This Is the Oldest City in California—and It Has Year-round Perfect Weather and 70 Miles of Stunning Coastline

San Diego, California

• San Diego, California, enjoys a sunny, mild Mediterranean climate year-round and has 70 miles of picturesque beaches.

• Feast at the three-starred Michelin restaurant, Addison.

• Kick back and relax at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, which sprawls out over 400 acres and has an 18-hole golf course.

• There’s never a bad time to visit, but the city is particularly enchanting in the spring, when wildflowers bloom.

• Getting to San Diego can be easy and scenic—just hop on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, one of the most beautiful train routes in the U.S.

As a longtime Southern California resident, I have to say that the Golden State’s southernmost city is often overshadowed by its cousin to the north, Los Angeles. But San Diego, which is the state’s oldest city, having been established in 1769, has much to offer travelers.

America’s Finest City has a sunny, mild Mediterranean climate that makes it a perfect destination year-round, whether you’re escaping a cold winter or a hot, humid summer. And there’s much to enjoy here besides perfect weather—there’s rich history, world-class museums, golf courses, theme parks, hotels, breweries, restaurants, and 70 miles of breathtaking beaches.

I’ve lived in Southern California for over 50 years, and I’ve visited San Diego many times, taking young relatives to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the beach for picturesque bike rides along the sand. With friends, I’ve stayed downtown to check out new restaurants after spending a day at Del Mar, California, for thoroughbred horse racing. In North County’s Carlsbad, my husband and I have played golf and marveled at the springtime Flower Fields.

Friends from New York on their first San Diego visit wanted to see the historic Hotel Del Coronado, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Mission Bay, so naturally, I served as their tour guide and added a day at Balboa Park and a whale-watching cruise to their itinerary.

San Diego is a vacation destination for families, couples, groups of friends looking for nightlife, sports fans, foodies, and history buffs. As many times as I’ve been there, I always know there’s something new for me to look forward to on my next visit.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to San Diego, California.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Set among eucalyptus trees on 400 sprawling acres, Fairmont Grand Del Mar has 249 rooms, an 18-hole golf course, a world-class spa, several pools, and the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Addison. Activities at the resort include hiking, horseback riding, tennis, yoga, meditation, archery, and an Explorers Club for young guests.

Mission Pacific Beach Resort

Named one of the best hotels in California in Travel + Leisure‘s 2025 World’s Best Awards, Mission Pacific Beach Resort has 161 luxury beachfront rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and a restored 1980s cottage known as the “Top Gun” house for its role in the original film.

Rancho Bernardo Inn

This beautifully landscaped resort is set on 265 acres in San Diego’s North County region. With an 18-hole golf course, expansive spa, several pools, and Avant, a French-inspired restaurant, the Inn is a tranquil getaway in plush surroundings.

Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center

Opened in 2025, this resort has a four-acre water oasis, spa, and a variety of restaurants. The resort’s 1,600 guest rooms include views of the Pacific, the bay, atrium, or marina and range from entry-level to one-bedroom suites and a Presidential Suite.

Best Things to Do

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is home to 17 museums, more than 10 performing arts spaces, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions like the carousel, miniature train, and the San Diego Zoo. Start at the Visitors Center to plan your day, and download the Balboa Park app to your smartphone as a guide.

USS Midway Museum

This historic aircraft carrier is open for self-guided and docent-guided tours. Exhibits include more than 30 restored aircraft, flight simulators, the flight deck, and the admiral’s cabin. As a bonus, the flight deck provides views of San Diego’s downtown skyline, the San Diego Bay Bridge, and active U.S. Navy ships.

Mission Bay Bike Path

Nearly 12 miles of flat, scenic paved paths wind around Mission Bay, taking you through public parks and wildlife reserves. You’ll ride past SeaWorld and Belmont Park, enjoying the sea breeze and views on the way. Bike rentals are available along Mission Boulevard.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Learn about life in San Diego in the early 19th century when it began as a Mexican pueblo. Visit the Whaley House Museum, one of only two officially designated haunted houses in California, and enjoy toothsome Mexican food and mariachi entertainment.

Best Restaurants

Addison

There are just eight restaurants with three Michelin stars in the Golden State, and the vast majority of them are located in Northern California. One of the few three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Southern California can be found at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Diners can expect Californian fare with a heavy international influence, with things like applewood-smoked sabayon (an Italian dessert) and chicken liver churros on offer.

Mr. A’s

This classic restaurant has been a favorite since 1965, known for fine dining, exceptional service, and stunning city views. They’re perhaps best known for its steak options, but don’t skip on the dessert menu.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Expertly prepared steaks and fresh seafood are the specialties at Eddie V’s. Cocktails and an extensive wine list complement their meals, and guests can take advantage of the daily happy hour menu that features a wide assortment of specially-priced cocktails, wines, appetizers, and menu items.

Civico 1845

San Diego is home to the largest Little Italy in the U.S., and one of its busiest spots is Civico 1845. Warm and cozy, this restaurant specializes in Calabrian dishes from southern Italy, with things like prawn ravioli and bruschetta with prosciutto on offer. There’s also a completely separate vegan menu available, too.

Soichi

This intimate Japanese restaurant in University Heights has a Michelin star for its fresh, creative omakase meals. Simply make a reservation and let chef Soichi Kadoya do the rest—diners may get the chance to enjoy prime bites of Hokkaido pike mackerel, miso marinated sea bass, and Spanish bluefin tuna.

Best Times to Visit

Summer is the best time for water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, and boating. The cooler winter months are ideal for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and walking along the shore. Shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November offer more attractive prices and smaller crowds at popular attractions.

Comic-Con International, held in late July each year, is San Diego’s biggest event. Thoroughbred horse racing takes place in Del Mar from July through September each year, and baseball fans arrive from April through September for major league games at Petco Park.

Carlsbad’s colorful Flower Fields bloom from March through early May, attracting visitors from around the world. The San Diego County Fair, an annual event at Del Mar Fairgrounds, was first held in 1880, and it continues to be one of California’s largest county fairs.

Whale watching season brings visitors to San Diego. From December through April, gray whales make their migration to Baja California to breed before returning to Alaska, and from June through October, visitors may spot blue whales during their migration.

How to Get There

San Diego is about 120 miles south of Los Angeles and about 85 miles southwest of Palm Springs. Scenic freeway drives from both cities are a great way to see Southern California.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is served by more than a dozen domestic and international airlines. From the airport, visitors can rent a car, take a shared ride or taxi from designated pickup spots, or use public transportation. The 992 bus takes riders from the airport to several downtown locations. The San Diego Flyer provides free shuttle transportation to the Old Town Transit Center.

Amtrak and Coaster trains connect the city to other destinations like Los Angeles, Orange County, and coastal North County.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Gaslamp Quarter

This is a lively dining, entertainment, shopping, and hotel district in downtown San Diego. I’ve stayed there several times, and the nightlife offers everything from sexy rooftop bars to casual late-night spots.

Little Italy

Once home to the tuna fishing industry, this 48-block neighborhood is now filled with restaurants, pubs, art galleries, and boutiques. Head to Kettner and India Streets for upscale dining or authentic pizza and pasta.

Hillcrest

Hillcrest is located next to Balboa Park, and is minutes from downtown—it is the hub of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood is known for eclectic nightlife, casual dining, chic boutiques, and vintage clothing stores.

Coronado

This bustling neighborhood is located across the bay from downtown San Diego. Beaches, shops, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and Orange Avenue’s restaurants, galleries, and theaters attract visitors.

How to Get Around

The Metropolitan Transit System operates bus service and three trolley lines in downtown San Diego communities and beyond. MTS offers accessible travel on fixed bus and light rail routes using ramp or lift-equipped vehicles.

In San Diego’s North County, the Breeze System provides service. The North County Transit District’s Coaster commuter rail lines connect downtown San Diego and Old Town with coastal communities throughout the county. The Sprinter light rail system serves 15 stations, connecting Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido.

The Pronto card and app can be used to ride the San Diego Trolley, bus, or Coaster train by accessing a cloud-based system for funds. Download the app or buy a card at retail outlets or ticket vending machines.

Amtrak trains service north San Diego County coastal areas as well as the Los Angeles region, stopping in downtown San Diego at the historic Santa Fe Train Depot. From there, you can connect to the MTS trolley or MTS buses.

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