California has hundreds of amazing places to visit, and San Diego is no doubt one of the most popular. Situated on the state’s southern coast, it’s well-known for its beaches, its zoo, its wine, and much more.
The city and surrounding region have something for everyone. Whether you’re a young family, a honeymooning couple, a group of friends, or a solo backpacker, you’ll find something for you.
If you’re looking for a sunny getaway, there are many great reasons to choose San Diego.
Here are 20 reasons why you should visit San Diego, so make sure to add it to your itinerary! You won’t regret it, we promise!
1. Warm Weather
San Diego is the perfect destination to visit all year round due to the warm climate and sun. This city is one of the best winter sun destinations in the states, and although summer is the most popular time of year to visit, it is great to visit every season.
2. It’s Super Easy To Get To
From Los Angeles, the drive to San Diego is about 2, maybe 3 hours if there is traffic. If you don’t have a car, there are taxis and shuttles offer a great service we suggest using. They’ll pick you up and drop you right at the doors of your accommodation. Easy!
3. The Beaches Are Amazing
Who doesn’t love going to the beach, and the ones in San Diego are among the best in California. No summer trip to San Diego is complete without a day (or more) at the beach and no matter where you are, the ocean isn’t too far away. This region really does have some of the most beautiful beaches in the USA, and the sunsets are pretty spectacular too.
4. It’s a Surfer’s Paradise
The waves can be pretty good in San Diego, and if they are not, just try this fake wave at theWave House. Yeah, this is a machine-generated wave.
5. Cruiser Bikes
Cruiser bikes are actually a real way to get around and help give San Diego its chill atmosphere. You’ll see lots.
6. The Baseball Stadium Is New and Downtown
Petco Park opened its doors in 2004 and is a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter. Go Padres!
7. Geeks are Welcomed
One of the biggest event of the year, Comic-Con, is held in San Diego. Lots of characters comes down to showcase their love of movies, comics and superheros. The best part: people watching.
8. Family Fun
You can find family-friendly activities, as well as plenty of more adult things to do.
When you have kids, whether they’re five or fifteen, you need to keep them entertained. It’s not much of a holiday for you if you have to put up with whines of boredom the whole time.
Luckily, San Diego has plenty that the whole family can get stuck into including the zoo, and there’s also a safari park in the north of the county.
9. The Gaslamp Quarter Is Where The Party At
People visiting without the kids might be looking for something trendier than a visit to the zoo. If you want your holiday to be all about the bars, restaurants and clubs, head to the Gaslamp Quarter.
With more than 100 bars/restaurants/clubs within 16 city blocks, The Gaslamp Quarter is pumping all night long. And guess where we are located? In the middle of it.
You can start with a contemporary hotel, like the recently opened Courtyard by Marriott, developed by Sajan Hansji. When you’re ready to leave your hotel, you’ll find a fantastic range of shopping, dining and drinking options.
If you’re a night owl, you won’t get tired of the nightlight the downtown area has to offer.
Ready to get the party started?
10. Spa Relaxation
The San Diego area is well-known for its selection of spas. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax, you won’t do much better than escaping to a spa resort. You can find a variety of different spa types, from fitness to medical.
Whether you’re looking for something bright and modern or cozy and intimate, you can find a spa experience to suit you. For a city spa, you can find hotels that offer wellness facilities. But you should go further out if you’re looking for more privacy and seclusion.
11. Tacos
When you’re not busy getting around, you can take a break with some quality food. You’ll find a vibrant collection of different cuisines across the city.
San Diego in our opinion also has the best tacos. Taco Tuesday is like an official holiday in San Diego. Try Fred’s, for $2 tacos and $2,50 margaritas on Tuesday from 4pm.
12. Wine
Of course, there’s almost nowhere in California that doesn’t have some connection with wine. Wine buffs will love the San Diego region, which has more than 50 wineries to boast about. You can enjoy yourself by trying the local choices instead of those from further afield.
Of course, if you need something to help soak up the wine, you’ll find some delicious food options too. Pair local wines with local ingredients to really get a taste of San Diego.
13. There is a Wooden Rollercoaster
It’s called The Giant Dipper and it was built in 1925. But fear not, it was renovated in 1990.
14. The Shopping Mall is Outdoor
Because it’s always refreshing to feel the wind in your hair as you stroll from store to store.
15. The Skyline Is Not Bad At All
Kind of like in the movies, isn’t it?
16. There is a Mechanical Bull
A night out in San Diego must include a mechanical bull ride at Double Deuce. Must.
17. It Doesn’t Have a White Christmas But It’s Ok
A palm tree next to a Christmas tree? Welcome to the reality of tropical San Diego…
18. Balboa Park Is The Coolest Park Ever
Outdoor lovers will enjoy the parks on offer including Balboa Park, where there are plenty of things to do. It’s got more than a dozen museums, countless gardens and free organ concerts every Sunday at 2pm.
19. Mardi Gras And Halloween Are Big Deals
San Diego loves a good block party.
20. Mexico Is Just A Metro Ride Away
That’s right, you can actually add a a country to your journey by visiting Tijuana, a border town. Most famous for its party and 18+ bars, a day in Tijuana might not be your typical day of sightseeing, but worth going for the cheap tequila shot and sombreros.
Do we love San Diego? Yes!
We hope these top reasons about why you should visit San Diego made you want to book a trip while you were reading them!
The city really does offer something for everyone and however you want to explore, you won’t run out of things to do.