San Diego County Travel Guide

Plan your trip to San Diego County with this informative travel guide, featuring top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more.


San Diego County Travel Guide

Introduction to San Diego County

San Diego County is located in Southern California, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning cliffside views, and ideal weather. The county is home to over three million people and spans across almost 4,526 square miles. San Diego County is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. This guide will help visitors plan their itinerary and get ready for their trip to San Diego County.

List of Places to Visit in San Diego County

  • Balboa Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • USS Midway Museum
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • La Jolla Cove
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
  • Coronado Beach
  • Cabrillo National Monument
  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
  • Gaslamp Quarter

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

San Diego County has a rich history and is home to several museums and historical sites, including:

  • USS Midway Museum: This museum features one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world and offers interactive exhibits, tours, and events.

  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Visitors can explore the history of San Diego and the Mexican culture through historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.

  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: The museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as a permanent collection.

  • San Diego Museum of Art: The museum boasts an extensive collection of fine art from around the world, including Italian Renaissance and Spanish Baroque art.

  • San Diego Natural History Museum: This museum showcases the natural history of southern California through interactive exhibits, displays, and events.

Natural Attractions of San Diego County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

San Diego County’s natural beauty is not to be missed. From beaches to hiking trails, visitors can explore the great outdoors. Some of San Diego County’s top natural attractions include:

  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: With over 2,000 acres of protected wilderness, visitors can hike through stunning sandstone cliffs, explore the beaches, and take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

  • La Jolla Cove: This area boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its resident marine life, including sea lions and harbor seals.

  • Cabrillo National Monument: This park features tidepools, hiking trails, and stunning views of San Diego Bay and the surrounding area.

  • Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Visitors can explore the unique landscape of the desert, including hiking trails, campgrounds, and seasonal wildflower displays.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Diego County

San Diego County is a great place for hikers and bikers, with several trails to explore. Some notable trails include:

  • Cowles Mountain: This trail is a challenging hike that rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

  • Iron Mountain Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys, as well as wildflowers in the spring.

  • Lake Miramar Loop Trail: This trail offers a scenic loop around Lake Miramar, with views of the water and surrounding mountains.

  • Mission Trails Regional Park: With over 60 miles of trails, visitors can hike or bike through the park and enjoy breathtaking views and scenic landscapes.

Best Things to Do in San Diego County: Activities and Tours

San Diego County offers an array of activities and tours to make your trip unforgettable, including:

  • Whale watching tours: Between December and April, visitors can take boat tours to see the annual migration of gray whales.

  • Helicopter tours: Get a bird’s eye view of San Diego County’s stunning landscape with a helicopter tour.

  • Sea kayaking tours: Paddle through La Jolla Cove and explore the marine life up close.

  • Surfing lessons: San Diego County’s beaches are perfect for surfing. Take lessons from a pro and hit the waves.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Diego County

Day 1: Explore Balboa Park and visit the San Diego Zoo Day 2: Visit USS Midway Museum and take a harbor cruise Day 3: Check out the beaches in La Jolla and take a sea kayaking tour Day 4: Visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and enjoy Mexican cuisine Day 5: Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and enjoy the beach Day 6: Take a surf lesson in Mission Beach and visit Gaslamp Quarter Day 7: Visit Cabrillo National Monument and enjoy the scenic views

Food and Drink Scene of San Diego County

San Diego County is known for its diverse food culture, with influences from Mexico, Asia, and beyond. Some must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish tacos: This San Diego specialty features crispy fried fish in a taco shell, garnished with cabbage, salsa, and crema.

  • California burrito: A burrito stuffed with carne asada, French fries, and other savory ingredients.

  • Carne asada fries: French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.

  • Phil’s BBQ: This San Diego favorite serves up delicious and succulent barbecue ribs, chicken, and pulled pork.

Local Beverages

  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company: One of San Diego’s largest breweries, Karl Strauss offers an array of delicious craft beers.

  • Boochcraft: This brewery specializes in kombucha-based alcoholic beverages, with an emphasis on organic and high-quality ingredients.

  • Ballast Point Brewing Company: A San Diego favorite, Ballast Point offers a wide variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.

Where to Stay in San Diego County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Diego County offers a wide range of accommodations for visitors. Some popular options include luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and quaint guesthouses. Top options include:

  • Hotel del Coronado: This historic hotel offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as luxurious amenities and a variety of room styles.

  • HI San Diego Downtown Hostel: Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, this budget-friendly option offers dorm rooms and private rooms, as well as a communal lounge and kitchen.

  • The Pearl Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in Point Loma and boasts a retro-chic aesthetic, as well as a heated pool and outdoor lounge.

What to Buy in San Diego County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

San Diego County offers a variety of unique local products and souvenirs to take home, including:

  • Surfing gear: San Diego County’s beaches are perfect for surfing. Take home a surfboard or a wetsuit as a memento of your trip.

  • San Diego Zoo merchandise: The San Diego Zoo offers a range of souvenirs, including t-shirts, plush animals, and other memorabilia.

  • Seashells and sea glass: From the beaches of La Jolla to Coronado Island, San Diego County’s shoreline offers an array of unique seashells and sea glass.

Local Culture and Customs of San Diego County

San Diego County’s culture is diverse and influenced by its proximity to Mexico. Visitors should be respectful of the local customs, including:

  • Etiquette: When meeting someone new, make sure to greet them properly and use formal titles when appropriate.

  • Dress: San Diego County’s weather is typically warm, so dress appropriately for the beach or hiking trails.

  • Respect for Mexican culture: San Diego County’s culture is heavily influenced by Mexican culture, so visitors should be respectful and open to this influence.

Best Time to Visit San Diego County

San Diego County has a mild climate that is enjoyable year-round. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Diego County

Do:

  • Do try the fish tacos and other local specialties.
  • Do explore the beaches and natural attractions.
  • Do respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter on the beaches or trails.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to locals or their culture.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your car, especially at the beach.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Diego County

San Diego County is generally safe, but visitors should take necessary precautions, including:

  • Lock car doors and don’t leave valuables in cars.
  • Use caution when hiking or swimming in the ocean.
  • Stay aware of surroundings in tourist areas and at night.

Health in San Diego County

San Diego County has a high standard of healthcare, with many hospitals and clinics throughout the region. Visitors should be sure to have travel insurance and bring any necessary medications.

Getting to San Diego County: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Diego County is easily accessible by air, car, or public transportation. Some transportation options include:

Airports Near San Diego County

  • San Diego International Airport: Located in downtown San Diego, this airport offers flights to destinations throughout the world.

  • McClellan-Palomar Airport: Located in Carlsbad, this airport services domestic flights to select destinations in the United States.

Bus Stations Near San Diego County

  • San Diego Greyhound Station: Located in downtown San Diego, this bus station services routes throughout California and the United States.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, with stops in several San Diego County cities.

  • Car rental: Several car rental companies operate in San Diego County, making it easy to explore the area on your own.

How to Get Around in San Diego County

Visitors can get around San Diego County by car, public transportation, or bike. Some top options include:

  • San Diego Trolley: This light rail system services several areas in San Diego County, including downtown, Old Town, and Mission Valley.

  • Coaster: This commuter rail line runs from Oceanside to downtown San Diego, with stops in several other cities in between.

  • Biking: San Diego County offers several bike paths and lanes, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels.

Where to Go Next from San Diego County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Diego County is surrounded by several other destinations worth exploring, including:

  • Los Angeles: Just a few hours north of San Diego County, Los Angeles offers attractions like Hollywood and Universal Studios.

  • Palm Springs: This desert oasis is a few hours to the east of San Diego County and offers stunning natural beauty, as well as world-class golf and spas.

  • Baja California: Just across the border in Mexico, Baja California offers a unique cultural experience with delicious food, stunning beaches, and exciting nightlife.

Conclusion

San Diego County has something for every type of traveler, from outdoor adventurers to cultural explorers. Plan your trip around the top attractions and best things to do, and don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine and culture. With this guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to San Diego County.

Map of San Diego County Map of San Diego County Hotel del Coronado Hotel del Coronado Union Station, Downtown San Diego Union Station, Downtown San Diego


    Inland
    North County
    San Diego
    South Bay