don’t even think of skipping the San Diego Zoo. You’ll want to spend the better part of your day there, but make an early start of it so you can head for one of San Diego’s beaches afterward while there’s still daylight. Kick back under the late afternoon sun and linger for sunset. Or wander around Seaport Village and the Embarcadero before grabbing a bite to eat in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Alternate plan: Start at SeaWorld and end with an ocean-view dinner in La Jolla.
Four Days in San Diego
DAY 1
The one-day itinerary above also works for the first day of an extended visit. If you’re staying in North County, though, you may want to bypass the zoo and head for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Here, you’ll see herds of African and Asian animals acting as they would in the wild. Not included in the general admission, but worth it, are the park’s “special experiences”—guided photo caravans, behind-the-scenes tours, and the Flightline, a zip line soaring above the animal enclosures.
Another North County option for families with little ones: LEGOLAND in Carlsbad. Note: The San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Safari Park, and LEGOLAND are all-day, wipe-the-kids-out adventures.
DAY 2
You might want to ease into your second day with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a 90-minute tour aboard the San Diego SEAL Tours, which departs from Seaport Village and Embarcadero daily. The bus-boat hybrid explores picturesque San Diego neighborhoods before rolling right into the water for a cruise around the bay, all with fun-facts narration.
Back on land, you can devote an hour or so to Seaport Village, a 14-acre waterfront shopping and dining complex. Meant to look like a 19th-century harbor, Seaport features 4 miles of cobblestone pathways bordered by lush landscaping and water features.
From there, stroll north to the Embarcadero, where you’ll marvel at the Maritime Museum’s historic vessels, including the Star of India (the world’s oldest active sailing ship).
Explore San Diego’s military might at the USS Midway Museum; the permanently docked aircraft carrier has more than 60 exhibits and 29 restored aircraft.
Spend the rest of your afternoon and evening in Coronado, a quick jaunt by ferry or bridge, or walk a few blocks north to the Gaslamp Quarter, where the shopping and dining will keep you busy for hours.
DAY 3
Set out early enough, and you might snag a parking spot near La Jolla Cove, where you can watch sea lions lounging on the beach at the Children’s Pool. Then head up one block to Prospect Street, where you’ll find the vaunted La Valencia hotel (called the “Pink Lady” for its blush-hue exterior) and dozens of posh boutiques and galleries.
If you’re with kids, head for La Jolla Shores, a good beach for swimming and making sand castles, followed by a visit to the Birch Aquarium and a bite to eat at the popular El Pescador Fish Market ().
Once you’ve refueled, head for Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where you can hike down the cliffs to the state beach with breathtaking views in every direction. (If you’re with small children, the trek might prove too challenging.)
For dinner, swing north to Del Mar; during racing season, the evening scene is happening.
DAY 4
Start the day with a morning visit to Cabrillo National Monument, a national park with a number of activities. Learn about 16th-century explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, take a gentle 2-mile hike on the beautiful Bayside Trail, look around the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and peer at tide pools. TIP →Find out when low tide is before planning your itinerary.
After Cabrillo, head to Old Town, where San Diego’s early history comes to carefully reconstructed life. Old Town’s Mexican restaurants aren’t the city’s best, but they’re definitely bustling and kid-friendly, and frosty margaritas make an added incentive for grown-ups.
After that, spend a few hours exploring whatever cluster of neighborhoods appeals to you most. If you like casual coastal neighborhoods with a youthful vibe, head to Pacific, Mission, or Ocean Beach, or venture up to North County for an afternoon in Encinitas, which epitomizes the old California surf town.
If edgy and artsy are more your thing, check out the hip and ever-changing neighborhoods in Uptown, where you’ll find super-cool shops, bars, and eateries.
Tips
It’s easy to add a theater performance or a concert to any of these days. Some of the city’s top venues are in Balboa Park, Downtown, and La Jolla.
If you plan to tour many of Balboa Park’s museums, buy the Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which gets you into 16 attractions for $59, or the Balboa Park Explorer Combo Pass, which also gets you into the zoo ($103). Both passes are valid for seven consecutive days. Buy them online or at the Balboa Park Visitor Center (619/239–0512 www.balboapark.org).
The Trolley and the Coaster are great ways to access foot-friendly neighborhoods up and down the coast. You can head almost anywhere from the Santa Fe Depot in Downtown (the cutting-edge Museum of Contemporary Art is next door).
Alternatives
You can easily fill four days or more with every imaginable outdoor activity, from swimming and surfing to hiking and stand-up paddleboarding. San Diego is an athletics-enthusiast’s heaven—unless you’re a skier.
In winter, include more indoor activities—the museums are fantastic—as well as a whale-watching trip.
In summer, check local listings for outdoor concerts, theater, and movie screenings.
Downtown San Diego is a living tribute to history and revitalization. The Gaslamp Quarter followed up a long stint of seediness, emerging as a glamorous place to live and play. Little Italy, once a bustling fishing village, also got a facelift.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
Begin at the corner of 4th and Island. This is the location of the 150-year-old Davis-Horton House, a saltbox structure shipped around Cape Horn and assembled in the Gaslamp Quarter. Among its famous former residents: Alonzo Horton, the city’s founder. Take a tour, keeping a lookout for the house’s current resident: a lady ghost.
From there walk a block east to 5th Avenue and head north. Along the way, you’ll see some of the 16½-block historic district’s best-known Victorian-era commercial beauties, including the Italianate Marston Building (at F Street), the Keating Building, the Spencer-Ogden Building, and the Old City Hall. Architecture buffs should pick up a copy of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, a self-guided tour published by the Historical Society.
At E Street, head back over to 4th Avenue and you’ll behold the Balboa Theatre, a striking Spanish Renaissance–style building that was constructed in 1923 and restored in 2007. Right next to it is Westfield Horton Plaza mall, which opened its doors in 1985. This multilevel mall played a huge role in downtown’s revitalization, as entrepreneurs and preservationists realized the value of the Gaslamp Quarter. Pop across Broadway to check out the stately U.S. Grant Hotel, built in 1910 by the son of President Ulysses S. Grant.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Restored gas lamps that give the Gaslamp its name; the contrast of old and new architecture; Little Italy’s sidewalk cafés.
WHERE TO START:
The Davis-Horton House, at the corner of 4th and Island avenues, is a short walk from most Downtown hotels. If you drive, park in a paid lot or at nearby Horton Plaza, which offers three free hours with validation (stamp your ticket at one of the validation machines).
LENGTH:
About 3 miles and three to four hours round-trip with stops. Take the Orange Line trolley from Santa Fe Depot back if you’re tired.
WHERE TO STOP:
From Little Italy follow the same path back or head down Laurel St. to Harbor Dr. and wander along the waterfront until you hit Broadway.
BEST TIME TO GO:
Morning or early afternoon.
WORST TIME TO GO:
During rush hour.
WHERE TO REFUEL:
If your stomach is growling, head to Little Italy: mangia, mangia! Try Little Italy Food Hall 550 W. Date St. or Ironside Fish and Oyster 1654 India St.
ART STOP
Follow Broadway west to Kettner Boulevard, where the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) makes a bold statement with its steel-and-glass lines. It’s definitely worth a wander, situated in the renovated baggage depot of the 1915 Santa Fe Depot (the station itself is also a stunner).
FROM FISHERMEN TO FASHIONISTAS
From there, head north on Kettner to A Street, make a quick right, and then take a left on India Street. This is the heart of Little Italy, which, at the turn of the 20th century, was a bustling Italian fishing village. The area fell into disarray in the early 1970s due to a decline in the tuna industry and the construction of I–5, which destroyed 35% of the area. In 1996, a group of forward-thinking architects—commissioned by the city—developed new residential, retail, and public areas that coexist beautifully with the neighborhood’s historic charms. Now, it’s a vibrant urban center with hip eateries, bars, and shops. There are remnants of retro Little Italy, from authentic cafés (check out Pappalecco, a popular gelateria) to boccie ball matches played by old-timers at Amici Park.
JANUARY
Farmers Insurance Open. This is the Holy Grail for golf fans; the celeb-heavy tourney has been held at the scenic Torrey Pines Golf Course for decades. www.farmersinsuranceopen.com
San Diego Brew Festival. More than 60 breweries are joined with a bevy of food trucks for a day of fun in the sun. www.sandiegobeerfest.com
FEBRUARY
Gaslamp Quarter Mardi Gras. This block party invites revelers to let the good times roll. www.sdmardigras.com
Museum Month. Half-price admission (with free pass) to more than 40 museums throughout the city. www.sandiego.org
Winter Brew Fest. San Diego residents love their beer, and this event features more than 30 brews and live music in Balboa Park. www.sandiegobrewfest.com
MARCH
Carlsbad Flower Fields. More than 60 acreas of giant ranunculus flowers bloom Mid-March through early May. www.theflowerfields.com
Cherry Blossom Festival. The Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park celebrates spring in bloom with cherry trees, cultural performances, Japanese street food, and beer and tea tastings. www.niwa.org
APRIL
Adams Avenue Unplugged. The free event features 80 live musical performances staged inside 24 restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, and galleries on Adams Avenue. www.adamsavenuebusiness.com
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. Outdoor concerts—from rock and jazz to comedy and folk and everythng inbetween—run through October on Shelter Island. www.humphreysconcerts.com
Mission Federal ArtWalk. Little Italy’s annual event showcases local art talent on tent-lined streets. artwalksandiego.org
MAY
Cinco de Mayo. Old Town is home to one of the country’s biggest Cinco de Mayo celebrations with live music, lucha libra matches, lots of food, and much more. www.cincodemayooldtown.com
Gator By The Bay. New Orleans comes to San Diego with blues, jazz, Louisiana food, and crawfish. www.gatorbythebay.com
Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. Usually the last weeked of the month, the annual event has concerts with headliner entertainment, wine tasting and food pairings, and an evening Balloon Glow. www.tvbwf.com
JUNE
San Diego County Fair. Over one million visitors come for a month of fun attractions including rides, concerts, and greasy fair favorites. sdfair.com
San Diego Festival of the Arts. More than 190 award-winning artists display watercolors, sculpture, fine jewelry, photography, and more. www.sdfestivalofthearts.org
JULY
Del Mar Races. Place your bets on your favorite horse at the Del Mar Racetrack from mid-July to Labor Day. www.dmtc.com
San Diego Comic-Con. At this four-day comic book convention, thousands of fans unite for all things comics, sci-fi, fantasy, and anime. www.comic-con.org
San Diego Pride. The city’s vibrant LGBT Pride Festival celebrates diversity with four stages of live entertainment, cultural presentations, and vendor booths. sdpride.org
Summer Shakespeare Festival. The Old Globe’s summer theater festival is the best way to enjoy Shakespeare under the stars. www.theoldglobe.org
AUGUST
Bon Odori Festival. Family-friendly activities, Japanese festival foods, a tea and dessert garden, and cultural performances occur during this two-day event in the Japanese Friendship Garden. www.niwa.org/bonsd
Chula Vista Lemon Festival. Celebrate Chula Vista’s heritage as the “Lemon Capital of the World” with live entertainment, a kids’ fun zone, and lots of lemons. thirdavenuevillage.com
SAND-iego. Over Labor Day weekend, master sand sculptors create dimensional art, to be enjoyed along with tribute bands, food trucks, and rides for kids. www.ussandsculpting.com
SEPTEMBER
KAABOO. A three-day “mix-perience” in Del Mar featuring top music acts, comedians, DJs, artists, and celebrity chefs. www.kaaboodelmar.com
MCAS Miramar Air Show. The annual marine air show often features the Blue Angels. www.miramarairshow.com
OCTOBER
Day of the Dead Festival. This free North Park festival incorporates Mexican-themed artisanal crafter purveyors, popular food trucks, and a select choice of beer, mezcal, and tequila vendors. www.dayofthedeadfestivalnorthpark.com
Fleet Week San Diego. Men and women of the military are honored and celebrated with parades, entertainment, and daily events. fleetweeksandiego.org
HalGLOWeen. The three-day event includes Halloween-themed music and dance parties, glowing “Boolahoops,” special treats, and more. zoo.sandiegozoo.org
Kids Free San Diego. Discounts, free meals, and free admission to attractions for kids throughout October. www.sandiego.org/promotions/kids-free
NOVEMBER
Guild Fest. Hosted by the San Diego Brewers Guild, more than 60 independent breweries descend upon the Embarcadero. www.sdbeer.com
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. The West Coast’s largest wine and culinary classic features wine-tasting seminars, cooking classes, and celebrity chef dinners. www.sandiegowineclassic.com
DECEMBER
Balboa Park December Nights. Drawing 350,000 visitors the first Friday and Saturday of December, this event offers festive carolers, food, music, and dance. www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Boats decked out for the holidays light up the harbor. www.sdparadeoflights.org
