Things to do in San Diego, CA

San Diego is blessed with one of the world’s most temperate climates, making it an excellent vacation choice any season of the year. The average year-round daily temperature is 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit (21.4 degrees Celsius), and humidity is generally very low, even during the summer months when the rest of the nation is sweltering.  The region is kissed by the sun all year round, with just a few exceptions. May and June may bring sporadic overcast skies, a result of the “marine layer” that develops as the ocean warms in early summer. August and September are normally the hottest months, and fall and winter bring crisp temperatures and azure blue skies. San Diego’s rainy season begins in late December and lasts through mid-March, and while there may be a few rainy days during this period, the skies normally return to their sunny selves in a day or two. It is always a good idea to dress in layers when visiting San Diego, as early mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in summer.

Over 70 miles of beaches line San Diego’s coastline, from Imperial Beach on the Mexican border to Oceanside in San Diego’s North County. What makes the San Diego beach scene so remarkable is its...  

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San Diego is blessed with one of the world’s most temperate climates, making it an excellent vacation choice any season of the year. The average year-round daily temperature is 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit (21.4 degrees Celsius), and humidity is generally very low, even during the summer months when the rest of the nation is sweltering.  The region is kissed by the sun all year round, with just a few exceptions. May and June may bring sporadic overcast skies, a result of the “marine layer” that develops as the ocean warms in early summer. August and September are normally the hottest months, and fall and winter bring crisp temperatures and azure blue skies. San Diego’s rainy season begins in late December and lasts through mid-March, and while there may be a few rainy days during this period, the skies normally return to their sunny selves in a day or two. It is always a good idea to dress in layers when visiting San Diego, as early mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in summer.

Over 70 miles of beaches line San Diego’s coastline, from Imperial Beach on the Mexican border to Oceanside in San Diego’s North County. What makes the San Diego beach scene so remarkable is its diversity. What starts out as wide, sandy stretches of beach in South Bay and Coronado morph into a variety of other beach experiences as you head north up the coast.  Mission Beach and Pacific Beach offer the same wide expanse of sand and surf you find in the southern beach area of San Diego, plus a colorful boardwalk that invites bicycling, roller-blading, jogging, or just a leisurely walk to soak in the quintessential California lifestyle.  As one approaches the beaches of La Jolla and North County, the vista changes yet again.  Golden cragged cliffs line the shore, providing a most dramatic backdrop to the beaches that lie at the foot of the cliffs.  San Diego’s beaches provide the perfect spot to drink in views of glorious sunsets all year round.  Surfers especially enjoy the currents along the stretch of sand from La Jolla to the northern beach communities.

Grandmas play just as hard as toddlers in San Diego, thanks to the availability of a wide variety of attractions that appeal not only to kids-- but to the kid in each of us. The San Diego Zoo, famous around the world for both its animal and plant collections, offers a close hand look at rare pandas, mighty elephants, tiger families, playful hippos, etc., in naturally-designed enclosures. Graceful giraffes, leaping gazelles and hefty rhinos roam through the hills and canyons of San Diego’s backcountry at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park, where the activity can be viewed from the comfort of a tram. SeaWorld San Diego offers both an educational, entertaining, and up close and personal view of a wide variety of sea creatures, from dolphins and whales to penguins and sharks. LEGOLAND® California keeps adding to its more than 60 rides, shows and attractions for kids, including the SEA LIFE Carlsbad aquarium and an interactive water park. The New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego boasts eco-friendly architecture and is a fun-filled as well as educational playground for children of all ages.

Often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West” for its impressive array of cultural institutions, Balboa Park (just a mile from downtown San Diego) is the largest urban cultural park in the nation. Built during the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-1916, its many museums and art galleries are constructed in the intricately beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival style and are nestled amid a landscape teeming with semi-tropical plants of all varieties. Beyond the borders of Balboa Park, San Diego is home to a wide variety of museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and the USS Midway Museum, with aircraft displays and interactive exhibits honoring the U.S. Military. San Diego’s rich history dates back to 1542 when Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo discovered the region, and the Cabrillo National Monument, perched high above San Diego Bay, celebrates his discovery. Two Spanish missions from the 18th century also reflect San Diego’s past; the Mission San Diego de Alcala is centrally located in Mission Valley, the first in a chain of 21 missions along the California coast. Mission San Luis Rey, California’s largest mission, is located in Oceanside in San Diego’s North County. The region’s performing arts scene is exceptional in its quality and diversity, and San Diego-based productions have made it to the “Great White Way” on Broadway annually to enjoy incredible success.

San Diego is known as the “Sweet Spot for Golf” and no wonder. With more than 93 golf courses in every conceivable setting from ocean to mountains to desert, San Diego offers the golfer a wide range of course options and, thanks to its temperate climate, 12 months a year in which to enjoy them.  Renowned golf course architects such as Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, and Gary Player have left their mark on several of the region’s spectacular courses. San Diego’s golf courses are unparalleled in beauty, boasting sculpted greens, tees and fairways nestled amid rolling hills, canyons, riverbeds and oceanfront cliffs.  The stunning Torrey Pines Golf Course, with its sweeping view of the Pacific, plays host to major golf tournaments each year. Greens fees are astounding low at many of San Diego’s municipal courses, including those in Coronado, Balboa Park, National City and Oceanside.

There are many reasons why San Diego is consistently rated one of the top visitor destinations in North America, probably none more important than its reputation for warm hospitality and a sunny disposition.

Let’s start with the weather. San Diego boasts a near-perfect climate year-round, with average daily temperatures in the 70s and sunshine almost every day of the year. Yet, the region also enjoys distinctive seasons. Summer is highlighted by warm days and cool evenings; spring brings carpets of colorful flowers blooming across the landscape; the fall and winter months offer clear, azure-blue skies and endless vistas towards the ocean and mountains.

This perfect climate would mean little were it not accompanied by some of the most dramatic natural landscapes to be found in the nation. Some 70 miles of beaches line the shores of San Diego County, ranging from long stretches of golden sand to romantic alcoves shadowed by dramatic cliffs rising above the sea.  Snow often dusts the nearby mountains that loom over the San Diego skyline. The majestic Anza-Borrego desert lies on the other side of these mountains, California’s largest state park and a natural wonder in its own right.

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There are many reasons why San Diego is consistently rated one of the top visitor destinations in North America, probably none more important than its reputation for warm hospitality and a sunny disposition.

Let’s start with the weather. San Diego boasts a near-perfect climate year-round, with average daily temperatures in the 70s and sunshine almost every day of the year. Yet, the region also enjoys distinctive seasons. Summer is highlighted by warm days and cool evenings; spring brings carpets of colorful flowers blooming across the landscape; the fall and winter months offer clear, azure-blue skies and endless vistas towards the ocean and mountains.

This perfect climate would mean little were it not accompanied by some of the most dramatic natural landscapes to be found in the nation. Some 70 miles of beaches line the shores of San Diego County, ranging from long stretches of golden sand to romantic alcoves shadowed by dramatic cliffs rising above the sea.  Snow often dusts the nearby mountains that loom over the San Diego skyline. The majestic Anza-Borrego desert lies on the other side of these mountains, California’s largest state park and a natural wonder in its own right.

Whether you are looking for a place to relax, explore, unwind, savor or experience, there is something for everyone in this sun-blessed region. San Diego is the perfect destination for you to enjoy an incredible variety of activities….or you can just lay back and soak in the ambiance of the region. Guests who visit San Diego discover that something transformational happens here—the more you do, the more relaxed and rejuvenated you feel!

Blessed with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, San Diego continues to evolve and prosper with exciting new developments and highlights. Its vibrant, revitalized downtown district, home of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, continues to add new hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and boutique and lifestyle properties.

Given the scope of its natural attractions, San Diego is an ideal family vacation destination.  Children can delight in a wide range of activities, which include world-renowned theme parks such as the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld California, and LEGOLAND California, as well as visits to the San Diego Children’s Museum and the Natural History Museum, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and Railroad Museum in Balboa Park, to name a few. The region’s many parks also offer a wide variety of free activities for families, from hiking, bike riding, swimming, and countless numbers of ways to play outdoors.

In addition to its appeal as a family destination, San Diego has something to offer visitors of all age groups and budgets. The region is home to a plethora of world-class art and cultural activities, exceptional dining at all levels, top-rated resorts and spas, unlimited outdoor recreation, a vibrant cruise industry, eclectic shopping opportunities, casino action, and so much more.

From Mexico in the south to charming coastal communities in the north to glorious mountains and deserts in the east, visitors to San Diego will discover an array of attractions and activities for cultural enrichment, recreation and relaxation.