Top reasons to visit San Diego

Outdoor Adventure at Mission Bay: Get your adrenaline pumping with kayaking and paddleboarding on the picturesque Mission Bay.
Stunning Views at Coronado Beach: Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from the pristine sandy shores of Coronado Beach.
Cultural Delights at Balboa Park: Dive into a world of museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park.
Coastal Town Exploration: Take a day trip to nearby coastal towns and soak in the beauty of Southern California.
Family Fun at San Diego Zoo: Make memories with your loved ones at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, a must-visit for families.

Top things to see and do in San Diego

When it comes to things to do in San Diego, the options are endless. This vibrant city offers a plethora of world-class attractions that cater to every interest. For nature lovers, a visit to Mission Bay is a must, where you can enjoy water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Coronado Beach is another popular spot, known for its pristine sandy shores and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Balboa Park is a cultural hub, home to numerous museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. If you're up for a day trip, explore the nearby coastal towns and experience the beauty of Southern California.

San Diego Convention Center: This event venue is nestled by the sea, offering breathtaking views and a vibrant atmosphere. With close proximity to the beach, business district, zoo, port, museums, dining, entertainment, art, and scenic spots, it provides a unique experience for both business and leisure travelers.
Mission Bay: A picturesque bay that captivates with its tranquil waters and mesmerizing sunsets. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers opportunities for whale watching, beach relaxation, dolphin sightings, zoo visits, dining, entertainment, family-friendly activities, aquarium exploration, and theme park adventures. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and embrace the beauty of the sea.
Mission Beach: A pristine beach paradise that beckons with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Experience the essence of the beach as you indulge in sunsets, surfing, birdwatching, biking, nature walks, scenic views, and even delicious chocolate treats. Dive into the coastal charm and create unforgettable memories along the shoreline.

Best places to visit in San Diego

San Diego offers a diverse range of experiences for a family vacation. Explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, soak up the sun on beautiful beaches, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Old Town. It's the perfect destination for an unforgettable family holiday.

Downtown San Diego: Downtown San Diego is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a little something for everyone in the family. You can explore the bustling port area and even catch a boat tour to see the city from the water. The world-famous San Diego Zoo is just a short drive away, where you can get up close and personal with incredible animals. Take a leisurely stroll through the many museums and art galleries that dot the area, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of the local bars and entertainment venues. With a marina and a wide range of dining options, Downtown San Diego guarantees a memorable family holiday.
Pacific Beach: If you're looking for a beach vacation with a laid-back vibe, Pacific Beach is the place to be. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the sandy shores, or try your hand at surfing in the sparkling sea. The breathtaking sunsets are a sight to behold and provide the perfect backdrop for family photos. Pacific Beach is known for its friendly locals, who are always ready to welcome visitors with open arms. After a day of fun in the sun, unwind at one of the many bars and restaurants that line the beach, offering delicious food and refreshing drinks.
Gaslamp Quarter: Step into history and excitement in the Gaslamp Quarter. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with charming Victorian-era architecture and offers a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Take a leisurely stroll along the streets, where you'll find a variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants to satisfy every palate. The friendly locals are always ready to share stories of the area's rich history. If you're a sports fan, catch a game at one of the sports bars or visit the nearby Petco Park. With its lively atmosphere and historical charm, Gaslamp Quarter is a must-visit for families looking for a memorable vacation.

Seasonal travel trends of San Diego

The popularity of San Diego shows no change throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is between May and July, with a seasonal peak in July. The off-peak tourist season is from October and December, with October typically being the quietest month.

Check out the month-by-month weather chart for San Diego to help you plan your next trip. With a monthly average of 72.3 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect the hottest temperatures in August. The coldest month, on average, is February. The most rainfall typically happens in December. Regardless of when you visit San Diego, every season has a reason to stay.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness
January	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny
February	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny
March	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny
April	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
May	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
June	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
August	72.3°F (22.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
September	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
October	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
December	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny

Local eateries in San Diego

San Diego's food and dining culture is a diverse and vibrant melting pot of flavors. From the highly rated and popular Seaport Village, where you can indulge in delicious pizzas, to One Paseo, a highly rated Latin American Mexican restaurant offering a tantalizing array of dishes. For a fun and lively dining experience, head over to Dave & Buster's, a moderately rated but highly popular North American restaurant. If you're craving tacos or a California burrito, you'll find plenty of options at the local taco stands. Don't miss out on trying Mexican treats and exploring the city's cocktail bars for a true taste of San Diego.

San Diego Vacation Packages

Let the specialists at Orbitz find the best-value flight and hotel packages for you. If you're looking to design your perfect San Diego vacation, you've come to the right place! An ideal way to save is to bundle your bookings. You will save up to by selecting your desired hotels, rental cars, airfares and experiences with us. You'll have no less than 500,000 hotels across the world and 500 airline partners to pick from. With such amazing flexibility, crafting an ideal getaway is a piece of cake. There are limitless flight options, room types and incredible experiences to satisfy your wandering spirit. Which ones will you go for?

Where is San Diego?

You don't need to wait until you're buckled in your seat looking at the flight path to find out where San Diego is — allow us to point you in the right direction. It's a neighborhood of San Diego County. You'll find it 0.1 miles south of the downtown area. Last time they counted, the population of San Diego County was 1,300,000.

Places to Visit in San Diego

If you're craving extraordinary attractions, you don't have to search too hard to find one of them. The San Diego Convention Center is within strolling distance. You don't have to worry about being bored here. The USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are leading sights that'll keep you on your toes. Navy Pier is just bursting with local military history. If this is of interest to you, check for any group tours and one-off events. Need more close by options? Take a break from the more demanding aspects of your itinerary by spending time at Centennial Park. But wait, that's not all there is. Do you want some time out from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Relax for a moment as you pass through the gates of Japanese Friendship Garden, a remarkable private garden.

Car Rentals in San Diego

How about exploring the region on your own terms? Be the creator of your own epic adventure by checking out car rentals in San Diego with the help of Orbitz. If you're arriving by air, it's easy to pick up your car from San Diego International Airport. Economy Rent a car is a reliable outlet. You might like to rent a ride from Avis at 640 Broadway. They are conveniently located right in the city center. Why don't you also check out Enterprise? They can be found nearby at 900 F St Ste 167.

Places to Visit in San Diego

Nearest Airports to San Diego

If you're setting out for San Diego, chances are your trip will begin at San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is 2 miles to the northwest. Once your plane has hit the tarmac, pick up your bags and get going on your next incredible adventure!

Popular Places to Visit Near San Diego

Take the opportunity to explore some nearby destinations such as Gaslamp Quarter or Civic Core. Gaslamp Quarter is approximately 0.1 miles from San Diego, while Civic Core is 0.2 miles away.

No Cancellation Fees

You can relax knowing that whatever the motivation behind canceling or amending your booking, we won't slap on a fee.^ Why not contact your chosen airline and hotel and ask if they have similar policies?

Find your perfect trip to San Diego

Plan your perfect trip with Orbitz

We strongly believe in promoting inclusivity in travel, including your upcoming vacation. Utilize our filters to discover hotels that hold eco-certifications or extend a warm welcome to LGBTQ+ guests. Moreover, our personalized filters assist you in refining your search to find hotels in close proximity to popular attractions, offering convenient options like book now, pay later, and much more.

Travel as you are

At Orbitz, we embrace diversity and inclusion in all aspects of travel. From our early support of LGBTQIA rights to our ongoing commitment to progressive causes, we strive to create a welcoming world for every traveler. Our LGBTQIA-friendly hotel filter ensures you can plan and book your trip with confidence and joy.

Saving tips for your trip

If you're looking to save money on your trip to San Diego, consider visiting during the less popular season of October-December. This is when you'll find lower prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals. Additionally, take advantage of bundled deals that combine your flights, hotel, and car bookings at a discounted price. While in San Diego, you can explore affordable attractions such as the Balboa Park, Cabrillo National Monument, and the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.