San Diego Holidays

San Diego’s vast Balboa Park holds many of its best attractions. There are 17 museums to explore, including the Museum of Art, Air and Space Museum, History Centre and Botanical Centre. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, why not go for a stroll around the Japanese gardens, or get in a round at Balboa Park Golf Course? The park’s most famous resident is San Diego Zoo, where you’ll spot koalas, giraffes, monkey and more across the safari park. Birch Aquarium is also worth a visit, as it’s home to a fascinating array of marine life.

Stroll along the Embarcadero harbour front to take in San Diego’s waters from afar, or stop and admire the views across the Coronado Island. Visit the USS Midway Museum while you’re there – it’s home to vintage military planes and is staffed by volunteer veterans with plenty of stories to tell.

Lots of San Diego’s best food can be found in Gaslamp Quarter on the harbour front. When the sun goes down, sip, dine and dance at one of its rooftop bars and eateries, like The Nolen or Searsucker. Little Italy is also a culinary hotspot where you’ll find celebrity chefs’ restaurants and San Diego’s oldest watering hole, Waterfront Bar, which has stood since 1888.

Buzzing Liberty Station is home to the permanent Liberty Public Market, now considered one of the finest artisan markets in the country. Pick up new blends of hand-roasted coffee, try unique treats from the cheesemonger, or treat yourself to patisserie goodies from one of the stalls. If you love craft beers, San Diego has established itself as California’s best destination. Over 100 breweries call the city home and many can be found off Highway 78 – known as ‘Hops Highway’ to locals – so you can explore the city and try new drinks.

A holiday to San Diego gives you more than 70 miles of picture-perfect coastline to explore. Coronado Beach is family-friendly and flat, so it’s great for strolls with the whole clan. Other central favourites include bustling Ocean Beach and Mission Beach. Or, visit Pacific Beach and explore 90-year-old Crystal Pier, or stroll along the six-kilometre boardwalk while you’re there. Imperial Beach is home to more than 300 bird species, and hosts the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition every summer.

Surfers will be spoilt for choice, too. Learn the ropes at idyllic La Jolla Beach, or take on big swells at Tourmaline Surfing Park, Windansea Beach and the Del Mar beaches. Black’s Beach is another great surf spot, but its secluded sands are also perfect for relaxation. It’s an LGBT+ friendly beach and clothing is optional, so you can totally unwind on its silver sands.

Holidays to San Diego are best planned for the summer months, when the city’s at its hottest and driest. However, it’s very busy at this time of year and the beaches are usually packed. Not a fan of crowds? San Diego’s spring is mild, with temperatures in the high teens to mid-twenties between March and early May – although California’s famous May to June gloom can affect the city during late spring.

Autumn is also a good time to visit for warm weather, as the ocean is at its hottest in September and October. It’s the best time for surfers, too, as California’s hot Santa Ana winds stir up the ocean swells.

Winter is usually sunny in San Diego and temperatures rarely slide into single figures. You’ll have the highest chance of rain, but heavy showers are very rare. The biggest waves appear in winter, but are best left to experienced – and wetsuit-clad – surfers.