San Diego: The Ultimate Visitors Guide

San Diego is one of the best cities along the U.S.'s West Coast, thanks to its many delicious seafood options and rich historical attractions. The perfect combination of 'city break' and 'beachfront escape' San Diego is the perfect spot for families, friends, and couples to enjoy a well-deserved break!

No matter how you hope to spend your getaway in this gorgeous coastal Californian city, here are some of San Diego's best hotels, restaurants, and activities.

Best Hotels in San Diego

San Diego is one of California's best destinations when it comes to gorgeous weather and a relaxing sea-front vibe. The hotels here have just as much charm as the city itself, with truly unmatched levels of sophistication and style.

If you're looking for a truly fabulous place to stay during your San Diego getaway, you can expect a great range of options. From small boutique hotels with exceptional attention to detail to expansive, spa and wellness retreats in one of the city's most culturally rich spots, there's plenty of choice.

The Pearl Hotel, Roseville - Fleet Ridge, San Diego

Sitting just moments from San Diego Bay, and within easy access to the downtown area, this Unique Boutique hotel sits in the perfect location, just a couple blocks from the water. It sits just a short drive from the Gaslamp Quarter, and is also near plenty of great landmarks and attractions, including Fort Rosecrans Military Reserve, and Point Loma Lighthouse.

With a playful 1960s atmosphere, this hip, midcentury boutique hotel boasts 23 guest rooms, and excellent on-site facilities, including an iconic oyster-shaped pool, free movies at the poolside theater, a great cocktail lounge, and a delicious on-site restaurant.

Boasting a style reminiscent of palm springs, the charming accommodations here are furnished with state-of-the-art amenities, including flat-screen TVs, and wireless internet access.

Orli La Jolla, La Jolla, San Diego

Situated just 600 meters from both South Casa Beach and Wipeout Beach, and within 1km from the stunning Whispering Sands Beach this hotel is in the perfect location for those looking for a sandy getaway! There are also plenty of great attractions nearby that are accessible via car or public transport, including SeaWorld San Diego (just 13 km away), and Torrey Pines State Reserve (15 km away).

This brother-and-sister-managed luxury boutique hotel boasts a great range of on-site amenities, including a concierge service, free bike rental, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and a cozy shared lounge. Guests can also take advantage of the airport shuttle service for a small fee. Both private and well-designed, Orli La Jolla blends technology and luxury to help its guests feel like royalty during their stay, offering features like a cozy library and a self-serve brew bar!

Though it boasts just a handful of rooms, they are all equipped with a coffee machine, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom. While all of these rooms are also non-smoking, a handful of them do come with a balcony/terrace and stunning sea views!

InterContinental San Diego, Embarcadero, San Diego

Located on the waterfront, this urban boutique hotel has plenty to offer right on the doorstep, with Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter both within 20 minutes walking distance. There are also plenty of attractions less than a 10-minute drive from this hotel, including the USS Midway Museum, PETCO Park, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.

This hotel features a great range of on-site amenities, including a 4th-floor rooftop bar, and 3 different dining venues, including their signature restaurant, Vistal, which offers an eclectic menu of locally sourced dishes, inspired by the Baja Peninsula, and the Pacific Islands. There is also an excellent on-site health and wellness center, which boasts stunning views of the San Diego Bay from the floor-to-ceiling window, as well as a personalized video wall, and an outdoor yoga terrace. 

The guest rooms also feature stunning views of the San Diego Bay thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a selection of great amenities, such as air-conditioning, a 49-inch TV, a custom coffee machine, and a mini-bar.

La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, San Diego

Often referred to as "the pink lady", this iconic boutique hotel is reminiscent of Old Hollywood meets Alhambra, meets French Riviera, with dark wood, Spanish-style roof tiles, and a gorgeous collection of oil paintings. It is a truly beautiful vacation sport, perched atop a cliff, making it one of the town's most iconic hotels. It is located less than a 15-minute drive from great attractions, such as the Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds.

Combining its old-world charm with modern facilities, you can rest assured that La Valencia has everything you could possibly want for your San Diego getaway. With an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa and wellness center, and even a business center, there's something here for every kind of traveler. Guests can also enjoy dining at one of the two on-site restaurants, The Med (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), or Café la Rue (open 11 am until midnight every day).

Guest rooms at this hotel are incredibly elegant and stylish, with soft colors, and boast great amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Select rooms also boast stunning views of the lush gardens or panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Jolla, San Diego

Situated in the upscale, pedestrian-friendly, coastal neighborhood of La Jolla, Estancia La Jolla sits near the University of California, San Diego. Despite this, it's a truly idyllic location for vacationers, with Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course just 2 miles away, and Del Mar Racetrack within a 15-minute drive.

This stunning hotel features 3 restaurants, with a range of great dining options, indoor and outdoor seating, and innovative cuisine. The on-site full-service spa and wellness center boasts nine different treatment rooms, including a couple's option with an outdoor tub, an eucalyptus steam room, and even a meditation garden. Guests can indulge in a wide range of treatments, including massage therapies, facials, manicures, and pedicures. There is also a welcoming garden for early morning strolls and an on-site fitness center.

Each of the beautiful guest rooms offers a luxurious, natural stone bathroom, as well as a safe, cable TV, work desk, and free Wi-Fi.

Best Restaurants in San Diego

If you're headed to San Diego, one of the best things to try while you're there, is, of course, the seafood! Thankfully, there are plenty of options at a range of great restaurants, some of which even boast stunning ocean views! 

Whether you're looking for fresh seafood platters, or something different altogether, such as unique and tasty modern Asian cuisine, there's something for everyone at some of San Diego's best restaurants.

Nine-Ten Restaurant & Bar, La Jolla, San Diego

Many of San Diego's best restaurants are hidden away inside some truly magnificent hotels, and Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar is certainly one of them. Located in the upscale,  seaside area of La Jolla, inside the Grande Colonial Hotel, this unbeatable restaurant is certainly one for your bucket list!

Run by longtime executive chef, Jason Knibb, this Californian restaurant boasts an upscale, refined, yet modern interior, and a truly mouth-watering menu. We recommend the chef's signature dish, the Jamaican jerk pork belly, or, if you're visiting for a special occasion, why not try the chef's choice tasting menu?

Mabel's Gone Fishing, North Park, San Diego

Located in the hip, youthful area of North Park, Mabel's Gone Fishing is the place to be for seafood lovers!

With a seasonal menu of delicious seafood dishes, and outstanding gin and tonics, Mabel's is the place to be if you're interested in experiencing some truly outstanding food. Named on Eater's list of the best new restaurants in America, and having earned Michelin Bib Gourmand status, this community-minded restaurant goes above and beyond to provide not only great dishes but also great experiences for anyone who steps through the door.

Georges at The Cove, La Jolla, San Diego

Georges at The Cove is a long-time favorite in the upscale neighborhood of La Jolla, having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary! 

Comprised of three different levels, each with unbeatable ocean views, it makes the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion dining experience. The second level serves lunch and dinner, with a focus on craft cocktails, and the breezy rooftop Ocean Terrace is the perfect spot for enjoying coastal cuisine out in the open air, alongside stunning sea views.

Sovereign Modern Thai Cuisine, East Village, San Diego

Located in the evolving, downtown area of East Village, Sovereign Modern Thai Cuisine is a restaurant that strived to introduce locals of San Diego to some lesser-seen Thai dishes.

Forget Pad-Thai and Thai-green curry - At this gorgeous little spot, you can enjoy some of the vibrant, spicy, and pungent dishes that originate from the northeastern Isaan region, and incorporate plenty of local produce and seafood. Some of the best-sellers from the menu, and the dishes we recommend sampling include the Thai-style fried chicken, curry noodles with duck confit, spicy pork sausage, fried local fish with a spicy herb salad, and the truly outstanding chive cakes!

Kingfisher, Golden Hill, San Diego

One of San Diego's most dynamic restaurants, Kingfisher boasts destination dining with an eclectic Vietnamese menu, courtesy of executive chef David Sim.

The creative menu elegantly modernizes classic Vietnamese dishes, be sure to sample some of the best fan favorites, such as the aged duck (available in limited quantities), and wash it all down with one of this establishment's signature creative cocktails.

Best Attractions in San Diego

San Diego is truly a great destination for outdoor activities, as well as those that are rich in history and culture, making it a truly great destination to visit for anyone looking for a West Coast getaway! From marveling at historic artworks in one of the best art museums, to seeing rare Giant Pandas at San Diego Zoo, there's plenty to enjoy in San Diego for every type of visitor.

San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, San Diego

Arguably one of the most famous Zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is located in the sprawling Balboa Park.

Known for being the first zoo to introduce cageless, open-air exhibits, San Diego Zoo is the pioneer in natural animal habitats. These are not only an amazing sight to behold, but also a huge step forward in the care and wellbeing of animals kept in captivity.

San Diego Zoo is also one of the few places outside of China, where visitors can see real-life Giant Pandas, and there are plenty of amenities available here for all the family to have an enjoyable visit, including overnight camping options, and a nearby Safari Park!

La Jolla Neighborhood, San Diego

We've already mentioned a fair few hotels and restaurants that are located in the neighborhood of La Jolla, but if you don't have any plans to stay there, there's plenty of reason to enjoy a day out in this gorgeous area. 

Often referred to as the “jewel of Southern California,” La Jolla is the epitome of a quaint Mediterranean-style village and is located just a few minute's drive from downtown San Diego. It's the perfect way to enjoy a unique getaway, that feels like you've accidentally arrived in Europe - without the need to even leave the States!

Aside from the many great restaurants and relaxing hotel/spa resorts, there's plenty to see and do here, including the Legends Gallery, where you can find a collection of artwork by former resident Dr. Seuss; and the stunning La Jolla Cove, where you can discover groups of seals and sea lions sunbathing on the sand!

San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park, San Diego

Another unmissable attraction located in Balboa Park, is the region's oldest, largest, and most-visited art museum, the San Diego Museum of Art.

With a nationally renowned permanent collection including the work of the old masters of Spain and Italy, as well as 19th-century American paintings and sculptures, there's a huge range of stunning artworks here that truly show the best of global art through history. And be sure not to miss the outdoor sculpture garden!

USS Midway Museum, Marina, San Diego

The monumental USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history and stands today along the Marina in San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego.

Decommissioned in 1992, this ship is now a maritime museum and is open for the public to visit, and learn everything there is to know about what life is really like in the U.S. Navy.

Visitors can learn about the experiences of real sailors on a self-guided tour, narrated by some former Midway sailors and crew members. If you're traveling with family, there's plenty to see and do for all ages, with plenty of activities for keeping the little ones entertained.

Belmont Park, Mission Boulevard, San Diego

If you're looking for some exciting fun for all the family, head on down to Belmont Park, located in the area of Mission Beach, where you can enjoy some of the city's greatest historical attractions and thrilling fun rides!

The Giant Dipper, located as the park's centerpiece is a national, historic landmark in it's own right - dating back to 1925, this incredible wooden rollercoaster is one of the few still standing from what was known as the "Golden Age" of wooden coasted, and thanks to a $2 million restoration, it is still enjoyed by many thrill-seekers today, for only $8 per person!