What to see and do in San Diego
San Diego Zoo
Voted the number-one zoo in the world, San Diego Zoo houses more than 3,700 animals spread out over 100 acres in Balboa Park. Spend the day visiting amazing habitats for animals such as gorillas, Komodo dragons, tigers, flamingos, polar bears, birds of paradise, giant tortoises, elephants, and more.
Comic-Con
This microcosm of comic book, gaming and entertainment culture has become one of the States’ most popular annual attractions. More than 130,000 attendees descend on the San Diego Convention Center over a July weekend to feast on the latest movies, games and comics alongside the biggest names.
Balboa Park
The city’s largest historic landmark is also one of San Diego’s best cultural hotspots. With green spaces, museums and the world-famous San Diego Zoo among its tenants, Balboa Park is, of course, also the place where you’ll find a copy of the Rocky Balboa statue.
Mission Trails Regional Park
California’s largest municipal park sprawls across almost 6,000 acres of rugged peaks and valleys, and offers amazing views of the surrounding landscapes. Take your tent and rental car to Kumeyaay Lake Campground for a night under the stars.
USS Midway Museum
A floating tribute to San Diego’s long relationship with the nation’s armed forces. Climb aboard and take an audio tour of the long-serving vessel, including the engine room and flight deck.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Discover 19th-century San Diego through this collection of preserved buildings and museums. Tour an old schoolhouse, a blacksmith’s, stables and much more in this beautiful stretch of history.
San Diego’s best hotels
Catamaran Resort Hotel
Overlooking Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean, this Polynesian-themed resort hotel is great for families, and just an eight-mile drive in your rental car from the airport.
Pendry San Diego
Situated in the trendy Gaslamp Quarter, the Pendry is perfectly placed and its luxurious rooms and rooftop pool are ideal for unwinding.
San Diego’s best places to eat
Little Lion Café
A brilliant brunch stop with some seaside air to start the day, or a fantastic way to cap off an evening? Either way, Little Lion has got you covered.
Juniper and Ivy
Little Italy is packed with foodie fun, and Juniper and Ivy is just one of the highlights. The menu is as diverse as they come; try the beef tartare with creamy truffle mayo or the heavenly squash blossom.
Born and Raised
Another of Little Italy’s most satisfying stops, Born and Raised serves up steak dinners amid a Roaring Twenties decor and stunning views of the harbor.
Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub
San Diego’s closeness to the Pacific Ocean means it’s a great place to seek out some seafood, and the Wrench and Rodent does not disappoint. Try the spicy berry sauce.
Super Cocina
Celebrating the city’s Mexican influences, Super Cocina serves up south of the border delicacies like the meaty pozole and all kinds of fajitas, tacos and more.
San Diego’s best beaches
La Jolla Shores
As well as the family-friendly Kellogg Park and a nearby aquarium, La Jolla Shores’ beautiful views and beach is boosted further by on-site parking for your rental car.
Imperial Beach
One of San Diego’s most loved surfing spots, Imperial Beach is a short drive from the border and connected to a number of wholesome nature trails, good for bird-watching.
Swami’s Beach
The place to come for a quiet, contemplative sit down by the sea, Swami’s Beach may have been name-checked by the Beach Boys but these days it’s a much more serene spot.