Famous for beautiful beaches and providing balmy temperatures all year round is none other than San Diego, a city in southern California that borders the Pacific Ocean. Its outdoor-loving atmosphere and diversified population make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
Whether you’re coming to the city for a weekend on the beach or for a few weeks to get a feel of the city vibes, San Diego will definitely not disappoint, and we’re here to tell you why.
Where Is San Diego Located on the map?
San Diego rests along the southern part of California directly bordering the Pacific Ocean. The border of Mexico is close by, making it a great place to check out the beach, the diversity, and even take a quick international trip.
San Diego Quick Facts: What you Need to Know
As of 2020, San Diego took the 8th spot on the list of the most populous cities in the United States. Though highly populated, the locals are friendly and the atmosphere is diverse, with a lot of Mexican, Latin, and Cuban influence.
The Atmosphere
One of the first things you’ll see is people outdoors enjoying the sun, with many taking walks, biking, and enjoying the sunshine.
The Language
English is the most prominent language, with Spanish not far behind.
The Currency
All transactions are accepted in US dollars.
The Climate
Like most beachy areas, the weather is perfect most of the year. You’ll find temps that fall around 75 degrees, changing from overcast to sunny from morning to evening.
Getting Around in San Diego
If you’re looking to visit the great city of San Diego without a car, you’re going to have to make other arrangements. The best place to stay if you’re not driving is downtown, as there is plenty to see and do nearby. However, if you’re wanting to visit different areas and really see the city, you can do so in a few ways.
Rent A Car
San Diego is pretty comfortable for driving, especially if you have a place to stay that provides parking. Renting a car is a fairly affordable option and will allow you to really see the city. Plus, you’ll get to take a drive along the coast that leads straight to blue waters and soft, inviting sand.
Get A Lift
San Diego is not short of rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. If you’re considering taking off and seeing different areas but don’t want to rent a car, ride-sharing is a great option. It’s not only affordable but it’s safe and you’ll likely get some good advice out of it.
Bike About
While it’s not recommended to use a bike as your primary form of transportation, it could be a good way to see sights close to where you’re staying and blend in with the locals. You’ll find a lot of activity all around, so you won’t look out of the ordinary on a bike.
Things to Do in San Diego
The city of San Diego is large, filled with smaller neighborhoods that pack a ton of unforgettable places and experiences. When you give it a visit, be sure that you put a few of these destinations on your list.
Gaslamp
Gaslamp is THE spot for nightlife. You’ll find tons of beautiful concepts including fine dining, fun snacks, and more along with plenty of creative cocktails surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Little Italy
Little Italy is a personal favorite of ours, filled with unique shops, local grub, and plenty of Instagram-worthy backdrops. It’s pedestrian-friendly, making it the perfect place to visit for the day roaming through narrow streets and trying sweets and eats.
Be sure to check out their market if you plan your stay for the weekend, taking place on Saturdays from morning until early afternoon.
Balboa Park – Hillcrest
If the San Diego Zoo is on your list, this is the spot to go. Besides taking a look at the beautiful and exotic animals in the Zoo, you’ll find museums of all kinds sprinkled around to check out.
North Park
If you’re into beer, coffee, and local boutiques, North Park is a must-see. Each corner has its own flare, which all seem to come together to make an inviting and eye-catching zone that will be one of your trip favorites.
You’ll find a market on Thursdays that is filled with unique finds and spots dedicated to tasty beer creations like Rough Draft, Duck Foot, and Mission Brewery.
Old Town – Mission Valley
To get a bit of history under your belt, check out Old Town. It’s home to the first Spanish Settlement in California with plenty of literature to read up on about the time and more.
La Jolla
La Jolla is most definitely one of the most beautiful pieces of coastline you’ll find in the area, lined with savory seafood spots and upscale dining along the way.
Coronado Island
Coronado Island is what you’ll find when you cross the famous blue bridge. Because it’s such a popular destination, you’ll find that traffic is always backed up, so be sure to plan early and carve out a day to do it because it’s totally worth it.
Mission Beach – Pacific Beach
This is another nightlife spot that promises not to disappoint. You’ll find clubs of all kinds facing the beach, some of which offer world-renowned DJs, VIP services, and more.
Where To Stay in San Diego?
With San Diego being such a popular spot, you won’t be short of places to stay. While downtown is always a bit pricier, you can find options like Airbnb rentals, hostels, and more. You also won’t be short on resort-style hotels, affordable hotels, and other more traditional accommodations.
Some budget accommodation like ITH Hostels offers multiple locations and comes with all you need for a comfortable stay. For those looking for a bit more luxe, the Pacific Hotel Terrance is a beautiful spot with views of the ocean from the terrace.
See Also
Interesting Facts about San Diego
