Loading...

San Diego

TRAVEL GUIDE

San Diego

TRAVEL GUIDE

The Fodor's Five

The five things you need to know before traveling to San Diego

# 1

San Diego boasts a moderate year-round climate, just be sure to pack warm layers for cooler nights.

San Diego is an ideal year-round destination to visit, and there’s a little something for everyone depending on the season. Boasting a moderate to warm climate 365 days a year, while there’s not a bad time weather-wise to visit America’s Finest City, no matter the time of year, it’s always a good idea to pack some extra layers as temperatures tend to drop at night when the marine layer rolls in.

# 2

San Diego is well known for its breweries and craft beer scene, but cocktail culture is on the rise now too.

With more than 150 independent breweries in and around the country, San Diego has been called the craft beer capital of the world for good reason. In addition to beer, the city has seen an emergence in its cocktail culture in recent years, from sexy new speakeasies to a whimsical bar in the middle of the University Town Center (UTC) mall, sipping your way around town has never been better.

# 3

Having a car is key to seeing the sights.

There’s plenty to see, eat, and discover in and around San Diego, but having a car is key to digging into the local culture. From cruising along the 101 to visiting the gliderport in La Jolla and going for a hike in Torry Pines, having a car at the ready will make San Diego much more accessible than relying on public transporation for these adventures.

# 4

Surf culture is alive and well all across San Diego county.

From Pacific Beach (PB), Ocean Beach (OB), Mission Beach to Cardiff, Encinitas, and Carlsbad in North County, San Diego’s surf culture is not only alive and well, but it’s a huge part of what makes San Diego such a unique place. Whether you want to partake in the action or watch the surf from the sidelines, knowing where to go to catch the best break and experience San Diego’s surf culture is a huge part of what sets this Southern California town apart from the pack.

# 5

The culinary scene has come a long way in recent years.

Set along the border of Mexico, San Diego is well known for its authentic Mexican fare. While there’s no shortage of incredible and authentic restaurants at every price-point to choose from, the city’s culinary scene has expanded to include a wide variety of excellent eats over recent years. From Michelin-rated Mexican fare at Valle in Oceanside to five-star fine dining at Addison, and chef-driven restaurants all across San Diego County, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance at some of the city’s top spots.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Neighborhoods

Overlooking Downtown and the Pacific Ocean, 1,200-acre Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego. This is where you'll find most of the city’s
See More
As if freeze-framed in the 1950s, Coronado’s quaint appeal is captured in its old-fashioned storefronts, well-manicured gardens, and charming Ferry Landing Marketplace. The streets of
See More
Nearly written off in the 1970s, today Downtown San Diego is a testament to conservation and urban renewal. Once derelict Victorian storefronts now house the
See More
La Jollans have long considered their village to be the Monte Carlo of California, and with good reason. Its coastline curves into natural coves backed
See More
Mission Bay and the surrounding beaches are the aquatic playground of San Diego. The choice of activities available is astonishing, and the perfect weather makes
See More

Hotels

Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice

Quickly find San Diego Hotels and compare prices.

Powered by Clicktripz

Find the perfect tours and activities in San Diego.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Language

English

Nearby Airports

SAN, CLD

Electrical Outlets

120 V/60Hz; Type A plugs have two flat prongs. Type B plugs have the same two flat prongs with a third round prong; together the three form a triangular shape.

Currency

US Dollar

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Language

English

Electrical Outlets

120 V/60Hz; Type A plugs have two flat prongs. Type B plugs have the same two flat prongs with a third round prong; together the three form a triangular shape.

Currency

US Dollar

Nearby Airports

SAN, CLD

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

San Diego’s weather is so ideal that most locals shrug off the high cost of living and relatively low wages as a "sunshine tax." Along the coast...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in San Diego with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

San Diego’s weather is so ideal that most locals shrug off the high cost of living and relatively low wages as a "sunshine tax." Along the coast...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in San Diego with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

San Diego’s weather is so ideal that most locals shrug off the high cost of living and relatively low wages as a "sunshine tax." Along the coast...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in San Diego with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Our worldwide travel correspondents bring you the best and most up-to-date coverage of over 7,500 global destinations.

Shop Now

Fodor's San Diego
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel...

View Details

Fodor's California: with the Best Road Trips
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel...

View Details

Fodor’s Southern California: with Los Angeles, San Diego, the Central Coast & the Best Road Trips
Whether you want to get a glimpse of the Hollywood sign, hike in Joshua Tree National...

View Details

Fodor's Northern California: With Napa & Sonoma, Yosemite, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe & The Best Road Trips
Whether you want to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, wander among giant redwood...

View Details