Plan Your Visit to San Diego
San Diego visitors generally fall into three categories. Some prefer to “wing it” and figure out what they’ll do only after arriving. Others have a couple of “must see and do” activities but leave time to explore and experience new things. The final group is those who plan details down to the last minute of every day.
Here are some other ideas to help you get the most out of your stay. How deep you go on planning your visit after we tell you about them is entirely up to you!
We assume you’re already familiar with the biggest attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Zoo Safari Park, Sea World, LEGOLAND, the USS Midway Museum, and others. But San Diego is much more than that.
Explore San Diego’s Neighborhoods. Unlike many urban destinations, San Diego County spreads far and wide, covering more than 4,200 square miles. That makes for an incredibly rich and diverse experience when visiting individual neighborhoods. Beach close communities are hopping year-round, while small gems like South Park adjacent to Balboa Park are more earthy, with lots of unique shopping experiences.
La Jolla is among the most beautiful of all communities, with proximity to the coast and world-class shopping and dining. The Gaslamp District is the heart and soul of San Diego nightlife, and is easy walking distance to PETCO Park and the waterfront.
Get Into the Outdoor Culture. San Diego’s perfect weather, miles and miles of beaches, protected bays, and unlimited recreation opportunities compel you to catch some sunshine and fresh air when you’re in town. Swimming, surfing, kayaking, sunbathing, biking, jogging, hiking, boating, golfing, and dozens of other activities are easy and fun to enjoy.
Dine on World Class Cuisine. San Diego is a melting pot of many cultures, and that continues to shape dining experiences imported from throughout the world. You can opt for traditional fare or seek out more exotic ethnic foods at hundreds of locations. Whether you’re heading to Little Italy for spaghetti and meatballs or to the beach for high-end seafood or killer fish tacos, San Diego is a laid-back destination, so you don’t have to worry much about “dressing for dinner.”
Adults also have a dazzling array of craft beers and local wines you can pair with your meal, or you can go straight to the source with tours at local breweries and nearby vineyards.
